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.
$143K - $250K *
Transform the future of data architecture by assessing current systems and defining innovative solutions that enhance interoperability and governance across the organization, ensuring alignment with s...
3 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Transform complex product narratives into compelling visual stories. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to create integrated campaigns that resonate across channels, ensuring high-quality design...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Elevate our brand through innovative design and storytelling. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to create compelling visual concepts for integrated campaigns, ensuring alignment with brand stand...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Support the development and prototyping of components for ground launch systems, engaging with diverse stakeholders to manage design requirements and execute hands-on engineering tasks that lead to ha...
3 days ago
Concepteur(trice) électrique / Electrical Designer
$85K - $100K *
Transform electrical design by leveraging your expertise in safety and automation. Collaborate across teams to create compliant systems that protect users and equipment throughout the product lifecycl...
2 weeks ago
$74K - $140K *
Innovate by developing precise physical models and prototypes, collaborating with design teams to ensure timely execution while maintaining a safe and efficient workspace. Embrace creativity and adapt...
2 weeks ago
Expert Designer, Running Innovation Footwear Product Design
$110K - $130K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of footwear design through innovation and collaboration. Leverage athlete insights and creative exploration to deliver impactful solutions in Running and ACG, whi...
2 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Unlock potential by leading the design of innovative applications that empower network teams. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to create user-centric solutions, transforming complex data into i...
3 weeks ago
$142K - $195K *
Lead complex projects in the power and water infrastructure sectors. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-quality solutions while fostering client relationships and ensuring projec...
2 days ago
Structural Designer 3 - Energy & Industrial Group
$68K - $104K *
Join a team that's redefining engineering solutions in energy and industrial sectors. Leverage your CAD expertise to create innovative designs for steel structures and concrete foundations, ensuring q...
1 week ago
Structural Designer 3 - Energy & Industrial Group
$68K - $104K *
Transform your career by leveraging creativity in CAD design for steel structures and concrete foundations. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize designs while ensuring quality and timel...
1 week ago
Structural Designer 3 - Energy & Industrial Group
$68K - $104K *
Transform the future of engineering by creating innovative CAD designs for steel structures and concrete foundations, ensuring quality and collaboration across diverse energy sectors while adapting to...
1 week ago
$138K - $207K *
Join a dynamic team to lead innovative product designs from concept to launch, collaborating with cross-functional experts to create user-centered solutions that integrate AI effectively and enhance u...
1 week ago
$170K - $197K *
Drive impactful client relationships and lead diverse teams to achieve project excellence. Leverage your extensive cost management expertise in the data centre sector to foster growth, mentor talent...
Yesterday
Power panels - Design Release Engineer
$80K - $95K *
Lead the design and release of High Voltage Power Panels, overseeing mechanical and electrical components from concept to production. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure quality and perf...
1 week ago
Principal Staff, Embedded Software Design
$168K - $253K *
Unlock innovative electronics solutions by leading complex hardware strategies, guiding architecture decisions, and mentoring engineers to drive efficiency and reliability in power-conversion technolo...
1 week ago
Senior Visual Systems Designer, Geo Makers
$159K - $230K *
Join a team that's redefining visual design for geospatial products. Leverage your expertise to create intuitive, beautiful user experiences across a diverse portfolio, collaborating with engineers an...
4 days ago
Digital / BIM Manager - Rail & Systems (PDS)
$125K - $165K *
Unlock the potential of BIM in rail systems by leading strategy, integration, and management for the California HSR project. Collaborate across disciplines to ensure compliance, quality, and innovatio...
1 week ago
Digital Manufacturing Senior Analyst
$95K - $115K *
Help us drive digital transformation in manufacturing by leveraging data analytics and Industry 4.0 technologies. Collaborate with diverse teams to enhance operational performance and deliver tailored...
2 weeks ago
$88K - $105K *
Lead the design and execution of complex structural systems, mentoring junior engineers while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to ensure project success and adherence to deadlines...
4 days ago
$130K - $160K *
Join a team that's redefining meeting experiences through innovative design. You'll lead initiatives from ideation to launch, collaborating across platforms to create intuitive solutions that enhance...
1 week ago
$130K - $160K *
Join a team that's redefining collaboration through innovative design. You'll own the entire design process, from research to implementation, ensuring seamless user experiences across multiple platfor...
1 week ago
$130K - $160K *
Elevate your career by driving innovative design solutions across platforms. Collaborate closely with teams to identify challenges, propose impactful initiatives, and lead projects from ideation to la...
1 week ago
Mechanical Design Engineer – Next Generation Products
$88K - $105K *
Lead the charge in designing and developing advanced military engine components, ensuring technical excellence and adherence to project timelines while collaborating across engineering disciplines to...
2 days ago
Lead Principal Data Hall Designer
$146K - $306K *
Join a team that's transforming data center design and optimization. Lead strategic initiatives in white space planning, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and drive innovative solutions that al...
3 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.