1

3D Software Engineer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

We are looking for a Staff Software Engineer to join our core machine learning and data platform ... Multimodal data processing (e.g., combining text, image, and 3D data) * Experience with AWS ...

In this role, you will be responsible for developing 2D and 3D tracking algorithms that maintain ... Collaborate with software engineers to transition tracking algorithms from MATLAB/Python prototypes ...

Mission Software Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$191K - $253K/yr

... 3D command and control center. As the world enters an era of strategic competition, Anduril is ... As a Mission Software Engineer, you will solve a wide variety of problems involving networking ...

Mission Software Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$166K - $220K/yr

... 3D command and control center. As the world enters an era of strategic competition, Anduril is ... ABOUT THE JOB As a Mission Software Engineer, you will solve a wide variety of problems involving ...

Software Engineer, C++

Washington, DC · On-site

$166K - $220K/yr

... 3D command and control center. As the world enters an era of strategic competition, Anduril is ... ABOUT THE JOB At Anduril, our Software Engineers are at the forefront of defense technology ...

Metron is seeking a mid-level Software Engineer to help design, build, and mature software systems ... Experience with 3D, geospatial, or high-performance visualization technologies such as WebGL or ...

Overview Sedaro is hiring a Software Engineer Intern to build capabilities across our aerospace ... We build powerful analytics and 3D renderings on a modern React/TypeScript foundation, backed by ...

New

Overview Sedaro is hiring a Software Engineer Intern to build capabilities across our aerospace ... We build powerful analytics and 3D renderings on a modern React/TypeScript foundation, backed by ...

New

Showing results 41-60

3D Software Engineer information

See Washington salary details

$71.9K

$167.1K

$232.7K

How much do 3d software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for 3d software engineer in Washington is $167,085.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $135,900.00 and $195,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What types of projects does a 3D software engineer typically work on, and how do they collaborate with other teams?

3D Software Engineers often work on developing graphics engines, simulation tools, or interactive applications that rely on complex 3D visualizations. These projects may involve tasks such as optimizing rendering pipelines, implementing new graphical features, or integrating physics engines. Collaboration is a key aspect, as 3D Software Engineers frequently work with artists, designers, and product managers to ensure visual fidelity and performance align with project goals. Regular code reviews, cross-functional meetings, and iterative prototyping are common practices to maintain alignment and foster innovation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a 3D software engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a 3D Software Engineer, you need strong programming skills (often in C++ or Python), a solid understanding of computer graphics principles, and a relevant degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with 3D graphics APIs like OpenGL, DirectX, or Vulkan, as well as experience with game engines or modeling tools, is typically required. Creativity, problem-solving, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and tackling complex visual challenges. These competencies are essential for building efficient, visually compelling 3D applications and ensuring seamless integration within project teams.

What is the difference between 3D Software Engineer vs 3D Artist?

Aspect3D Software Engineer3D Artist
Primary FocusDevelops software tools, algorithms, and applications for 3D graphics and modelingCreates visual 3D models, textures, and animations for projects
Required SkillsProgramming, software development, understanding of 3D graphics pipelinesArtistic skills, 3D modeling, texturing, and animation
Work EnvironmentTech companies, software firms, gaming studios, often involving coding and software developmentCreative studios, game development, film, and animation industries, focusing on visual content creation

The main difference between a 3D Software Engineer and a 3D Artist lies in their focus: the engineer develops the tools and software for 3D applications, while the artist creates the visual content. Both roles often collaborate in industries like gaming and film but require distinct skill sets and responsibilities.

What does a 3D software engineer do?

A 3D software engineer develops and maintains software for creating, rendering, and manipulating 3D models and environments. They often work with graphics programming, game engines, or simulation tools, using programming languages like C++ or Python and tools such as Unity or Unreal Engine to build interactive 3D applications.

What are popular job titles related to 3D Software Engineer jobs in Washington?

For 3D Software Engineer jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for 3D Software Engineer jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most 3D Software Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various 3D Software Engineer job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $167,085 per year, or $80.3 per hour.

Graphics Simulation Software Engineer - Level 3 & 4

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Sterling, VA • On-site

$138K - $171K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 368 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

67th of 545 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
CLEARANCE TYPE: Top Secret
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription
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. 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.)

#SpaceEngJobs
#SpaceSoftwareJobs
#SpaceGNCJobs
#NoVASpace
Primary Level Salary Range: $114,000.00 - $171,000.00
Secondary Level Salary Range: $142,200.00 - $213,400.00
The 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.

What Northrop Grumman employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Northrop Grumman logo

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