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3D Graphics Programmer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

As a Simulation Developer, you will serve as a trusted advisor to our customers, ensuring the ... Knowledge of 3D graphics, physics engines, and database management systems (e.g., SQL) * Experience ...

Required * Bachelor's degree in in civil engineering or a related field. * 5+ years of hands-on ... Experience in graphic design, modeling, rendering, animations and other visualization development

BIM Manager (Civil 3D)

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$82K - $105K/yr

Bachelor's degree in in civil engineering or a related field. * 5+ years of hands-on Autodesk Civil ... Experience in graphic design, modeling, rendering, animations and other visualization development

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3D Graphics Programmer information

See Virginia salary details

$109.6K

$133.8K

$155.2K

How much do 3d graphics programmer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for 3d graphics programmer in Virginia is $133,842.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $123,900.00 and $143,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a 3D Graphics Programmer?

A 3D Graphics Programmer typically spends their day writing and optimizing shaders, implementing rendering pipelines, troubleshooting graphics bugs, and collaborating with artists and designers to ensure visual fidelity aligns with creative vision. Tasks often include profiling and debugging rendering code, staying updated on industry advancements, and integrating new rendering techniques into the project. Teamwork and communication are essential, as you’ll work closely with other engineers and creative staff to ensure technical and artistic goals are met. Some roles may also involve documenting workflows and conducting code reviews to maintain high standards across the team.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the 3D Graphics Programmer position, and why are they important?

Succeeding as a 3D Graphics Programmer requires strong proficiency in C++ or similar programming languages, a solid understanding of computer graphics concepts, and a degree in computer science or related field. Familiarity with graphics APIs like DirectX, OpenGL, or Vulkan, and experience with game engines such as Unreal or Unity are typically needed, while certifications in graphics programming can be advantageous. Attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and effective communication are important soft skills for working both independently and collaboratively. These skills ensure the ability to develop optimized, visually impressive graphics solutions that meet project requirements and work smoothly across platforms.

What is a 3D Graphics Programmer job?

A 3D Graphics Programmer develops software and algorithms for rendering 3D visuals in applications like video games, simulations, and virtual reality. They work with graphics APIs such as DirectX and OpenGL, optimize performance, and implement visual effects. Their role requires strong programming skills in languages like C++ and knowledge of 3D mathematics.

Infographic showing various 3D Graphics Programmer job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $133,842 per year, or $64.3 per hour.

Graphics Simulation Software Engineer

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Dulles, VA • On-site

$138K - $171K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 357 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

86th of 537 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: Top SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescriptionAt Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

If forging a secure future excites you, look no further! Northrop Grumman's Space Sector provides an arena where your passion for innovation and quest for exploration is welcome. As a Graphics Simulation Software Engineer- Level 3 or 4, your role at Dulles, VA will be pivotal in supporting mission-critical efforts to national and global security.

Ready to join forces with our visionary team?

A Graphics Simulation Software Engineer develops spacecraft 3D models and contributes to graphics software within the full software lifecycle. They perform graphical modeling and simulation across multiple projects using C/C++, Python, and 3D tools such as Blender. Preferred candidates have experience modeling sensors, actuators, and space environments to demonstrate closed-loop spacecraft performance and support aerospace integration and test. Knowledge of waterfall, spiral, and Agile methods, along with CI/DevSecOps tools like Jenkins, Jira, Bitbucket, and GitLab, is also valuable.

This position is 100% onsite and cannot accommodate telecommute work.

Roles and Responsibilities:

Engineers on our teams all participate in the following activities:

  • Plan, organize, and be involved in the full software lifecycle to develop spacecraft simulation software using state-of-the-art tools and software best practices.

  • Develop models to support modeling and simulation activities across multiple projects.

  • Establish simulation requirements.

  • Work with other engineering disciplines to integrate and validate space vehicle modeling and simulation.

  • Prepare design documentation, analysis, test results, and presentation materials for internal and external customers.

In this role, engineers will also:

  • Convert engineering spacecraft CAD models into optimized 3D visualizer tool models, using software such as Blender.

  • Develop software interaction between the simulated spacecraft components and the 3D visualization models.

  • Contribute to our ever-expanding graphical capabilities of the spacecraft simulation architecture using OpenSceneGraph, OpenGL, Vulkan, or similar.

This position is contingent upon the candidate obtaining final clearances and program access(es) within a reasonable period of time as determined by the company.

This position can be filled at either a Level 3 or a Level 4.

Basic Qualifications for Level 3:

  • Bachelor's degree with 5 years of relevant professional experience - OR - Master's degree with 3 years of relevant professional experience - OR - PhD with 1 year of relevant professional experience. (Degree should be in Software/Electrical/Computer/Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, or a similar technical program with a computer graphics emphasis.)

  • Requires an active U.S. Government Top-Secret [TS] security clearance, current and within scope, at time of application [US citizenship required]

  • 3D graphics development, using OpenSceneGraph, OpenGL, Vulkan, or similar

  • Diverse programming proficiency: C/C++, Python

  • Experience building models and simulations

  • Able to develop in both Windows and Linux environments

Basic Qualifications for Level 4:

  • Bachelor's degree with 8 years of relevant professional experience - OR - Master's degree with 6 years of relevant professional experience - OR - PhD with 4 years of relevant professional experience. (Degree should be in Software/Electrical/Computer/Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, or a similar technical program with a computer graphics emphasis.)

  • Requires an active U.S. Government Top-Secret [TS] security clearance, current and within scope, at time of application [US citizenship required]

  • 3D graphics development, using OpenSceneGraph, OpenGL, Vulkan, or similar

  • Diverse programming proficiency: C/C++, Python

  • Experience building models and simulations

  • Able to develop in both Windows and Linux environments

Preferred Qualifications:

  • System knowledge in one or more of the following domains: Spacecraft Command & Control, Mission Planning, Space Situational Awareness and Visualization

  • Hardware interfacing, integration and test and controls experience

  • Agile development methodology, specifically Scrum, using Jira

  • Understanding of common embedded system tools, real-time operating systems and avionics integration and test practices

  • Usage and configuration of DevOps/CI/CD technologies (Jenkins, Ansible, Docker, etc.)

Primary Level Salary Range: $114,000.00 - $171,000.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $142,200.00 - $213,400.00The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939