Sr. Surface Modeler

Zone 5 Technologies
San Luis Obispo, CA
Remote

Who this role is best for

Geared toward candidates comfortable with technical surfacing and composite detail design, working in a collaborative aerospace environment.

Best fit for

  • Candidates with 8-12 years of experience in 3D surface modeling, especially in aerospace or automotive studios
    — “8-12+ years of experience in 3D surface modeling, ideally in aerospace, defense, automotive, or product design”
  • Individuals who can translate complex design concepts into manufacturable composite models
    — “taking those master OMLs and breaking them down into detailed composite solid models for manufacture”
  • Professionals with a background in creating high-quality 3D visualizations and animations
    — “Create high-quality 3D renderings, animations, and visualizations for internal and external use”

Things to consider

  • E-Verify compliance may affect candidates with non-US work authorization
    — “In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States”
  • The role may require a significant on-site presence despite remote flexibility
    — “Open to onsite at our HQ in San Luis Obispo, CA or Remote”

How to stand out

  • Emphasize experience with surface continuity and geometry optimization in your modeling work
    — “Strong understanding of surface continuity, geometry optimization, and high-quality visualization techniques”
  • Showcase your ability to work with engineering teams and align models with technical standards
    — “Collaborate with engineering and design teams to ensure models meet technical and aesthetic standards”
  • Highlight your ability to create clean, minimal surface patches and optimized models
    — “emphasis on minimal model size and clean surface patches”
Pace · SteadyCollaboration · MediumAutonomy · HighDecision Impact · Individual

Derived from job-description analysis by Serendipath's career intelligence engine.

What success looks like

  • creating high-quality 3D models
  • collaborating with engineering teams
Typical background
8-12+ years of experience in 3D surface modeling

Skills & requirements

Required

Surface ModelingComposite Detail Design3D ModelingCAD Software Proficiency

Preferred

Aerospace DesignUAV Design

Stack & domain

3D Surface ModelingRhinoAliasNXCADRendering SoftwareAerospaceDefenseAutomotiveProduct Design

About the role

Original posting from Zone 5 Technologies via Greenhouse

At Zone 5 Technologies, we're redefining what's possible in unmanned aircraft systems. Our team of engineers and innovators is developing cutting-edge autonomous solutions that push the boundaries of UAS technology - solving complex challenges that matter.

We're building the future of UAS capabilities, and we're looking for exceptional talent to join us. If you're driven by hard problems, energized by rapid innovation, and ready to make an impact on next-generation flight systems, you belong here.

We’re seeking a highly experienced Senior Surface Modeler to lead the creation of high-quality 3D models in a collaborative environment with other stakeholder organizations inside Zone 5 – primarily ME and Aero. Primary responsibilities are in creation of master OML definitions of air vehicles and vehicle components (internal and external), and then taking those master OMLs and breaking them down into detailed composite solid models for manufacture.  This role is ideal for someone with deep experience in aircraft design, surface modeling, and detail design.  Extensive experience in Class-A surface modeling and composite detail design are the most important attributes. Applicants who have experience in technical surfacing in automotive studio environments or industrial design studios are encouraged to apply, even if lacking aerospace experience. Open to onsite at our HQ in San Luis Obispo, CA or Remote.

Responsibilities:  

Create primary aero surfaces for prototype and production non-manned aircraft  

Detail design of composite structures 

Develop accurate 3D surface models of aircraft from scan data and reference materials  

Collaborate with engineering and design teams to ensure models meet technical and aesthetic standards  

Create high-quality 3D renderings, animations, and visualizations for internal and external use  

Execute branding, presentation materials, and general design tasks as needed  

Qualifications:  

Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design, or related field (OR equivalent experience)  

8-12+ years of experience in 3D surface modeling, ideally in aerospace, defense, automotive, or product design . 

Proficiency with tools such as Rhino, Alias, NX or equivalent CAD and rendering software . 

Strong understanding of surface continuity, geometry optimization, and high-quality visualization techniques with an emphasis on minimal model size and clean surface patches. 

Experience with aircraft or UAV design (preferred)  

Pay range for this role$170,000—$220,000 USDWhat's in it for you:

Benefits: 

Competitive total compensation package 

Comprehensive benefit package options include medical, dental, vision, life, and more.

401k with company-match 

3 weeks of paid time off each year

40 hours of sick time

12 annual company holidays

Why Join Zone 5 Technologies?

Innovative Environment: Work on cutting-edge technology that is shaping the future of defense and aerospace.

Collaborative Culture: Join a team of passionate professionals dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.

Career Growth: Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.

If you are passionate about unmanned aircraft technology and want to be a part of a dynamic and growing company, we would love to hear from you. Apply today and join the Zone 5 Technologies team! 

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

Zone 5 Technologies is a federal contractor and participates in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. As required by law, we will verify the identity and employment authorization of all new employees using the E-Verify system. Learn more about your rights and responsibilities under E-Verify: https://www.e-verify.gov.

Source: Zone 5 Technologies careers (Greenhouse)

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