the 3d programmer will work on the 3d engine for the output of graphics, interfacing with opengl and/or direct x, giving the more general "game programmers" an easier interface while still displaying it at high speeds.

A "3d programmer" would be a programmer with specialised in-depth knowledge of graphics APIs and rendering optimisations. These are the people that are usually responsible for new rendering algorithms, etc. Generally it's pretty hard to land a job as any sort of specialised programmer right away unless you're particularly skilled and can demonstrate that - most people will go into a general "game programming" job, and may then be assigned to a specialty from there.

It's also notable that most programmers will often be reassigned to other areas of the project if neccesary, even if they're a specialist in one particular area. For example, a graphics programmer may be reassigned to help out with some of the network code if it looks like a deadline may not be met.

A 3d artist or modeller produces models or artwork, and will generally not have a particularly in-depth knowledge of programming at all (although many will know at least some basic scripting, which can be of use to them).

That is technically what my current job title is. I don't work in games right now, however. I work for an architecture firm working on rendering plugins and scripts to increase the artist's workflow. So 3d programming isn't always about the realtime aspect of things, it can also include raytracing and software rendering.

If you've ever heard of a graphics programmer, they would be along the same lines. Just about all game graphic programmers would be dealing with 3d.

We are all 3d programmers. 2d programmers inhabit the surface of nuetron stars were the gravity is so high they exist as two dimensional crystalline entities that flow around the zero viscosity nuetronium surface interface in there edge on society. They have developed very advanced algorithms for the travelling salesmen problem. They know np != p.

;P