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Graphic Programmer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Southland Industries

Controls Programmer III

Dulles, VA · On-site

$82K - $97K/yr

Configures the CPU, graphics, database, network, and integrations. * Develops complex programming and sequences of operations for Direct Digital Control (DDC) systems. Troubleshoots and performs ...

Red Carrot

Graphic Designer

Arlington, VA · On-site +1

Graphic Designer Level: Junior | Work Location: Remote This position is contingent upon contract ... From day one, we've applied industrial engineering principles and data analytics to solve complex ...

Schmidt Entities

Graphic Designer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$64K - $92K/yr

The Role As the Graphic Designer at SCSP, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the visual ... Collaborate with the website developer to maintain visually appealing web pages, landing pages for ...

Red Carrot

Graphic Designer

Arlington, VA · Remote

Graphic Designer Level: Junior | Work Location: Remote This position is contingent upon contract ... From day one, we've applied industrial engineering principles and data analytics to solve complex ...

C-SPAN

Lead Graphic Designer

Washington, DC · On-site

The Lead Graphic Designer will create compelling, accurate and visually engaging graphics that ... Partners cross-functionally with marketing, programming, editorial and technical teams to align ...

Red Carrot

Graphic Designer II

Arlington, VA · On-site

Graphic Designer II Level: Journeyman | Work Location: Remote This position is contingent upon ... From day one, we've applied industrial engineering principles and data analytics to solve complex ...

Red Carrot

Graphic Designer II

Arlington, VA · On-site

Graphic Designer II Level: Journeyman | Work Location: Remote This position is contingent upon ... From day one, we've applied industrial engineering principles and data analytics to solve complex ...

E Logic

Senior Graphic Designer

Washington, DC · Remote

$128K/yr

Experience designing communications for engineering, architecture, sustainability, or technology ... Experience developing graphics for websites, dashboards, or digital communication platforms.

Leidos

Graphic Designer - Journeyman

Mclean, VA · On-site

$65K - $118K/yr

Our talented team is at the forefront in Security Engineering, Computer Network Operations (CNO ... Seeking a Graphic Designer onsite in Bethesda, MD. Responsibilities * Develop graphics, digital ...

Leidos

Graphic Designer - Journeyman

Mclean, VA

$65K - $118K/yr

Our talented team is at the forefront in Security Engineering, Computer Network Operations (CNO ... Seeking a Graphic Designer onsite in Bethesda, MD. Responsibilities * Develop graphics, digital ...

Bigbear.ai

Graphic Designer/Web Developer

Washington, DC · On-site

$114K - $171K/yr

Overview BigBear.ai is seeking a Graphic Designer/Web Developer with strong design principles, an exceptional eye for detail, and a passion for producing creative and impactful visual materials that ...

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All JobsGraphic Programmer JobsGraphic Programmer Jobs in Washington

Graphic Programmer information

See Washington salary details

$125.2K

$152.9K

$177.3K

How much do graphic programmer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for graphic programmer in Washington is $152,900.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $141,600.00 and $164,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a graphic programmer typically collaborate with artists and designers during a game's development cycle?

Graphic Programmers work closely with artists and designers to ensure that visual concepts are both achievable and optimized for performance. They often translate creative ideas into technical solutions, developing shaders, rendering techniques, and visual effects that align with the team's artistic vision. Regular meetings and iterative feedback sessions help bridge the gap between technical feasibility and creative intent, making strong communication skills essential for success in this role.

What is the difference between Graphic Programmer vs Shader Developer?

AspectGraphic ProgrammerShader Developer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Science, Graphics, or related field; knowledge of graphics APIsSimilar educational background; specialized knowledge of shader languages
Work EnvironmentGame studios, visual effects companies, simulation firmsGame studios, graphics software companies, real-time rendering projects
Employer & Industry UsageUsed broadly across industries involving graphics programmingPrimarily in graphics and game development sectors
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in graphics developmentFocusing on shader-specific tasks within graphics programming

Both Graphic Programmers and Shader Developers work in graphics-intensive environments, often requiring similar educational backgrounds and skills. While Graphic Programmers handle overall graphics systems and engine integration, Shader Developers focus specifically on creating and optimizing shaders for rendering effects. The roles are closely related, with Shader Developers often being a specialized subset within the broader scope of Graphic Programming.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a graphic programmer?

To thrive as a Graphic Programmer, you need a strong background in computer science, mathematics, and graphics programming, often supported by a relevant degree or equivalent experience. Proficiency with programming languages like C++, graphics APIs such as DirectX or OpenGL, and familiarity with shader languages and game engines is typically required. Creativity, problem-solving, and effective collaboration with artists and developers are essential soft skills that set top performers apart. These skills and qualities are crucial for creating visually compelling, high-performance graphics that enhance user experiences in interactive applications.

What is a graphic programmer?

Graphic programmers are specialized software developers who focus on creating and optimizing visual elements in computer programs, particularly in video games, simulations, and multimedia applications. They work on rendering engines, shaders, lighting, and other graphical effects to achieve high-quality visuals and efficient performance. Their expertise lies in graphics APIs, mathematics, and hardware acceleration to ensure smooth and realistic graphics. Graphic programmers often collaborate closely with artists and designers to bring visual concepts to life. This role requires strong programming skills, usually in languages like C++ and knowledge of graphics libraries such as DirectX or OpenGL.
What are popular job titles related to Graphic Programmer jobs in Washington? For Graphic Programmer jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Graphic Programmer jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Graphic Programmer jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Graphic Programmer jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Graphic Programmer job openings:
Graphic Programmer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Graphic Programmer job openings in Washington as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 69% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 79% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $152,900 per year, or $73.5 per hour.

Senior Graphics Developer/Designer - OBIQUA

CELESTAR

Reston, VA • On-site

$67K - $92K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

Celestar Corporation is seeking a Senior Graphics Developer/Designer to support The Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) under the Object Based Intelligence and Quality Assurance (OBIQUA) task order. The primary place of performance will be at DIA Facilities across the National Capital Region (NCR). If interested and meet the qualifications, we encourage you to apply for this rewarding and impactful opportunity.
ANTICIPATED AWARD: TBD
ANTICIPATED START: TBD
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: 1 Base Year + 4 Option Years
LOCATION: DIA Facilities across the National Capital Region (NCR)
CLEARANCE REQUIREMENT: Active TS/SCI with a Current CI Poly
About Us:
Celestar, a proud Veteran-Owned company, offers highly competitive salaries and benefits. Our comprehensive benefits package includes company-paid employee and family dental insurance, employee health insurance, life insurance, and disability coverage. Additionally, we provide a 401(k)-retirement plan with company matching, paid holidays, and personal time off.
Responsibilities:
This opportunity will support multiple DIA initiatives, including the Machine-Assisted Rapid-Repository System (MARS), Object Management Services (OMS), and Object-Based Intelligence (OBI).
• The Graphics Developer/Designer Works collaboratively with analysts to understand requirements and further enhances/conveys analytic thoughts and assessments by developing graphic and layout solutions.
• Provides graphic design and layout solutions for intelligence products including, but not limited to, developing illustrations, editing existing images, providing font management, and utilizing advanced pre-publications techniques.
• Uses Government-specified technology to produce graphic design, cartographic products, and interactive graphical content, video content, analytic product templates, and marketing content.
• Integrates graphics with text, audio and video to support interactive and multimedia high-visibility finished intelligence products.
• Produces dynamic content IAW IC published standards (i.e. D3 Style Guide), including podcasts or audio segments.
• Provides user experience/user interface expertise for development of interactive graphics and web products.
• Demonstrates proficiency in professional graphics and design software to include, but not limited to: Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, AfterEffects, Premiere, and Flash), Apple Final Cut Pro X, and Apple Mac hardware platforms, Map Publisher, MS Office Suite, and any other interactive graphics enablers, languages, or tools specified.
• Supports DIA efforts to vet or validate existing or emerging programs and capabilities.
Required qualifications/skills:
• Minimum 12 years of experience related to the specific labor category with at least a portion of the experience within the last 2 years with a master's degree.
-OR-
• A minimum of 17 years of experience related to the specific labor category with at least a portion of the experience within the last 2 years with a bachelor's degree.
• Demonstrates ability to work independently and with minimal oversight.
Come on board with a company that Values its Employees!
Celestar Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Celestar Corporation prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in employment based on race; color; religion; genetic information; national origin; sex (including same-sex); sexual orientation; gender identity; pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; age; disability or handicap; citizenship status; marital status; service member/protected veteran status; or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.

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