Lead 3D Modeler

Placements24; Gallup (NM); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and bonuses

Hybrid work model

Health, dental, vision insurance

Career growth opportunities

Generous vacation and leave policies

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead 3D Modeler to supervise a team creating high-quality assets for interactive media. Based in George, NM, the role blends in-office leadership with remote flexibility in a hybrid setup.

You will guide modeling for environments, characters and props, ensuring top visual fidelity and pipeline discipline while collaborating with art directors and tech artists to hit ambitious creative goals.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years in 3D modeling for games or VFX, with 2+ in lead roles.
• Expert in Maya, 3ds Max, ZBrush and Substance Painter workflows.
• Strong topology, UV mapping, texturing and PBR understanding.
• Experience with Unreal Engine or Unity and real-time asset optimization.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of 3D modelers and oversee pipelines.
• Create high- and low-poly models for characters, environments and props.
• Optimize assets for real-time rendering and game engines.
• Collaborate with art directors to meet aesthetic goals and review work.

Skills

Lead team

Maya

3ds Max

ZBrush

PBR workflows

Tools

Maya

3ds Max

ZBrush

Substance Painter

Job description

Our client is seeking a talented and experienced Lead 3D Modeler to oversee and contribute to the creation of high-quality 3D assets for interactive media. This role, based in George, requires a blend of artistic vision and technical expertise to guide a team of modelers and ensure the visual fidelity of our projects. You will play a crucial role in shaping the look and feel of environments, characters, and props, working in a hybrid model that balances in-office collaboration with remote flexibility. This position is perfect for a leader who is passionate about 3D art and dedicated to achieving exceptional results.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of 3D modelers, providing guidance on techniques and workflow.
• Create high-poly and low-poly 3D models for characters, environments, and props with meticulous attention to detail.
• Optimize models for real-time rendering and game engines, ensuring performance and visual quality.
• Implement and maintain strict asset creation pipelines and best practices.
• Collaborate with art directors and technical artists to define and achieve desired aesthetic goals.
• Conduct regular reviews of team members' work, providing constructive feedback.

Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in 3D modeling for games or visual effects, with at least 2 years in a lead or senior capacity.
• Expertise in industry-standard 3D modeling software such as Maya, 3ds Max, ZBrush, and Substance Painter.
• Strong understanding of topology, UV mapping, texturing, and PBR workflows.
• Experience with game engines like Unreal Engine or Unity.
• Proven ability to lead and inspire a team, manage priorities, and deliver high-quality assets under pressure.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and potential for performance-based bonuses.
• Hybrid work environment offering flexibility and collaboration.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance packages.
• Opportunities for professional growth and career advancement within a leading studio.
• Generous vacation and leave policies.