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.
$129K - $159K *
Join a team that's dedicated to analyzing malicious binaries and enhancing malware detection. Utilize your expertise in reverse engineering to identify threats and contribute to cybersecurity solution...
5 days ago
Intermediate Electrical Engineer
$100K - $115K *
Drive innovative electrical engineering solutions by collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to design sustainable systems for diverse building types, ensuring compliance with codes and standards w...
2 days ago
3D Print Optimization Engineer - June 2027 New Grads
$85K - $132K *
Engage in optimizing 3D printing performance by solving complex, multi-disciplinary challenges. Collaborate with a diverse team to enhance hardware, software, and materials, ensuring customer satisfac...
1 week ago
3D Print Optimization Engineer - June 2027 New Grads
$85K - $132K *
Drive optimization of SLA & SLS 3D printing platforms, enhancing performance through multi-disciplinary problem-solving and customer-focused solutions. Collaborate with a diverse team to push the boun...
1 week ago
MTS Design Architect-Custom Layout, HBM
$130K - $155K *
Architect cutting-edge HBM solutions by leading layout execution for advanced analog, mixed-signal, and digital circuits. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance performance, power efficien...
4 days ago
MTS Design Architect-Custom Layout, HBM
$138K - $165K *
Unlock your potential by leading the design and integration of cutting-edge HBM products. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize layouts and enhance performance, driving innovation in ana...
4 days ago
$80K - $95K *
Join a team that's driving innovation in materials development and manufacturing. As a Materials Project Manager, you'll lead initiatives to evaluate and implement new materials, optimizing performanc...
Reposted 1 week ago
Director of Embedded Software Platform
$210K - $260K *
Pioneer the future of embedded software by leading architecture and development for cutting-edge energy systems. Drive technical direction, foster team growth, and ensure seamless integration across p...
1 week ago
$122K - $183K *
Elevate user growth and monetization through thoughtful design and experimentation, collaborating closely with cross-functional teams to enhance onboarding and product engagement while maintaining hig...
Reposted 1 week ago
$163K - $245K *
Innovate within the Product Design team, driving growth initiatives by collaborating cross-functionally to enhance user onboarding, monetization, and retention. Contribute to a high-quality design pro...
Reposted 1 week ago
$80K - $95K *
Shape the future of digital products by driving key business outcomes through collaborative problem-solving and iterative software delivery. Your expertise will enhance customer satisfaction and marke...
Reposted 1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Deliver innovative systems design solutions while managing project budgets, quality, and efficiency. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration and mentor designers for con...
1 month ago
$80K - $110K *
The Structural Engineer will be responsible for designing and analyzing various structural systems, including concrete, masonry, and steel members, while also engaging with clients and sub-consultants...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$208K - $244K *
Drive strategic growth by leading complex enterprise sales engagements, expanding adoption of innovative simulation solutions, and collaborating with partners to accelerate customer success in enginee...
4 weeks ago
$90K - $115K *
Join a team that's dedicated to transforming design concepts into impeccably fitting, production-ready garments. Collaborate with design and vendors to ensure quality and craftsmanship in our growing...
3 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Join a dynamic team as you lead design and engineering analyses for diverse site layouts, ensuring compliance with regulations while managing project budgets and fostering collaboration with clients a...
3 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Support the development of next-gen vision systems by owning thermal design and ensuring reliability and compliance across hardware products. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver robust...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$167K - $267K *
Drive the architecture and design of complex RTL for NAND Flash SSD controllers. Collaborate across teams to optimize performance, power, and area while ensuring high-quality ASIC implementation and s...
2 days ago
Senior Mechanical Design Engineer
$135K - $155K *
Shape innovative mechanical and plumbing designs, ensuring compliance with military standards while leading projects across diverse regions and enhancing engineering excellence...
3 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Unlock potential by leveraging your structural engineering skills to analyze and design complex tubular steel structures. Collaborate with internal and external teams to deliver high-quality engineeri...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$110K - $140K *
Join a team that's dedicated to designing and implementing resilient infrastructure solutions that enhance operational readiness and supportability while aligning with enterprise architecture standard...
1 week ago
$100K - $120K *
Unlock potential by leading innovative motion design projects for global brands. Collaborate across teams to elevate creative standards, blending traditional techniques with cutting-edge AI tools in a...
2 weeks ago
$88K - $105K *
Transform the future of energy by leading physical design projects for Power Substations. Collaborate in a dynamic team to deliver high-quality designs for voltage levels from 34.5kV to 500kV, ensurin...
2 weeks ago
$68K - $122K *
Lead the charge in architectural design and documentation, coordinating complex engineering systems while mentoring junior designers. Drive projects from concept to completion with minimal supervision...
3 days ago
$80K - $95K *
Join a team that's dedicated to delivering innovative electrical designs, overseeing project production, and collaborating across disciplines to ensure successful project execution within budget and t...
Reposted 5 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.