Intern, 3D Technical

About the Role

The 3D Technical Intern plays a pivotal role in supporting the execution of immersive retail and experiential environments by ensuring that all 3D assets are accurate, optimized, and ready for production. This role bridges the gap between design vision and technical delivery maintaining material libraries, following asset workflows, and troubleshooting model issues to support seamless handoffs between creative, engineering, and production teams. With a strong understanding of rendering requirements, model integrity, and fabrication compatibility, the Technical Coordinator enables teams to visualize, iterate, and deliver high-impact spatial solutions efficiently. Working under guidance and mentorship, precision, adaptability, and strong collaboration skills are essential in driving excellence across branded environments and physical design experiences.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with designers to prepare 3D models and visual components for use in concept development and design presentations.
• Ensure 3D assets are optimized for visual clarity, efficient rendering (reducing polygon counts, refining geometry), and downstream production workflows.
• Maintain organized material libraries, texture databases, and shared 3D resources to support active and future projects.
• Uphold standards for file naming, version control, archiving, and use asset management tools to track file usage and ensure clean project hand-offs.
• Convert 3D assets into production-ready formats (e.g., OBJ, STL, STEP, FBX) tailored for internal stakeholders or vendor requirements.
• Diagnose and repair model geometry errors to guarantee model integrity and fabrication compatibility.
• Partner with IT and technical teams to explore new software tools, plug-ins, and systems that support 3D design operations.
• Complete miscellaneous technical and asset support tasks as assigned by management.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• 3D Software Proficiency & Platform Versatility: Demonstrate intermediate skills in 3DS Max with Corona and/or V-Ray for high-quality modeling and rendering, alongside versatility in SketchUp, Cinema 4D (C4D), and other 3D platforms as needed.
• File Optimization & Model Troubleshooting Skills: Show expertise in converting and streamlining 3D files for performance and compatibility—diagnosing and repairing technical issues in 3D models such as non-manifold geometry, inverted normals, or poor UV mapping.
• 3D Material & Surface Understanding: Exhibit a foundational understanding of 3D material creation and application to accurately simulate a variety of surfaces for visual clarity and realistic presentations.
• Organizational Ability & Resource Management: Maintain strict attention to detail in asset preparation, file naming conventions, version control, digital asset management (DAM) platforms, and maintaining shared 3D material/texture databases.
• Communication & Collaboration Habits: Possess solid listening skills, the ability to present technical ideas concisely and effectively (both verbally and in writing), and a desire to partner seamlessly across Design, Product Development, Engineering, IT, and Sales teams.
• Adaptability & Curiosity: Stay current with emerging 3D tools, rendering techniques, and file optimization strategies while remaining adaptable to shifting project requirements, software updates, or workflow changes.
• Proven experience (1+ years) in 3D asset management, file organization, optimization, and troubleshooting within design or production environments.
• Strong understanding of industry-standard file formats (e.g., OBJ, FBX, STL, STEP) and workflow compatibility across design, visualization, and fabrication pipelines.
• Demonstrate an interest in, visual literacy for, and willingness to learn the fundamentals, intricacies, materials, and trends of retail design.
• Showcase a portfolio or work samples demonstrating technical accuracy, clean geometry, 3D material application, and spatial visualization skills.

Qualifications

• Working towards a Bachelor’s or Associate's degree in Industrial Design, Computer Graphics, Digital Design, Video Games, or a related field.
• At least 1 year of hands-on experience working with 3DS Max, including modeling, rendering, and file optimization.
• Able to effectively communicate, both verbally and in writing. Strong interpersonal skills including, demonstrated listening skills and the ability to present ideas and thoughts concisely and effectively both internally and outside the organization.
• Willing to admit when you make a mistake.
• Fiercely loyal to both customers and team.
• Trustworthy, reliable, and easy to get along with.
• Enthusiastic and eager to take on new challenges.
• Adaptable and willing to wear whatever hat gets the job done.

Additional Details

• Shift available: Monday through Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
• Compensation: $21.00 Hourly
• This is a 2027 Summer Internship in Chanhassen, MN beginning either May 24th or June 7th.