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Background Designer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

JOB SUMMARY: The Designer position responsible for operating with minimal supervision while ... Must be able to comply with SFS's Drug and Alcohol policy and Background screening requirements ...

Designer

Hanover, MD · On-site

$70K/yr

JOB SUMMARY: The Designer position responsible for operating with minimal supervision while ... Must be able to comply with SFS's Drug and Alcohol policy and Background screening requirements ...

JOB SUMMARY: The Designer position responsible for operating with minimal supervision while ... Must be able to comply with SFS's Drug and Alcohol policy and Background screening requirements ...

Costume Designer

Washington, DC · On-site

$18.40/hr

Costume Designer Worker Type: Fixed Term (Fixed Term) Pay Type: Hourly Exempt Status: No ... Background Check and SARP must be in good standing. * Compensation: $18.40 per hour * Deadline:

Graphics Designer

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$63K - $158K/yr

Summary Graphic Designers conceptualize, design, and produce visual intelligence analysis for U.S ... S. citizenship and a background investigation Desired Qualifications * Strong focus on continuous ...

Lighting Designer Worker Type: Fixed Term (Fixed Term) Pay Type: Hourly Exempt Status: No ... Background Check and SARP must be in good standing. * Compensation: $18.40 per hour * Deadline:

Graphic Designer III develops communication plans and creates a wide range of written content ... Job offers are contingent upon results of background check and drug testing.

The Designer will contribute to creating optimized, marketable websites while driving user ... Must be able to pass a background check. May require additional background checks as required by ...

Web Designer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$110K - $160K/yr

The Designer will contribute to creating optimized, marketable websites while driving user ... Must be able to pass a background check. May require additional background checks as required by ...

The Designer will contribute to creating optimized, marketable websites while driving user ... Must be able to pass a background check. May require additional background checks as required by ...

Graphic Designer III develops communication plans and creates a wide range of written content ... Job offers are contingent upon results of background check and drug testing.

Web Designer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$110K - $160K/yr

The Designer will contribute to creating optimized, marketable websites while driving user ... Must be able to pass a background check. May require additional background checks as required by ...

Utility Designer

Columbia, MD · On-site

$23 - $30/hr

Additionally, this role will require passing a Background Check and Drug Test without issue ... designed our benefits package to exceed industry norms while providing our team members with ...

Graphic Designer Location: Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland ... Ability to obtain and maintain required Government facility, CAC, network, and background ...

Graphic Designer Location: Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland ... Ability to obtain and maintain required Government facility, CAC, network, and background ...

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Showing results 1-20

Background Designer information

See Washington salary details

$40.2K

$94.2K

$124.6K

How much do background designer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for background designer in Washington is $94,173.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,700.00 and $123,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a background designer do?

A background designer creates the visual environments and settings for animations, films, or video games. They develop detailed backgrounds that establish mood, setting, and atmosphere, often using digital tools like Photoshop or Illustrator. Their work supports storytelling by providing immersive and consistent visual contexts for characters and scenes.

What is the difference between Background Designer vs Environment Artist?

AspectBackground DesignerEnvironment Artist
Required SkillsConcept art, 2D/3D design, illustration3D modeling, texturing, scene creation
Work EnvironmentFilm, animation, video gamesVideo game development, film, VR
Common CertificationsArt or design degrees, portfolio3D modeling certifications, portfolio

Background Designers focus on creating visual backgrounds and environments primarily for animation, film, and 2D projects, emphasizing illustration and concept art. Environment Artists typically work in 3D space, building detailed, immersive environments for video games and films. While both roles require strong artistic skills, Background Designers lean more toward 2D art and concept design, whereas Environment Artists specialize in 3D modeling and scene construction.

How does a background designer typically collaborate with animators and other artists during a production?

Background Designers work closely with animators, layout artists, and art directors to ensure that environments support the story and visual style of a project. Communication is key, as designers must adapt their work based on feedback and evolving animation needs. It’s common to participate in regular team meetings, share progress, and make revisions, ensuring backgrounds integrate seamlessly with character animation and overall scene composition. This collaborative environment helps maintain consistency and enhances the visual storytelling of the production.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a background designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Background Designer, you need strong drawing skills, a solid understanding of perspective and composition, and often a degree in art, illustration, or animation. Familiarity with digital painting software such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and sometimes 3D modeling tools is typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate effectively with other artists and directors are crucial soft skills. These abilities ensure that visual environments enhance storytelling and meet the artistic vision of animation or gaming projects.

What is a background designer?

Background designers are artists responsible for creating the visual environments and settings in animation, film, video games, and other media productions. They design and illustrate the scenery, such as landscapes, interiors, and exteriors, that characters interact with. Their work helps establish the mood, style, and atmosphere of a scene, supporting the storytelling by providing context and depth. Background designers often collaborate closely with art directors, layout artists, and other team members to ensure their backgrounds fit seamlessly into the overall visual style of the project.

What are the most commonly searched types of Background Designer jobs in Washington?

The most popular types of Background Designer jobs in Washington are:

What job categories do people searching Background Designer jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Background Designer jobs in Washington are:

Infographic showing various Background Designer job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 26% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,173 per year, or $45.3 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago


Summit Fire & Security rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 50 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

30th of 116 rated security


Job description

JOB SUMMARY:

The Designer position responsible for operating with minimal supervision while completing project designs and submittals. Expected to be very familiar with SFS's quality documents, procedures, and work instructions as they related to the design function.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:

  • Design automatic sprinkler systems including fire pumps, tanks, wet, dry, pre-action, and deluge systems using working knowledge of fire sprinkler codes.
  • Perform hydraulic calculations for each design.  
  • Prepare submittal packages to send to (AHJ) Authority Having Jurisdiction and subsequent correspondence to achieve design approval.
  • Participate in coordination meetings with contractor. 
  • Participate in design kick off meetings.
  • With assistance from the Design Manager, a Senior Sprinkler Designer, or others, prepare fabrication lists for pipe fabrication vendor and requisition materials for job.     
  • With assistance from the Design Manager, a Senior Sprinkler Designer, or others, perform field surveys to ensure design is appropriate for structure.  
  • Assist field personnel with design related installation issues.
  • Prepare and submit final job close-out documents after final acceptance testing. 
  • Understand and follow SFS's Safety program, SDS book, Hazardous communication program, policies and procedures.  Employee must know where all related safety documentation is at all times on each project. 
  • Periodically attend seminars or similar education/training sessions to stay abreast of latest technology, codes, and standards changes.
  • Communicate with internal and external customers in a professional manner.
  • Other duties may be assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

The qualifications listed below are representative of the elements required to perform the job successfully, however in some cases, an equivalent combination of Education, Training, Certifications and Experience may meet the job qualifications.

Education, Training, Certifications:

  • HS Diploma or equivalent required. 
  • NICET II or NICET III and/or state required certification required. Equivalent experience will be considered assuming individual pursues NICET education.

Experience, Knowledge, Skill Requirements:

  • 1-2 years' experience as sprinkler designer, required. 
  • Construction experience, Mechanical aptitude, basic and advanced math skills, required.

Communication Skills:

  • Must have the ability to effectively read, write and communicate in English with employees and customers.

Systems and Software Skills:

  • Ability to operate a computer, use Microsoft Office required.
  • Familiarity with HydraCad and/or other CAD software, preferred.

Other Qualifications:

  • Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record required. 
  • Must be able to comply with SFS's Drug and Alcohol policy and Background screening requirements, which may also include customer specific requirements based on contractual agreement.

PHYSICAL & WORK ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTS:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform Essential Job Duties.

Physical Requirements:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit for long periods. Employee will occasionally be required to bend, kneel, balance, lift <20lb, walk, stand, ascend/descend stairs, drive, twist, and reach above and below shoulders.  Employee will frequently be required to drive and walk for periods.

Work Environment:

Employee will consistently be required to work indoors in an office setting, work alone and with other.   Employees will occasionally be required to work outside, and be exposed to hot/cold temperatures, dust, fumes, chemicals, electrical hazards and noise.  Employee will be occasionally required to wear all appropriate personal protective equipment, as required by company safety policies while visiting locations.

We are fully committed to equal opportunities for employment to all individuals regardless of race, national origin, gender, religion, sexual orientation, disability, familial status, and any other classification protected under the law. We are an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action employer.
While this job description is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position, management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and to assign other duties as necessary.
 #LI-AH1

Are you interested in working for the nation's leading fire protection company and beginning a rewarding and satisfying career that helps save the lives of thousands each year? Do you want to be a part of a growing and expanding team of industry experts? If so, exploring career opportunities with Summit Fire & Security may be right for you! 

Summit Fire & Security, a subsidiary of SFP Holding, Inc. (Summit Companies), is a full-service provider for fire detection, suppression, and security with a full suite of capabilities that includes design, installation, testing, inspections, and maintenance. We serve customers across many verticals on a local, regional, and national scale. We're proud of our well-deserved reputation for quality work that's completed by our talented and experienced installation workforce.  Summit Fire & Security is a dynamic organization with endless growth opportunities spanning over 70 locations in more than 20 states.

Our company is consistently recognized for service excellence in the fire protection industry. Summit Fire & Security supports trade skills and workforce development by hosting Recognized Apprenticeships and on-the-job training (OJT) programs for new career-seekers. Many members of our leadership chair NFPA code compliance committees, serve on regional safety boards, and support technical education in local schools. Summit Fire & Security supports employees in their professional development by offering continued development, training, and education by encouraging NICET and other career-advancing certifications. We offer reimbursement for certain career development programs in addition to potential bonuses for specific certifications.  We continually strive to be the Employer of Choice for highly motivated team members who want to succeed in a high-growth environment. We encourage initiative, independence, diversity, and personal career growth.
 
Demonstrating the combination of experience, knowledge, and customer service is the key to our performance and helps us achieve our goal of providing the highest quality fire protection services possible to protect lives and property.

Benefits

Summit Fire & Security offers extensive training opportunities, career advancement, competitive pay, bonus opportunities, along with an industry leading and affordable benefits package for eligible employees. Our benefits package includes:
  • Paid Vacation and Holidays
  • Medical Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance 
  • 401(k) Plan with Company Match 
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Long-Term Disability - Employer Paid
  • Short-Term Disability - Employer Paid
  • Additional Voluntary Ancillary Benefits such as Accident and Hospital Indemnity 
  • Life Insurance for Team Members and Dependents
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Employee Referral Program
Our Core Values

PIPE
  • We are PASSIONATE about life safety
  • We have INTEGRITY (Do the right thing)
  • We work in PARTNERSHIP with our customers and community
  • We constantly strive for OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE (Do things right)

Summit Fire & Security participates in E-Verify & in alignment with our commitment to safety, we promote a drug-free workplace. Summit Fire & Security is an equal-opportunity employer committed to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, status as a protected veteran, among other things, or status as a qualified individual with a disability. 

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