Lead 3D Artist - Printable Models

Job Description

We’re looking for a Lead 3D Artist to set the visual and functional standard for Cricut’s library of printable 3D models: objects our members print at home, customize, use, and show off.

This is a player-coach role. You’ll do hands-on modeling yourself, and you’ll eventually lead a team of artists who do the same.

Much of the work starts from a rough draft. We generate early versions of models, both static click-and-print models and parametric (customizable) designs, that often work but aren’t yet beautiful. You and your team will take those initial 3MF files and reshape them into objects that look great, print reliably on consumer printers, and make sense for the person using them.

This is a consumer, high-volume role. We’re designing for people printing at home, not for industrial or big-ticket B2B parts. If you’ve created 3D work for real end users, whether printable models, games, film, toys, or collectibles, and you care about how people experience what you make, we’d like to hear from you.

What You’ll Do

• Create reference-quality 3D models yourself that set the visual and functional bar for the library
• Take rough or generated drafts, both static models and parametric designs, and refine the initial 3MF output into models that look beautiful, work well, and print reliably
• Bring a strong UX lens to every model: how members will find it, customize it, print it, and use it, and what makes it satisfying to own
• Keep models printable on consumer printers, accounting for wall thickness, tolerances, overhangs, supports, orientation, and material constraints
• Lead and grow a team of 3D artists, starting with external contractors and expanding to full-time hires over time
• Write clear briefs, set acceptance criteria, review and QA work, give actionable feedback, and keep throughput predictable
• Define and maintain an art and modeling style guide, including visual style, quality standards, file conventions, and review checklists
• Build reusable templates, shared components, and workflows that make high-volume production practical
• Partner with product, software, and content teams on how models and customization options appear in our apps
• Use AI and automation tools to move faster from concept to finished model, and help the team adopt what actually works

Qualifications

What We’re Looking For

• 5+ years of professional 3D modeling experience, with a portfolio of shipped work for consumer audiences
• Experience creating models for 3D printing, 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. These models need to be good looking, not only technically correct
• A clear UX perspective: you think about the end user first, including what they want to make, how they’ll customize it, and what will make the experience feel easy
• Fluency in professional 3D tools for modeling, sculpting, and mesh cleanup (for example Blender, ZBrush, Maya, 3ds Max, Nomad, or Fusion), plus 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, whether as a lead, manager, or art lead directing contractors or vendors. You can brief, review, give feedback, and hold a quality bar
• A sustained, multi-year interest in art and design, shown through your professional work, personal projects, or both
• Comfortable building in ambiguity. Much of this system does not exist yet, and you would rather shape it than wait for it
• Scrappy and resourceful. You find a way to ship when the tools or the process aren’t there yet
• Actively using AI tools in your own work and hungry to find more
• Collaborative and low ego

Nice to Have

• Bachelor of Fine Arts or a related degree in art, design, animation, or industrial design
• Experience with parametric or CAD modeling (for example Fusion, Onshape, OpenSCAD, or Grasshopper), including editing models so they hold up across a range of user-adjustable settings
• Hands-on experience with consumer 3D printers and slicers (for example 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 (for example Python or Blender scripting)
• Comfort in 2D tools like Illustrator and Photoshop
• Interest in consumer creativity, crafting, making, or DIY. Cricut familiarity is a plus, not required

Additional Information

• Please note this role is 4 days in office. This is very important. The office is located in South Jordan, Utah.

Additional Information

We’ve Got You Covered 

At Cricut, we take care of our people. Enjoy competitive Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage, a 401(k) match, generous PTO, tuition reimbursement, and a yearly lifestyle stipend to support your wellness and passions. You’ll also receive exclusive employee discounts—and best of all, you’ll be surrounded by some of the most talented, creative, and curious minds out there. 

A Quick Note Before You Apply… 

Cricut is in an exciting chapter of transformation. We’re evolving fast—refining our strategy, growing our teams, and raising the bar across everything we do. This is an incredible opportunity for the right kind of person—but it’s not for everyone. 

We’re looking for A-players—people who thrive in dynamic environments, turn challenges into momentum, and consistently deliver their best work. If that sounds like you, read on. 

Here’s what makes someone a great fit for this role (and for this moment at Cricut): 

• You move with urgency. You don’t wait for perfect clarity to act—you start, learn, and adjust. 
• You set high standards. You take ownership, deliver quality, and hold yourself accountable. 
• You stay focused when things move fast. You prioritize what matters most and tune out the noise. 
• You collaborate like a pro. You elevate others, communicate clearly, and bring a low-ego, high-output energy. 
• You embrace AI as part of your toolkit. From idea exploration to data analysis and creative problem-solving, you leverage AI to accelerate innovation and amplify impact—because technology and creativity go hand-in-hand here. 

One More Thing (It’s a Big One) 

This role is in-office at least 4-5 days per week. We believe real collaboration, innovation, and culture are built face-to-face. If you’re energized by working alongside smart, kind, creative people—and love those hallway conversations that spark the next great idea—you’ll feel right at home. 

If you’re looking for a fully remote role, this may not be the right fit. But if you’re excited by challenge, purpose, and building something better—let’s make something amazing together. 

Relocation Statement: 

• This position is not eligible for relocation assistance.  

What to Do Next: Please attach your resume, cover letter and/or include links to your portfolio or other social presence. If you want to show your super powers in other ways – include that information too. You can be sure that Cricut® is an employer who values individuality, equality and diversity, so tell us what you’re all about. If you are a Maker or a DIY enthusiast, whether you think you are a good one or not, we would love to hear about it when you send us your information. 

Cricut® is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. This position is contingent on successfully completing a Criminal Background Check upon hire. Cricut participates in E-Verify.