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Contract Sound Designer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Instructional Designer

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$73K - $99K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... sound content. * Experience collaborating with subject matter experts (SMEs) to accurately capture ... Due to the requirements of the federal contract that this position supports, U.S. citizenship is ...

Instructional Designer

Washington, DC ยท On-site +1

$73K - $99K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... sound content. * Experience collaborating with subject matter experts (SMEs) to accurately capture ... Due to the requirements of the federal contract that this position supports, U.S. citizenship is ...

Instructional Designer

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$73K - $99K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... sound content. * Experience collaborating with subject matter experts (SMEs) to accurately capture ... Due to the requirements of the federal contract that this position supports, U.S. citizenship is ...

Electrical Designer

Chantilly, VA ยท Hybrid

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Develop systems design and AV sound design. * Collaborate on school system projects, with ... Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Fairfax, VA. Pay and Benefits ...

Proven experience as an animator or motion designer (portfolio required) * Strong skills in ... Basic understanding of video editing, sound design, or compositing * Experience working from brand ...

Catering Event Designer

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$65K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

... sound. Pay Range: $65k + Commission WHAT WE OFFER: * Competitive pay * Health insurance plans ... contract execution, and payment confirmation * Design and sell corporate and social catering events ...

Review vendor drawings/submittals to confirm compliance with Contract Documents. * Visit job sites ... Consistently utilize sound judgement and discretion in performance of job functions. * Analyze ...

Catering Event Designer

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$65K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

... sound. Pay Range: $65k + Commission WHAT WE OFFER: * Competitive pay * Health insurance plans ... contract execution, and payment confirmation * Design and sell corporate and social catering events ...

Program Analyst I (Contract Administration)

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$100K - $105K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Ability to prioritize work and make sound decisions. * Skill in managing multiple concurrent ... We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to make sure our employees and their families ...

Senior Contracts Administrator

Alexandria, VA ยท On-site

$110K - $120K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Applies sound judgment and creativity to resolve contract related issues * Self-starter who works ... Please note this job posting is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of ...

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Contract Sound Designer information

What is a contract sound designer?

Contract sound designers are audio professionals hired on a temporary or project basis to create, edit, and mix sound effects, music, and audio elements for various media such as video games, films, television, or theater productions. Unlike full-time sound designers, they work under a contract for a specific duration or project. Their responsibilities often include collaborating with directors or producers to achieve the desired soundscape, using specialized software and equipment, and delivering high-quality audio assets within set deadlines.

What are the typical collaboration methods between a contract sound designer and game development teams?

As a Contract Sound Designer, you'll often work closely with game developers, producers, and artists to ensure audio elements align with the project's vision. Collaboration usually happens through regular meetings, shared project management tools, and feedback sessions, often conducted remotely. You'll be expected to integrate sounds into game engines, respond to iterative feedback, and adjust your work based on evolving gameplay or narrative needs. Clear communication and adaptability are essential, as you'll juggle multiple tasks while maintaining alignment with the team's creative direction.

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

To thrive as a Contract Sound Designer, you need strong audio engineering skills, a solid understanding of sound theory, and usually a portfolio showcasing previous work in various media. Familiarity with DAWs such as Pro Tools, Logic Pro, or Ableton Live, as well as experience with sound libraries and middleware like FMOD or Wwise, is typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, and effective communication help sound designers collaborate with clients and teams to deliver high-quality audio assets. These skills ensure that the sound design enhances the overall impact of projects and meets client expectations in a competitive industry.

What is the difference between Contract Sound Designer vs Freelance Sound Editor?

AspectContract Sound DesignerFreelance Sound Editor
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in audio engineering or related field, portfolio, and industry experienceOften self-taught or with similar credentials, portfolio is key
Work EnvironmentWorks on specific projects for a set duration, often with a company or studioOperates independently, managing multiple clients and projects
Employer/Industry UsageHired by production companies, game studios, or advertising agenciesServes a variety of clients across media including film, games, and commercials

Contract Sound Designers and Freelance Sound Editors both create audio content, but Contract Sound Designers typically work on a fixed-term basis for specific projects within a company, while Freelance Sound Editors operate independently, managing multiple clients. The choice depends on your preferred work environment and career goals.

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

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

What cities in Washington are hiring for Contract Sound Designer jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Contract Sound Designer job openings:

Infographic showing various Contract Sound Designer job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution.

Instructional Designer

Vistra Communications LLC

Washington, DC โ€ข On-site

$73K - $99K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago


Job description

Description:

Vistra is seeking an Instructional Designer who will be responsible for designing high-quality, learner-centered training solutions that support mission-critical learning objectives. This position is primarily remote with occasional on-site requirements at the Mark Center or Pentagon. Candidates in the Metro DC area strongly preferred.


Key responsibilities include:

  • Lead the development of training design plans, storyboards, and curriculum for instructor-led, virtual, and e-learning formats.
  • Support the development of train-the-trainer participant guides, facilitator guides, and other accompanying resources.


Requirements:
  • Bachelor’s degree and at least 3-5 years of directly related experience.
  • Proven experience developing training design plans, including learning objectives, instructional strategies, and assessment approaches. Demonstrated ability to create storyboards, scripts, and detailed content outlines to guide multimedia development.
  • Strong curriculum-writing skills with the ability to produce facilitator guides, participant materials, and e-learning content across modalities.
  • Strong understanding of adult-learning principles, learning science, and evidence-based instructional strategies.
  • Exceptional writing skills, with the ability to translate complex concepts into clear, engaging, and instructionally sound content.
  • Experience collaborating with subject matter experts (SMEs) to accurately capture and transform technical content into training.
  • Strong organizational skills, including version control, documentation, and management of multiple concurrent deliverables.
  • Ability to work seamlessly with developers, graphic artists, multimedia teams, and project leads to ensure cohesive end-to-end training products.
  • Public Trust. Secret clearance is preferred.

Additional preferred qualifications:

  • Experience designing and writing training content specifically for leadership development courses, including curriculum, facilitator guides, and performance-based learning activities.
  • Familiarity with e-learning authoring tools (e.g., Articulate Storyline, Rise, Captivate, Vyond).
  • Deep knowledge of ADDIE or similar instructional design methodologies, with the ability to apply each stage effectively.
  • Experience supporting learning evaluation plans or applying models like Kirkpatrick. Exposure to Agile, SAM, LLAMA, or other iterative learning development methods.
  • Experience working in government, defense, or complex, multi-stakeholder training environments.
  • Ability to conduct training needs assessments and recommend appropriate learning solutions.

About Vistra: Vistra Communications, doing business as Vistra and Vistra Federal Solutions, is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) headquartered in Tampa, FL with an office in Alexandria, VA providing professional support serviced to Defense, Federal, and Civilian Agencies. Approximately 25% of our “team member” employees work in the National Capital Region, providing communications, outreach, and organizational transformation services to our public sector customers. Vistra provides medical, dental, and vision benefits, life and disability insurance, employer matching 401(k) retirement plan, Paid Time Off, Parental and Bereavement Leave, and Professional Development, among other benefits.


US Citizenship Required: Due to the requirements of the federal contract that this position supports, U.S. citizenship is required. Citizenship will be confirmed via I-9/E-Verify at the start of employment.