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Digital Surface Modeler Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Quantum Infotech

Catia V5 Designer

Allen Park, MI · On-site

... Modeling and Mechanisms tools Experience with plastic component design - 3D modeling of plastic ... Sketcher Module Part Design Module Assembly Design Module Surface Design Generative Shape Design ...

Ford Motor Company

Studio Engineer

Dearborn, MI · On-site

$86K - $166K/yr

Develop and maintain Surface Scaffold files to enable Physical and Digital model development and theme overlay * Provide concept alternatives and provocations to support the reconciliation of ...

Ford Motor Company

Studio Engineer

Dearborn, MI · On-site

$86K - $166K/yr

... Surface Scaffold files to enable Physical and Digital model development and theme overlay Provide concept alternatives and provocations to support the reconciliation of thematic intent with ...

Quantum Infotech

Senior Designer (Body)

Allen Park, MI · On-site

$93K - $99K/yr

Experience with plastic component design - 3D modeling of plastic components * Must have prior ... Sketcher Module Part Design Module Assembly Design Module Surface Design Generative Shape Design ...

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All JobsDigital Surface Modeler JobsDigital Surface Modeler Jobs in Michigan

Digital Surface Modeler information

What is a digital surface modeler?

Digital Surface Modelers are professionals who create accurate 3D digital representations of surfaces, such as terrain, buildings, and objects, using specialized software and data sources like satellite imagery or LiDAR. Their work is crucial for industries like urban planning, environmental science, gaming, and film production, where realistic digital environments are needed. Digital Surface Modelers use their technical skills to process and manipulate large datasets, ensuring that the models they create are both visually accurate and scientifically reliable.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a digital surface modeler, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Digital Surface Modeler, you need strong spatial awareness, proficiency in 3D modeling, and a background in industrial, automotive, or product design, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with industry-standard CAD software such as Autodesk Alias, CATIA, or Rhino, and sometimes certifications in these tools, is essential. Attention to detail, creativity, and effective collaboration are crucial soft skills for translating design concepts into high-quality digital surfaces. These competencies ensure that designs meet both aesthetic and functional requirements, supporting seamless workflows in design and engineering teams.

What are some common challenges faced by digital surface modelers when collaborating with design and engineering teams?

Digital Surface Modelers often work closely with both design and engineering teams to create 3D models that meet strict aesthetic and technical requirements. One common challenge is balancing the creative vision from designers with the manufacturing constraints set by engineers, requiring strong communication and problem-solving skills. Additionally, tight project timelines and frequent design revisions can add pressure, making adaptability and attention to detail essential. Successful collaboration relies on a clear understanding of the project's goals and regular feedback between teams to ensure the final surface models are both visually appealing and technically feasible.

What is the difference between Digital Surface Modeler vs GIS Analyst?

AspectDigital Surface ModelerGIS Analyst
Required CredentialsDegree in Geomatics, Civil Engineering, or related field; GIS certificationsDegree in Geography, GIS, or related field; GIS certifications
Work EnvironmentSurveying, mapping, and 3D modeling projects, often outdoors or in labsData analysis, mapping, and spatial data management, mostly office-based
Industry UsageConstruction, mining, urban planning, environmental monitoringUrban planning, resource management, environmental analysis

Digital Surface Modelers focus on creating 3D models of terrain and surfaces using survey data, while GIS Analysts interpret spatial data for analysis and decision-making. Both roles require GIS knowledge and often overlap in project environments, but their primary tasks differ: modeling versus analysis.

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Digital Surface Modeler jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Digital Surface Modeler job openings:

EDM Operator - Electrode Designer

Detroit, MI • On-site

Atomic Industries, Inc.
Internet and IT • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about Atomic Industries, Inc.external

$20 - $35/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Extract and design electrodes from 3D mold models using Cimatron, including burn faces, spark gaps, blank sizing, and reference/holder setup.

  • Program and machine graphite and copper electrodes on high-speed CNC milling equipment.

  • Set up, align, and operate sinker (ram) EDM machines to burn cores, cavities, ribs, detail, and lettering into hardened tool steel.

Job description

About Atomic Industries

Atomic Industries is reinventing how the world makes things. From cars and aerospace systems to medical devices and packaging, most physical goods begin life in a mold or are shaped by a manufacturing tool. Producing these tools has always been slow, manual, and dependent on scarce expertise, taking weeks or months. We're changing that.

At our Detroit headquarters, we combine the industrial DNA of America's manufacturing heartland with the speed, intelligence, and precision of Silicon Valley. Our AI-driven platform tackles the hardest problems in geometry, process planning, and fabrication, collapsing production timelines from months to days and soon, minutes. We don't just build software; we run a fully operational factory where our technology produces production-grade tooling every week, enabling tight feedback loops and rapid iteration.

Backed by top-tier investors, we're restoring speed, flexibility, and capability to the American industrial base. Our mission is to make manufacturing as agile and scalable as the digital world, and in doing so, rebuild the infrastructure of the physical economy.


About the Role

We are seeking a skilled EDM Operator / Electrode Designer to join our tooling and engineering team. This role is responsible for extracting and designing electrodes from 3D mold models and operating sinker (ram) EDM machines to burn precise detail into hardened tooling components. This is a hands-on, highly collaborative role working closely with mold design, CNC machining, and assembly teams to ensure electrodes and EDM burns meet dimensional, surface finish, and quality requirements while supporting efficient cycle times.


What You'll Do
  • Extract and design electrodes from 3D mold models using Cimatron, including burn faces, spark gaps, blank sizing, and reference/holder setup. 
  • Program and machine graphite and copper electrodes on high-speed CNC milling equipment. 
  • Set up, align, and operate sinker (ram) EDM machines to burn cores, cavities, ribs, detail, and lettering into hardened tool steel.
  • Establish and optimize burn parameters, orbiting strategies, and electrode sequencing based on material, geometry, and required surface finish.
  • Reference and indicate electrodes and workpieces to achieve accurate location, depth, and orientation.
  • Achieve required SPI surface finishes and dimensional tolerances on detailed mold features.
  • Inspect electrodes and burns using micrometers, height gauges, and CMM data, verifying against models and drawings.
  • Maintain electrode tracking, naming, and documentation to support repeatability and future builds.
  • Perform routine EDM machine maintenance, including dielectric fluid, filtration, and electrode holders.
  • Incorporate lessons learned and continuous improvement feedback into future electrode and EDM work.

What We're Looking ForMinimum Qualifications
  • 3+ years of experience in sinker (ram) EDM operation and/or electrode design in a mold or tool & die environment.
  • Solid understanding of the EDM process, including spark gaps, overburn, electrode wear, and SPI/VDI surface finishes.
  • Proficiency extracting and designing electrodes in Cimatron (or comparable CAD/CAM electrode software).
  • Experience machining graphite and copper electrodes on CNC equipment, with the ability to read 3D models and 2D drawings.
  • Familiarity with hardened tool steels and their behavior in the EDM process, plus proficiency with precision measuring tools.
  • Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
  • Hands-on manufacturing mindset with the ability to collaborate across shop-floor and engineering teams.
  • Excellent communication skills and comfort working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
 Benefits

  • $20-$35/hour and generous equity package

  • Full medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents

  • 401(k)

  • PTO with a 15-day minimum

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