3D designers turn concepts into compelling digital and physical experiences. They create models, environments, animations, and visualizations for industries such as technology, entertainment, architecture, product design, advertising, and manufacturing. Explore vetted 3D Designer opportunities on Ladders, including roles with compensation of $100,000 or more.
Responsibilities vary by industry and employer, but often include building and refining 3D models, developing textures and materials, lighting and rendering scenes, creating animations, and preparing assets for production. Designers may collaborate with art directors, engineers, product teams, animators, and clients to translate briefs and technical requirements into polished visual work.
Employers commonly seek strong visual design fundamentals, spatial reasoning, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate ideas clearly. Depending on the role, useful experience may include 3D modeling, texturing, rigging, animation, rendering, real-time workflows, and visualization. Tools vary across teams and may include Blender, Autodesk Maya, 3ds Max, Cinema 4D, ZBrush, or real-time engines such as Unreal Engine.
3D designers can specialize in areas such as product visualization, architectural visualization, character and environment art, motion design, virtual production, or interactive experiences. With experience, professionals may advance to senior designer, lead artist, art director, or other creative leadership roles. Requirements and compensation depend on specialization, experience, location, and employer.
Browse Ladders for vetted professional opportunities with salaries of $100,000 or more. Explore 3D Designer listings, compare role requirements, and discover opportunities that align with your creative strengths and career goals.
Micro-Architect and RTL Designer
$160K - $500K+*
Drive innovative silicon design methodologies, overseeing subsystem and chip-level deliverables from micro-architecture to sign-off. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to achieve optimal performa...
2 weeks ago
$100K - $120K *
Join a team that's dedicated to building and enhancing robust full-stack solutions. You'll take ownership of features from design to deployment, collaborating with engineers to deliver high-quality, s...
2 weeks ago
Lead Device Software Engineer, Embedded & Firmware
$155K - $209K *
Drive the future of device software as a hands-on technical lead, overseeing architecture and delivery for a team of firmware engineers. Own critical subsystems, ensuring safety and performance while...
3 weeks ago
$96K - $115K *
Lead the charge in designing and developing aerospace wire harnesses, ensuring compliance with industry standards while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to deliver innovative solutions...
Reposted 5 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in delivering high-impact consulting solutions for clients in the Energy & Utilities sector. Manage engagements, build relationships, and mentor teams to drive client success and strat...
1 week ago
Senior Engineering Manager (RD165)
$135K - $160K *
Empower a talented engineering team to develop innovative airgap-native software solutions. Drive product success in National Defense by ensuring seamless integration with UDS, fostering collaboration...
3 weeks ago
Senior Backend Engineer, Licensing
$199K - $235K *
Elevate your career as you design and maintain backend services that manage customer entitlements and usage workflows. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure data integrity and deliver impa...
1 week ago
$160K - $230K *
Transform mission-critical applications by collaborating with AI engineers to enhance performance, scalability, and security. Drive technical excellence and mentor peers while navigating dynamic feder...
2 weeks ago
Senior Software Engineer, Native Editor Platform
$115K - $219K *
Transform the Unity Editor by developing cross-platform API abstractions using modern C++. Collaborate with seasoned engineers to enhance user experiences across Windows, macOS, and Linux while mainta...
1 week ago
Principal Attack Engineer, AI/LLM
$238K - $280K *
Shape the future of AI/LLM security by leading innovative offensive strategies, defining technical vision, and driving cross-company initiatives to enhance NodeZero's capabilities in identifying and e...
1 week ago
$120K - $180K *
Pioneer innovative service design solutions for government clients, utilizing human-centered methods to address organizational challenges. Lead discovery sessions, synthesize insights, and collaborate...
1 week ago
$161K - $190K *
Join us to define and evolve the architecture of a cutting-edge digital platform, guiding engineering decisions and establishing shared services for scalable, secure, and reliable solutions that empow...
1 week ago
Technical Program Manager, Industrial Controls, R&D
$144K - $211K *
Lead the charge in managing complex Industrial Controls workstreams, ensuring seamless execution of NPI programs. Collaborate across teams to deliver innovative automation solutions on time and within...
Reposted 1 week ago
$80K - $95K *
Transform brand vision into cohesive creative suites across digital and print. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver engaging designs that enhance customer experience and uphold brand sta...
3 weeks ago
$160K - $200K *
Lead strategic business growth in the USA, focusing on market entry, key relationships, and executive negotiations. Build and manage a high-performance team while driving revenue and enhancing overall...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Senior Advanced Planner (Core Automation)
$84K - $124K *
Optimize advanced material planning activities across customer projects, ensuring procurement readiness and risk identification while facilitating seamless transitions from planning to purchasing exec...
1 week ago
$150K - $200K *
Lead the charge in crafting exceptional user experiences by owning design projects from ideation to launch. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to elevate product quality and ensure a cohesive vis...
2 days ago
Software Engineer (PDLC Tooling + Automation)
$100K - $167K *
Drive efficiency at the intersection of product development and customer engagement by building integrations and automations that empower teams with timely, relevant product knowledge and streamline w...
1 week ago
Program Manager of Technical Development
$140K - $185K *
Drive technical excellence by developing standards and processes for commissioning, ensuring consistent execution across projects. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance workforce capabili...
2 weeks ago
Sr. Engineer - Design Services
$79K - $122K *
Join a team that's dedicated to delivering innovative municipal engineering solutions. You'll manage complex projects, oversee data analysis, and provide technical support while collaborating with int...
1 week ago
Designer (AutoCAD Civil 3D)- Landfills
$80K - $117K *
Develop design layouts and drafting for civil and geotechnical projects, collaborating with teams to produce high-quality drawings and details. Engage in mentoring CAD technicians while ensuring adher...
1 week ago
Virtual Platform Administrator
$100K - $120K *
Transform complex virtual infrastructures by managing, securing, and optimizing hybrid cloud environments. Ensure system stability and high availability through proactive monitoring, lifecycle managem...
3 weeks ago
3D Computer Vision Researcher - Remote (US)
$135K - $200K *
Unlock potential by advancing 3D vision research through innovative algorithms and open source applications. Collaborate with experts to tackle challenges in photogrammetry and computer vision, contri...
1 week ago
Senior Technical Animator - Art Center Team
$100K - $150K *
Join our Central Art Team to develop robust animation systems in Unreal Engine 5, connecting animation, art, design, and engineering. Create tools and workflows that empower animators, ensuring seamle...
2 weeks ago
VIRTUAL CONSTRUCTION SOFTWARE ENGINEER
$95K - $115K *
Empower innovation by developing digital tools for streamlined workflows across design, engineering, and construction. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to create custom applications that enhanc...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
What does a 3D designer do?
A 3D designer creates digital models, scenes, animations, and visualizations. The work may support products, architecture, games, film, advertising, or other experiences, depending on the employer.
What skills are important for 3D designer jobs?
Commonly valued skills include 3D modeling, texturing, lighting, rendering, visual design, spatial reasoning, collaboration, and clear communication. Specific requirements differ by role and industry.
Which software do 3D designers use?
Tools vary by specialty and team. Common examples include Blender, Autodesk Maya, 3ds Max, Cinema 4D, ZBrush, and Unreal Engine.
What industries hire 3D designers?
3D designers work across technology, entertainment, architecture, product design, advertising, manufacturing, and other fields that use three-dimensional visualization or digital content.
Can 3D designers find jobs paying $100,000 or more?
Yes. Ladders features vetted professional jobs paying $100,000 or more, including opportunities that may suit experienced 3D designers. Compensation depends on factors such as experience, specialty, location, and employer.