Remote Lead 3D Modeler - Create & Lead High-End Assets

Placements24; Queenstown; Hybrid; NZD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Home office stipend

Professional development support

Flexible working hours

Retirement savings plan

Performance-based bonuses

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Remote Lead 3D Modeler to spearhead the modeling department, delivering high‑fidelity assets for movies, games, and animation. You will guide a skilled remote team, set standards, and collaborate with art directors to maintain visual quality across projects.

The ideal candidate has 7+ years in 3D modeling with leadership experience, expert knowledge of Maya/Blender/Max, and strong problem-solving and communication skills.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years of experience in 3D modeling for games, film, or animation, with at least 3 years in a leadership or senior role.
• Portfolio showcasing a wide range of high-quality 3D models, including complex characters and detailed environments.
• Expert proficiency in Maya, Blender, 3ds Max.
• Strong understanding of polygonal modeling, sculpting, topology, UV mapping, and texturing.
• Experience with PBR workflows and creating realistic or stylized materials.
• Familiarity with game engines (Unreal Engine, Unity).
• Proven ability to lead, mentor, and motivate a remote team.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage project timelines and deliverables effectively.
• Degree in 3D Art, Digital Sculpture, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of 3D modelers, providing technical and artistic guidance.
• Oversee the creation of high-quality 3D models for characters, environments, and props.
• Establish and enforce modeling standards, best practices, and workflows.
• Collaborate with art directors to define the visual style and requirements for 3D assets.
• Review models, provide constructive feedback, and ensure adherence to project specifications and optimization guidelines.
• Manage the 3D asset pipeline, ensuring timely delivery and efficient asset management.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues related to 3D modeling and asset integration.
• Stay current with industry advancements in 3D modeling software, techniques, and real-time rendering.
• Work closely with technical artists to ensure models are optimized for performance and compatibility with game engines or other platforms.
• Foster a positive and productive remote team environment.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Communication

Problem-solving

Organization

Remote team management

Art direction collaboration

Education

Degree in 3D Art / related field

Equivalent professional experience

Tools

Maya

Blender

3ds Max

Unreal Engine

Unity

UV mapping/texturing

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a Remote Lead 3D Modeler to spearhead the modeling department, delivering high‑fidelity assets for movies, games, and animation. You will guide a skilled remote team, set standards, and collaborate with art directors to maintain visual quality across projects.

The ideal candidate has 7+ years in 3D modeling with leadership experience, expert knowledge of Maya/Blender/Max, and strong problem-solving and communication skills.