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Computer Graphics Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Computer Graphics, Engineering, Architecture, or equivalent combination of training and experience * Willingness to relocate and travel * Willingness to ...

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Computer Graphics, Engineering, Architecture, or equivalent combination of training and experience * Willingness to relocate and travel * Willingness to ...

CAD Technician

Hampton, VA · On-site

$25 - $27/hr

The CAD Technician will be responsible for working closely with the engineering, right of way, land survey and permitting staff to produce high quality graphics and be able to verbally communicate ...

CAD Technician

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$25 - $27/hr

The CAD Technician will be responsible for working closely with the engineering, right of way, land survey and permitting staff to produce high quality graphics and be able to verbally communicate ...

CAD Operator

Arlington, VA

$22.25 - $30.50/hr

M&J Engineering, D.P.C. is a quality provider of multi-disciplined consulting services with over ... graphics, and exhibits for project reports or stakeholder reviews. * Ensure all drawings comply ...

CAD Operator

Arlington, VA · On-site

$22.25 - $30.50/hr

Overview M&J Engineering, D.P.C. is a quality provider of multi-disciplined consulting services ... graphics, and exhibits for project reports or stakeholder reviews. * Ensure all drawings comply ...

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Showing results 1-20

Computer Graphics Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$137.3K

$160.7K

$173K

How much do computer graphics engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for computer graphics engineer in Virginia is $160,673.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $138,800.00 and $171,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the computer graphics engineer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Computer Graphics Engineer, a strong background in computer science, mathematics, and expertise in graphics programming (such as OpenGL, DirectX, or Vulkan) is essential, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with 3D modeling tools, real-time rendering engines, and version control systems is common, and professional certifications or coursework in graphics can be advantageous. Problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork skills set standout candidates apart in collaborative engineering environments. These skills enable engineers to develop efficient, visually impressive graphics solutions while working seamlessly with interdisciplinary teams.

What is a computer graphics engineer?

A Computer Graphics Engineer designs and develops algorithms, software, and hardware for rendering images, animations, and visual effects. They work with programming languages like C++, OpenGL, and Vulkan to optimize graphics performance for applications such as video games, simulations, and virtual reality. Their role involves problem-solving in areas like shading, rendering pipelines, and real-time graphics.

What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of a computer graphics engineer?

As a Computer Graphics Engineer, your day-to-day responsibilities typically include designing, developing, and optimizing graphics algorithms for rendering engines, collaborating closely with artists and other engineers to integrate new visual features, and troubleshooting performance issues in real-time applications. You may also be involved in creating or extending tools for content creation, prototyping new visual effects, and staying updated with advancements in graphics technologies. Depending on the company, you might participate in code reviews, sprint planning, and cross-disciplinary meetings to ensure project goals and visual quality standards are met. This role offers a dynamic work environment, where creativity and technical problem-solving are both highly valued.

What are popular job titles related to Computer Graphics Engineer jobs in Virginia? For Computer Graphics Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Computer Graphics Engineer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Computer Graphics Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
Infographic showing various Computer Graphics Engineer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 6% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $160,673 per year, or $77.2 per hour.

Graphics Simulation Software Engineer

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Dulles, VA • On-site

$138K - $171K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 14 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 362 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

88th of 538 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: Top SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescriptionAt Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

If forging a secure future excites you, look no further! Northrop Grumman's Space Sector provides an arena where your passion for innovation and quest for exploration is welcome. As a Graphics Simulation Software Engineer- Level 3 or 4, your role at Dulles, VA will be pivotal in supporting mission-critical efforts to national and global security.

Ready to join forces with our visionary team?

A Graphics Simulation Software Engineer develops spacecraft 3D models and contributes to graphics software within the full software lifecycle. They perform graphical modeling and simulation across multiple projects using C/C++, Python, and 3D tools such as Blender. Preferred candidates have experience modeling sensors, actuators, and space environments to demonstrate closed-loop spacecraft performance and support aerospace integration and test. Knowledge of waterfall, spiral, and Agile methods, along with CI/DevSecOps tools like Jenkins, Jira, Bitbucket, and GitLab, is also valuable.

This position is 100% onsite and cannot accommodate telecommute work.

Roles and Responsibilities:

Engineers on our teams all participate in the following activities:

  • Plan, organize, and be involved in the full software lifecycle to develop spacecraft simulation software using state-of-the-art tools and software best practices.

  • Develop models to support modeling and simulation activities across multiple projects.

  • Establish simulation requirements.

  • Work with other engineering disciplines to integrate and validate space vehicle modeling and simulation.

  • Prepare design documentation, analysis, test results, and presentation materials for internal and external customers.

In this role, engineers will also:

  • Convert engineering spacecraft CAD models into optimized 3D visualizer tool models, using software such as Blender.

  • Develop software interaction between the simulated spacecraft components and the 3D visualization models.

  • Contribute to our ever-expanding graphical capabilities of the spacecraft simulation architecture using OpenSceneGraph, OpenGL, Vulkan, or similar.

This position is contingent upon the candidate obtaining final clearances and program access(es) within a reasonable period of time as determined by the company.

This position can be filled at either a Level 3 or a Level 4.

Basic Qualifications for Level 3:

  • Bachelor's degree with 5 years of relevant professional experience - OR - Master's degree with 3 years of relevant professional experience - OR - PhD with 1 year of relevant professional experience. (Degree should be in Software/Electrical/Computer/Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, or a similar technical program with a computer graphics emphasis.)

  • Requires an active U.S. Government Top-Secret [TS] security clearance, current and within scope, at time of application [US citizenship required]

  • 3D graphics development, using OpenSceneGraph, OpenGL, Vulkan, or similar

  • Diverse programming proficiency: C/C++, Python

  • Experience building models and simulations

  • Able to develop in both Windows and Linux environments

Basic Qualifications for Level 4:

  • Bachelor's degree with 8 years of relevant professional experience - OR - Master's degree with 6 years of relevant professional experience - OR - PhD with 4 years of relevant professional experience. (Degree should be in Software/Electrical/Computer/Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, or a similar technical program with a computer graphics emphasis.)

  • Requires an active U.S. Government Top-Secret [TS] security clearance, current and within scope, at time of application [US citizenship required]

  • 3D graphics development, using OpenSceneGraph, OpenGL, Vulkan, or similar

  • Diverse programming proficiency: C/C++, Python

  • Experience building models and simulations

  • Able to develop in both Windows and Linux environments

Preferred Qualifications:

  • System knowledge in one or more of the following domains: Spacecraft Command & Control, Mission Planning, Space Situational Awareness and Visualization

  • Hardware interfacing, integration and test and controls experience

  • Agile development methodology, specifically Scrum, using Jira

  • Understanding of common embedded system tools, real-time operating systems and avionics integration and test practices

  • Usage and configuration of DevOps/CI/CD technologies (Jenkins, Ansible, Docker, etc.)

Primary Level Salary Range: $114,000.00 - $171,000.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $142,200.00 - $213,400.00The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939