Lead 3D Artist – Printable Models

Cricut•South Jordan, UT

12h•Onsite

About The Position

Cricut is seeking a Lead 3D Artist to set the visual and functional standard for its library of printable 3D models for members to print at home, customize, use, and share. This is a player-coach role: the successful candidate will create models hands-on and eventually lead a team of artists, initially using external contractors and expanding to full-time hires over time. The role involves refining rough or generated 3MF files—including static click-and-print models and parametric designs—into attractive, useful models that print reliably on consumer printers. The work is consumer-focused and high-volume, with an emphasis on user experience throughout finding, customizing, printing, and using a model. The Lead 3D Artist will establish art and modeling standards, production processes, and team review practices, and collaborate with product, software, and content teams on how models and customization options appear in Cricut apps. The role also uses AI and automation to accelerate model production and help the team adopt effective tools. The position is in-office in South Jordan, Utah, at least four days per week; the posting also describes the expectation as four to five days per week. Relocation assistance is not available. Employment is contingent on successfully completing a criminal background check.

Requirements

At least 5 years of professional 3D modeling experience and a portfolio of shipped work for consumer audiences.
Experience creating 3D-printing 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-focused perspective on what people want to make, how they will customize it, and how to make the experience feel easy.
Fluency with professional 3D modeling, sculpting, and mesh-cleanup tools, such as Blender, ZBrush, Maya, 3ds Max, Nomad, or Fusion, and comfort 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, 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 building in ambiguous conditions and shaping systems that are not yet established.
Resourcefulness and ability to find ways to ship when tools or processes are not yet in place.
Active use of AI tools in personal work and eagerness to explore further applications.
Collaborative, low-ego approach.

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 platforms such as MakerWorld, Printables, or Thingiverse.
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 using 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 establish the visual and functional standard for the library.
Refine rough or generated static and parametric model drafts and initial 3MF output into attractive, functional models that print reliably.
Consider the member experience in how models are found, customized, printed, and used.
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 expanding to full-time hires over time.
Write briefs and acceptance criteria, review and QA work, provide 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 apps.
Use AI and automation tools to accelerate work from concept to finished model and help the team adopt effective tools.