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.
$80K - $95K *
Champion project success by managing healthcare architecture initiatives from inception to completion. Lead diverse teams, engage clients, and ensure compliance with industry standards while deliverin...
5 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in developing and managing specialty gas delivery systems, ensuring alignment with customer needs and market trends while driving product innovation and lifecycle strategies for the se...
2 weeks ago
Staff Mechanical Design Engineer
$120K - $145K *
Advance your career by leading the design and analysis of critical flight hardware. Leverage your expertise to drive technical excellence and mentor engineers while owning projects from concept throug...
2 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Partner with us to lead the design lifecycle for hyperscale data centers, ensuring timely, budget-friendly delivery while meeting performance and sustainability standards through collaboration with va...
2 weeks ago
$74K - $95K *
Join a team that's dedicated to driving innovative solutions and enhancing operational efficiency. Collaborate across departments to implement strategic initiatives and foster a culture of continuous...
3 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Innovate with us to design engaging, narrative-driven learning experiences that teach essential life skills through interactive gameplay. Collaborate closely with learning designers to create prototyp...
2 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Shape the future of electronic design through innovative engineering solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop, verify, and troubleshoot cutting-edge electronic control systems for...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Join a team that's redefining brand standards and leading creative design. Drive innovation, mentor talent, and collaborate across functions to produce high-quality marketing assets that elevate busin...
2 weeks ago
DCN Design for Manufacturing Engineer
$90K - $110K *
Lead design optimization efforts by collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance manufacturability, reduce costs, and ensure high-quality product delivery. Drive DFM/DFA initiatives to streaml...
2 days ago
Full Stack Developer, FP/Expert
$110K - $130K *
Join a dynamic team as a Full Stack Developer, leveraging your expertise in backend services and middleware. Collaborate on innovative projects, utilizing AWS and big data technologies to drive perfor...
2 weeks ago
Advanced Packaging Design Engineer
$90K - $110K *
Transform the future of technology by designing innovative packaging solutions, conducting cutting-edge research, and collaborating with diverse teams to ensure timely project delivery and exceptional...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$225K - $275K *
Shape the future of personalized healthcare by leading a dynamic team driving growth and operational excellence in regulated medical device manufacturing, while fostering a culture of accountability a...
Reposted 5 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Lead the delivery of Microsoft-based consulting solutions, ensuring effective configuration, installation, and support for clients. Engage with customers to resolve issues and mentor junior resources...
1 week ago
3D Print Optimization Engineer - June 2027 New Grads
$85K - $132K *
Optimize 3D printing performance by addressing multi-disciplinary challenges, driving root cause analysis, and developing innovative solutions to enhance customer experience and product reliability ac...
Reposted 5 days ago
$105K - $175K *
Lead the charge in scheduling functions for a major light rail extension project. Oversee critical path analysis, maintain as-built schedules, and advise on risk mitigation while ensuring compliance w...
1 week ago
$85K - $101K *
Optimize robotics manufacturing by programming CNC machines for precision components. Collaborate with engineers and machinists to ensure high-quality parts meet specifications for advanced robotic sy...
3 days ago
Mechanical Design Engineer, Staff
$104K - $194K *
Advance your career by supporting the F-35 EOTS sensor team, driving mechanical design solutions, and collaborating across engineering and production teams to ensure high-quality outcomes in a fast-pa...
1 week ago
$68K - $122K *
Drive impactful architectural design efforts while leading the production of construction documents. Collaborate on complex projects, mentor junior designers, and ensure quality and compliance across...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$110K - $140K *
Transform your career by leading innovative digital design for a global fitness client. Collaborate with creative teams to deliver exceptional social media content that captivates and engages audience...
3 days ago
Product Design Engineer - Watch
$110K - $130K *
Advance innovation by joining a dynamic team of Mechanical Engineers to design and develop cutting-edge wearable technology. Collaborate across disciplines to create the next generation of advanced pr...
2 days ago
$159K - $272K *
The Staff Product Designer will be responsible for the end-to-end design of internal tools and platforms that enhance productivity for TikTok's global employees. This role involves collaborating with...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Creative Director| Director, Design (Hybrid)
$140K - $160K *
Drive brand identity and visual strategy while collaborating across teams to craft engaging, high-impact experiences for both internal and partner brands. Lead the creative direction and ensure cohesi...
Reposted 2 days ago
$108K - $130K *
Lead the charge in crafting immersive gameplay experiences by transforming design concepts into engaging narratives. Collaborate with teams to ensure high-quality execution from initial layouts to fin...
5 days ago
$124K - $174K *
Elevate your career by joining a dynamic team focused on pioneering sustainable lunar infrastructure. Utilize your expertise in PCB layout and design to contribute to groundbreaking aerospace projects...
2 weeks ago
$124K - $174K *
Unlock your potential as you design high-performance PCBs for aerospace applications, collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure quality and safety in groundbreaking space missions. Join us i...
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.