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 for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA) Lead
$125K - $225K *
Lead the charge in integrating Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA) within a high-profile construction program, collaborating with diverse stakeholders to ensure efficient design, production, an...
1 week ago
$65K - $113K *
Execute user-centered design strategies to enhance complex workflows for enterprise users, collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver intuitive experiences on a data-rich platform...
5 days ago
Design Release Engineer - Interiors - GM Defense
$95K - $115K *
Lead the charge in designing and improving vehicle interiors, transforming customer requirements into manufacturable solutions while collaborating across engineering, design, and production teams to e...
2 days ago
$120K - $145K *
Unlock your potential by contributing to a dynamic team focused on modernizing data tracking systems. Leverage your expertise in user-centered design and UI best practices to enhance user interfaces a...
Reposted 2 days ago
$120K - $145K *
Unlock your potential by joining a dynamic team focused on modernizing data tracking systems. Leverage your expertise in user-centered design and UI best practices to create intuitive interfaces that...
Reposted 2 days ago
Designer V, Structural (Oil & Gas)
$95K - $115K *
Engage in comprehensive design and technical support for structural projects, collaborating with engineers and architects to ensure compliance and innovation while utilizing CAD software to drive proj...
5 days ago
Virtual Design & Construction (VDC) Manager
$110K - $130K *
Transform your career by leading VDC initiatives to optimize project delivery, enhance collaboration, and improve performance. Mentor teams and drive innovative construction technology practices in co...
Reposted 1 week ago
$137K - $207K *
Innovate cellular performance testing by collaborating with cross-functional teams to evaluate Apple products across various wireless technologies, ensuring optimal functionality and stability through...
3 days ago
Virtual Design & Construction (VDC) Manager
$100K - $120K *
Transform construction outcomes by leading VDC services across projects. Collaborate with project teams and clients to optimize performance, enhance quality, and drive innovation in technology-enabled...
Reposted 1 week ago
Sr. Electrical Engineer (P.E.)
$175K - $225K *
Optimize electrical designs and lead projects for rail and safety-critical facilities. Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams, mentor junior engineers, and ensure compliance with industry standards...
1 week ago
$80K - $103K *
Champion the advancement of CAD/BIM technologies, ensuring accurate design documentation and collaboration across engineering disciplines while enhancing digital workflows and standards implementation...
2 weeks ago
Product Manager, Discovery & Use-Case Portfolio
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in defining and prioritizing AI use cases, ensuring alignment with engineering capabilities. Shape a new portfolio by actively discovering opportunities and writing clear requirements...
Reposted yesterday
Architectural Project Designer
$100K - $130K *
Elevate security design by leading innovative architectural solutions that integrate safety into user experience and infrastructure. Collaborate across disciplines to deliver tailored security strateg...
1 week ago
Supervisor, Artist 3D Environment
$88K - $105K *
Drive the success of a 3D Environment production team by managing resources, monitoring performance, and ensuring quality delivery. Collaborate with stakeholders to optimize workflows and support empl...
Reposted 1 week ago
Senior Product Designer - Vrbo
$173K - $242K *
Elevate the Vrbo Trips experience by designing seamless journeys for travelers. Collaborate across teams to create user-centric products that enhance group coordination and embody the brand's essence...
1 week ago
Senior Product Designer - Vrbo
$161K - $225K *
Empower travelers by designing seamless, engaging experiences for Vrbo Trips. Lead end-to-end design, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and innovate with AI tools to enhance group coordination...
1 week ago
Senior Product Designer - Vrbo
$173K - $242K *
Drive exceptional product experiences for travelers by owning the end-to-end design of the Vrbo Trips journey. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to innovate and enhance user engagement, ensuring...
1 week ago
Senior Product Designer - Vrbo
$173K - $242K *
Elevate the traveler experience by designing seamless, engaging journeys from planning to post-stay. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to innovate and enhance product offerings, ensuring every d...
1 week ago
$95K - $115K *
Shape the future of healthcare by leading medical equipment planning for projects. Collaborate with clients and design teams to ensure optimal solutions, while mentoring junior staff and maintaining h...
3 days ago
$90K - $110K *
Optimize business solutions by designing and supporting Microsoft Power Platform and SharePoint applications. Collaborate with stakeholders to deliver complex solutions, ensuring security and governan...
2 weeks ago
$150K - $180K *
Drive visual identity across platforms, ensuring cohesive branding and quality. Lead a rebrand initiative while integrating AI into the design process. Collaborate with teams to maintain high standard...
Reposted 1 week ago
$192K - $278K *
Lead the design and execution of advanced custom datapath solutions, optimizing performance and power for cutting-edge AI/ML hardware. Collaborate with a team to drive innovation in TPU technology, en...
4 days ago
$120K - $145K *
Join a team that's redefining robotic systems through innovative design and engineering. Collaborate across disciplines to create reliable, high-performance hardware solutions while leading projects f...
1 week ago
Senior Mechanical Design Engineer (Structures & Thermal Protection Integration)
$110K - $130K *
Drive the design and development of critical flight vehicle structures, focusing on high-temperature components and thermal protection systems. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure perfo...
2 weeks ago
Senior Mechanical Design Engineer (Structures & Thermal Protection Integration)
$110K - $130K *
Unlock potential by designing critical flight vehicle structures for hypersonic systems. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure seamless integration and performance under extreme condition...
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.