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.
Design Engineer 3 (Additive Manufacturing)
$88K - $105K *
Join us in revolutionizing aerospace design by optimizing additive manufacturing techniques and processes, ensuring top-quality components meet the stringent aerospace standards while collaborating ac...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$90K - $95K *
Shape innovative architectural solutions by leading design efforts, collaborating with clients, and mentoring junior staff. Drive projects from concept to execution, ensuring aesthetic excellence and...
Reposted 1 week ago
Associate Director, Technical Motion Design
$122K - $146K *
Unlock potential by leading the evolution of the motion pipeline while mentoring designers. This role blends technical direction with hands-on production, ensuring efficient workflows and high-quality...
4 days ago
$80K - $95K *
Reimagine structural design by leading projects and teams, ensuring compliance with codes and standards. Utilize your expertise in steel, concrete, and masonry to deliver innovative solutions while me...
Reposted 1 week ago
$120K - $145K *
Join a team that's redefining user experiences by crafting impactful growth strategies for AI products. You'll lead design initiatives that enhance customer journeys, turning insights into intuitive s...
2 weeks ago
$90K - $110K *
Explore a dynamic role in PCB design, collaborating with cross-functional teams to develop cutting-edge electronic products. Contribute to all phases of design, from layout to documentation, ensuring...
3 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Join a dynamic team to design and prototype innovative solutions in additive manufacturing. Collaborate on CAD modeling, testing, and development of cost-effective manufacturing processes while enhanc...
1 week ago
$80K - $95K *
Join a team that's dedicated to leading design and fabrication efforts, ensuring quality and compliance with standards. Collaborate on complex projects while supervising diverse teams and driving inno...
Reposted 1 week ago
Civil Designer - Civil 3D proficient
$85K - $100K *
Transform your career by developing advanced Civil 3D models for grading, drainage, and utilities. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure quality and innovation in civil design for a major...
1 week ago
$88K - $105K *
Lead complex industrialization projects from feasibility to production readiness. Collaborate with cross-functional teams and suppliers to ensure compliance with safety, quality, and cost targets whil...
4 days ago
$88K - $105K *
Unlock potential by leading complex industrialization projects from feasibility to production readiness. Collaborate with cross-functional teams and suppliers to ensure compliance with safety, quality...
4 days ago
$175K - $255K *
Optimize the machining of complex prototype components using multi-axis CNC equipment and CAD/CAM tools. Ensure high-quality production through precise programming, setup, and inspection, while collab...
Reposted 4 days ago
$80K - $133K *
Shape your career by driving architectural design and project delivery excellence. Collaborate with regional teams to create innovative solutions while enhancing client relationships and advancing you...
3 days ago
Structural Designer 3 - Nuclear Power
$68K - $104K *
Analyze structural design challenges and collaborate with multi-disciplined teams to create innovative 3D models and schematics, ensuring timely project delivery and mentoring junior designers in a dy...
1 week ago
$80K - $95K *
Elevate the design landscape by planning and specifying contract furniture solutions. Collaborate with clients and sales teams to deliver innovative designs using CET and AutoCAD, focusing on complex...
3 weeks ago
Project Architect / Designer, 6+ Years
$85K - $115K *
Elevate your design career by joining a collaborative team dedicated to innovative and sustainable architectural solutions across diverse project types and complexities...
Reposted 1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in designing impactful AI-native products, shaping user experiences for diverse groups. Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to ensure high-quality, scalable designs that dr...
5 days ago
$80K - $95K *
Lead the charge in designing and developing innovative automotive components. Collaborate with cross-functional teams and suppliers to optimize designs, ensuring production readiness while mentoring p...
1 week ago
$88K - $105K *
Transform diverse projects by providing design leadership and technical expertise. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure high-quality delivery while mentoring emerging professionals and f...
3 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Shape the future of motion design by transforming complex concepts into captivating animations. Collaborate with top-tier designers and engineers to create impactful visual narratives that resonate ac...
3 days ago
$88K - $105K *
Engage in the design and development of mechanical components for the Centaur V upper stage. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, support program execution, and contribute to continuous improveme...
1 week ago
$95K - $115K *
Optimize mechanical designs for the Centaur V upper stage, ensuring alignment with vehicle requirements. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, support testing, and contribute to continuous improve...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Advance your career by leading FPGA development for innovative space applications. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure technical requirements are met, while mentoring junior engineers an...
5 days ago
Mechanical Design Engineer III
$80K - $95K *
Join a dynamic team to drive innovative mechanical design solutions for specialized machinery in the entertainment industry. Collaborate across departments to ensure project success from concept to ex...
3 days ago
Senior Software Engineer - Design Systems
$200K - $250K *
Empower our Design Systems team by building and maintaining essential UI components. Your expertise in frontend development and AI will enhance product efficiency and accessibility, driving innovation...
2 days 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.