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Hard Surface Modeler Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Swaybox Studios

CG Modeler

New Orleans, LA

Highly skilled in hard surface and soft surface modeling as well as UV work. * Ability to model both stylized and realistic environments with attention to storytelling detail. * Deep understanding of ...

INSPYR Solutions

3D Artist

Menlo Park, CA · On-site

$50 - $80/hr

Hard Surface Modeling: * Model assets with a focus on accuracy and realism. * Maintain clean geometry and edge flow suitable for real-time rendering. * Retopology: * Optimize high-poly hard surface ...

Swaybox Studios

CG Modeler

New Orleans, LA · On-site

Highly skilled in hard surface and soft surface modeling as well as UV work. * Ability to model both stylized and realistic environments with attention to storytelling detail. * Deep understanding of ...

LF Studios

Animatronic Digital Designer

Cincinnati, OH · On-site

Performing hard and soft surface modeling within ZBrush. Requirements: * Applicant must have experience with product development and design, 3D modeling, and design thinking. * Experience with ZBrush ...

Collabera

Graphics Technician

Rapid City, SD · On-site

Job duties include, but not limited to, 3D Hard Surface Modeling, 3D model optimization, Texture creation, UV Mapping, Rigging, Animating, and Rendering. He /She should be knowing any 3DS knowledge.

HCLTech

3D Graphic Designer

Hoboken, NJ · On-site

Experience creating both organic and hard-surface models . * Strong understanding of: * 3D modeling and sculpting * UV mapping and texturing workflows * Physically Based Rendering (PBR) materials

New

i3

Cameo Modeler

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$51 - $66.25/hr

... ground, surface, and subsurface platforms. The team is seeking a Cameo Modeler to assist in ... We play hard. Apply now to join us! Employment Type: OTHER

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$11K

$105.5K

How much do hard surface modeler jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for hard surface modeler in the United States is $97,166.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $90,000.00 and $105,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a hard surface modeler?

To thrive as a Hard Surface Modeler, you need strong 3D modeling skills, a keen eye for detail, and a solid understanding of form, proportion, and structure, typically supported by a degree in 3D art, game design, or a related field. Proficiency with industry-standard software such as Autodesk Maya, 3ds Max, Blender, and experience with rendering engines or CAD tools are generally expected. Collaboration, creative problem-solving, and clear communication are valuable soft skills for working with art directors and interdisciplinary teams. These abilities ensure the creation of high-quality, precise models that meet project specifications and integrate smoothly within larger production pipelines.

What does a hard surface modeler do?

A typical workflow for a Hard Surface Modeler begins with interpreting concept art and technical references to create accurate block-outs, followed by detailed 3D modeling using industry-standard software. You may iterate with art leads and other team members to refine assets for visual quality and technical constraints, often optimizing models for animation or real-time engines. Hard Surface Modelers regularly collaborate with texture artists, riggers, and engineers to ensure models integrate well into the final product. The role often involves both independent work and collaborative review sessions, balancing creative input and production deadlines. This workflow allows modelers to contribute essential assets for games, films, or industrial visualizations while developing both technical and artistic skills.

What is a hard surface modeler?

A Hard Surface Modeler is a 3D artist who specializes in creating rigid, non-organic models such as vehicles, weapons, machinery, and architectural elements for films, games, and other digital media. They focus on creating clean, precise geometry with attention to detail, ensuring models meet technical and artistic requirements. Using software like Maya, Blender, or ZBrush, they often work closely with concept artists and texture artists to bring hard surface assets to life.

More about Hard Surface Modeler jobs
What cities are hiring for Hard Surface Modeler jobs? Cities with the most Hard Surface Modeler job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Hard Surface Modeler jobs? The most popular types of Hard Surface Modeler jobs are:
What states have the most Hard Surface Modeler jobs? States with the most job openings for Hard Surface Modeler jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Hard Surface Modeler jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Hard Surface Modeler jobs are:
Hard Surface Modeler jobs near you
Infographic showing various Hard Surface Modeler job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,166 per year, or $46.7 per hour.

Concept Hard Surface Artist - (Apex Legends)

Electronic Arts Inc.

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$136K - $157K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

General Information
Locations: Los Angeles - Chatsworth, California, United States of America
  • Location: Los Angeles - Chatsworth
  • State: California
  • Country: United States of America

Role ID
214772
Worker Type
Regular Employee
Studio/Department
EA Studios - Respawn
Work Model
Hybrid
Description & Requirements
Electronic Arts creates next-level entertainment experiences that inspire players and fans around the world. Here, everyone is part of the story. Part of a community that connects across the globe. A place where creativity thrives, new perspectives are invited, and ideas matter. A team where everyone makes play happen.
Hard Surface Concept Artist - Apex Legends (Concept Artist I)
We are seeking a Concept Artist I to join the Apex Legends team. In this role, you will help create compelling visual designs that define the hard surface cosmetics and visual identity of Apex Legends. You will apply strong artistic fundamentals, design sensibilities, and storytelling skills to bring ideas to life while supporting both gameplay needs and the evolving aesthetic of a live-service game.
You will work closely with the Hard Surface Concept Art Lead, Art Directors, and your immediate team to deliver high-quality concept work. Additionally, you will collaborate with external partners to help maintain Apex Legends' visual quality and style standards. The ideal candidate is a strong visual problem solver who thrives in a collaborative environment and is passionate about creating bold, iconic designs.
Key Responsibilities
  • Concept Generation: Collaborate closely with the Art Lead and immediate team to create compelling concept art that supports gameplay, player fantasy, and the Apex Legends experience.
  • Asset Design: Design high-quality hard surface cosmetics and assets that align with the game's established visual language and style.
  • Artistic Execution: Apply a strong understanding of industrial design, weapon design, color theory, lighting, materials, and perspective in all concept work.
  • Production Pipeline Support: Translate creative direction into clear, production-ready visual solutions that can be effectively executed by downstream teams.
  • Visual Storytelling: Create illustrations and visual storytelling pieces that communicate narrative intent and support world-building through asset design.
  • 3D Integration: Utilize 3D tools to support concept development, including block-ins, lighting, camera setup, and perspective assistance.
  • Cross-Discipline Collaboration: Contribute to animation, FX, and cinematic ideation when needed, including basic storyboarding and motion exploration.
  • Feedback & Iteration: Participate actively in team critiques and feedback sessions, iterating quickly to improve quality and alignment with project goals.
  • External Development: Support external development efforts by reviewing outsourced work and providing actionable feedback to ensure consistency with project quality standards.
  • Constraint Management: Design within gameplay, technical, and production constraints, ensuring concepts are achievable and production-friendly.
  • Workflow Optimization: Stay informed on emerging tools, workflows, and production methodologies to help improve efficiency and creative iteration across the team.
  • Knowledge Sharing: Contribute to team growth by sharing knowledge, workflows, and best practices with peers.
Required Qualifications
  • Professional Experience: 3+ years of experience as a Concept Artist in games, entertainment, or a related industry.
  • Portfolio: A strong portfolio demonstrating exceptional artistic fundamentals, including design, color, composition, lighting, materials, and perspective.
  • Technical Communication: Proven ability to create clear, production-ready concepts that effectively communicate design intent to downstream developers.
  • Hard Surface Expertise: Strong understanding of hard surface design principles, including industrial and/or weapon design.
  • Software Proficiency: Proficiency with industry-standard digital painting software and familiarity with 3D tools commonly used in concept workflows.
  • Cinematic Fundamentals: Understanding of visual storytelling, composition, cinematography, and player-facing readability.
  • Collaboration Skills: Strong collaboration and communication skills within a multidisciplinary team environment.
  • Adaptability: Ability to incorporate feedback quickly and iterate effectively in a fast-paced production setting.
  • Continuous Learning: Openness to learning and adopting new tools, workflows, and emerging technologies that improve efficiency and creative development.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience supporting or mentoring junior artists.

Pay Transparency - North America
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
The ranges listed below are what EA in good faith expects to pay applicants for this role in these locations at the time of this posting. If you reside in a different location, a recruiter will advise on the applicable range and benefits. Pay offered will be determined based on a number of relevant business and candidate factors (e.g. education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, or business needs).
PAY RANGES
* California (depending on location e.g. Los Angeles vs. San Francisco) *$104,400 - $157,400 USD
Pay is just one part of the overall compensation at EA.
In the US, we offer a package of benefits including paid time off (3 weeks per year to start), 80 hours per year of sick time, 16 paid company holidays per year, 10 weeks paid time off to bond with baby, medical/dental/vision insurance, life insurance, disability insurance, and 401(k) to regular full-time employees. Certain roles may also be eligible for bonus and other incentive programs.
About Electronic Arts
We're proud to have an extensive portfolio of games and experiences, locations around the world, and opportunities across EA. We value adaptability, resilience, creativity, and curiosity. From leadership that brings out your potential, to creating space for learning and experimenting, we empower you to do great work and pursue opportunities for growth.
We adopt a holistic approach to our benefits programs, emphasizing physical, emotional, financial, career, and community wellness to support a balanced life. Our packages are tailored to meet local needs and may include healthcare coverage, mental well-being support, retirement savings, paid time off, family leaves, complimentary games, and more. We nurture environments where our teams can always bring their best to what they do.
Electronic Arts is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, genetic information, religion, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, marital status, family status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We will also consider employment qualified applicants with criminal records in accordance with applicable law. EA also makes workplace accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities as required by applicable law.

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