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Architectural Rendering Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

Software Architect

Herndon, VA · Hybrid

$86K - $138K/yr

Define and communicate architectural guidelines for software systems architecture and design ... Experience developing single page applications using a client-side rendering framework (Angular ...

Software Architect

Herndon, VA · Hybrid

$86K - $138K/yr

Define and communicate architectural guidelines for software systems architecture and design ... Experience developing single page applications using a client-side rendering framework (Angular ...

Autodesk 3DS Max Tutor

Laurel, MD · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Ability to explain polygon modeling, UV unwrapping, keyframe animation, and physically based rendering while preparing students for careers in architectural visualization, game asset creation, and ...

Ability to explain polygon modeling, UV unwrapping, keyframe animation, and physically based rendering while preparing students for careers in architectural visualization, game asset creation, and ...

Ability to explain polygon modeling, UV unwrapping, keyframe animation, and physically based rendering while preparing students for careers in architectural visualization, game asset creation, and ...

Autodesk 3DS Max Tutor

Fairfax, VA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Ability to explain polygon modeling, UV unwrapping, keyframe animation, and physically based rendering while preparing students for careers in architectural visualization, game asset creation, and ...

Project Architect (Architect 5)

Fairfax, VA

$85K - $113K/yr

Lead and guide junior architectural staff on multi-discipline projects. * Plan, program, and ... Familiarity with modeling and rendering software programs. * Expert knowledge of basic business ...

Autodesk 3DS Max Tutor

Bowie, MD · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Ability to explain polygon modeling, UV unwrapping, keyframe animation, and physically based rendering while preparing students for careers in architectural visualization, game asset creation, and ...

Ability to explain polygon modeling, UV unwrapping, keyframe animation, and physically based rendering while preparing students for careers in architectural visualization, game asset creation, and ...

Ability to explain polygon modeling, UV unwrapping, keyframe animation, and physically based rendering while preparing students for careers in architectural visualization, game asset creation, and ...

Ability to explain polygon modeling, UV unwrapping, keyframe animation, and physically based rendering while preparing students for careers in architectural visualization, game asset creation, and ...

Senior UI Developer

Mclean, VA · Remote

$61.50 - $79.50/hr

Lead the UI architecture design for cross-tier agent communication patterns * Optimize rendering performance for complex biological pathway visualizations Required Skills & Experience * 7+ years of ...

Graphics Software Engineer

College Park, MD

$138K - $171K/yr

Architect, code, profile, and ship high-performance XR + AI visualization systems - including real-time neural rendering (Gaussian splatting, NeRF variants), AI-enhanced volume rendering, generative ...

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Architectural Rendering information

See Washington, DC salary details

$13

$25

$43

How much do architectural rendering jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for architectural rendering in Washington, DC is $25.96, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.62 and $30.14 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Architectural Rendering position, and why are they important?

To excel in Architectural Rendering, you need a strong proficiency in 3D modeling, visualization, and an understanding of architectural concepts, usually backed by a degree in architecture, design, or a related field. Expertise in industry-standard tools such as Autodesk 3ds Max, SketchUp, V-Ray, Lumion, and Adobe Creative Suite is highly valued, and knowledge of BIM software can be a plus. Attention to detail, creativity, effective communication, and the ability to collaborate with architects and designers are key soft skills. These competencies are crucial for producing compelling, accurate visualizations that effectively convey design intent to clients and stakeholders.

What is an Architectural Rendering job?

An Architectural Rendering job involves creating visual representations of architectural designs using 3D modeling, rendering software, and illustration techniques. Professionals in this field produce photorealistic images, animations, and virtual walkthroughs to help clients, architects, and developers visualize projects before construction. They work with architects, interior designers, and real estate firms to enhance presentations and marketing materials. Strong skills in software like 3ds Max, V-Ray, and Photoshop are essential.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of an Architectural Rendering professional?

As an Architectural Rendering professional, your typical day often involves collaborating with architects and designers to interpret project requirements, creating and refining 3D models, adjusting lighting and textures, and producing high-quality visualizations or animations. You may also participate in meetings to discuss design intent, incorporate client feedback, and ensure that renderings accurately reflect project specifications. Additionally, staying current with digital rendering techniques and software updates is an important aspect of your ongoing development. This role frequently requires balancing multiple deadlines and adapting to changes based on team or client input. Working in this position provides a dynamic mix of creative problem-solving and technical execution.

What are the most commonly searched types of Architectural Rendering jobs in Washington, DC? The most popular types of Architectural Rendering jobs in Washington, DC are:
What job categories do people searching Architectural Rendering jobs in Washington, DC look for? The top searched job categories for Architectural Rendering jobs in Washington, DC are:
Infographic showing various Architectural Rendering job openings in Washington, DC as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 87% In-person, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,996 per year, or $26 per hour.
Senior Game Systems Programmer

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory rating

9.9

Company rating: 9.9 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

1st of 58 rated research


Job description

Description
Are you a senior or staff-level systems programmer, engine programmer, or low-level C++ engineer who has built core technology for complex real-time software?
Do you enjoy shaping runtime architecture, improving performance, mentoring engineers, and turning difficult technical problems into reliable systems?
If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.
We are seeking a senior game systems programmer to help us advance interactive 3D training and simulation capabilities for vital national security challenges. You'll join a multidisciplinary team moving ambitious ideas from early designs to robust game-engine-based capabilities. This is an opportunity to bring game-industry systems programming, engine architecture, and system performance into an environment focused on public service and long-term mission impact.
As a Senior Game Systems Programmer...
  • Your primary responsibility will be to architect, develop, test, and improve real-time software systems that support simulation, interactive 3D visualization, scenario execution, and training.
  • You will provide technical leadership for performance-sensitive C++ software involving engine systems, physics models, runtime architecture, distributed simulation, data flow, networking, interaction, or visualization.
  • You will define and evolve foundational systems such as state management, resource loading, streaming, serialization, platform abstraction, scenario control, synchronization, messaging, simulation execution, or data pipelines.
  • You will integrate game engines, custom software frameworks, physics models, simulation components, rendering systems, data sources, hardware interfaces, and external tools into reliable interactive capabilities.
  • You will profile, debug, and improve complex software systems across CPU, GPU, memory, networking, storage, latency, throughput, load time, and real-time frame-budget constraints.
  • You will mentor engineers, guide architecture and code reviews, communicate technical tradeoffs, and help the team build software that is performant, maintainable, testable, and usable.

Qualifications
You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...
  • Have a bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, computer engineering, game development, physics, mathematics, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
  • Have 8+ years of professional software development experience in game-engine systems, real-time simulation, visualization, interactive tools, engine development, graphics, distributed systems, robotics, extended reality, or related performance-sensitive software.
  • Have significant experience developing clear and maintainable, high-performance C++ software for real-time, interactive, simulation, engine, or other performance-sensitive applications.
  • Have experience designing software architectures for complex technical systems such as game engines, simulation systems, distributed applications, visualization platforms, interactive tools, robotics systems, or other real-time software platforms.
  • Have deep experience in one or more systems programming areas such as memory management, multithreading, job systems, streaming, serialization, networking, platform abstraction, resource management, rendering integration, physics integration, tools, build systems, data pipelines, or large-scale C++ architecture.
  • Have experience leading technical efforts, mentoring engineers, reviewing designs, communicating technical tradeoffs, and helping teams converge on practical, maintainable solutions.
  • Are willing and able to travel occasionally for meetings, demonstrations, integration events, or partner engagements.
  • Are able to obtai Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain Secret level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...
  • Have senior or staff-level experience as a systems programmer, engine programmer, platform programmer, rendering programmer, tools programmer, physics programmer, networking programmer, or core technology programmer in the game industry.
  • Have experience with Unity, Unreal Engine, or proprietary, in-house, open-source, or custom real-time 3D engine technology.
  • Have experience with physics modeling, distributed simulation, multiplayer networking, state synchronization, deterministic simulation, scenario systems, terrain systems, geospatial visualization, or simulation-based training systems.
  • Have experience modernizing, refactoring, stabilizing, or extending large C++ systems while supporting active users, prototypes, interactive systems, or mission operations.
  • Have experience building tools, asset pipelines, debugging utilities, automated tests, build systems, or workflows used by engineers, analysts, designers, artists, or other technical users.
  • Hold an active Secret.

About Us
Why Work at APL?
The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.
At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accessibility@jhuapl.edu.
The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Minimum Rate
$105,000 Annually
Maximum Rate
$290,000 Annually

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