3D Modeler | DreamWorks Animation

Role & Qualifications Summary : 3D Modeler

Category
Details

Studio
Dream Works 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

Dream Works 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.

Dream Works 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 Dream Works, 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.

Dream Works 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 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.

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…