Job Description

Location:

This is a part-time hybrid role (minimum 20 hours per week) with a combination of remote and onsite days in Ann Arbor, Michigan each week.

Who We Are:

The National Center for Manufacturing Sciences (NCMS) is a cross-industry technology development consortium, dedicated to improving the competitiveness and strength of the U.S. industrial base. As a member-based organization, it leverages its network of industry, government, and academic partners to develop, demonstrate, and transition innovative technologies efficiently, with less risk and lower cost.

NCMS enables world-class member companies to work effectively with other members on new opportunities – bringing together highly capable companies with providers and end-users who need their innovations and technology solutions. NCMS members benefit from an accelerated progression of idea creation through execution.

Job Purpose:

The 3D Visual and Production Artist will contribute to designing, developing, and delivering high-fidelity 3D assets that support the strategic communication and technology objectives of NCMS. This position transforms complex CAD and technical data into visually accurate, real-time assets for AR/VR and interactive applications. The 3D Visual and Production Artist combines artistic skill with technical precision to ensure each deliverable meets performance, realism, and visual communications goals.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Support the creation of high-fidelity 3D models, textures, and renders with a focus on hard-surface assets such as vehicles and products.
• Optimize 3D assets for performance and visual quality in AR/VR and real-time environments.
• Translate CAD and engineering data into efficient, visually accurate 3D representations.
• Develop production-ready assets for use within Unreal Engine, including XR framework, and other real-time rendering platforms.
• Support animation production and integration within 3D environments documenting production workflows, collaborating on pipeline improvements, and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to interpret design intent and align visual assets with technical requirements.
• Ensure deliverables meet established quality standards, visual accuracy, and optimization goals.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

• Must be a citizen of the United States.
• Must have or be eligible to obtain a government security clearance.
• Must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 unless legally exempt.
• Flexibility to work a hybrid schedule; work is a mix of remote and onsite days each week.
• Strong foundation in 3D modeling, texturing, and rendering with a focus on hard-surface assets.
• Ability to optimize assets for AR/VR environments and real-time engines such as Unreal Engine, including XR framework.
• Proven experience creating production-ready assets for real-time visualization.
• Knowledge of design intent translation and the ability to interpret CAD or engineering data into accurate, efficient 3D models.
• Experience with animation production in 3D environments.
• Understanding of UX/UI integration and interaction design for AR/VR applications.
• Experience with asset creation, concept art, sketching, or storyboarding.
• Knowledge of motion and rigging for mechanical or vehicle components such as doors, hoods, or interior mechanisms.
• Familiarity with asset management processes and optimization workflows.
• Working knowledge of in 3D visualization tools including Blender, Autodesk Maya, 3ds Max, or Modo.
• Experience with CAD conversion tools such as Alias, Rhino, or Siemens NX.
• Experience working in real-time game engines such as Unreal Engine.
• Proficient in creating and applying textures and materials using Substance Painter, Substance Designer, and Adobe Photoshop.
• Working knowledge of AR/VR tools including Unreal XR framework.
• Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite.

NCMS IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Please include a link to a portfolio or reel with your application.

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