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Animation Software Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Red Carrot

Graphic Designer II

Arlington, VA · On-site

Create static and digital graphics, animations, icons, and multimedia material optimized for web ... Experience with 3D modeling software such as Blender, Cinema 4D, or Maya * Experience with AI ...

Goldbelt, Inc.

User Interface SME

Arlington, VA · On-site

$190K - $234K/yr

Designs and builds web pages using a variety of graphics software applications, techniques, and tools. * Designs and develops user interface features, site animation, and special-effects elements.

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All JobsAnimation Software Engineer JobsAnimation Software Engineer Jobs in Virginia

Animation Software Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$63K

$146.3K

$203.7K

How much do animation software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for animation software engineer in Virginia is $146,258.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $119,000.00 and $171,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced software engineers, including those working in specialized fields like machine learning, AI, or at major tech companies, can earn $500,000 or more annually. Such compensation often includes base salary, bonuses, and stock options, and typically requires advanced skills, extensive experience, and working in competitive environments.

What does an Animation Software Engineer do?

An Animation Software Engineer develops and optimizes software tools, frameworks, and pipelines used in animation production. They collaborate with animators, artists, and technical teams to improve workflows, enhance rendering performance, and integrate new animation technologies. Their work often involves programming in languages like C++, Python, or CUDA, and using graphics libraries such as OpenGL or DirectX.

Are animators still in demand?

Animators, including those working as animation software engineers, continue to be in demand due to the growth of digital media, gaming, film, and advertising industries. Skills in industry-standard tools like Maya, Blender, or Adobe After Effects, along with a strong portfolio, are valuable for securing employment in this field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Animation Software Engineer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Animation Software Engineer, you need strong programming skills (C++, Python, or similar), a background in computer graphics or animation technologies, and often a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with graphics APIs (such as OpenGL or DirectX), 3D animation software (like Maya, Blender), and version control systems is frequently required. Excellent problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills set candidates apart in collaborative production environments. These capabilities are vital for developing robust, efficient animation tools and ensuring seamless integration into creative pipelines.

What does an average workday look like for an Animation Software Engineer?

On a typical day, an Animation Software Engineer collaborates closely with artists, animators, and other engineers to develop and refine tools and systems that power animation workflows. Daily responsibilities often include writing and optimizing code, troubleshooting technical issues, participating in design discussions, and integrating feedback from creative teams. The work environment is highly collaborative, requiring frequent communication to translate artistic needs into technical solutions. This role can be fast-paced, especially when meeting project deadlines, but also offers the satisfaction of seeing your tools and features directly impact the quality of animated content.

Can a software engineer work in animation?

Yes, a software engineer can work in animation by developing tools, software, or algorithms used in creating animated content. Skills in programming languages such as C++ or Python, along with knowledge of graphics APIs and animation software, are often required for such roles.
What are the most commonly searched types of Animation Software Engineer jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Animation Software Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Animation Software Engineer jobs in Virginia? For Animation Software Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Animation Software Engineer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Animation Software Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
Animation Software Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animation Software Engineer job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 60% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 8% Nights. Highlights an 74% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 23% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $146,258 per year, or $70.3 per hour.
Graphic Designer II

Graphic Designer II

Red Carrot

Arlington, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

Graphic Designer II
Level: Journeyman  |  Work Location: Remote
This position is contingent upon contract award.
ABOUT THE ROLE
Red Carrot is seeking a Journeyman Graphic Designer II to support the customer's External Affairs office on a high-profile federal communications contract. This role requires a seasoned designer with the ability to independently lead visual projects across digital and print platforms.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Provide graphic design support for publications, presentations, factsheets, reports, and other communications materials
  • Create static and digital graphics, animations, icons, and multimedia material optimized for web and print
  • Create infographics to visually depict program information for the intended audience
  • Design and refresh templates for standard products including fact sheets, brochures, flyers, and reports
  • Provide design services for agency booths, displays, banners, and exhibits including updating booth graphics as needed
  • Establish and maintain a central repository accessible by all customer employees for icons, graphics, and design templates
  • Ensure all graphics and products are 508 compliant
  • Support events with photo and video capture, editing, and documentation
  • Create motion graphics and video products as needed
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
  • BA in Graphic Design, Information Technology, Animation, Computer Science, or related field
  • Minimum 5 years of experience creating AI-generated content, motion design, rigging, and VFX
  • Must be proficient in Adobe Creative Suite including Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects, and Premiere Pro
  • Experience with 3D modeling software such as Blender, Cinema 4D, or Maya
  • Experience with AI-powered design tools such as Runway ML, DALL·E, and MidJourney
  • Ability to obtain the required government Fitness Determination

Benefits at Red Carrot:    

At Red Carrot, we empower you to be a leader. We attract and develop talent from all backgrounds because we believe there’s strength in diversity, offering different perspectives and skills. Together, we can solve our client’s biggest challenges. We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package.     

  • Training and Development – Tuition reimbursement and professional trainings for eligible employees.
  • Healthcare – Top-tier medical, dental, vision, life insurance and long-term disability coverage.     
  • 401(k) Plan – 401(k)-retirement and Roth plan with company matching and no vesting period.     
  • Profit Sharing – Discretionary profit-sharing plan to all eligible employees after one year of employment.          
  • Paid Time Off – Provides flexible work hours, paid time off, and 11 federal holidays.   

About Us:

Red Carrot is an award-winning, woman-owned small business built for the complexity of federal government work. We partner with clients to advance their goals — powered by a team fueled by passion, backed by intelligence, and grounded in expertise.

From day one, we've applied industrial engineering principles and data analytics to solve complex problems with precision. Our approach is research-centric, data-informed, and audience-oriented — and it's how we deliver work that actually moves the needle.

We exist to strengthen the organizations and communities we serve through trusted, purposeful communication. That's not a tagline — it's the standard we hold ourselves to on every engagement.

Headquartered in Miami, Florida, with a strong and growing presence in Washington, D.C., our team works with clients across the country. Distance doesn't dilute our service. We build capacity where our clients need it, delivering Strategic Communications, Customer Experience, Management Consulting, and Human Capital Solutions that fit their mission — and their moment.

We're the partner organizations turn to when communication challenges are real, the stakes are high, and the work has to matter.

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