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Hard Surface Modeler Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Epic Games

Hard Surface Outsource Lead

Cary, NC · On-site

$14.75 - $19.50/hr

Working alongside Hard Surface Art Leads, and reporting to the Hard Surface Cosmetics Lead, the ... Clearly communicating modeling and paint feedback to the outsource partner, and ensuring those ...

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 ...

InfiniteEdge

3D Designer

New York, NY · On-site

$95K - $107K/yr

Build high-quality hard-surface models (watches, boxes, packaging, product details); organic modeling and sculpting is a plus * Animate objects with a strong grasp of animation principles across both ...

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 ...

CTI

3D Video Production Artist

Memphis, TN · On-site

... modeling Rigging hard surface models Rigging soft surface models 2D/ 3D FX skills Game Engine o Importing assets to game engine o Material setup o Lighting o Scene dressing o Prefab basics o ...

Collabera

Graphics Technician

Rapid City, SD

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

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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Hard Surface Modeler information

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$11K

$105.5K

How much do hard surface modeler jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 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 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.

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 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.

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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, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,166 per year, or $46.7 per hour.

Hard Surface Outsource Lead

Cary, NC • On-site

Epic Games
PC Games • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about Epic Gamesexternal

$14.75 - $19.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

WHAT MAKES US EPIC?
At the core of Epic's success are talented, passionate people. Epic prides itself on creating a collaborative, welcoming, and creative environment. Whether it's building award-winning games or crafting engine technology that enables others to make visually stunning interactive experiences, we're always innovating.
Being Epic means being a part of a team that continually strives to do right by our community and users. We're constantly innovating to raise the bar of engine and game development.
ART
What We Do
Push your artistic talent to the limit on a team of world-class environment, character and concept artists who strive to innovate and inspire.
What You'll Do
Epic Games is searching for an experienced Hard Surface Outsourcing Lead to support and supervise creative hard surface content provided by outsource partners. Working alongside Hard Surface Art Leads, and reporting to the Hard Surface Cosmetics Lead, the Outsource Lead will provide front-line creative feedback for work submitted for Fortnite. Though the role will be mainly supervisory, the individual should be an experienced artist, having worked in AAA titles before, and have a solid hands-on art background, with a very strong foundation of 3D modeling for both hard and soft surfaces. The ideal candidate would be a talented 3D artist who is able to communicate equally effectively, both with outsource partners and internal teams, to ensure the timely delivery of high quality assets to the next stage in the art pipeline. Their skills will include; a keen artistic eye for 'clean' 3D modelling, documenting existing pipelines, creating blockouts, paintovers and exemplar assets and, ultimately, providing clear visual feedback to vendors at each stage of the process.
In this role, you will
  • Work closely with the HS Cosmetics Lead and HS Art Leads to pull together clear creative direction for the assets to be created, and then ensure this information is packaged and conveyed to the Vendor as clearly as possible. Work with Directors, Production, and internal partners to evaluate, hire, and onboard vendors
  • Collect or generate detailed documentation, video reference, and examples of art asset production, procedures, and engine requirements to support the external vendors
  • If required, making any needed fixes to keep assets consistent and technically game ready as they're handed off from the outsource partner
  • Clearly communicating modeling and paint feedback to the outsource partner, and ensuring those creative notes and goals are met. Informing leadership in the event that isn't happening
  • Communicating and partnering with the HS implementation team ensuring outsourced assets are ingested into the pipeline and engine correctly
  • When required, some amount of hands-on art production delivering assets for the project, ensuring they are familiar with and capable of working inside of the Epic pipeline
  • Bug support, triage, and resolution for any art assets that have been created by the outsourcing team
What we're looking for
  • Experience in shipping AAA titles across multiple platforms
  • Experienced shipping 3D production assets for games in either character, weapon, or prop disciplines
  • Experienced in game art asset creation in a variety of software packages including Maya, 3ds Max, Zbrush, Photoshop, Substance, etc
  • Experience in modeling, creating UV's and texturing is essential
  • Must be highly organized, self-driven, customer focused, and a great team player
  • Must be a clear and concise communicator, able to deliver complex creative feedback across external vendor locations
  • Experienced working within a team and a high pressure production environment
  • You're user-focused, passionate, solutions-focused, and innovative
  • A PLUS - Fluency in languages other than English, including Chinese, German, Spanish, Italian, or Russian
EPIC JOB + EPIC BENEFITS = EPIC LIFE
Our intent is to cover all things that are medically necessary and improve the quality of life. We pay 100% of the premiums for both you and your dependents. Our coverage includes Medical, Dental, a Vision HRA, Long Term Disability, Life Insurance & a 401k with competitive match. We also offer a robust mental well-being program through Modern Health, which provides free therapy and coaching for employees & dependents. Throughout the year we celebrate our employees with events and company-wide paid breaks. We offer unlimited PTO and sick time and recognize individuals for 7 years of employment with a paid sabbatical.
ABOUT US
Epic Games is a leading interactive entertainment company. For over 30 years we've been making award-winning games and engine technology that empowers others to make visually stunning games and 3D content that bring environments to life like never before. Epic's award-winning Unreal Engine technology not only provides game developers the ability to build high-fidelity, interactive experiences for PC, console, mobile, and VR, it is also a tool being embraced by content creators across a variety of industries such as media and entertainment, automotive, and architectural design. As we continue to build our Engine technology and develop remarkable games, we strive to build teams of world-class talent.
Like what you hear? Come be a part of something Epic!
Epic Games deeply values diverse teams and an inclusive work culture, and we are proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer. Learn more about our Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy here.
Note to Recruitment Agencies: Epic does not accept any unsolicited resumes or approaches from any unauthorized third party (including recruitment or placement agencies) (i.e., a third party with whom we do not have a negotiated and validly executed agreement). We will not pay any fees to any unauthorized third party. Further details on these matters can be found here.

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