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Hard Surface Modeler Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Scattermesh

3D Lighting Artist

Herndon, VA · On-site

... surfaces and light. Responsibilities and Duties ... Realize the Vision - Elevate high quality 3D character models by optimizing textures and shaders to ...

Scattermesh

Senior Lighting Artist

Herndon, VA · On-site

$130K - $156K/yr

... surfaces and light. Responsibilities and Duties ... Realize the Vision - Elevate high quality 3D character models by optimizing textures, shaders and ...

Scattermesh

Senior Lighting Artist

Herndon, VA · On-site

$130K - $156K/yr

... surfaces and light. Responsibilities and Duties ... Realize the Vision - Elevate high quality 3D character models by optimizing textures, shaders and ...

Tractor Supply Company

Team Member

Manassas, VA · On-site

$14.25 - $17.75/hr

Although the mix may vary from one day to another, our business and staffing model makes it ... Indoor floors and outdoor lots generally are hard surfaces (concrete, asphalt, etc.) lighting and ...

Tractor Supply Company

Team Member

Woodbridge, VA · On-site

$15 - $18.75/hr

Although the mix may vary from one day to another, our business and staffing model makes it ... Indoor floors and outdoor lots generally are hard surfaces (concrete, asphalt, etc.) lighting and ...

Tractor Supply Company

Team Member

Poolesville, MD · On-site

$15.25 - $19/hr

Although the mix may vary from one day to another, our business and staffing model makes it ... Indoor floors and outdoor lots generally are hard surfaces (concrete, asphalt, etc.) lighting and ...

Tractor Supply Company

Team Member

Poolesville, MD

$15.25 - $19/hr

Although the mix may vary from one day to another, our business and staffing model makes it ... Indoor floors and outdoor lots generally are hard surfaces (concrete, asphalt, etc.) lighting and ...

Tractor Supply Company

Team Member

Leesburg, VA · On-site

$15.50 - $19.25/hr

Although the mix may vary from one day to another, our business and staffing model makes it ... Indoor floors and outdoor lots generally are hard surfaces (concrete, asphalt, etc.) lighting and ...

Tractor Supply Company

Team Member

Marshall, VA

$14.25 - $17.75/hr

Although the mix may vary from one day to another, our business and staffing model makes it ... Indoor floors and outdoor lots generally are hard surfaces (concrete, asphalt, etc.) lighting and ...

Tractor Supply Company

Team Member

Woodbridge, VA

$15 - $18.75/hr

Although the mix may vary from one day to another, our business and staffing model makes it ... Indoor floors and outdoor lots generally are hard surfaces (concrete, asphalt, etc.) lighting and ...

Tractor Supply Company

Team Member

Manassas, VA

$14.25 - $17.75/hr

Although the mix may vary from one day to another, our business and staffing model makes it ... Indoor floors and outdoor lots generally are hard surfaces (concrete, asphalt, etc.) lighting and ...

Tractor Supply Company

Team Member

Leesburg, VA

$15.50 - $19.25/hr

Although the mix may vary from one day to another, our business and staffing model makes it ... Indoor floors and outdoor lots generally are hard surfaces (concrete, asphalt, etc.) lighting and ...

Tractor Supply Company

Team Member

Marshall, VA · On-site

$14.25 - $17.75/hr

Although the mix may vary from one day to another, our business and staffing model makes it ... Indoor floors and outdoor lots generally are hard surfaces (concrete, asphalt, etc.) lighting and ...

CACI International, Inc.

Metrologist

Bethesda, MD · On-site

CACI is looking for a Metrologist to join the team at the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock ... Adhere to the Model Fabrication Facility policies and standard practices were applicable. * Design ...

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All JobsHard Surface Modeler JobsHard Surface Modeler Jobs in Reston, VA

Hard Surface Modeler information

See Reston, VA salary details

$11.4K

$109.8K

How much do hard surface modeler jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for hard surface modeler in Reston, VA is $101,088.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $93,600.00 and $109,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Hard Surface Modeler position, and why are they important?

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 typical project workflow look like for a Hard Surface Modeler?

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 job?

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 job categories do people searching Hard Surface Modeler jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Hard Surface Modeler jobs in Reston, VA are:
Hard Surface Modeler jobs near you
Infographic showing various Hard Surface Modeler job openings in Reston, VA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, and 14% Part Time. Highlights an 86% In-person, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,088 per year, or $48.6 per hour.

3D Lighting Artist

Scattermesh

Herndon, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

Scattermesh is a fast-paced small company looking to disrupt, transform, and innovate on behalf of our clients. We are inventors, technologists, artisans, problem solvers, and collaborators seeking to redefine the content experience by changing how content is managed and delivered to clients. We have an amazing team and we want to add a few talented revolutionaries who want to make a difference solving hard problems. Create your story and start making an indelible impact today.

 

Job Summary

Scattermesh is expanding its team and we are looking to hire 3D Lighting artists to work across client projects on a full time basis on-site in Herndon, VA. The role requires a skilled artist with strong understanding of lighting and rendering photorealistic images of primarily organic characters. The ideal candidate will have experience lighting scenes from photo reference and should have a strong understanding of customizing shaders to replicate real interactions between surfaces and light.

 

Responsibilities and Duties

  • Realize the Vision - Elevate high quality 3D character models by optimizing textures and shaders to create realistic renders.
  • Construct Reality - Create and maintain the overall look, color, and quality across multiple sequences to create storylines.
  • Collaborate - Work alongside your fellow artists and studio managers to meet the needs of today while preparing for and solving the problems of tomorrow.
 

Qualifications and Skills

  • 1-9+ years’ experience as a 3D artist or relevant portfolio
  • Strong artistic fundamentals - scale, composition, perspective, proportion, mass and volume, light and color, and surface properties
  • Understanding of real-world lighting and photography, exposure, color grading, lens and camera behavior and HDR workflows
  • Mastery of standard art packages such as Maya, Arnold, Substance / Adobe Painter, etc
  • Skilled in look development and lighting for photorealistic renders
  • Skilled in replicating physically accurate lighting environments in 3D
  • Understanding of PBR rendering and optimizations using Arnold or similar engines
  • Experience working within an established studio pipeline and file structure
  • Is self-motivated and self-reliant
  • Must have a learning mind-set
  • Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
  • US citizenship required

Benefits and Perks

Scattermesh is as obsessed about our employees as our customers. We want to provide great benefits and perks so you can focus on making an impact. We recognize that industry is moving away from better benefits so we have decided to do our part to start reversing the trend. Join us in our quest to disrupt, transform and innovate.

 

Benefits

  • Competitive Market Leading Pay 
  • 25-30 days - Paid Time Off (PTO) / Holiday
  • 100% Company paid medical/dental/vision/plans
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
  • 401(k) Matching with no cliff vest

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