Senior 3D Modeler and Asset Prep Artist at NVIDIA

**Who this is for** This role is for a technical 3D artist experienced in translating complex engineering CAD data into optimized, production-ready assets for r

Work type: onsite

Location: US, CA, Santa Clara

Salary: $156,000 – $287,500/yr

Type: Full-time

Summary

**Who this is for** This role is for a technical 3D artist experienced in translating complex engineering CAD data into optimized, production-ready assets for real-time visualization and simulation pipelines. **Key highlights** You will manage the ingestion and reconstruction of large-scale product assemblies, implementing USD-based workflows and instancing techniques to ensure high performance across rendering and animation systems. **You might be a good fit if you...** - Have 10+ years of experience in 3D modeling or technical art within VFX, games, or product visualization. - Are an expert in Autodesk Maya with the ability to script custom tools in Python or MEL. - Possess deep knowledge of USD (Universal Scene Description) and CAD software like SolidWorks or Fusion 360. - Understand modern shading conventions like PBR, MDL, and MaterialX.

Job Description

NVIDIA has been transforming computer graphics, PC gaming, and accelerated computing for more than 25 years. It’s a unique legacy of innovation that’s fueled by great technology—and amazing people.

Today, we’re tapping into the unlimited potential of AI to define the next era of computing. An era in which our GPU acts as the brains of computers, robots, and self-driving cars that can understand the world. Doing what’s never been done before takes vision, innovation, and the world’s best talent. As an NVIDIAN, you’ll be immersed in a diverse, supportive environment where everyone is inspired to do their best work. Join our team and discover how you can build a lasting impact on the world!

What you'll be doing:

As a Model Prep Artist, you’ll turn highly complex engineering CAD data into clean, efficient, and production-ready 3D assets used across NVIDIA’s visualization, simulation, and real-time pipelines. Your day-to-day work will focus on preparing large-scale product assemblies, so they perform optimally in rendering, layout, animation, and USD-based workflows.

You’ll ingest CAD data directly from engineering, interpret part revisions, and rebuild those assemblies into animation- and render-friendly hierarchies. This includes tessellating geometry for optimal visual quality and performance, repairing problem geometry, and ensuring assets meet technical and pipeline standards. You’ll also assign and remap materials using placeholder shaders or material scopes to preserve accurate visual intent while keeping assets flexible for downstream teams.

A major part of the role is building well-structured USD assets using references, instancing, and variants so that large product assemblies remain scalable, performant, and easy to update. You’ll apply consistent naming conventions, metadata, and documentation to ensure assets are readable and usable across teams.

What we need to see:

10+ years of demonstrated experience in 3D modeling, asset preparation, or technical art within VFX, games, automotive, or product visualization pipelines.

Deep expertise in Autodesk Maya, including the ability to develop tools and workflows using Python and MEL to automate repetitive or large-scale asset prep tasks.

Strong experience working with engineering CAD data and tessellation workflows, including formats such as STEP and IGES, and tools like Creo, SolidWorks, or Fusion 360.

Proven proficiency with USD-based pipelines and tools, including Pixar USD, Maya USD, and NVIDIA Omniverse.

Solid understanding of 3D asset optimization techniques, such as polycount reduction, decimation, instancing, and performance-driven hierarchy design.

Experience assigning, managing, and troubleshooting materials in complex, multi-part assemblies, including face-level and part-level material assignments.

Familiarity with modern material and shading conventions, including PBR workflows and technologies such as MDL and MaterialX.

BS/MS in Computer Science, Art, or a related field, or equivalent experience.

NVIDIA is widely considered to be one of the technology world’s most desirable employers. We have some of the most intelligent and hardworking people in the world working for us. If you’re creative and autonomous, we want to hear from you!

Your base salary will be determined based on your location, experience, and the pay of employees in similar positions. The base salary range is 156,000 USD - 235,750 USD for Level 4, and 184,000 USD - 287,500 USD for Level 5.

You will also be eligible for equity and [benefits](https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/benefits/).

Applications for this job will be accepted at least until April 25, 2026.

This posting is for an existing vacancy.

NVIDIA uses AI tools in its recruiting processes.

NVIDIA is committed to fostering a diverse work environment and proud to be an equal opportunity employer. As we highly value diversity in our current and future employees, we do not discriminate (including in our hiring and promotion practices) on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or any other characteristic protected by law.

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