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.
Senior Staff Engineer, Design Systems
$135K - $160K *
Join a dynamic team to architect and implement a next-gen Design System, ensuring consistent, accessible experiences across products. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive technical alignme...
1 week ago
$79K - $147K *
Join a team that's advancing aerospace innovation by shaping the structural integrity of next-generation aircraft. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize designs and ensure performance go...
3 weeks ago
Digital Commerce Graphic Designer
$90K - $105K *
Join a team that's redefining digital commerce through compelling visual design. Leverage your expertise to create engaging shopper experiences across eCommerce platforms, driving product discovery an...
3 weeks ago
Digital Commerce Graphic Designer
$90K - $105K *
Elevate digital commerce experiences by designing engaging visuals that drive shopper engagement and conversion across eCommerce platforms. Collaborate with marketing teams to create compelling assets...
3 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Explore a dynamic role as a Mechanical Designer/Engineer, collaborating on Mission Critical and Commercial projects. Leverage your expertise in design, codes, and project management while mentoring ju...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Shape the future of landscape architecture by driving business development, leading innovative projects, and mentoring talent. Collaborate with studio leaders to enhance strategy while making a signif...
Reposted 6 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Drive growth and innovation by leading business development, enhancing design excellence, and mentoring talent within a collaborative studio environment, while actively expanding market reach and clie...
Reposted 6 days ago
Senior Manufacturing Designer, Mechanics
$172K - $203K *
Optimize manufacturing design by transforming CAD into efficient fixtures and jigs. Lead the development process from concept to mass production, ensuring precision across all product sizes while coll...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$100K - $115K *
Drive engineering excellence by developing PS&E packages for traffic signals and ITS in Southern California. Collaborate with teams to ensure compliance with local guidelines while enhancing transport...
2 weeks ago
$83K - $93K *
Join a dynamic team to design advanced low voltage systems for large-scale commercial projects, ensuring compliance and delivering high-quality solutions in security, fire protection, and access contr...
4 days ago
Interior Design Project Manager - Corporate
$80K - $95K *
Transform project execution by leading design and construction initiatives. Manage budgets, timelines, and client expectations while fostering collaboration and ensuring project excellence from start...
1 week ago
$205K - $230K *
Inspire innovative product design by collaborating with cross-functional teams to define problems, validate solutions, and enhance user experiences using AI tools. Drive impactful outcomes through con...
2 days ago
Distribution Designer 3 - Grid
$68K - $104K *
Manage complex electric utility distribution projects, leading teams in design and analysis. Collaborate on construction sketches, cost estimates, and system modifications while ensuring compliance wi...
4 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Deliver innovative design solutions by leading a creative team, setting the vision, and ensuring high-quality output that aligns with brand standards across diverse projects...
6 days ago
$80K - $100K *
Drive procurement excellence by sourcing and negotiating materials to ensure timely delivery and quality standards, while optimizing inventory management and supplier relationships in a collaborative...
Today
Physical Design and Verification Engineer
$131K - $265K *
Join a team that's redefining physical design for advanced-node 3DIC products. Drive hierarchical implementation and multi-physics verification, ensuring seamless integration from RTL to tapeout while...
3 days ago
Mechanical Design Lead - Fitout
$95K - $115K *
Empower design excellence by leading a team of designers in shipyard projects. Oversee drawing development, ensure technical accuracy, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to meet deadlines and...
1 week ago
$80K - $115K *
Develop and optimize CNC programs for lathes, ensuring precision machining processes. Collaborate with teams to enhance productivity and maintain quality standards in a dynamic manufacturing environme...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Lead the development and launch of a new gas strut product line, optimizing manufacturing processes and collaborating across teams to ensure quality and efficiency in production. Drive technical exper...
2 weeks ago
Senior Software Engineer, TeamCenter PLM
$120K - $150K *
Empower engineering teams by architecting and implementing innovative Teamcenter solutions that streamline product design and management, enhancing collaboration and efficiency across manufacturing op...
5 days ago
$80K - $95K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of infrastructure solutions by supporting schematic, layout, and validation activities. Contribute to product lifecycle workflows and enhance your skills in testi...
1 week ago
Project Manager - Land Development
$106K - $159K *
Engage with us to lead Urban Renewal and Land Development projects, guiding them from design to construction. Utilize your expertise to manage client relationships and ensure project success in a hybr...
1 week ago
$92K - $105K *
Lead impactful landscape architecture projects while collaborating across disciplines. Utilize your expertise in urban planning and design to shape communities and enhance environments from concept th...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$88K - $105K *
Shape user experiences by collaborating with cross-functional teams to design intuitive applications. Leverage UX best practices and research to transform complex systems into simple, engaging solutio...
1 week ago
Package Layout Design Engineer
$200K - $260K *
Empower innovation by leading the design of advanced multi-die substrates, collaborating across teams to ensure high-performance packaging solutions while driving layout feasibility and quality in a d...
Yesterday
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.