Designer, 3D

Job Description

Designer, 3D. Reports to Sr. Director, Design.

Location:

Carlsbad, CA (hybrid).

REEF is a premium footwear brand with a clear point of view, rooted in comfort, craftsmanship, and a love for the coastal lifestyle that inspired our beginnings. While our heritage comes from the beach and surf culture, today our products are designed for people who move through life with ease, style, and confidence. Every silhouette, material, and detail reflects our commitment to quality, innovation, and effortless wearability.

For over 30 years, REEF has built a reputation for authenticity, product excellence, and community. We continue to push boundaries in design and sustainability while supporting initiatives that protect the coastal environments that shaped us.

We are growing and evolving, and we want you to be part of it. At REEF, you will work on products that make an impact, with a team that values creativity, collaboration, and a shared passion for premium footwear. Come join us and help shape the future of a brand that’s as dynamic and authentic as the people who wear it.

We are seeking a 3D Designer who will support the integration of 3D digital tools into our product creation process. This role combines hands‑on 3D modeling and printing expertise with a creative mindset and strong problem‑solving skills. Reporting to the Sr. Director of Design, you will partner closely with the design and development teams as both a virtual sculptor and a technical problem solver.

A solid understanding of footwear construction, manufacturing processes, and industry terminology is essential, or a strong interest in learning quickly. The ideal candidate is highly organized, innovative, and thrives in a fast‑paced, entrepreneurial environment. This is a full‑time, exempt role. Employees will be required to work a hybrid schedule with (3) days in our Carlsbad office, and (2) days remote.

• Grow Reef’s 3D modeling, rendering, and visualization capabilities.
• Partner with designers and developers to create 3D design solutions from early concept through production‑ready data sets.
• Manage and operate in‑house 3D printers and related resources.
• Oversee internal and external partners to maintain an efficient and uninterrupted workflow.
• Prepare both new and Asia‑sourced 3D files for printing, using in‑house and external facilities as needed.
• Use 3D tools to elevate design creativity, improve technical accuracy, and shorten development timelines.
• Maintain the digital content library including lasts, contours, and tooling.
• Occasional international travel.

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Industrial Design, 3D CAD modeling, or a combination of relevant education, experience, and training.
• Minimum of six years of 3D CAD modeling and product development experience.

• Strong proficiency in 2D design tools such as Adobe Suite and in 3D software such as Rhino and ZBrush.
• Experience printing and hand‑crafting or modeling 3D prototypes for review.
• Ability to serve as a key link between U.S. and Asia‑based design and development teams.
• Experience working with a variety of materials and manufacturing processes.
• Footwear experience.
• Strong collaboration skills with the ability to take direction and operate independently.
• Passion for 3D tools, product innovation, and footwear trends.
• Ability to self‑manage, self‑motivate, and work autonomously.
• Comfort in a highly collaborative, fast‑paced, detail‑focused environment.

REEF Lifestyle LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.

REEF Lifestyle LLC complies with all applicable state and local laws regarding pay transparency. For positions located in California, the salary range for this role is $110k - $130k. Please note that final compensation will be determined based on factors such as the candidate’s qualifications and experience. Additional benefits and compensation details will be shared during the offer process.

REEF Lifestyle LLC is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need assistance or accommodation during the application process, please contact us directly.

Employment at REEF Lifestyle LLC is on an at‑will basis. This means that either the employee or REEF Lifestyle LLC may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice, subject to applicable law.