Lead 3D Modeler

Placements24; LegKraal Gate; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Health, dental and vision insurance

Generous paid time off

Professional development and training

Cutting-edge 3D software/hardware

Retirement savings plan with company (

Conferences and industry events

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a seasoned Lead 3D Modeler for a hybrid role in our Mahikeng studio with remote work options. You will head a team, oversee both high-poly and low-poly assets, and ensure compatibility with game engines and VFX pipelines.

You will shape visual quality by collaborating with art directors, maintaining modeling standards, and mentoring artists while delivering projects on schedule.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of professional experience in 3D modeling for games or VFX.
• Experience in a lead or supervisory role within a 3D art team.
• Proficient in Maya, 3ds Max, ZBrush, or Blender.
• Strong hard-surface and organic modeling techniques.
• Experience with texturing (Substance Painter, Photoshop) and UV mapping.
• Understanding of game engine requirements and optimization.
• Excellent eye for form, proportion, and silhouette.
• Strong communication and leadership skills for managing a hybrid team.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of 3D modelers, providing direction and feedback.
• Oversee the creation of high-poly and low-poly 3D models for characters, environments, and props.
• Ensure models meet technical requirements for game engines or VFX pipelines.
• Develop and maintain modeling standards and best practices.
• Collaborate with art directors and concept artists to interpret and realize artistic vision.
• Manage the asset creation pipeline, ensuring timely delivery of quality models.
• Perform complex modeling tasks, including sculpting, retopology, and UV unwrapping.
• Review and approve work from team members, ensuring consistency and quality.
• Stay current with industry trends and advancements in 3D modeling software and techniques.

Skills

Leadership

Team mentoring

Artistic eye

Communication

Tools

Maya

3ds Max

ZBrush

Blender

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading studio in the creation of digital assets for games and visual effects, is seeking a talented and experienced Lead 3D Modeler . This hybrid role offers the advantage of working collaboratively in our Mahikeng studio while also providing the flexibility of remote work. You will be responsible for leading a team of 3D modelers, overseeing the creation of high-quality 3D assets, and ensuring artistic and technical consistency across all projects. This position requires a deep understanding of modeling techniques, topology, UV mapping, and texturing, along with exceptional leadership and communication skills. You will play a pivotal role in defining the visual quality of our client's projects, working closely with art directors and other department leads. We are looking for a creative problem-solver with a passion for building detailed and realistic 3D environments and characters.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of 3D modelers, providing direction and feedback.
• Oversee the creation of high-poly and low-poly 3D models for characters, environments, and props.
• Ensure models meet technical requirements for game engines or VFX pipelines.
• Develop and maintain modeling standards and best practices.
• Collaborate with art directors and concept artists to interpret and realize artistic vision.
• Manage the asset creation pipeline, ensuring timely delivery of quality models.
• Perform complex modeling tasks, including sculpting, retopology, and UV unwrapping.
• Review and approve work from team members, ensuring consistency and quality.
• Stay current with industry trends and advancements in 3D modeling software and techniques.

Requirements

• Minimum of 7 years of professional experience in 3D modeling for games or VFX, with a strong portfolio.
• Proven experience in a lead or supervisory role within a 3D art team.
• Expert proficiency in 3D modeling software such as Maya, 3ds Max, ZBrush, or Blender.
• Strong understanding of hard-surface and organic modeling techniques.
• Experience with texturing software (e.g., Substance Painter, Photoshop) and UV mapping.
• Knowledge of game engine requirements and optimization techniques.
• Excellent artistic eye, attention to detail, and understanding of form, proportion, and silhouette.
• Strong communication and leadership skills, adept at managing a hybrid team.
• Ability to provide constructive feedback and guide artistic development.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Hybrid work model providing flexibility.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous paid time off and company holidays.
• Opportunities for professional development, training, and conferences.
• Access to cutting-edge 3D software and hardware.
• Work on exciting and visually rich projects.
• Retirement savings plan with company match.