Role & Qualifications Summary : 3D Modeler
Category Details
Studio DreamWorks Animation (NBCUniversal)
Primary Location 1000 Flower St, Glendale, CA
Salary Range $89,752 – $130,000 Yearly
Work Mode Hybrid (Min. 4 days per week in-office)
Core Software Maya, ZBrush, Houdini, Unix Navigation
Specialization Characters, Environments, and Props
Experience 2+ Years industry-related (Desired)
Requirement Portfolio/Reel with web address
The DreamWorks Vision: Crafting Immersive Worlds
DreamWorks Animation is a sanctuary for adventurous dreamers who aim for the moon. We are a studio built on the foundation of unconventional heroes and the journeys they undertake to turn aspirations into reality. As a global leader in high-quality, award-winning animated feature films and series, our mission is to push the boundaries of emotion and humor. We don’t just make movies; we build immersive new worlds that resonate with audiences of all ages across the globe.
DreamWorks Animation believe that transparency, frequent communication, and a culture of deep-seeded trust are the primary catalysts for groundbreaking work. Our community is a diverse collective of artists, technologists, and innovators who are not only passionate about the medium of animation but also value the simple joy of sharing a meal and a laugh together. At DreamWorks, we recognize that talent often comes from non-traditional paths, and we place immense value on the unique lived experiences our team members bring to the table.
In the role of a 3D Modeler , you are a vital pillar of our production pipeline, tasked with the creation of sophisticated, high-fidelity models that serve as the physical foundation of our storytelling. Whether you are sculpting a lead character that must convey a range of complex emotions or architecting a sprawling, stylized environment that defines the film’s aesthetic, your work must meet the highest standards of technical and artistic excellence.
DreamWorks Animation is looking for creators who are part of the fandom, who believe that “teamwork makes the dream work,” and who are ready to embrace the challenge of #livingthedream through high-stakes, rewarding creative labor.
The Professional Mandate: Responsibilities & Technical Expectations
The successful candidate must demonstrate a profound mastery of design fundamentals and an ability to translate abstract art direction into technically sound 3D assets. You will be responsible for preparing and installing clean models that integrate seamlessly into a complex production pipeline, requiring a high level of versatility to pivot between rigid, hard-surfaced mechanical props and fluid, organic character shapes.
Beyond the artistic scope, this role demands a functional understanding of basic Unix commands and the adaptability to learn proprietary software or emerging techniques on the fly. You are expected to be a critical thinker who can troubleshoot both creative and technical obstacles independently, ensuring that every model aligns perfectly with the artistic style of the film while maintaining the structural integrity required for rigging and animation.
Collaboration is the heartbeat of our studio environment, and as a 3D Modeler, you will work closely with supervisors and peers to iterate on designs and refine forms. You must possess an intuitive grasp of composition, balance, rhythm, and form to create models that are not only functional but aesthetically pleasing from every angle.
This involves a constant dialogue with the Art Department to interpret references accurately and a proactive approach to solving pipeline issues before they affect downstream departments. Your contribution ensures that the characters and worlds we envision are realized with the precision and soul necessary to captivate a global audience.
Qualifications and Selection Process
To be considered for this elite creative position, applicants must showcase a strong portfolio that highlights expertise in industry-standard software like Maya, ZBrush, and Houdini. You must have a proven track record in modeling both characters and environments, demonstrating a clear understanding of the technical requirements—such as topology, UV mapping, and edge flow—essential for high-end film pipelines.
While 2 or more years of industry experience is preferred, we are primarily looking for artists who demonstrate exceptional potential and an alignment with our “growth-minded” culture. Please ensure that your submission includes a link to your digital portfolio or reel, as this is the primary tool used by our leads to evaluate your technical and artistic range.
As a subsidiary of NBCUniversal, DreamWorks Animation is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. Our selection process may involve in-person interviews at our Glendale location to ensure a mutual fit for our hybrid work model.
DreamWorks Animation adhere to all local and state fair chance ordinances regarding criminal histories and provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities or disabled veterans. We believe that a vast universe of perspectives makes our stories stronger, and we welcome all qualified candidates to apply and join us in our mission to tell the world’s most compelling animated stories.
The Excerpt
Join DreamWorks Animation in Glendale as a 3D Modeler . Craft high-quality characters and environments for award-winning feature films using Maya and ZBrush . Collaborate in a hybrid, art-first environment where your technical precision and creative vision help bring unconventional heroes to life for a global audience.
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Festybay is hiring: Hiring 3D Modeler | DreamWorks Animation in Glendale
Festybay · Glendale, AZ, USA ·
- Pay:
- $89,752-$130,000/yr
- Job type:
- Full Time