Senior 3D Modeler (Character Specialist)

Placements24; Mossel Bay; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health and wellness benefits

Generous holiday allowance

Performance-based bonuses

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 in Mossel Bay, Western Cape seeks a Senior 3D Modeler specializing in character art to bring our game's characters to life with high fidelity. You will build high- and low-poly models, hard-surface and organic forms, and ensure clean topology for texturing and animation.

You will collaborate with texture artists, riggers, and animators, adhering to art direction and technical constraints. A strong portfolio and 6+ years of professional character modeling experience are required.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 6 years of professional experience in 3D character modeling for games.
• Robust portfolio showcasing exceptional character modeling skills across styles.
• Expert proficiency in Maya, 3ds Max or Blender; strong ZBrush sculpting.
• Clean UVs and efficient topology for texturing and animation.
• Familiarity with Unreal Engine or Unity pipelines and asset integration.
• Strong eye for detail, proportion and artistic anatomy.
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.

Responsibilities

• Create high-quality, game-ready character models (high-poly and low-poly).
• Develop detailed hard-surface and organic models with anatomical accuracy.
• Optimize models for real-time rendering while preserving fidelity.
• Create clean UV layouts for texturing and animation.
• Collaborate with texture artists and riggers for seamless assets.
• Follow project art direction and technical constraints.
• Participate in model reviews and provide feedback to peers.
• Support development of character modeling pipelines and best practices.
• Stay updated with latest character modeling techniques and software.

Skills

Character modeling

Anatomy mastery

Teamwork

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's degree in 3D Art / Game Design

Tools

Maya

3ds Max

Blender

ZBrush

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a distinguished character-focused game development studio, is actively seeking a Senior 3D Modeler with a specialization in character art to join their creative force in Mossel Bay, Western Cape . This role is integral to bringing our game's compelling characters to life with exceptional detail, form, and artistry. You will be responsible for creating high-polygon and low-polygon character models, intricate hard-surface elements, and realistic organic forms, ensuring adherence to established art styles and technical requirements. The ideal candidate possesses an outstanding portfolio demonstrating mastery in anatomical structure, artistic anatomy, and proficiency in industry-standard modeling software. You will collaborate closely with sculptors, texture artists, and animators to ensure the highest quality character assets. This is a premier opportunity to contribute to visually stunning projects within a supportive and innovative team environment. We are passionate about character artistry.

Key Responsibilities

• Create high-quality, game-ready character models (high-poly and low-poly) from concept art and scans.
• Develop detailed hard-surface and organic models, ensuring anatomical accuracy and aesthetic appeal.
• Optimize models for real-time rendering performance while maintaining visual fidelity.
• Create clean, efficient UV layouts and topology suitable for texturing and animation.
• Collaborate with texture artists and riggers to ensure seamless asset integration.
• Interpret and adhere to project-specific art direction and technical constraints.
• Participate in model reviews and provide constructive feedback to peers.
• Assist in the development of character modeling pipelines and best practices.
• Stay updated with the latest character modeling techniques and software advancements.
• Contribute to the overall quality and visual consistency of character assets.

Requirements

• Minimum of 6 years of professional experience in 3D character modeling for games.
• A robust portfolio showcasing exceptional character modeling skills, including a variety of styles and subjects.
• Expert proficiency in 3D modeling software such as Maya, 3ds Max, or Blender.
• Strong understanding of ZBrush for high-detail sculpting.
• Proficiency in creating clean and efficient UV layouts and retopology.
• Familiarity with game engines (e.g., Unreal Engine, Unity) and their asset pipelines.
• A keen eye for detail, proportion, and artistic anatomy.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to work independently and meet project deadlines.
• Degree in 3D Art, Game Design, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive health and wellness benefits, and opportunities for professional development within a creative and collaborative studio located in the scenic environs of Mossel Bay, Western Cape.
• Benefits include a generous holiday allowance, performance-based bonuses, and access to cutting-edge technology.
• We foster a supportive work environment that encourages artistic growth and innovation.
• You will have the chance to work on exciting, high-profile projects alongside a team of passionate industry professionals.
• We are committed to providing a rewarding career experience.