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Hard Surface Modeling Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Trick 3d

TECHNICAL ARTIST

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$120.50K - $144.30K/yr

Experience with organic and hard surface modeling with clean, optimized topology and UVs. * Excellent comprehension of architecture, material use, and construction principles, as well as a master ...

TRICK 3D

TECHNICAL ARTIST

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$120.50K - $144.30K/yr

Experience with organic and hard surface modeling with clean, optimized topology and UVs. * Excellent comprehension of architecture, material use, and construction principles, as well as a master ...

Finger Lakes Health

Sr. Environmental Services Aide

Geneva, NY · On-site

$15.25 - $19.75/hr

Preferred: • Prior experience refinishing and burnishing hard surface floors and utilizing ... modeling. • In accordance with the law, individuals must be at least18 years old to operate floor ...

Finger Lakes Health

SR ENV SVC AIDE-2725

Geneva, NY · On-site

Preferred: • Prior experience refinishing and burnishing hard surface floors and utilizing ... modeling. • In accordance with the law, individuals must be at least18 years old to operate floor ...

Finger Lakes Health

SR ENV SVC AIDE-2725

Geneva, NY · On-site

Preferred: • Prior experience refinishing and burnishing hard surface floors and utilizing ... modeling. • In accordance with the law, individuals must be at least18 years old to operate floor ...

COGSWELL COLLEGE LLC

Adjunct Faculty DAA

San Jose, CA · On-site

$3K - $4.50K/mo

Modeling - introduction to hard and organic surface modeling * Lighting and Layout - lighting, scene composition, blocking * Digital Painting - painting textures for shaders and fully realized scenes ...

Scout Motors

Engineer, Surfacing

Novi, MI · On-site

... hard work. The Scout brand is all about respect. Respect for the past and the future by taking an ... Create high-quality and accurate 3D CAD class A surface models for interiors and exteriors, that ...

Grote Industries

Engineering - Lead CAD

Madison, IN · On-site

Demonstrated expert-level proficiency in Catia CAD software, including solid modeling, surface ... hard coating, assembly). Excellent communication, interpersonal, and teamwork skills, with the ...

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Hard Surface Modeling information

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How much do hard surface modeling jobs pay per hour?

As of May 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for hard surface modeling in the United States is $40.33, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $31.25 and $43.51 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

More about Hard Surface Modeling jobs
What cities are hiring for Hard Surface Modeling jobs? Cities with the most Hard Surface Modeling job openings:
What states have the most Hard Surface Modeling jobs? States with the most job openings for Hard Surface Modeling jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Hard Surface Modeling jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Hard Surface Modeling jobs are:
Hard Surface Modeling jobs near you
Infographic showing various Hard Surface Modeling job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $83,896 per year, or $40.3 per hour.
TECHNICAL ARTIST

TECHNICAL ARTIST

Trick 3d

Atlanta, GA • On-site

$120.50K - $144.30K/yr

Full-time

Medical, PTO

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

Company Description

Here at TRICK 3D, we're building beautiful virtual worlds. Wanna join?


TRICK 3D sits at the forefront of immersive content and technology innovation in VR, AR, MR and much more. Our team is pioneering landscape-shifting work and ideas for large brands and top entertainment innovators. TRICK 3D works closely with our Fortune 500 and entertainment industry clients as an innovation partner; our client roster includes CNN, Cartoon Network, Delta Air Lines, Georgia Power, Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL), Intercontinental Hotel Group (IHG), Turner Broadcasting System, Sprout, Virgin Australia and many more. Our team is tight-knit and passionate and gets fired up by innovative, effective and beautiful work.

Job Description

We are seeking a Technical Artist with proven experience using the Unreal Engine to work closely with our real-time content and product development teams.

The ideal Technical Artist will be a technical problem-solver and have a passion for technical design, pipeline efficiency, and visual quality. The ideal candidate crafts blueprints and code to engineer technical solutions for our clients, wields Unreal Engine 4 and other content creation software masterfully to create beautiful content, and works closely with project producers, art directors and project leads to maintain a cohesive vision of quality and efficiency.

Qualifications

  • Collaborate with artists and producers to identify and overcome technical hurdles in new and ongoing projects, offering strategic advice for research, development, and project execution.

  • Apply technical problem-solving to achieve practical solutions to artists' needs that improve visual quality & reduce production time.

  • Actively seek opportunities to improve team creative skills and product quality by researching and sharing software and techniques.

  • Maintain technical integrity of team through documentation and management of best practices, naming conventions, asset libraries, and external resources.

  • Ability to work effectively with game design and technical constraints while maximizing visual quality in Unreal, 3DS Max, and Maya.

  • Expert knowledge, both artistic and technical in Adobe suite, Max or Maya, and Unreal Engine.

  • Expert knowledge of Unreal's Blueprint system.

  • Familiarity with Unity & C#

  • Understanding of shader node graph and physically-based shading and rendering workflows, especially in Unreal Engine.

  • Experience with organic and hard surface modeling with clean, optimized topology and UVs.

  • Excellent comprehension of architecture, material use, and construction principles, as well as a master-level understanding of light, color, form, and spatial relationships.

Not Required, but Preferred:

  • Asset management and strategic pipeline development experience.

  • Familiarity with HTML, CSS, Javascript, XML.

  • VR/AR Experience.

  • Experience building dynamic apps that connect to a web-based backend such as Heroku, Firebase, or general REST APIs.

  • Familiarity with version control systems such as Perforce/Helix and Git.

  • Networking and/or server administration for Windows and Linux systems.

  • Working knowledge of CMS systems like Drupal.

  • Familiarity with Server-side scripting experience with PHP, Python and database administration with MySQL and/or PostgreSQL.

Additional Information

TRICK 3D offers an exceptionally creative and flexible workplace and competitive compensation. We dig and hire creative, nimble, driven, team-oriented and passionate people and provide them with opportunities to solve, grow and create.   

TRICK 3D employee benefits include:

  • A week-long winter holiday break in addition to three weeks paid time off each calendar year.

  • Office snacks, coffee, tea, beer, frequent team lunches, and regular team outings.

  • Holiday parties, happy hours, and team building activities.

  • Medical insurance with a low employee contribution.

  • Short-term disability (paid for by the employer).

  • An incredible client list including some of the most recognized brands.

  • A casual and creative work environment with flexible in and out times.

TRICK 3D is an equal opportunity employer, and we value diversity at our studio. We don't discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

Check out our reel: https://vimeo.com/150954456

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