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.
Enterprise AV Design and Collaboration Engineer
$144K - $230K *
Pioneer seamless collaborative environments by managing AV design and deployment, optimizing logistics, and resolving complex system issues to enhance user experience in global conference spaces...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$82K - $113K *
Advance your career by designing and developing specialized tooling for aerospace manufacturing. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize efficiency and quality while ensuring compliance wi...
1 week ago
$82K - $113K *
Drive the design and development of tooling for manufacturing processes, collaborating with cross-functional teams to optimize efficiency and quality while ensuring compliance with safety protocols an...
1 week ago
$79K - $158K *
Unlock innovative data-driven experiences in cold chain logistics. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to transform complex data into actionable insights, enhancing decision-making and operational...
3 weeks ago
$87K - $105K *
Unlock potential by leading innovative interior design projects, managing scope, quality, and client relations. Collaborate with teams to create cohesive designs and deliver comprehensive construction...
2 weeks ago
$100K - $120K *
Design and deliver complex substation projects, providing technical expertise and mentoring junior staff. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to resolve design challenges and ensure quality stand...
Yesterday
Design Lead/Architect, Manhattan Active Order Management
$110K - $130K *
Transform complex operational needs into scalable solutions on a global platform. Lead functional design and governance for Manhattan Active Order Management, ensuring alignment with business requirem...
2 weeks ago
Senior Mechanical Design Engineer, Avionics Integration
$140K - $180K *
Accelerate your career by designing and testing advanced avionics systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to create reliable hardware for next-gen defense platforms, ensuring performance in d...
3 weeks ago
$49K - $290K *
Shape the future of hardware engineering by analyzing complex systems, designing specifications, and implementing solutions for diverse environments. Collaborate on installations and provide maintenan...
1 week ago
$49K - $290K *
Drive hardware engineering excellence by analyzing complex systems, designing solutions, and ensuring optimal performance through installation and maintenance support. Collaborate on specifications an...
1 week ago
Principal Designer - Cisco Cloud Control
$233K - $330K *
Unlock the potential of design governance as you lead the evolution of Human Interface Guidelines, fostering collaboration across teams to enhance product clarity and user experience through innovativ...
2 weeks ago
Mechanical Engineer- Precision Mechanical Design
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in precision mechanical design, driving innovative LiDAR and electro-optical products from concept to production. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to solve complex challenges a...
4 days ago
$107K - $204K *
Drive innovative solutions by evaluating materials and processes for Thin Conductive Die Attach applications. Collaborate with an integrated team to lead material selection, troubleshooting, and docum...
1 week ago
$88K - $105K *
Innovate and lead architectural projects from concept to completion, ensuring timely delivery and client satisfaction. Collaborate with diverse teams, manage budgets, and mentor junior staff while mai...
2 weeks ago
$108K - $168K *
Drive the integration of BIM workflows across complex projects, ensuring accurate models and effective collaboration among engineering, design, and construction teams to enhance project execution and...
1 week ago
Senior Mechanical Design Engineer - Research and Development
$110K - $130K *
Drive your career forward as you collaborate with engineering teams to design innovative power distribution systems. Engage in diverse projects that challenge your mechanical design expertise while en...
2 weeks ago
Senior Mechanical Design Engineer - Research and Development
$110K - $130K *
Design and develop innovative mechanical solutions for power distribution systems, collaborating with engineering teams to meet diverse customer needs while ensuring compliance with safety standards a...
2 weeks ago
Senior Mechanical Design Engineer - Research and Development
$100K - $120K *
Innovate power distribution solutions as a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer, collaborating with cross-functional teams to design and produce cutting-edge systems for global clients, ensuring safety a...
2 weeks ago
Senior Mechanical Design Engineer - Research and Development
$110K - $130K *
Innovate mechanical designs for power distribution systems, collaborating with engineering teams to meet global customer needs. Engage in diverse projects, ensuring compliance with safety standards wh...
2 weeks ago
Senior Mechanical Design Engineer - Research and Development
$100K - $120K *
Explore a dynamic role as a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer, collaborating with teams to innovate power distribution systems. Engage in diverse projects, ensuring compliance with safety standards wh...
2 weeks ago
Senior Mechanical Design Engineer - Research and Development
$110K - $130K *
Champion innovative mechanical designs for power distribution systems, collaborating with engineering and manufacturing teams to meet global customer needs. Drive projects from concept to completion i...
2 weeks ago
$88K - $105K *
Join a team that's dedicated to innovation in electrical design and product development. Collaborate across functions to create cutting-edge solutions, ensuring performance and safety standards are me...
1 week ago
$150K - $180K *
Unlock your potential by owning physical design from netlist to GDSII. Collaborate with leading semiconductor firms to enhance AI-driven design processes while ensuring optimal performance and closure...
2 weeks ago
$90K - $110K *
Transform PCB design processes by creating optimized layouts that meet electrical and manufacturing standards. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure high-quality, compliant designs that en...
Reposted yesterday
$88K - $105K *
Elevate your career by driving innovative packaging solutions in a dynamic R&D environment. Collaborate cross-functionally to develop and validate medical device packaging, ensuring compliance and qua...
6 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.