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Character Designer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

MANTECH

Wargame Designer

Quantico, VA · On-site

Create custom wargame designs that address specific objectives and research questions to inform service level decision and further development activities. * Incorporate modeling and simulation tools ...

MANTECH

Wargame Designer

Quantico, VA · On-site

Create custom wargame designs that address specific objectives and research questions to inform service level decision and further development activities. * Incorporate modeling and simulation tools ...

Crateandbarrel

Designer, CB2

Tysons Corner, VA

Designers work with customers to help plan and design their spaces. Through elevated designs and delivering on the CB2 Experience (Be Positive. Inspiring. Finding a way), the Designers will maximize ...

gaylor

Virtual Designer

Richmond, VA · On-site

Virtual Designer - Modular The Virtual Designer plays a key role in bringing electrical systems and modular skid solutions to life through detailed drawings, 3D models, and cross-functional ...

Gaylor Electric

Virtual Designer

Richmond, VA · On-site +1

Virtual Designer - Modular The Virtual Designer plays a key role in bringing electrical systems and modular skid solutions to life through detailed drawings, 3D models, and cross-functional ...

ManTech International

Wargame Designer

Quantico, VA · On-site

$107K - $179K/yr

Create custom wargame designs that address specific objectives and research questions to inform service level decision and further development activities. * Incorporate modeling and simulation tools ...

ManTech

Wargame Designer

Quantico, VA · On-site

$107K - $179K/yr

Create custom wargame designs that address specific objectives and research questions to inform service level decision and further development activities. * Incorporate modeling and simulation tools ...

ManTech

Wargame Designer

Quantico, VA · On-site

$107K - $179K/yr

Create custom wargame designs that address specific objectives and research questions to inform service level decision and further development activities. * Incorporate modeling and simulation tools ...

ManTech International

Wargame Designer

Quantico, VA · On-site

$107K - $179K/yr

Create custom wargame designs that address specific objectives and research questions to inform service level decision and further development activities. * Incorporate modeling and simulation tools ...

Rosendin Electric, Inc.

Designer II

Sterling, VA · On-site

Designer II is a mid-level designer responsible for creating marked drawings, model development, and other documents showing equipment and device layouts and branch circuiting for power, lighting ...

Rosendin

Designer II

Hanover, VA · On-site

Designer II is a mid-level designer responsible for creating marked drawings, model development, and other documents showing equipment and device layouts and branch circuiting for power, lighting ...

Troon

Foodservice Designer

Reston, VA · Hybrid

$75K/yr

RealFood Hospitality, Strategy and Design (RFHSD) is excited to be adding another Foodservice Designer to our team. We are looking for someone who takes pride in their well-developed design skill set ...

Atwell, LLC

Civil Designer - Land Development

Reston, VA · On-site

$35 - $46/hr

Your judgment, experience, and character matter most, so we encourage you to showcase what makes ... designed to support your personal and professional needs. Work/Life: * Generous Paid Time Off

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All JobsCharacter Designer JobsCharacter Designer Jobs in Virginia

Character Designer information

See Virginia salary details

$19

$31

$46

How much do character designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for character designer in Virginia is $31.37, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.61 and $36.01 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a character designer?

Character designers are artists who create the visual appearance, style, and personality of characters for animation, video games, comics, films, and other media. Their work involves conceptualizing and illustrating characters based on story requirements, often working closely with writers, directors, and animators. Character designers develop everything from facial expressions and costumes to body shapes and color schemes, ensuring each character is visually appealing and communicates the intended traits or emotions.

What does a character designer do?

As a character designer, you create the look and animation of a cartoon character in a film, TV show, or video game. Your responsibilities are to develop physical features, design costumes and clothes, pose characters, and collaborate with team members from concept to production. Your duties include working with mouth charts, expression sheets, shadow and color indications, and marketing artwork. You sketch, draw, illustrate, and animate by hand and through computer software. You also work with different drafts and copies and maintain artwork storage. To be successful in this field, you must be able to balance creativity with the needs and requirements of the project.

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

To thrive as a Character Designer, you need strong drawing and illustration skills, a deep understanding of anatomy, color theory, and character development, often supported by a degree in art or design. Proficiency with digital design tools such as Adobe Creative Suite, Procreate, and 3D modeling software like ZBrush is typically required. Creativity, strong communication, and the ability to accept feedback help designers collaborate effectively and bring unique characters to life. These skills are essential to create compelling, visually distinctive characters that resonate with audiences and fit seamlessly within projects.

What are some common challenges character designers face when collaborating with other departments during production?

Character Designers often collaborate closely with animators, modelers, and directors, which can present challenges such as aligning on the visual style, ensuring designs are animation-friendly, and accommodating technical limitations. Balancing creative vision with practical constraints—like simplifying details for animation or adapting designs based on feedback—requires strong communication and flexibility. Successful Character Designers are proactive in seeking input, open to revision, and skilled at translating character concepts into workable assets that serve the story and production pipeline.

What is the difference between Character Designer vs Character Artist?

AspectCharacter DesignerCharacter Artist
Primary FocusCreating original character concepts, designs, and visual stylesRendering and illustrating detailed character artwork based on designs
Skills & ToolsConcept art, illustration, creativity, design software (Photoshop, Illustrator)Digital painting, rendering, shading, software skills (Photoshop, Painter)
Work EnvironmentGame studios, animation, film, advertisingGame studios, animation, film, freelance projects

While both roles involve working with characters, a Character Designer focuses on creating original character concepts and visual styles, whereas a Character Artist specializes in bringing those designs to life through detailed illustrations and rendering. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify career paths and job expectations in the industry.

How to get a job as a character designer?

To become a character designer, build a strong portfolio showcasing your drawing and conceptual skills, often using digital tools like Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator. Gaining experience through internships, freelance work, or art courses can improve your chances, and understanding the specific style or genre of the industry you want to work in is beneficial.

What qualifications do I need to be a character designer?

To become a character designer, a strong portfolio demonstrating artistic skills and creativity is essential. A background in art, illustration, or animation, often supported by a degree in fine arts or related fields, is common. Proficiency in digital tools like Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator and understanding of character anatomy and storytelling are also important.
More about Character Designer jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Character Designer jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Character Designer jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Character Designer jobs in Virginia?

For Character Designer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Character Designer jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Character Designer jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Character Designer jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Character Designer job openings:

Character Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Character Designer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, and 22% Temporary. Highlights an 80% In-person, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,252 per year, or $31.4 per hour.

Wargame Designer

MANTECH

Quantico, VA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago

ManTech rating

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

33rd of 245 rated software companies

Job description

MANTECH seeks a motivated, career and customer-oriented WARGAME DESIGNER to join our team in QUANTICO, VA.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

  • Create custom wargame designs that address specific objectives and research questions to inform service level decision and further development activities.
  • Incorporate modeling and simulation tools within game design in order to continue advancing the customer towards the future wargaming concept.
  • Develop both physical and digital products for wargames to include detailed design documents, rule sets, player guides, maps, tokens and other playing pieces to contribute toward a positive player experience and engagement.
  • Facilitate and adjudicate wargames, ensuring they run smoothly and effectively and meet required objectives.
  • Collaborate effectively with other wargame designers, developers as a part of a wargame design team to include the game director and lead analyst to create an environment that is conducive in achieving the analytical objectives of the game.
  • Provide coordination assistance across various wargaming initiatives as needed to ensure customer satisfaction in every step of the planning process.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree and at least 5 years of wargame design experience. A total of 10 years’ experience without a degree.
  • Must be familiar with a wide variety of game mechanics, adjudication methods, and game methodologies.
  • The ability to leverage digital wargaming platforms and simulation tools.
  • Demonstrated leadership experience with planning and accomplishing designer goals and successfully directing others in this work.
  • Proficiency in creating, designing, and delivering professional, aesthetically appealing presentations using Microsoft products (e.g., PowerPoint) for diverse audiences.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Demonstrated experience in leveraging digital wargaming platforms and simulation tools and serving as a trusted advisor, capable of immediate contribution within these environments.
  • Prior experience in a military or government contracting environment

Clearance Requirements:

  • Must have a current and active TS/SCI clearance.

Physical Requirements:

  • Must be able and willing to perform occasional manual labor and warehouse duties, with the ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
  • Must be able to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time.

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