Senior 3D Modeler (Character)

Placements24; Upington; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary with bonuses

Medical and dental insurance

Generous paid vacation and sick leave

Professional growth opportunities

Access to industry-leading software/hw

Dynamic and creative work environment

Pension fund contributions

Team-building events

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior 3D Modeler in Upington to craft character models for exciting game projects. You will sculpt, retopologize, UV, and texture characters for real-time engines, coordinating with artists and riggers to ensure top-tier visuals and animation readiness.

Ideally you bring 5+ years in character modeling, a strong portfolio, and proficiency in Maya/Blender/Max with ZBrush and Substance Painter, delivering character artwork that meets PBR standards.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of professional experience as a 3D Modeler with a focus on characters in the game industry.
• Strong portfolio demonstrating sculpting, retopology, UVs, and texturing.
• Proficiency in Maya, 3ds Max, or Blender.
• Expertise in ZBrush or Mudbox for digital sculpting.
• Experience with Substance Painter and Photoshop for texturing.
• Understanding of PBR workflows and game engine requirements (Unreal Engine, Unity).
• Strong knowledge of human and creature anatomy.
• Excellent artistic eye for form, silhouette, and detail.
• Ability to collaborate effectively within a team and meet deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Create high-quality game-ready character models (high-poly and low-poly) from concept art and references.
• Sculpt detailed organic forms and hard-surface elements for characters.
• UV unwrap and texture models to a high standard, ensuring efficient texture density.
• Optimize models for real-time performance while maintaining visual fidelity.
• Collaborate with character artists and art directors to meet artistic and technical requirements.
• Work closely with riggers to ensure models are topologically sound and animation-ready.
• Maintain consistency in asset quality and style across the project.
• Participate in art reviews and provide constructive feedback to peers.
• Stay updated on the latest 3D modeling techniques, software, and industry trends.
• Manage time effectively to meet project deadlines for modeling tasks.

Skills

Character modeling

High-poly/low-poly

Anatomy knowledge

Portfolio

Artistic eye

Team collaboration

:

Texture work

Organic sculpting

Tools

Maya

3ds Max

Blender

ZBrush

Mudbox

Substance Painter

Photoshop

Unreal Engine

Unity

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a premier game development studio nestled in the heart of the Northern Cape region in Upington , is seeking a highly skilled Senior 3D Modeler specializing in character creation. This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to the development of visually stunning and compelling game characters that will captivate players worldwide. You will be responsible for creating high-poly and low-poly character models, ensuring anatomical accuracy, exceptional detailing, and adherence to artistic style guides. The ideal candidate possesses a strong foundation in traditional art principles, combined with expertise in industry-standard 3D modeling and sculpting software. You will collaborate closely with character artists, riggers, and art directors to bring virtual characters to life. This role requires a meticulous eye for detail, a passion for character design, and the ability to work effectively within a collaborative team environment. Join a studio renowned for its creative excellence and commitment to pushing the boundaries of interactive entertainment.

Key Responsibilities

• Create high-quality, game-ready character models (both high-poly and low-poly) from concept art and references.
• Sculpt detailed organic forms and hard-surface elements for characters.
• UV unwrap and texture models to a high standard, ensuring efficient texture density.
• Optimize models for real-time performance while maintaining visual fidelity.
• Collaborate with character artists and art directors to ensure models meet artistic and technical requirements.
• Work closely with riggers to ensure models are topologically sound and prepared for animation.
• Maintain consistency in asset quality and style across the project.
• Participate in art reviews and provide constructive feedback to peers.
• Stay updated on the latest 3D modeling techniques, software, and industry trends.
• Manage time effectively to meet project deadlines for modeling tasks.

Requirements

• A minimum of 5 years of professional experience as a 3D Modeler, with a significant focus on characters in the game industry.
• A strong portfolio demonstrating exceptional character modeling skills, including sculpts, retopology, UVs, and texture work.
• Proficiency in 3D modeling software such as Maya, 3ds Max, or Blender.
• Expertise in digital sculpting software like ZBrush or Mudbox.
• Experience with texturing tools such as Substance Painter and Photoshop.
• Understanding of PBR workflows and game engine requirements (e.g., Unreal Engine, Unity).
• Strong knowledge of human and creature anatomy.
• Excellent artistic eye for form, silhouette, and detail.
• Good communication and teamwork abilities.
• Based in or willing to relocate to Upington, Northern Cape .

Benefits

• Competitive salary with performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical and dental insurance.
• Generous paid vacation and sick leave.
• Opportunities for professional growth and skill development.
• Access to industry-leading software and hardware.
• A dynamic and creative work environment.
• Involvement in exciting and visually impressive game projects.
• Pension fund contributions.
• Regular team-building events and social activities.