Lead 3D Artist – Printable Models

Cricut•South Jordan, UT

9h•Onsite

About The Position

Cricut is seeking a Lead 3D Artist to establish the visual and functional standards for its library of printable 3D models. This is a player-coach role: the person will create models hands-on and lead a team of artists, initially working with external contractors and potentially expanding to full-time hires. The role focuses on consumer-facing, high-volume models for people printing at home, rather than industrial or B2B parts. The work involves refining early 3MF files—including static click-and-print models and parametric designs—into attractive, useful models that print reliably on consumer printers. The Lead 3D Artist will consider the entire member experience, from finding and customizing a model to printing and using it. The role also involves establishing standards, workflows, and reusable resources; partnering with product, software, and content teams; and using AI and automation tools to improve production. The position is based in Cricut’s South Jordan, Utah office and requires in-office work at least four days per week; the posting also states that the role is in-office at least four to five days per week. Relocation assistance is not available. The position is contingent on successfully completing a criminal background check upon hire.

Requirements

At least 5 years of professional 3D modeling experience and a portfolio of shipped work for consumer audiences.
Experience creating 3D-printable models or closely related consumer 3D work, such as video games, film or animation, toys, or collectibles.
Strong artistic and visual design judgment across form, proportion, detail, and style.
A user-experience perspective that prioritizes end users, their customization needs, and ease of use.
Fluency in professional 3D modeling, sculpting, and mesh-cleanup tools, such as Blender, ZBrush, Maya, 3ds Max, Nomad, or Fusion, and comfort working with STL and 3MF files.
Working knowledge of design for 3D printing, including wall thickness, tolerances, overhangs, supports, orientation, and material constraints, or a clear ability to learn it quickly.
Experience leading other artists as a lead, manager, or art lead directing contractors or vendors, including briefing, reviewing, giving feedback, and maintaining quality standards.
A sustained, multi-year interest in art and design, demonstrated through professional work, personal projects, or both.
Comfort working amid ambiguity and shaping systems that do not yet exist.
Resourcefulness and ability to deliver when tools or processes are not yet in place.
Active use of AI tools in personal work and eagerness to find further applications.
Collaborative, low-ego working style.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor of Fine Arts or a related degree in art, design, animation, or industrial design.
Experience with parametric or CAD modeling, such as Fusion, Onshape, OpenSCAD, or Grasshopper, including editing models to work across user-adjustable settings.
Hands-on experience with consumer 3D printers and slicers such as Bambu Studio, OrcaSlicer, or PrusaSlicer.
Experience publishing models on MakerWorld, Printables, Thingiverse, or similar platforms.
Experience hiring or managing full-time employees, or scaling a team from contractors to staff.
Scripting or automation experience, such as Python or Blender scripting.
Comfort with 2D tools such as Illustrator and Photoshop.
Interest in consumer creativity, crafting, making, or DIY; Cricut familiarity is a plus but not required.

Responsibilities

Create reference-quality 3D models that set the visual and functional bar for the library.
Refine rough or generated static and parametric model drafts and their initial 3MF output into attractive, usable models that print reliably.
Consider the member experience when designing models, including how members find, customize, print, and use them.
Ensure models are suitable for consumer 3D printers, accounting for wall thickness, tolerances, overhangs, supports, orientation, and material constraints.
Lead and grow a team of 3D artists, beginning with external contractors and potentially expanding to full-time hires.
Write briefs, set acceptance criteria, review and quality-assure work, give actionable feedback, and maintain predictable throughput.
Define and maintain an art and modeling style guide covering visual style, quality standards, file conventions, and review checklists.
Build reusable templates, shared components, and workflows to support high-volume production.
Partner with product, software, and content teams on how models and customization options appear in Cricut apps.
Use AI and automation tools to accelerate work from concept to finished model and help the team adopt effective tools.