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Graphics Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Create static and digital graphics, animations, icons, and other illustration and multimedia ... From day one, we've applied industrial engineering principles and data analytics to solve complex ...

Interpret engineering drawings, CAD models, source data and redlines to produce accurate illustrations. * Develop exploded views, parts, breakdowns, installations/removal graphics and system ...

Graphic Designer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$64K - $92K/yr

Develop visually engaging graphics for all signature SCSP events. This includes creating ... Collaborate with the website developer to maintain visually appealing web pages, landing pages for ...

Working with multimedia and graphics teams to enhance the visual quality, usability, and learner engagement of training products * Supporting the design and development of systems engineering ...

Working with multimedia and graphics teams to enhance the visual quality, usability, and learner engagement of training products * Supporting the design and development of systems engineering ...

Working with multimedia and graphics teams to enhance the visual quality, usability, and learner engagement of training products * Supporting the design and development of systems engineering ...

Everforth ECS is seeking a Software Developer to work in our Stafford, VA office. Please Note: This ... The UX Research / Graphics support role will support the program by providing expertise to the ...

Create static and digital graphics, animations, icons, and multimedia material optimized for web ... From day one, we've applied industrial engineering principles and data analytics to solve complex ...

Create static and digital graphics, animations, icons, and multimedia material optimized for web ... From day one, we've applied industrial engineering principles and data analytics to solve complex ...

Our talented team is at the forefront in Security Engineering, Computer Network Operations (CNO ... Develop graphics, digital media, cartography, and other multimedia products * Utilizes request ...

Graphic Designer - Journeyman

Mclean, VA · On-site

$65K - $118K/yr

Our talented team is at the forefront in Security Engineering, Computer Network Operations (CNO ... Develop graphics, digital media, cartography, and other multimedia products * Utilizes request ...

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Graphics Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$62K

$141.2K

$173.5K

How much do graphics engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for graphics engineer in Virginia is $141,246.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $138,800.00 and $157,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a graphics engineer do?

A graphics engineer designs and develops visual rendering systems for computer graphics, including real-time graphics for video games and simulations or high-quality rendering for movies. They work with graphics APIs like DirectX or OpenGL, optimize performance, and may have skills in programming languages such as C++ and shader development. The role often requires knowledge of computer graphics algorithms, 3D modeling, and rendering techniques.

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

To thrive as a Graphics Engineer, you need a strong background in computer graphics, mathematics, and programming languages such as C++ or Python, often supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with graphics APIs (like DirectX, OpenGL, or Vulkan), shader programming, and real-time rendering engines is typically required. Exceptional problem-solving, creativity, and communication skills help you devise innovative solutions and collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams. Mastering these skills ensures the delivery of visually compelling, high-performance graphics crucial for gaming, simulation, and visualization industries.

What is the work of graphic engineer?

A graphics engineer designs, develops, and optimizes visual rendering systems, graphics engines, and related software for applications such as video games, simulations, or visual effects. They often work with programming languages like C++ and tools such as OpenGL or DirectX to create high-performance graphics solutions. Strong knowledge of computer graphics, algorithms, and hardware acceleration is essential for this role.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as software engineering, data engineering, and systems engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and working in high-demand industries or companies. Roles often require advanced certifications, leadership responsibilities, or expertise in high-paying sectors like technology, finance, or aerospace.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as software engineering, data engineering, or systems architecture can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and in high-demand industries like technology or finance. Executive or lead engineering roles may also reach this compensation level, often including bonuses and stock options.

How do Graphics Engineers typically collaborate with artists and game designers during a project's development cycle?

Graphics Engineers work closely with artists and game designers to ensure that visual assets and effects are integrated seamlessly into the project. They often participate in regular meetings to discuss technical feasibility, optimize rendering pipelines, and troubleshoot graphical issues. This collaboration helps translate creative vision into efficient, real-time graphics while balancing performance and quality. Establishing clear communication and understanding both artistic goals and technical constraints are key to successful teamwork in this role.

What are Graphics Engineers?

Graphics Engineers are specialized software engineers who design, develop, and optimize computer graphics systems and applications. They work on rendering engines, visual effects, shaders, and graphics APIs to create realistic and efficient visual experiences in video games, simulations, movies, and other multimedia platforms. Graphics Engineers need strong programming skills, particularly in languages like C++ and knowledge of graphics libraries such as DirectX, OpenGL, or Vulkan. Their work bridges the gap between hardware capabilities and artistic vision, ensuring smooth and visually appealing graphics performance.
What are the most commonly searched types of Graphics Engineer jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Graphics Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
Infographic showing various Graphics Engineer job openings in Virginia as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $141,246 per year, or $67.9 per hour.

AR/VR/XR Visualization Research and Development Engineer

Penn State University

Reston, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago


Penn State University rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 101 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

181st of 541 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Job Summary:
Penn State University is searching for a driven, innovative Visualization Research and Development Engineer to join the Advanced Visualization Department at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL). The role involves developing cutting-edge visualization solutions for collaborative applications in Virtual and Augmented Reality, as well as leading projects and managing sponsor relationships.
Responsibilities:
• Design experiences, interactions, and applications that support effective collaboration for research sponsors
• Design and implement application programming interfaces (APIs) to pass data between disparate software applications
• Develop methodologies for effective integration, visualization, and dissemination of novel 3D data sources using game-engine-based synthetic environment frameworks
• Create tool workflows or visual communication methods using internally and externally-developed toolkits to illustrate and document complex concepts
• Integrate features and solutions with synthetic environment frameworks being applied to multiple sponsored projects across domains
• Deploy solutions to Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) platforms including the latest hardware from Meta, Varjo, HTC, and others
• Perform systems engineering activities to improve data flows and processes
• Brief research sponsors on technical solutions
• Develop engineering and technical documentation
• Draft whitepapers and proposals for research sponsors
• Lead the development and prototyping of hardware and software-based solutions for sponsor challenges
• Define immersive interaction standards
• Develop new processes for visualizing content using immersive technology
• Develop and manage new sponsor relationships
• Design and develop architectures of industry-related engineering systems, applying knowledge of complex principles, theories, concepts, tools and techniques to design challenges
• Independently manage multiple and/or large IT projects
• Plan, schedule, conduct, or coordinate detailed phases of the work of a major project or in a total project of moderate scope
• Understand broad strategic objectives and contribute to them
• Develop and maintain long-term professional relationships with government sponsors, industry partners, and academic collaborators to ensure programs meet customer
• Serve as a subject matter expert for the sponsor when needed
Qualifications:
Required:
• Software development proficiency (C#, Python, or Java)
• Team-based software development, troubleshooting, and deployment experience
• Software engineering, systems engineering, human computer interfaces, or visualization technologies
• Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science
• 5+ years of relevant experience (if filled as Research and Development Engineer - Advanced Professional)
• 2+ years of relevant experience (if filled as Research and Development Engineer - Intermediate Professional)
• Ability to obtain a government security clearance
• U.S. citizenship
Preferred:
• Master's Degree
• Active security clearance, TS/SCI preferred, or current eligibility for access to classified information at the Secret/Top Secret level or higher and may be subject to a government background investigation to upgrade clearance eligibility, if required
• Advanced software development in C#, Python, or Java focusing on modular programming and performance
• Extended Reality (XR) application development (Unity/Unreal)
• Cloud deployment experience (AWS/Azure)
• Software containerization and deployment (Docker, Podman, Kubernetes, Helm, etc.)
• DevSecOps experience
• Graphics programming – rendering, graphical shaders, etc.
• Network programming such as TCP/UDP and client-server
• Messaging interfaces (ActiveMQ, DDS, Kafka, etc.)
• Databases (PostGRES-PostGIS preferred)
• Performance optimization and process automation experience
• Geospatial data formats and standards
• CompTIA Security+ certification
• Project management or related skills
Company:
There’s a reason Penn State consistently ranks among the top one percent of the world’s universities. Founded in 1855, the company is headquartered in University Park, pa, US, , with a team of 10001+ employees. The company is currently Late Stage.

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