Apple seeking CAD/3D pros—knowledge of Rhino and Alias preferred

COROFLOT’s job board shows that innovation giant Apple, rumored to be possibly entering the automobile business, is seeking candidates with strong interest and aptitude in the area of CAD and 3D modeling and digital sculpting. Accepted applicants will be joining the Apple Industrial Design Group’s CAD Sculpting Team.

What CAD Sculptors Do at Apple

The CAD sculptor creates high quality digital 3D surface models used in the industrial design and product development process. Responsibilities include interpreting and defining the design intent of the industrial designer using Alias software, while directly collaborating with mechanical engineering, packaging, and tooling teams. 3D data is used to develop numerous product concepts, detailed appearance models, high quality renderings, and production level surfaces used in tooling for manufacturing.

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The CAD sculpting team is integral to the design and development of current and future Apple products. Candidates must be deadline driven and possess excellent problem solving, organization, and interpersonal skills. Although this role is designated for a 3D modeling specialist, a background in industrial design is beneficial in facilitating a working relationship with a designer.

Seeking Rhino and Alias Pros

An ideal candidate will have a strong passion and enthusiasm for a 3D modeling career. Proficiency in Alias or Rhino is preferred, as is the ability to go beyond the limitations of software tools and manually manipulate or refine surfaces. Candidates may also be familiar with rendering, visualization, 2D drawing, image editing, and manufacturing software packages. An understanding of NX or other solid modeling CAD programs is especially helpful.

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Experience in industrial design, computational geometry, model making, product design, or related field is desired; however, recent graduates with advanced surface modeling skills will also be considered. Any level modeler is encouraged to apply.

BS or BA in Industrial Design or Transportation Design preferred. Computer Graphics, 3D Animation/Modeling, Fine Arts or Engineering will be also be considered.

Please submit resume and portfolio in PDF format, emphasizing 3D modeling ability in wireframes to cadjob@apple.com.

Architosh Commentary

I wanted to comment on this post because the job board posting clearly noted the significance of Rhinoceros. While we often hear of Rhino’s popularity in architecture, back in the day when Architosh was attending SIGGRAPH regularly, the Rhino booth was predominately showing industrial design projects. While Apple seems interested in folks with ID backgrounds, it doesn’t outright preclude interests from folks in related backgrounds. Architects who may want to go work for Apple may have an option here if their work background crosses disciplines in compelling ways and they have the technical skills.

Another point to make about this post is that Apple seems interested in folks with Transportation Design backgrounds (preferred). With all the rumor and speculation about Apple entering the automobile design business this tiny tidbit remains just that. There is nothing really here that points further to Apple’s transportation agenda. — Anthony Frausto-Robledo, Editor-in-Chief