Job Description

KOMPAN U.S. is seeking a skilled 3D Artist to join our team. In this key role, you’ll help bring our innovative playground and fitness solutions to life by transforming AutoCAD plans into stunning 3D renders, animations, and immersive virtual tours using 3ds Max.

You’ll work closely with Sales Representatives, Site Designers, and cross-functional teams to ensure every visualization aligns with client goals and project requirements. Your work will help showcase KOMPAN’s core values of play - Stay, Wow, Develop - by crafting imaginative environments through thoughtful product selection, customization, and surface design.

This position offers the opportunity to collaborate with multiple departments, including Pre-Sales, Project Coordination, and Installation, as well as field-based Project Managers and Sales teams, contributing to projects across North America.

As a global leader with an organizational focus on people, passion, progress, and performance, our mission is to create healthier and happier communities by delivering the best in play and fitness solutions. We’re KOMPAN - let’s play!

Who We Are

For more than 50 years, KOMPAN has researched, designed, and built innovative and imaginative commercial playground equipment and outdoor fitness sites that captivate all ages and abilities.

In collaboration with our global headquarters in Denmark, KOMPAN designs, manufactures, and installs more than 1,000 sites a month across 90 different countries. Our North American headquarters, located in Austin, Texas, supports field sales around the U.S. and Canada.

At KOMPAN, we take pride in our commitment to the global environment. We exceed sustainability efforts and make it possible to lower carbon emissions by utilizing recycled ocean waste, consumer-recycled plastics, and textile wastes to create playgrounds that are born green or made green.

What You’ll Do

• Interpret AutoCAD plans and translate them into detailed 3ds Max scenes for high-quality visualization.
• Use a combination of equipment selection, customization, juxtaposition, and surface design to craft compelling visual stories and build engaging, immersive experiences.
• Translate topographical contours into accurate 3D terrain and embankments, ensuring realism and spatial accuracy.
• Utilize Forest Pack and RailClone to populate scenes with foliage, hardscape elements, infrastructure, vehicles, and characters.
• Use V-Ray to light and render scenes, creating visually engaging compositions that communicate narrative and atmosphere.
• Paint and illustrate digitally in Photoshop to visualize custom product designs and enhance presentation materials.
• Create fly-through animations that dynamically showcase both the products and spatial context in a fun, cinematic style.
• Develop and render virtual panoramic tours that provide viewers with an immersive, first-person experience of the proposed space.
• Employ multi-pass compositing techniques in Photoshop and After Effects to enhance renders and add impactful post-production polish.
• Collaborate with a regional team of designers to coordinate project responsibilities and deliver cohesive design solutions.
• Pay close attention to inclusive design features—including curb heights, thresholds, and accessible pathways—in all visual outputs.
• Produce visually compelling presentations that clearly communicate design intent and proposed solutions through storytelling and imagery.
• Occasionally, present design solutions to clients or end users, clearly articulating your vision and responding to feedback.

What You’ll Need

• Proficiency in 3ds Max + V-Ray (or experience with similar 3D software such as Maya, ZBrush, Cinema 4D, Rhino, Revit, Arnold, Blender, or Cycles), as well as Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite, Wacom Tablet, and Unreal Engine.
• Skilled in character, vehicle, and prop design, with the ability to produce accurate turnarounds that maintain scale, perspective, and volume.
• A bachelor’s degree or higher in a relevant field such as animation, game design, interior design, architectural design, or similar.
• Experience in one or more of the following areas: architectural visualization, product design/visualization, 3D modeling, game design, VFX, illustration, playground design, amusement park design, or waterpark design.
• Fluency in a multi-stage production pipeline, with the ability to work across various software applications and ensure seamless integration.
• Ability to read and interpret site plans, maintain accurate scale, and understand topographical features.
• Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively, managing deadlines and visual expectations effectively.
• Strong illustration skills with the ability to communicate ideas clearly and quickly, paired with a solid understanding of visual appeal and concept development.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills, with the capacity to handle multiple projects simultaneously.
• An online portfolio showcasing strong design and visualization abilities.
• Ability to develop and present a compelling design narrative, supported by strong presentation materials.
• A keen eye for composition and a solid understanding of color theory.
• Client-facing experience is preferred.
• A passion for designing amazing playgrounds.

This is a hybrid position based in our Austin, TX, Headquarters.

Perks and Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental plans
• Employer-paid life and disability insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Competitive PTO and robust holiday schedule

Not Sure if You Qualify?

That’s ok! If you’re interested in the role and believe you could be a good fit, we encourage you to apply!

KOMPAN is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender, age, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all our employees. All employment is based on qualifications, merit, and business needs.

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