Pivoting from Jewelry CAD to Broader Rhino / 3D Opportunities

Jobs & Portfolios
1

Hi everyone,

I’ve been working professionally with Rhino/Matrix for 25 years, primarily in the jewelry industry (currently leading CAD and working heavily with automation, parametrics, and web-based 3D).

However, I’m starting to feel the limitations of the jewelry niche—especially in terms of job availability and growth—and I’m looking to pivot into a broader field where my Rhino / 3D / scripting skills can be applied.

I’d really appreciate advice from people who’ve made similar transitions or who work in adjacent industries.

Or if you know someone who knows someone that is looking for my skill set.

:briefcase: My current background

  • Daily use of Matrix, Rhino + Grasshopper for production-ready modeling

  • Strong focus on precision modeling & manufacturable geometry

  • Experience leading a CAD team in a production environment

  • Building parametric systems rather than one-off models

  • Producing photorealistic renderings and automating it

:brain: Automation & scripting

  • Python scripting inside Rhino (automation, geometry processing)

  • Grasshopper logic for configurable systems

  • Experience with iterative / rule-based geometry generation

:globe_with_meridians: Real-time & web 3D

  • Working with Three.js / WebGL pipelines

  • Building interactive 3D configurators (products, variants, logic-driven geometry)

  • Preparing assets optimized for real-time rendering

:gear: Systems thinking

  • Not just modeling — building end-to-end workflows

  • Connecting CAD → production → web → user interaction

  • Experience with backend logic (databases, APIs, automation tools)

:magnifying_glass_tilted_left: What I’m exploring

I’d love input on transitioning into areas like:

  • Product design (consumer or industrial)

  • Furniture / interior / parametric architecture

  • Digital fabrication / generative design

  • 3D configurators / mass customization systems

  • AEC / BIM workflows involving Rhino + Grasshopper

  • Simulation / optimization workflows

  • Creative coding / computational design roles

:folded_hands: Any advice appreciated

If you:

  • Know someone who knows someone that is looking for my skill set

  • Transitioned out of a niche industry

  • Hired people with similar profiles

  • Or see clear opportunities where this skillset fits

I’d really value your perspective.

Thanks in advance :raising_hands:

2

Hi,

I have always loved 3d modelling and coding. I started similar with Rhino/Gh, but first improved in modelling outside of the Rhino bubble. But I noticed that there was little benefit. Too many cheap competition, few good jobs. I also noticed that I like writing code, and that GH was a expression of that. By the time, I already had 8 years of coding experience, but I never considered myself a software engineer. When I transitioned to it, I however noticed that my skills were comparable and even higher to some senior software engineers (self-proclaimed at least :wink: ) .

Unfortunately you see the same development taking place in coding, as it was with modelling a decade ago. In the age of AI, vibe coding and before that in the age “of everyone can code if you pay this course”, you nowadays have an never ending armada of cheap software developers around the globe, which makes it really hard to compete. Not because they are better, but because they CV looks better. So what’s my advice here? Look for something interessting, just apply and learn whats required to fullfill the role. The truth is, a good engineer doesn’t know a single application or language very well. Its all about problem solving and adapting to the right tools. If Rhino or GH is dead somedays, then use another CAD or another coding environment. This means your skills depend on the underlying understanding. This what also separates you from the other “experts”

3

thanks for the insight. I’m sharing the same sentiment, and doing just that what you suggested, but sometimes it just feels like a neverending battle. Been in both 3d and programming for a long time, I can definitely see now is the hardest time to step into IT as junior. I guess I’ll just have to learn how to sell my engineering thinking skills.