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.
$84K - $106K *
Drive impactful digital video strategies and optimize campaigns across programmatic and direct publisher environments, focusing on CTV and streaming. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance...
Reposted 2 days ago
$170K - $220K *
Unlock potential by taking ownership of projects from concept to deployment. Collaborate with leadership and teams to shape architecture, ensuring quality and security in a fast-paced environment whil...
3 days ago
$121K - $149K *
Elevate your career by developing and implementing AI initiatives, collaborating with teams to build and enhance AI capabilities from concept to deployment, ensuring successful integration and operati...
4 weeks ago
Principal Engineer, Monetization Engineering
$223K - $317K *
Drive the evolution of a robust Fulfillment platform, shaping architecture and strategy while mentoring teams. Lead modernization efforts to enhance scalability, reliability, and performance, ensuring...
2 weeks ago
Senior Software Engineer Aerial Platform
$184K - $356K *
Shape the future of wireless communication by leading the development of cutting-edge 5G/6G systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize performance and scalability, driving innovation...
1 week ago
$90K - $110K *
Engage with clients, driving success in digital campaign execution. Become an expert in programmatic advertising processes, enhancing customer satisfaction through effective communication and collabor...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$120K - $150K *
Innovate and streamline VFX production workflows as a Senior Pipeline TD, collaborating with artists and teams to develop tools and systems that enhance efficiency and support creative excellence in a...
3 weeks ago
Executive Producer, Command Centers
$140K - $160K *
Lead and optimize Creator Command Centers, ensuring strategic execution and client satisfaction across multiple engagements while building a high-performing team and refining operational practices...
2 weeks ago
GIS Software Quality Assurance Engineer
$95K - $120K *
Elevate software quality assurance by testing GIS applications and validating complex datasets. Collaborate with developers and GIS specialists to ensure accuracy and reliability in geospatial data fo...
2 weeks ago
$120K - $145K *
Transform the interaction of mobile robots with their environments by developing cutting-edge learning-based manipulation systems that enhance reliability and safety in dynamic settings, impacting rea...
Reposted 5 days ago
$120K - $170K *
Join a team that's dedicated to delivering high-quality HVAC projects. Oversee technical coordination, manage project milestones, and ensure seamless communication among stakeholders while driving pro...
3 weeks ago
Director of Business Development
$145K - $195K *
Lead strategic business development initiatives to identify and capture new opportunities. Collaborate with internal teams and industry partners to enhance proposal effectiveness and drive growth in n...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$145K - $175K *
Unlock your potential as a Principal Data Engineer, driving the evolution of our data platform. Lead architecture, design scalable pipelines, and champion AI-assisted development while collaborating a...
Reposted 3 days ago
Vice President Research & Development
$120K - $140K *
Empower the R&D organization by leading technology strategy, engineering execution, and team development across a diverse healthcare software portfolio, ensuring alignment with market needs and operat...
3 weeks ago
Director of Construction Services
$110K - $130K *
Shape the future of construction services by leading a dynamic program, overseeing roadway and bridge projects, and fostering strong partnerships with VDOT and local agencies while mentoring a skilled...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$130K *
Shape the future of telecommunications by leading complex, large-scale projects. Drive strategic planning, manage executive communications, and ensure program success through innovative solutions and...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Champion the implementation of innovative solutions, leading projects across strategic accounts to ensure seamless product delivery and customer satisfaction while optimizing processes and fostering c...
3 weeks ago
Software Engineer 5 - Android (DVX Mobile Core)
$388K - $500K+*
Lead the charge in enhancing mobile architecture and quality for Android, driving multi-quarter initiatives that empower engineering teams to innovate and deliver exceptional user experiences at scale...
5 days ago
Sr Software Engineer (Backend)
$140K - $165K *
Join a dynamic team as you lead the design and development of complex software systems. Drive technical direction, mentor peers, and ensure high-quality, scalable solutions that align with business go...
3 weeks ago
Vice President Contracts, Engineered Systems
$200K - $383K *
Join us to lead the contracts function in a dynamic Federal contracting environment. Oversee a team of 20+ professionals, develop strategies, and negotiate complex contracts while fostering strong rel...
3 weeks ago
Senior Infrastructure & Platform Engineer
$130K - $175K *
Engineer and optimize enterprise platforms for diverse environments, ensuring seamless deployment and support. Collaborate with clients to enhance cybersecurity, compliance, and observability solution...
Reposted 1 week ago
$100K - $120K *
Champion revenue growth by converting leads and developing strategic partnerships. Drive high-value sales and nurture relationships across diverse programs, ensuring alignment with mission and values...
1 week ago
Head of Strategic Partnerships
$160K - $200K *
Lead transformative partnerships in the travel industry, driving strategic growth and revenue. Engage with C-suite executives to secure high-impact deals and elevate market positioning through collabo...
Reposted 2 days ago
Senior Staff Platform Engineer
$215K - $307K *
Lead the charge in designing and evolving global cloud infrastructure, leveraging deep Azure expertise to build secure, scalable systems that enhance enterprise SaaS platforms and improve developer ex...
5 days ago
$90K - $130K *
Drive project execution from planning to closeout, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives. Lead safety initiatives and manage resources effectively while cultivating client relationships and fos...
Reposted 1 week 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.