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Background Designer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Sr Telecom Designer

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$98K - $148K/yr

The Senior Telecom Designer is responsible for the research, field verification, design ... Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a pre-employment background check, drug ...

Lead Designer

Washington, DC · On-site

$85K - $95K/yr

... Lead Designer to support our high-end residential remodeling and custom home projects from early ... design background and understands how high-end residential projects are actually built.

Junior UI/UX Designer

Reston, VA · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

S. federal government contracts, applicants may be subject to background investigations and ... collaborating with designers and back-end teams Preferred Qualifications: - Federal / USWDS ...

UI/UX Designer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

This entails an in-depth background check & either US Citizenship or Permanent Resident (Green Card) status. Responsibilities include: * Will serve as a designer in the U.S. Postal Service Office of ...

Showing results 41-60

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 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.

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 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.

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 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.

Sr Telecom Designer

CPG Beyond the Cloud

Ashburn, VA • On-site

$98K - $148K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

TITLE: Senior Telecom Designer
LOCATION: Ashburn, VA (some remote flexibility)
POSITION SUMMMARY:
The Senior Telecom Designer is responsible for the research, field verification, design, development and production of technology design documents and assisting with construction administration, commissioning and post-construction. The Senior Telecom Designer may coordinate with other Telecom design consultants on design projects.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the following satisfactorily; other duties may be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Prepares and reviews telecom plans, specifications, and contract documents for bidding and construction;
• Reviews design and construction submittals from consultants and contractors;
• Consults with various appropriate entities regarding telecom equipment design layout, maintenance and operations, and long-range planning and improvements programs;
• Performs telecom analyses, evaluations and research studies on small and large facility projects;
• Performs and participates in design/construction problem-resolution efforts;
• Provides telecom design and technical support to telecom technicians, designers and process control personnel in troubleshooting, repair and maintenance of telecom equipment;
• Manages the preparation of telecom Bill of Materials (BOM) for projects along with the kickoff of the telecom contractor
• Reviews telecom testing reports; makes recommendations accordingly;
• Conducts field surveys to review and record existing project conditions
• Assists and directs others in the development and revision of design guidelines, design criteria, standard details and specifications for facility design projects;
• Consults with various departments, manufacturers, suppliers, consultants and contractors on product quality assurance issues and techniques;
• Conducts complex studies and investigations. Prepares reports on design, construction, maintenance and operational issues/problems within facilities and systems infrastructure;
• Possesses knowledge of engineering code requirements;
• Leads designers and other technical personnel in the development and design of varied large complex projects;
• Prepares telecom design documents and specifications for small and large facility projects;
• Inspects telecom construction work in progress and upon completion for adherence to plans and specifications;
• Works with the CPG Estimating and Pre-construction team in the preparation of proposals and telecom estimates;
Must be a US Citizen
QUALIFICATIONS:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Education/Experience (Desired):
• Minimum of 10-15 years of telecom design experience
Computer Skills:
• Must be proficient in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access) and AutoCAD
Certificates and Licenses:
• RCDD and CTS preferred
Supervisory Responsibilities: None
Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee is frequently required to talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk. The employee must be able to occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision. The noise level is usually moderate.
*Salary Negotiable*
The above job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties and standards of the position. Incumbents will follow any other instructions, and perform any other related duties, as assigned by their supervisor.
Pre Employment Requirements:
Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a pre-employment background check, drug screening, and motor vehicle record (MVR) review, in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Positions requiring driving must have an MVR that meets company and insurance carrier standards.
CPG is an equal opportunity employer. We will consider all employment applicants without attention to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.
CPG Participates in E-Verify
Pay Range: $98,891 - $148,392 per year