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.
$130K - $155K *
Unlock your potential by executing advanced physical design tasks for ASIC chips. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to resolve design challenges and enhance methodologies, ensuring timely delive...
4 days ago
$78K - $92K *
Unlock innovative security solutions by integrating design and planning to enhance safety and usability across diverse environments. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to develop effective risk...
1 week ago
$81K - $136K *
Champion innovative design solutions as a Senior CAD Engineer, collaborating with cross-functional teams to develop and launch cutting-edge neurovascular devices, while ensuring compliance with indust...
6 days ago
Manufacturing & NPI Engineer (Product Data & Arena PLM)
$140K - $180K *
Transform the future of cybersecurity by architecting and delivering innovative server appliance products. Collaborate with a skilled team to ensure quality and efficiency in manufacturing processes...
3 weeks ago
$169K - $250K *
Optimize internal AI products to enhance customer understanding and decision-making. Collaborate across teams to design, build, and evaluate impactful solutions that drive meaningful insights and impr...
2 weeks ago
$80K - $116K *
Join a dynamic visualization team to create stunning architectural renderings, animations, and immersive experiences. Collaborate with experts to transform complex designs into compelling visual narra...
Reposted yesterday
$70K - $100K *
Unlock potential by driving the technical design process for seasonal collections. Collaborate with teams to create precise tech packs, ensuring alignment with brand standards while managing timelines...
Yesterday
Principal Staff, Electronics Hardware Design
$168K - $253K *
Shape the future of mission-critical power systems by leading the design of advanced electronics hardware for 3-phase UPS and DC power conversion, influencing global teams and driving innovation from...
1 week ago
Business Development / Lead Designer
$80K - $95K *
Champion business growth by leveraging design expertise and strategic networking. Build lasting relationships with clients and partners while leading innovative outdoor living projects that embody exc...
1 week ago
$81K - $95K *
Optimize HVAC designs and project coordination by utilizing your engineering expertise in a collaborative team. Tackle complex systems challenges while ensuring compliance and effective client communi...
Reposted yesterday
$250K - $315K *
Join a team that's redefining product design across multiple platforms. You'll lead the design of a full product line, collaborating closely with founders and engineers to create a seamless user exper...
1 week ago
Senior Mechanical Design Engineer
$86K - $126K *
Engineer innovative composite structures and pressure vessels, collaborating with customers and teams to deliver high-quality solutions. Drive design excellence and manage technical risks while mentor...
1 week ago
$145K - $203K *
Lead the design and development of tooling for rocket hardware, integrating mechanical principles and advanced manufacturing techniques to enhance production efficiency and safety in human spaceflight...
3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Champion your career as a Senior UX Designer, leading AI-driven design initiatives. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to create user-centric experiences, mentor peers, and establish design patte...
2 days ago
$80K - $95K *
Drive the development of mechanical designs for autonomous maritime platforms, overseeing projects from concept to production. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure designs are manufactura...
3 weeks ago
$78K - $105K *
Empower the brand's visual identity by creating impactful designs across digital and print channels. Lead projects from conception to execution, ensuring quality and alignment with brand strategy whil...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$90K - $110K *
Develop innovative HVAC solutions for industrial buildings, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to design mechanical systems. Manage project specifications and deliverables while ensuring compl...
Yesterday
Supply Chain Design Specialist
$126K - $146K *
Lead the optimization of a global spare parts distribution network, collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance service delivery and drive strategic improvements, ensuring efficient material...
Reposted 1 week ago
$75K - $115K *
Join a dynamic team as you create innovative, functional spaces. Leverage your design expertise and technical knowledge to lead interior projects from concept to completion, ensuring client satisfacti...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$120K - $130K *
Drive innovation as a strategic leader in creative design, managing graphic and 3D teams to deliver high-impact visual solutions. Shape the department's vision while ensuring quality and efficiency in...
2 weeks ago
$120K - $130K *
Inspire innovation as a strategic leader in creative design, managing a talented team while driving impactful visual solutions that align with client objectives and market trends. Shape the future of...
2 weeks ago
Design Release Engineer - Hard Trim
$95K - $115K *
Drive innovation in interior lighting design by leading the development and release of advanced lighting systems. Collaborate across teams to ensure compliance with performance standards while optimiz...
2 days ago
Project Management - Design Engineer
$80K - $95K *
Drive your career with a role leading cross-functional engineering projects, focusing on product development and continuous improvement in outdoor power equipment. Collaborate globally to enhance perf...
2 weeks ago
$72K - $93K *
Transform the prototyping process by managing 3D printing operations, ensuring quality and efficiency in builds, and collaborating with engineers to enhance design and manufacturing practices...
2 weeks ago
$110K - $175K *
Drive excellence in field engineering and inspection for light rail trackwork, ensuring compliance with design criteria and safety regulations while documenting contractor activities and coordinating...
2 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.