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Hard Surface Modeling Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Floor & Decor

Designer

Alexandria, VA

$17.40 - $23.40/hr

Knowledge of hard surface flooring is a plus * Proficient in basic mathematical skills * Must be ... Enthusiastically support all company initiatives and goals by modeling and coaching best practices ...

Floor & Decor

Designer

Capitol Heights, MD · On-site

$17.75 - $24.65/hr

Knowledge of hard surface flooring is a plus * Proficient in basic mathematical skills * Must be ... Enthusiastically support all company initiatives and goals by modeling and coaching best practices ...

Floor & Decor Holdings, Inc.

Designer

Capitol Heights, MD · On-site

$17.75 - $24.65/hr

Knowledge of hard surface flooring is a plus * Proficient in basic mathematical skills * Must be ... Enthusiastically support all company initiatives and goals by modeling and coaching best practices ...

Floor & Decor Holdings, Inc.

Designer

Woodbridge, VA · On-site

$17.40 - $23.40/hr

Knowledge of hard surface flooring is a plus * Proficient in basic mathematical skills * Must be ... Enthusiastically support all company initiatives and goals by modeling and coaching best practices ...

Floor & Décor

Designer

Alexandria, VA

$17.40 - $23.40/hr

Knowledge of hard surface flooring is a plus * Proficient in basic mathematical skills * Must be ... Enthusiastically support all company initiatives and goals by modeling and coaching best practices ...

Floor & Décor

Design Supervisor

Leesburg, VA

$20.14 - $36.66/hr

Knowledge of hard surface flooring preferred * Proficient in basic mathematical skills * Must be ... Enthusiastically support all company initiatives and goals by modeling and coaching best practices ...

Floor & Decor Holdings, Inc.

Designer

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$17.40 - $23.40/hr

Knowledge of hard surface flooring is a plus * Proficient in basic mathematical skills * Must be ... Enthusiastically support all company initiatives and goals by modeling and coaching best practices ...

Floor & Décor

Designer

Leesburg, VA

$17.40 - $23.40/hr

Knowledge of hard surface flooring is a plus * Proficient in basic mathematical skills * Must be ... Enthusiastically support all company initiatives and goals by modeling and coaching best practices ...

Floor & Decor Holdings, Inc.

Design Supervisor

Leesburg, VA · On-site

$20.14 - $36.66/hr

Knowledge of hard surface flooring preferred * Proficient in basic mathematical skills * Must be ... Enthusiastically support all company initiatives and goals by modeling and coaching best practices ...

Floor & Décor

Designer

Capitol Heights, MD

$17.75 - $24.65/hr

Knowledge of hard surface flooring is a plus * Proficient in basic mathematical skills * Must be ... Enthusiastically support all company initiatives and goals by modeling and coaching best practices ...

Floor & Décor

Designer

Woodbridge, VA

$17.40 - $23.40/hr

Knowledge of hard surface flooring is a plus * Proficient in basic mathematical skills * Must be ... Enthusiastically support all company initiatives and goals by modeling and coaching best practices ...

Floor & Decor Holdings, Inc.

Designer

Leesburg, VA · On-site

$17.40 - $23.40/hr

Knowledge of hard surface flooring is a plus * Proficient in basic mathematical skills * Must be ... Enthusiastically support all company initiatives and goals by modeling and coaching best practices ...

Floor & Décor

Design Supervisor

Capitol Heights, MD

$19.25 - $36.95/hr

Knowledge of hard surface flooring preferred * Proficient in basic mathematical skills * Must be ... Enthusiastically support all company initiatives and goals by modeling and coaching best practices ...

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Hard Surface Modeling information

See Washington salary details

$25

$45

$86

How much do hard surface modeling jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for hard surface modeling in Washington is $45.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $35.38 and $49.28 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is hard surface modeling?

Hard surface modeling is a 3D modeling technique focused on creating non-organic objects with defined edges and mechanical features, such as vehicles, weapons, buildings, and machinery. Unlike organic modeling, which deals with natural forms like characters or animals, hard surface modeling requires precision and attention to detail to accurately depict man-made structures. Artists utilize specialized software to build, texture, and refine these digital assets for use in industries like video games, film, and product visualization.

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

To thrive as a Hard Surface Modeler, you need a strong grasp of 3D modeling principles, spatial awareness, and experience with geometry optimization, often supported by a portfolio and relevant education or training. Proficiency in industry-standard software such as Autodesk Maya, 3ds Max, Blender, and experience with tools like ZBrush or Substance Painter is typically required. Attention to detail, creativity, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for collaborating with artists and meeting design specifications. Mastery of these skills ensures the creation of high-quality, production-ready models that meet visual and technical standards in industries like gaming, film, and product design.

What are some common challenges faced by hard surface modelers when working on large-scale projects, and how can they be addressed?

Hard surface modelers often encounter challenges such as maintaining consistency in scale and detail across complex assets, optimizing models for performance, and adhering to tight deadlines. Effective collaboration with concept artists and technical teams is essential to ensure that models meet both creative and technical requirements. Utilizing modular workflows, version control systems, and regular feedback sessions can help address these challenges and streamline the modeling process.

What is the difference between Hard Surface Modeling vs 3D Modeler?

AspectHard Surface Modeling3D Modeler
CredentialsOften requires proficiency in CAD software, 3D modeling tools, and industry-specific skillsTypically needs general 3D modeling skills, portfolio, and sometimes certifications in modeling software
Work EnvironmentPrimarily in design studios, game development, film, and product visualizationIn various industries including gaming, film, advertising, and product design
Industry UsageCommonly used in manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, and entertainmentUsed across multiple creative and technical fields

Hard Surface Modeling focuses on creating precise, mechanical, and architectural models, often requiring technical skills and CAD knowledge. 3D Modeler is a broader role that encompasses various styles of modeling across multiple industries. While both roles involve 3D software, Hard Surface Modeling is specialized in hard, mechanical objects, whereas 3D Modelers may work on characters, environments, or objects of all types.

What are popular job titles related to Hard Surface Modeling jobs in Washington?

For Hard Surface Modeling jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Hard Surface Modeling jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Hard Surface Modeling jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Hard Surface Modeling jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Hard Surface Modeling job openings:

Hard Surface Modeling jobs near you
Infographic showing various Hard Surface Modeling job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,020 per year, or $45.7 per hour.

Real-Time 3D Asset Engineer

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory

Laurel, MD • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory rating

9.6

Company rating: 9.6 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

2nd of 74 rated research

Job description

Description
Do you love creating accurate and compelling real-time 3D assets from reference?
Are you an artist who can generate and optimize 3D models for real-time engines, and use code to streamline or expand the asset pipeline?
If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.
We are seeking a Real-Time 3D Asset Engineer with technical art skills to help us create modern training systems, compelling visual tools, and real-time content pipelines for critical national security challenges. You'll join a multidisciplinary team that creates interactive training and visualization tools grounded in real-world form, function, and engineering detail. In this role, you'll pair production-art judgment with the technical curiosity to build tools, write shaders, and solve pipeline problems.
As a Real-Time 3D Asset Engineer...
  • Your primary responsibility will be to create, optimize, and integrate real-time 3D assets, materials, and scenes for training systems, engineering visualizations, interactive tools, and mission-focused applications.
  • You will build production-ready models, textures, and materials from reference photos, CAD, 3D scans, photogrammetry, engineering drawings, and other source material, with an emphasis on equipment, environments, facilities, and other hard-surface assets.
  • You will optimize 3D assets for real-time performance, including polycount, draw calls, texture memory, levels of detail, colliders, materials, and scene organization.
  • You will develop and maintain source-to-engine asset pipelines that help artists and engineers move content from reference material and 3D tools into Unity, Unreal, or other real-time engines.
  • You will create tools, scripts, shaders, import/export workflows, and asset-processing utilities that streamline real-time content production.
  • You will work with artists, engineers, and software developers to troubleshoot asset, rendering, shader, lighting, source control, and build issues across production pipelines.
  • You will help shape practical technical art standards for reference gathering, asset quality, visual accuracy, optimization, source control, and repeatable workflows.

Qualifications
You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...
  • Have a bachelor's degree in game art, technical art, digital art, computer graphics, game development, engineering, architecture, a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
  • Have 3+ years of professional experience creating real-time 3D art for games, AR/VR, training systems, engineering visualization, simulation, or other interactive applications.
  • Have a portfolio, demo reel, or project examples that show finished 3D models, textures, materials, or scenes based on real-world source material.
  • Have experience with 3D content tools and real-time engine workflows, such as Blender, Maya, 3ds Max, Houdini, Substance tools, Unity, Unreal Engine, proprietary game engines, or similar tools.
  • Have used scripting, shader authoring, or programming to solve technical art problems, streamline workflows, improve materials, process assets, or support real-time content production.
  • Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain Secret level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...
  • Have experience as a technical artist, environment artist, hard-surface artist, material artist, real-time 3D artist, or in a related capacity on shipped games, AAA productions, training systems, simulations, or real-time visualization products.
  • Have experience writing shaders, tools, plugins, asset processors, or pipeline automation with HLSL, Slang, C++, C#, Python, Java, or similar languages.
  • Have experience with or interest in, 3D reconstruction, scan cleanup, CAD conversion, computer vision, image processing, procedural workflows, or real-world asset capture.
  • Have experience optimizing meshes, textures, materials, shaders, lighting, memory use, draw calls, load times, or frame rate for real-time applications.
  • Have experience with Unity, Unreal Engine, Git, GitLab, PlasticSCM, or source-controlled art and build pipelines in a production environment.

About Us
Why Work at APL?
The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.
At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accessibility@jhuapl.edu.
The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Minimum Rate
$100,000 Annually
Maximum Rate
$245,000 Annually

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