Hard Surface Modeller

Ecm Selection; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A commercial company in the defence sector is seeking a Hard Surface Modeller or Environment Artist with experience in 3D modelling of photo-realistic vehicles and machinery. The successful candidate will work on various projects including animation for exploded views and content for interactive VR/AR and high-quality video renders. UK residency and security clearance eligibility are mandatory. A full UK driving license is also required. This role is full-time and office-based south of Cambridge.

Qualifications

• Experience modelling and texturing photorealistic vehicles and machinery.
• Ability to create exploded views and camera pans.
• Portfolio showcasing relevant work required.

Responsibilities

• Model and texture photo-realistic vehicles and industrial machinery.
• Basic rigging and animation for exploded views.
• Collaborate with engineers using industrial specifications.

Skills

3D modelling software (Blender, 3DS Max, Maya, Cinema 4D)

UV unwrapping

Texturing

Animation

Rendering and export resolution

Understanding of CAD tools (SolidWorks)

Tools

Blender

3DS Max

Maya

Cinema 4D

UnrealEngine

Job description

This role with a commercial company (outside the video games industry) will suit a Hard Surface Modeller, or potentially Environment Artist, with commercial-grade experience. Experience modelling and texturing photo‑realistic (PBR) vehicles and industrial machinery is sought.

Models may need basic rigging (100% bone weights) and animation for e.g. exploded views. Some environment art for photorealistic backdrops may be required. Content may be destined for websites (WebGL), interactive VR / AR use, or high‑quality video renders. There may also be some concept work guiding the visual design of real‑world machines.

This role is in the defence sector – applicants will need to be UK‑based and resident for some years, eligible for UK security clearance, and open to working on military designs! The role is full time and office‑based, south of Cambridge. You will also need a full UK driving licence. Salary depends on experience.

Your CV will show:

• Strong relevant skills with 3D modelling software (such as Blender, 3DS Max, Maya, Cinema 4D) including modelling, UV unwrapping, texturing, shader editors, skinning, animation.
• Experience rendering using those packages, and resolving export issues to external renderers and/or game engines (e.g. UnrealEngine).
• Evidence of experience creating photorealistic results for models you’ve created from scratch, ideally with real‑world references.
• Something of an animator’s eye as well as a modeller’s, for exploded views, camera pans, etc.
• You are technically minded – you may be speaking with engineers and working from industrial technical specifications.
• Ideally, some basic experience with real‑world CAD tools (e.g. SolidWorks).

Please include a link to your portfolio or showreel in your CV – preferably linking to specific relevant examples of your work.

Please note: even if you don’t have exactly the background indicated, do contact us now if this type of job is of interest – we may well have similar opportunities that you would be suited to. And of course, we always get your permission before submitting your CV to a company.