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Documentary Editor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Video Editor

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

... Editor with videography experience to join our team located in Northern VA and help our ... Scripted videos, short and long-form documentaries, animated promos, re-enactments, web series ...

Experience editing educational, narrative, branded, or documentary-style content. * Experience editing long-form content (YouTube experience strongly preferred) * Understanding of pacing, retention ...

Edit multi-camera interviews, conversational content, and documentary-style segments with strong ... Adapt editing approaches and storytelling styles based on platform behavior and audience ...

Edit multi-camera interviews, conversational content, and documentary-style segments with strong ... Adapt editing approaches and storytelling styles based on platform behavior and audience ...

Cinematics Editor

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$36.25 - $54.32/hr

Experience editing motion capture footage ... Post-production experience with live-action-either fiction or documentary * Experience working at a ...

Help collaborate, produce, and edit long-form, documentary-style content * Color correction, audio ... in editing and motion design * Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Suite (e.g ...

Experience in documentary, narrative television, or music-driven content. * Knowledge of color correction, sound mixing, and motion graphics is a plus (but not required). * Fan of WWE or open to ...

Experience in documentary, narrative television, or music-driven content. * Knowledge of color correction, sound mixing, and motion graphics is a plus (but not required). * Fan of WWE or open to ...

Experience in documentary, narrative television, or music-driven content. * Knowledge of color correction, sound mixing, and motion graphics is a plus (but not required). * Fan of WWE or open to ...

Video Editor I Denver, CO Rocky Mountain Public Media, Inc. (RMPM) is the parent company of Rocky ... Background in documentary-style production Don't meet every single requirement? Studies have shown ...

Video Editor I

Denver, CO · On-site

$53K - $68K/yr

Video Editor I Denver, CO Rocky Mountain Public Media, Inc. (RMPM) is the parent company of Rocky ... Background in documentary-style production Don't meet every single requirement? Studies have shown ...

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Documentary Editor information

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How much do documentary editor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for documentary editor in the United States is $31.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.39 and $39.66 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Documentary Editor job?

A Documentary Editor is responsible for assembling raw footage, shaping the narrative, and refining the visual and audio elements of a documentary film. They work closely with directors and producers to ensure the story is compelling, cohesive, and aligns with the project's vision. This role involves selecting the best takes, cutting scenes for pacing, adding effects, and integrating music or sound design. Documentary editors must have strong storytelling skills, technical proficiency with editing software, and the ability to craft engaging narratives from real-life footage.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Documentary Editor position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Documentary Editor, you need expertise in video editing, storytelling, and narrative structure, typically supported by a background in film, media, or communications. Proficiency in editing software such as Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, or Avid Media Composer is essential, and certification in these programs is often preferred. Strong communication, attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate effectively with directors and producers are critical soft skills in this role. These qualities ensure the ability to craft compelling stories that align with the documentary's vision and engage viewers.

What are some typical challenges a Documentary Editor faces during a project?

Documentary Editors often encounter challenges such as working with large volumes of raw footage, managing tight deadlines, and balancing creative input from multiple collaborators. You may need to shape a compelling narrative from unscripted content, which requires both technical skill and creative problem-solving. Additionally, editors must adapt to changes in story direction as new material emerges or feedback is provided by the production team. Successfully navigating these challenges is key to delivering a polished final product that tells an engaging and coherent story.

More about Documentary Editor jobs
What cities are hiring for Documentary Editor jobs? Cities with the most Documentary Editor job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Documentary Editor jobs? The most popular types of Documentary Editor jobs are:
What states have the most Documentary Editor jobs? States with the most job openings for Documentary Editor jobs include:
Infographic showing various Documentary Editor job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $65,728 per year, or $31.6 per hour.

SAIC rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 79 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

69th of 210 rated it services


Job description

SAIC's Core Creative Multimedia Production is currently seeking a talented Video Editor with videography experience to join our team located in Northern VA and help our Intelligence Community (IC) customers tell their stories in new and engaging ways. Core Creative is a multi-disciplinary production team that provides tailored, dynamic, and cutting-edge content solutions to multiple IC customers.  Scripted videos, short and long-form documentaries, animated promos, re-enactments, web series, podcasts, and interactive web-based training modules are some of the flagship products across our portfolio. As a Video Editor, you will thrive in a collaborative, creative environment and work closely with Core Creative producers to help develop custom solutions for our visual concepts, as well as use their technical expertise to bring the products to life. Become a member of our team today to support our efforts and Bring On Tomorrow!

All candidates will be required to provide a portfolio prior to an interview.

Your responsibilities will include the following:

  • Video editing of concurrent projects.
  • Working alongside producers to capture and edit events or scenes as scripted.
  • Collaborating with production teammates, including producers, videographers, animators, graphic designers, audio engineers, and developers, to incorporate multimedia elements into video products.
  • Adhering to production schedules and edit deadlines.
  • Coordinating logistics for field and studio productions.
  • Locating and licensing the appropriate music and b-roll for edits.
  • Editing of multi-camera footage and adhering to scripts and storyboards.
  • Filming interviews, events, and b-roll in single camera or multi-camera configurations.
  • Lighting of scripted and unscripted scenes.
SAIC is a premier mission integrator focused on advancing the power of technology and innovation to serve and protect our world. Our robust portfolio of offerings across the defense, space, intelligence, and civilian markets includes secure high-end solutions in mission IT, enterprise IT, engineering services, and professional services. We integrate emerging technology, rapidly and securely, into mission critical operations that modernize and enable critical national imperatives.

We are approximately 23,000 strong; driven by mission, united by purpose, and inspired by opportunities. SAIC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $7.3 billion. For more information, visit saic.com. For ongoing news, please visit our newsroom.
  • Active TS/SCI with Polygraph.
  • Ability to prioritize and address multiple concurrent projects with varying production timelines.
  • Demonstrated track record of in-depth working knowledge of industry standard multimedia production best practices and contemporary technologies.
  • Advanced hands-on knowledge of the creative process.
  • Hands-on experience with Canon, Blackmagic, and Sony 4K cinema platforms.
  • Knowledge of green screen lighting and modern keying techniques.
  • Expert at basic 3-point lighting and experience with more complicated motivated lighting set ups.
  • Expert knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite's video tools and familiarity with Photoshop and Illustrator.
  • Experience with digital post-production workflows, including multiple video formats and transcoding, encoding, and authoring for distribution across multiple platforms.
  • Advanced organization and attention to detail skills with regards to media management and file structure.
  • Familiarity with audio recording and monitoring equipment.

Desired:

  • TYPICAL EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Bachelors and ten (10) years or more of related experience; Masters and eight (8) years or more experience ; PhD or JD and five (5) years or more experience.
  • Experience with live event production supporting large-scale conferences and trade shows.
  • Experience with live streaming.
  • Expertise in still photography.
  • Experience with audio recording and editing software (e.g., Adobe Audition and Logic).
  • A deep-rooted passion for storytelling through emerging technologies.

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