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Virtual Reality 3D Artist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Description The 3D Environmental Artist is an entry-to-mid-level technical artist responsible for ... to realistic, operationally accurate airport environments. This position focuses on implementing ...

Act One VR Specialists Act One launched Arts Immersion , a traveling virtual reality field trip program into schools and we are looking for energetic, professional, reliable people to join our team.

$60K - $82K/yr

... realistic product experiences has never been higher. Serviceplan Group is seeking a visionary ... Unreal Animation Artist at Serviceplan Group, you are the bridge between static 3D models and ...

These Creatures would be seem alongside realistic Human characters. Rigging and Skinning Experience with 3D Creatures is not required, but is certainly helpful. Communication is key to a smooth and ...

Unreal Artist/Generalist

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$122K - $146K/yr

... realistic 3D AR/mixed reality experiences. The ideal candidate is very confident using Unreal ... Design and create virtual shots and/or assets in Unreal Engine 4 from scripts and/or storyboards.

Immersive Artist

Austin, TX · On-site +1

$55K - $126K/yr

... photo-realistic 3D environments and models using industry software, including Maya, Z-Brush, and ... virtual reality, and mixed reality technology and their capabilities. Join us. The world can't wait.

... photo-realistic 3D environments and models using industry software, including Maya, Z-Brush, and ... virtual reality, and mixed reality technology and their capabilities. Join us. The world can't wait.

Immersive Artist

Austin, TX · On-site

$55K - $126K/yr

... photo-realistic 3D environments and models using industry software, including Maya, Z-Brush, and ... virtual reality, and mixed reality technology and their capabilities. Join us. The world can't wait.

Virtual Production Artist

Tampa, FL · On-site

$70K - $85K/yr

... Zero Density's Reality Engine). Troubleshoot and debug technical issues related to asset ... Bachelors Degree in film, art, video game development, 3D animation, or related field. 2 years of ...

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Virtual Reality 3D Artist information

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How much do virtual reality 3d artist jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for virtual reality 3d artist in the United States is $39.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.16 and $48.56 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Virtual Reality 3D Artist?

Virtual Reality 3D Artists are creative professionals who design and build three-dimensional digital environments and objects specifically for use in virtual reality (VR) experiences. They use specialized software to model, texture, and render assets that look realistic and function smoothly within immersive VR applications. Their work is essential in fields such as gaming, training simulations, architecture, and entertainment, where interactive and believable virtual worlds are required. Virtual Reality 3D Artists often collaborate with developers, animators, and designers to ensure that their art integrates seamlessly into the overall VR experience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Virtual Reality 3D Artist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Virtual Reality 3D Artist, you need strong skills in 3D modeling, texturing, and animation, often supported by a degree in art, design, or a related field. Proficiency with industry-standard tools like Blender, Maya, Unity, Unreal Engine, and VR-specific plugins is typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, and effective collaboration help artists produce immersive and engaging virtual environments. These skills and qualities are essential for delivering high-quality VR experiences that meet both technical and artistic standards.

What are some common challenges faced by Virtual Reality 3D Artists when creating immersive environments?

Virtual Reality 3D Artists often encounter challenges such as optimizing assets to ensure smooth performance while maintaining visual fidelity, as VR applications require real-time rendering at high frame rates. They also need to consider user experience from multiple perspectives, ensuring that environments are comfortable and intuitive for VR users. Collaborating closely with developers and UX designers is crucial to align artistic vision with technical constraints, such as hardware limitations and interaction design. Staying updated with evolving VR toolsets and workflows is also essential for success in this rapidly advancing field.

What is the difference between Virtual Reality 3D Artist vs 3D Modeler?

AspectVirtual Reality 3D Artist3D Modeler
CredentialsRelevant 3D design certifications, VR experience3D modeling certifications, software proficiency
Work EnvironmentVR development studios, gaming, simulation projectsDesign studios, animation, gaming, product visualization
Industry UsageVR applications, immersive experiencesGeneral 3D content creation

While both roles involve 3D modeling skills, a Virtual Reality 3D Artist specializes in creating immersive VR environments and experiences, often requiring knowledge of VR hardware and interaction design. A 3D Modeler focuses on creating detailed 3D models for various media but may not specifically work within VR contexts. The VR 3D Artist's work is more integrated with interactive and immersive technology, whereas the 3D Modeler’s work is broader across multiple industries.

What cities are hiring for Virtual Reality 3D Artist jobs?

Cities with the most Virtual Reality 3D Artist job openings:

What states have the most Virtual Reality 3D Artist jobs?

States with the most job openings for Virtual Reality 3D Artist jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Virtual Reality 3D Artist jobs?

For Virtual Reality 3D Artist jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Virtual Reality 3D Artist job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 45% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 53% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,070 per year, or $39.5 per hour.

3D Environmental Artist

Orlando, FL • On-site

SAIC
IT Services • 10K+ employees

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago


SAIC rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 81 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Job Description
Description
The 3D Environmental Artist is an entry-to-mid-level technical artist responsible for supporting the development, modification, and maintenance of airport Visual Databases (VDBs). Working under the direction of a senior VDB Developer, this individual creates and refines 3D assets, terrain features, airport infrastructure, environmental elements, and supporting visual content that contribute to realistic, operationally accurate airport environments.
This position focuses on implementing the senior VDB Developer's vision by constructing detailed airport environments, creating high-quality 3D assets, and ensuring visual fidelity while meeting real-time simulation performance requirements.
Key Responsibilities
3D Asset Development:
  • Create and modify 3D models for airport terminals, control towers, hangars, buildings, signage, lighting, fencing, vehicles, and surrounding infrastructure.
  • Produce optimized assets suitable for real-time simulation while maintaining high visual quality.
  • Create and apply textures, materials, and lighting using modern PBR workflows.
  • Develop reusable asset libraries for common airport structures and environmental objects.
Airport Environment Construction:
  • Assemble airport environments from source imagery, engineering drawings, GIS data, and reference photography.
  • Place and align airport objects according to the design guidance provided by senior VDB Developers.
  • Build terrain features, roadways, parking areas, vegetation, and surrounding landmarks.
  • Implement runway markings, taxiway signage, lighting systems, and airport infrastructure.
  • Support development of airport environments for all designated FAA Air Traffic Control Towers (ATCTs).
Visual Refinement & Optimization:
  • Improve visual quality through texture refinement, lighting adjustments, and asset optimization.
  • Support development of environmental effects including day/night operations, seasonal conditions, and weather visualization.
  • Assist with animation of environmental objects and airport assets where required.
  • Optimize models to maintain required simulation performance.
Quality Assurance Support:
  • Verify models for proper scale, placement, texture mapping, and rendering performance.
  • Correct visual defects identified during QA reviews.
  • Participate in iterative design reviews with senior developers and subject matter experts.
  • Ensure all assets comply with established modeling, naming, and performance standards.
Repository & Configuration Support:
  • Maintain models, textures, and supporting files within the program configuration management system.
  • Follow version control procedures for all visual assets.
  • Package assets for integration into the Visual Database.
  • Maintain organized project documentation and asset libraries.
Collaboration:
  • Work closely with senior VDB Developers, Scenario Developers, Systems Engineers, and software developers.
  • Participate in Agile sprint planning, backlog refinement, and design reviews.
  • Support rapid implementation of airport modifications and visual updates.

Qualifications
Required Education:
  • Currently pursuing or recently completed a Bachelor's degree in one of the following fields:
    • Computer Graphics
    • Game Art
    • Digital Media
    • Animation
    • Visual Effects (VFX)
    • Environmental Design
    • Architecture
    • Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
    • A related technical or artistic discipline
  • An Associate's degree, technical certification, portfolio, or equivalent practical experience may be considered in lieu of a Bachelor's degree.
Required Experience:
  • Professional experience is preferred but not required. Ideal candidates will demonstrate knowledge, coursework, internships, or personal project work in one or more of the following areas:
    • 3D modeling, rendering, or environment creation for games, simulation, visualization, or digital media.
    • Modern 3D modeling software such as Blender, Autodesk 3ds Max, Maya, or equivalent
    • Creation of optimized assets for real-time rendering
    • Physically Based Rendering (PBR) materials and texturing workflows
    • Interpretation of aerial imagery, engineering drawings, or reference photography
    • Basic understanding of version control systems
  • A strong portfolio demonstrating technical ability and artistic quality may be considered in lieu of professional experience.
Required Clearance:
  • Must be a U.S. citizen and be able to obtain and maintain a Public Trust clearance.
Preferred Experience:
  • Flight simulation scenery development (Microsoft Flight Simulator, X-Plane, Prepar3D, DCS, etc.)
  • Airport scenery creation or aviation-related environments
  • Unreal Engine or Unity
  • GIS data processing and terrain development
  • OpenFlight or Common Database (CDB/OpenCDB)
  • Familiarity with FAA airport diagrams and aviation charting
  • Experience working in Agile software development environments
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
  • Proficiency with 3D modeling and texturing tools such as Blender, Autodesk 3ds Max, Maya, or equivalent
  • Understanding of real-time rendering and performance optimization techniques
  • Ability to accurately implement designs and direction provided by senior VDB Developers
  • Strong artistic eye for detail, scale, lighting, and environmental realism
  • Ability to rapidly incorporate review feedback and iterate on designs
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
  • Effective written and verbal communication skills
  • Collaborative team player capable of working across multidisciplinary teams including VDB Developers, Scenario Developers, Systems Engineers, and software developers

Overview
SAIC accepts applications on an ongoing basis and there is no deadline.
SAIC® is a premier mission integrator focused on advancing the power of technology and innovation to serve and protect our world. Our robust portfolio of offerings across the defense, space, intelligence, and civilian markets includes secure high-end solutions in mission IT, enterprise IT, engineering services, and professional services. We integrate emerging technology, rapidly and securely, into mission critical operations that modernize and enable critical national imperatives.
We are approximately 23,000 strong; driven by mission, united by purpose, and inspired by opportunities. SAIC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $7.3 billion. For more information, visit saic.com. For ongoing news, please visit our newsroom.

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