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Model Making Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Lumafield

Application Engineer, CV/ML

San Francisco, CA

$120K - $140K/yr

We rebuilt the whole system, from X-ray capture, to computer vision analysis, to web-based collaboration, to the entire business model, making the most advanced manufacturing tech more accessible to ...

Lumafield

Application Engineer, CV/ML

San Francisco, CA · On-site

We rebuilt the whole system, from X-ray capture, to computer vision analysis, to web-based collaboration, to the entire business model, making the most advanced manufacturing tech more accessible to ...

Lumafield

IT & Security Administrator

San Francisco, CA · On-site

We rebuilt the whole system, from X-ray capture, to computer vision analysis, to web-based collaboration, to the entire business model, making the most advanced manufacturing tech more accessible to ...

Lumafield

IT & Security Administrator

San Francisco, CA · On-site

We rebuilt the whole system, from X-ray capture, to computer vision analysis, to web-based collaboration, to the entire business model, making the most advanced manufacturing tech more accessible to ...

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All JobsModel Making JobsModel Making Jobs in California

Model Making information

See California salary details

$10

$30

$66

How much do model making jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for model making in California is $30.96, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.75 and $38.65 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is model making?

Model making is the craft of creating physical or digital representations of objects, concepts, or designs, usually at a smaller scale. These models can be used for a wide range of purposes, such as architectural visualization, product design, film and television props, or engineering prototypes. Model makers use various materials—like plastic, wood, metal, or foam—and often employ both traditional handcrafting techniques and modern technologies like 3D printing. The work requires precision, creativity, and attention to detail. Model making plays a vital role in helping designers, engineers, and clients visualize and refine their ideas before committing to full-scale production.

What are some common challenges model makers face when working on tight deadlines?

Model makers often work under strict project deadlines, which can present challenges such as managing time effectively, balancing precision with speed, and coordinating with designers or engineers for last-minute changes. Prioritizing tasks, maintaining a well-organized workspace, and being adaptable are essential for meeting these deadlines without compromising quality. Clear communication with team members also plays a crucial role in addressing unexpected issues and ensuring successful project delivery.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a model maker, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Model Maker, you need proficiency in manual fabrication, technical drawing interpretation, and a solid understanding of materials and construction methods, often supported by a degree or training in industrial design or a related field. Familiarity with CAD software, 3D printing, CNC machines, and hand tools is typically required. Attention to detail, creativity, problem-solving, and strong communication are vital soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure that models are precise, functional, and effectively communicate design concepts, which is crucial for prototyping and product development.

What is the difference between Model Making vs Prototype Technician?

AspectModel MakingPrototype Technician
CredentialsTypically requires a high school diploma or equivalent; technical or vocational training often preferredSimilar credentials; technical training or certifications in prototyping or manufacturing beneficial
Work EnvironmentWorkshops, studios, or manufacturing settings focused on creating scale models or prototypesManufacturing plants, labs, or workshops involved in developing functional prototypes
Industry UsageUsed across architecture, film, product design, and hobby sectorsCommon in automotive, aerospace, and industrial manufacturing industries

Model Making and Prototype Technicians both involve creating physical representations, but Model Making focuses on artistic or scale models, while Prototype Technicians develop functional prototypes for testing and production. Both roles require technical skills and hands-on work, but their end goals and environments differ.

How do you become a model maker?

To become a model maker, individuals typically pursue training in art, design, or engineering, and develop skills in working with materials like foam, plastic, and wood. Gaining experience through apprenticeships or entry-level positions, along with proficiency in tools such as knives, glues, and modeling software, is important for building a career in model making.

How do you get a job as a model maker?

To get a job as a model maker, develop skills in sculpture, carpentry, and CAD software, and build a portfolio of your work. Relevant experience through apprenticeships, internships, or technical education can improve your chances, and familiarity with materials like foam, plastic, and resin is often required.

How much do model makers get paid?

Model makers typically earn between $15 and $30 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $30,000 to $60,000 depending on experience, location, and industry. Skilled model makers who work in specialized fields or with advanced tools may earn higher wages.

What are popular job titles related to Model Making jobs in California?

For Model Making jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Model Making jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Model Making jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Model Making jobs?

Cities in California with the most Model Making job openings:

Model Making jobs near you
Infographic showing various Model Making job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 86% In-person, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,391 per year, or $31 per hour.

Application Engineer, CV/ML

San Francisco, CA

Lumafield
Computer and Peripheral Equipment Manufacturing • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Lumafieldexternal

$120K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Build, train, validate, and deploy computer-vision models on 2D and 3D CT data for customer inspection use cases.

  • Operate Lumafield scanners, perform analysis in Voyager, and present results to customers.

  • Work directly with customer engineering and manufacturing teams to own the full model lifecycle, including data preparation, training, evaluation, deployment, and monitoring.

Job description

About Lumafield: 
 
Lumafield was founded in 2019 to upgrade manufacturing.
 
We are engineers with deep experience across the product development cycle, from initial ideas to shipping hardware, across industries and specializations, who became frustrated by the cost and complexity of modern manufacturing. So we decided to upgrade it.
 
Engineers make million-dollar decisions every day, and they need tools that give them the greatest possible insight into their products. By offering unprecedented visibility into products, as well as AI-driven tools that highlight problems and generate quantitative data, Lumafield promises to revolutionize the way complex products are created, manufactured, and used across industries. We started with industrial CT scanning, which for us was the most valuable but underutilized tool in the manufacturing toolbox, enabling us to rapidly inspect essential components non-destructively.
 
We rebuilt the whole system, from X-ray capture, to computer vision analysis, to web-based collaboration, to the entire business model, making the most advanced manufacturing tech more accessible to every industry. Our company, like our platform, is designed for upgrades. We’re building for greater intelligence, autonomy, and speed. For deeper vision, operational excellence, and powerful insights. And then we'll upgrade it all again.
 
Lumafield is headquartered in San Francisco, CA. and has an office in Cambridge, MA. 

About the role: 

Lumafield is looking for an ML-experienced, customer-facing engineer to help customers achieve business results with CT-generated data. As a CV/ML Application Engineer, you will develop, test, and implement machine learning models inside customer engineering and manufacturing environments — for defect detection, dimensional analysis, anomaly detection, and process control.

The role includes both customer-facing work and internal platform work. With customers, you will scope ML applications, build and validate models against their data, and deploy them into their production workflows, remotely and on-site. You will work closely with Project Managers and the rest of the customer-facing organization including other Applications Engineers and Customer Success team members.

Internally, you will partner with Product Management and Software Engineering to harden recurring customer needs into product, and contribute to Lumafield's internal CV/ML strategy across the platform.

 
What you'll do:
  • Build, train, and validate computer-vision models on 2D and 3D CT data for customer inspection use cases.
  • Develop deep working knowledge of Voyager and the Lumafield platform, and apply it to build and deliver customer solutions. 
  • Operate Lumafield scanners, perform analysis in Voyager including defect detection, and present results to customers. 
  • Work directly with customer engineering and manufacturing teams, both remotely and on-site, to own the full model lifecycle, from data preparation, feature and label design, training, evaluation, and deployment to monitoring, and retraining.
  • Partner with Project Managers to scope customer ML deliverables, set realistic timelines, define success criteria, and communicate progress and risk.
  • Collaborate with Product Management and Software Engineering to translate recurring customer needs into product capabilities and support work to improve the broader Lumafield platform.
  • Contribute to Lumafield's internal AI/ML strategy, including model evaluation standards, deployment patterns, and governance across regulated industries.
  • Produce clear technical documentation, including model documentation, validation memos, and customer-facing reports.
  • Build internal and customer-facing software components using modering AI tools such as LLM prompting, agentic frameworks, and AI-assisted coding. 
About you:
  • 3+ years of professional experience including hands-on work building and evaluating computer-vision models on image data including object detection, classification, labeling, and validation. 
  • Comfortable seeing a model through the full lifecycle: data preparation, labeling, training, evaluation, and iteration based on real-world performance. 
  • Experience working directly with customers or other non-ML stakeholders to translate business and engineering problems into ML solutions.
  • Comfort operating in engineering and manufacturing environments, including working with team members on the production floor
  • Comfortable operating autonomously with a distributed team. 
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present technical results to engineering, product, and executive audiences.
  • A track record of shipping pragmatic, useful models — balancing speed, quality, and customer impact.
  • Willingness to travel approximately 30%, primarily to customer sites
  • This is a blended role. You should expect roughly 70% of your time on model development and related engineering work and 30% hands-on applications work: operating scanners, performing Voyager analysis, and presenting results to customers. We are looking for someone who is energized by that breadth. 
 
Bonus points:
  • Background in industrial CT, computer vision on volumetric or 3D data, or NDT and inspection workflows.
  • Prior experience in a customer facing role such as Application Engineering, Solutions Engineering, or Forward Deployed Engineering role at a technical product company.
  • Familiarity with manufacturing data systems such as MES, SPC, or PLM, and the workflows surrounding them.
  • Experience contributing to internal AI/ML strategy or platform decisions at a previous company.
  • Domain experience in one of Lumafield's core industries: medical devices, aerospace and defense, automotive, electronics, or batteries.
The base salary range listed here represents the anticipated low and high end of the salary range for this position. Actual salaries may vary and may be above or below the range based on various factors including but not limited to work location, experience, and performance. All full time employees receive an equity grant.
Lumafield offers both competitive cash and equity compensation, as well as a health & wellness stipend, 401k, parental leave, flexible PTO, commuter benefits, company wide events and more! 
 
Lumafield is committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills, because the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. Do you feel like your skills don’t meet every single requirement listed? We encourage you to apply anyway – If you’re excited about our technology, the opportunity, and are eager to learn more we’d love to hear from you!  
 
In keeping with our beliefs and goals, no employee or applicant will face discrimination or harassment based on: race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, age, gender, marital domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, genetic information or veteran status. 
 
Reach out if you want to be a part of what we are building.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.