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 Design Engineer, Broadcast, XTG
$100K - $125K *
Lead innovative design solutions as a Senior Design Engineer, transforming client needs into actionable broadcast system designs. Collaborate with global teams, mentor junior engineers, and ensure pro...
2 weeks ago
$80K - $92K *
Inspire creativity as you execute visual designs and develop concepts that align with client needs. Collaborate with teams to deliver high-quality branding and marketing materials while managing multi...
Yesterday
Design Release Engineer - Body in White
$80K - $95K *
Engineer innovative BIW under body components, managing design, development, and release processes. Collaborate with suppliers and internal teams to ensure manufacturability and performance while meet...
3 days ago
Sr Designer, Visual Design - Global UXUI Experience Design
$90K - $120K *
Drive the creation of visually compelling digital experiences that elevate guest engagement. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure intuitive, accessible designs that align with brand stand...
2 days ago
$90K - $110K *
Join our Design team to shape and elevate our brand across all platforms. Collaborate with marketing and product teams to create impactful designs that resonate with users and drive engagement, ensuri...
1 week ago
$100K - $120K *
Transform the future of gameplay by developing custom Unreal Engine tools that enhance team workflows and accelerate content creation across disciplines. Collaborate with stakeholders to drive innovat...
2 days ago
Staff Graphics Engineer - VR Teleoperation
$175K - $215K *
Innovate high-performance graphics systems for immersive VR teleoperation. Lead design and optimization of rendering pipelines for humanoid robots, ensuring low latency and real-time situational aware...
Reposted 1 week ago
$100K - $110K *
Optimize innovative software solutions by designing and developing scalable web applications. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver impactful products while maintaining high code quality...
2 weeks ago
$100K - $110K *
Join a team that's driving innovative software solutions as a Full Stack Developer. Collaborate with passionate engineers to design, develop, and maintain applications that make a real impact across f...
2 weeks ago
$100K - $120K *
Lead and innovate in electrical design for diverse energy projects, ensuring high-quality deliverables and compliance with standards. Collaborate with teams to drive project success while mentoring ju...
6 days ago
Supervisor, Digital Shelf Design
$60K - $140K *
Join a dynamic team to create compelling digital commerce content that enhances brand visibility and drives conversion across major North American retailers. Collaborate with designers and strategists...
4 days ago
Sr. Analyst, Architecture and Design
$88K - $105K *
Join a team that's transforming architectural design across global maritime projects. Support innovative design processes, managing diverse stakeholders while ensuring aesthetic and functional standar...
Reposted 1 week ago
Sr. Analyst, Architecture and Design
$80K - $95K *
Engage in architectural design management for newbuild and refurbishment projects, coordinating external teams and ensuring design intents align with brand values while promoting innovative solutions...
Reposted 1 week ago
Sr. Analyst, Architecture and Design
$95K - $115K *
Transform ship design through effective management of complex projects, guiding cross-functional teams and stakeholders to achieve innovative, budget-conscious designs that meet brand aspirations whil...
Reposted 1 week ago
$95K - $115K *
Deliver innovative mechanical engineering solutions while leading multidisciplinary teams, managing client relationships, and ensuring project compliance and efficiency from conception through complet...
Reposted today
$100K - $120K *
Drive innovation by leading mechanical engineering projects, coordinating multidisciplinary teams, and ensuring code compliance for commercial and institutional buildings. Foster client relationships...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$63K - $118K *
Transform user experiences by designing engaging, responsive web interfaces across multiple brands. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to create intuitive journeys and high-quality visuals that d...
1 week ago
$83K - $115K *
Advance your career by leading systems engineering activities in nuclear projects. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define requirements, ensure compliance, and drive technical solutions from...
1 week ago
Project Engineer III - Component Development
$121K - $169K *
Lead the charge in managing ordnance hardware lifecycle for a cutting-edge launch vehicle. Oversee project schedules, budgets, and supplier coordination to ensure timely delivery and operational succe...
5 days ago
Project Developer | Residential Remodeling
$80K - $95K *
Transform high-end residential spaces by guiding clients through the design-build process. Leverage your project management and sales expertise to ensure seamless transitions from concept to construct...
1 week ago
Sr. Design Engineering Specialist
$95K - $115K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of energy with innovative transformer solutions. Collaborate on designs, enhance product performance, and contribute to sustainable initiatives while leveraging y...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Designer 2 - Footwear Innovation
$82K - $108K *
Innovate your career by exploring and creating future footwear solutions. Collaborate with athletes and partners to develop prototypes, validate concepts, and enhance Arc'teryx's footwear DNA through...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Mechanical Engineer - Structural Analyst
$95K - $115K *
Join a team that's revolutionizing mechanical systems by conducting structural analysis and testing, optimizing designs, and directly engaging with hardware from concept to deployment in dynamic envir...
Reposted 1 week ago
$100K - $130K *
Drive your career forward by mastering advanced compositing techniques to deliver stunning visuals for feature films or episodic content, collaborating with a creative team in a dynamic production env...
Reposted 1 week ago
Project Architect - Residential
$105K - $125K *
Elevate residential architecture by leading diverse projects from design to completion. Collaborate closely with teams to deliver high-quality results while managing timelines and budgets, ensuring cl...
Reposted 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.