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Graphics Programmer Jobs in Ashburn, VA (NOW HIRING)

Experience with graphics programming * Experience with Windows programming * Exposure to reverse engineering tools and concepts * Experience with TPM * Experience with Amazon Web Services

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

VDC Senior Engineer

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$117K - $158K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Computer Graphics, Engineering, Architecture, or equivalent combination of training and experience * Proficiency with 3D modeling and coordination tools ...

VDC Senior Engineer

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$117K - $158K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Computer Graphics, Engineering, Architecture, or equivalent combination of training and experience * Proficiency with 3D modeling and coordination tools ...

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 ...

Graphic Designer

Arlington, VA ยท 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 ...

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 ...

... engineering, architecture, sustainability, or technology-focused programs. * Familiarity with WCAG accessibility guidelines and digital accessibility best practices. * Experience developing graphics ...

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 ...

Graphic Designer

Mclean, VA ยท On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

Primarily develop graphics that can be customized for logos, briefings, and other media ... ing services, and professional services. We integrate emerging technology, rapidly and securely ...

Graphic Designer - Journeyman

Mclean, VA ยท 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 ...

Graphic Designer - Journeyman

Mclean, VA ยท 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 ...

Showing results 21-40

Graphics Programmer information

See Ashburn, VA salary details

$113K

$138.1K

$160K

How much do graphics programmer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for graphics programmer in Ashburn, VA is $138,051.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $127,800.00 and $148,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a graphics programmer?

Graphics programmers are specialized software developers who focus on creating and optimizing visual elements in video games, simulations, and other computer graphics applications. They write code to render 2D and 3D graphics, work with engines like Unity or Unreal, and utilize APIs like DirectX or OpenGL. Their responsibilities often include developing shaders, improving rendering performance, and collaborating with artists and designers to achieve visually compelling results. Graphics programmers need strong mathematical skills, especially in linear algebra and geometry, to solve complex visual problems. They play a crucial role in ensuring that digital graphics run smoothly and look realistic.

What does a graphics programmer do?

A graphics programmer creates software and applications for developing images and animation on a computer. Your duties can focus on programs for computer-aided design and rendering, animation, image manipulation, photo editing, or video game design. You use linear math and algorithms as well as computer programming languages. Your responsibilities involve writing code in languages like C++, Java, and High-Level Shading Language (HLSL). After coding, you test your programs to ensure that each article and image is accurate. If you work on video games, you coordinate with other developers and programmers on a video game design platform like Unreal Engine.

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

To thrive as a Graphics Programmer, you need a solid background in computer science, mathematics, and computer graphics, often supported by a degree in a related field. Expertise in programming languages like C++ and familiarity with graphics APIs such as DirectX, OpenGL, or Vulkan, as well as shader programming, are typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, creativity, and effective teamwork help you design and optimize complex visual systems. These skills and qualities are crucial for developing high-performance, visually appealing graphics that meet the demands of modern applications and games.

How do graphics programmers typically collaborate with artists and designers during a game development project?

Graphics Programmers work closely with artists and designers to ensure that visual assets are rendered efficiently and accurately within the game engine. They often participate in regular meetings to discuss technical constraints, optimize asset pipelines, and implement new graphical features based on creative requirements. This collaboration requires strong communication skills, as Graphics Programmers must translate artistic visions into technical solutions, troubleshoot rendering issues, and provide feedback to artists to achieve the desired visual quality while maintaining performance. Effective teamwork between these roles is essential to deliver high-quality visuals that run smoothly on target platforms.

What is the difference between Graphics Programmer vs Shader Developer?

AspectGraphics ProgrammerShader Developer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Science, Computer Graphics, or related field; knowledge of graphics APIsSimilar educational background; strong understanding of shading languages
Work EnvironmentDevelops and optimizes rendering engines, works on graphics pipelinesCreates and fine-tunes shaders for visual effects and rendering
Industry UsageUsed across game development, simulation, and visualization industriesPrimarily in game development and real-time rendering projects
Common Search/ComparisonOften compared due to overlapping skills in graphics programmingSpecialized focus on shader code and effects

While both roles require knowledge of graphics APIs and programming skills, Graphics Programmers develop the overall rendering systems and pipelines, whereas Shader Developers focus specifically on writing and optimizing shaders for visual effects. The roles often overlap but differ in scope and specialization within the graphics development process.

What are the most commonly searched types of Graphics Programmer jobs in Ashburn, VA?

The most popular types of Graphics Programmer jobs in Ashburn, VA are:

What cities near Ashburn, VA are hiring for Graphics Programmer jobs?

Cities near Ashburn, VA with the most Graphics Programmer job openings:

Infographic showing various Graphics Programmer job openings in Ashburn, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $138,051 per year, or $66.4 per hour.

Graphics Assignment Editor

The Washington Post

Washington, DC โ€ข On-site

$109K - $182K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago


Job description

Application Instructions
Please list all professional experience and explain any gaps in employment history. All of your application materials, which may include PDF files of work samples and/or links to audio, video, photography or graphics, must be uploaded to the field labeled Resume/Cover Letter/Work Samples to be considered for the position.
Join the future of news
We're on a mission to deliver riveting storytelling for all of America. At The Washington Post, you'll help reinvent news. Our work is driven by a deep investigative spirit and enhanced by innovation to bring audiences closer to the stories that matter most.
About Our Team
The Washington Post is powered by the passion and talent of our people. It takes all of us to reinvent news. Beyond our award-winning Newsroom and Opinions teams, we work across many departments, including Brand & Events, Communications, Customer Care, Engineering & Product, Finance, Human Resources, Legal, Marketing & Advertising, Print Operations, and Sales.
Why This Role Matters
The Washington Post is seeking an ambitious, collaborative and technically skilled journalist to join our Graphics team as a Graphics Assignment Editor.
This role is for an experienced visual journalist who excels at conceiving graphics-led stories, shaping the work of others and driving high impact work that engages a broad audience and is unique to the Post.
We are looking for someone with strong editorial instincts, news judgement, technical fluency and a sophisticated understanding of how visual storytelling drives and informs our readership. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment, can move seamlessly between overseeing both breaking news and enterprise work and is energized by collaboration across disciplines. This role requires both creativity and flexibility - someone equally comfortable building a data visualization, shaping an interactive project or helping edit graphics coverage during high-pressure news moments.
This position is based in our Washington, D.C., newsroom.
What Motivates You:
  • You are driven to make complex stories clear, engaging and visually compelling.

  • You enjoy identifying stories best told through data visualization, maps or interactive experiences.

  • You are energized by driving story ideas, seamlessly leading multiple projects and overseeing ambitious stories from inception to completion.

  • You thrive in a collaborative newsroom environment and enjoy solving editorial and technical challenges.

  • You are curious about emerging storytelling formats and eager to push visual journalism forward.

  • Encourage and empower reporters to develop innovative techniques, work more efficiently, and grow professionally.

How You'll Support the Mission:
  • Pitch, assign and edit visual-first stories in coordination with newsroom priorities across breaking news, politics, policy, business and other major coverage areas.

  • Edit stories for clarity, accuracy, storytelling impact and visual refinement in alignment with newsroom audience goals.

  • Contribute to breaking news coverage with fast, accurate and engaging graphics that explain a uniquely visual angle.

  • Mentor and support visual journalists through thoughtful editing, feedback and collaborative problem-solving.

  • Help strengthen team processes, contribute to best practices and support a collaborative team culture.

The Skills and Experiences You Bring:
  • At least 5-8 years of editing experience in visual journalism, graphics, data reporting or a related field.

  • Strong news judgment and the ability to identify stories where graphics are visually distinctive, meaningfully advance a story, drive readership and reinforce The Post's mission.

  • A thoughtful approach to delivering feedback as part of the editing process.

  • A strong portfolio of maps, information graphics and visual stories for digital audiences.

  • Ability to balance speed and ambition, such as contributing to breaking news while developing and meeting deadlines on enterprise work.

  • Excellent communication skills and a collaborative approach to newsroom work.

  • A commitment to accuracy, clarity, accessibility and journalistic rigor.

Interested candidates should upload a rรฉsumรฉ, cover letter and portfolio to our jobs portal. Cover letters should be addressed to Interim Graphics Director Maureen Linke and Head of Visuals Soo-Jeong Kang.
The pay range for this position is $109,200 - $182,000. The actual starting salary for this position will depend on individual skills, experience and qualifications as they relate to specific job requirements.
Collaboration makes us stronger. That's why our offices are designed with open layouts, modern technology, and easy access to transportation. With certain exceptions for newsgathering and business travel, we work on-site five days a week.
Compensation and Benefits
Wherever you are in your life or career, The Washington Post offers comprehensive and inclusive benefits for every step of your journey:
  • Competitive medical, dental and vision coverage
  • Company-paid pension and 401(k) match
  • Three weeks of vacation and up to three weeks of paid sick leave
  • Nine paid holidays and two personal days
  • 20 weeks paid parental leave for any new parent
  • Robust mental health resources
  • Backup care and caregiver concierge services
  • Gender affirming services
  • Pet insurance
  • Free Post digital subscription
  • Leadership and career development programs

Benefits may vary based on the job, full-time or part-time schedule, location, and collectively bargained status.
Your story awaits. Apply today!
Learn more about The Post at careers.washingtonpost.com.