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Graphics Programmer Jobs in Ashburn, VA (NOW HIRING)

Graphic Designer - Senior

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$105K - $190K/yr

Our talented team is at the forefront in Security Engineering, Computer Network Operations (CNO ... Supports the ODNI to develop graphics, digital media, cartography, and other multimedia products

Graphic Designer - Senior

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$105K - $190K/yr

Our talented team is at the forefront in Security Engineering, Computer Network Operations (CNO ... Supports the ODNI to develop graphics, digital media, cartography, and other multimedia products

Graphic Designer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

Translating ideas into compelling visuals and motion graphics. * Collaborating closely with others ... ing services, and professional services. We integrate emerging technology, rapidly and securely ...

Senior Graphic Designer

Herndon, VA · Hybrid

$88K - $147K/yr

... engineering and high-end multimedia storytelling. If you thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven ... Conceptualizing and rendering innovative, compliant proposal graphics * Partnering with proposal ...

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 ...

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 · On-site

$113K - $154K/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 · On-site

$113K - $154K/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 ...

Graphic Designer II

Mclean, VA · On-site

$65 - $90/hr

Design and produce professional graphics, covers, and layouts for magazine components and technical ... From day one, we've applied industrial engineering principles and data analytics to solve complex ...

Graphic Designer II

Mclean, VA · On-site

$60 - $85/hr

Design and produce professional graphics, covers, and layouts for magazine components and technical ... From day one, we've applied industrial engineering principles and data analytics to solve complex ...

Design and produce professional graphics, covers, and layouts for magazine components and technical ... From day one, we've applied industrial engineering principles and data analytics to solve complex ...

Design and produce professional graphics, covers, and layouts for magazine components and technical ... From day one, we've applied industrial engineering principles and data analytics to solve complex ...

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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.

AR/VR/XR Visualization Research and Development Engineer

The Pennsylvania State University

Reston, VA • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago


Job description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
  • CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.For additional information on remote work at Penn State, seeNotice to Out of State Applicants.

POSITION SPECIFICS

We are searching for a driven, innovative Visualization Research and Development Engineer to join the Advanced Visualization Department at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. Our department develops cutting-edge visualization solutions that push the boundaries ofcollaborative visualization, Virtual Reality (VR), and Augmented Reality (AR) applications for critical national security missions.

ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.

You will:

  • 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

Additional responsibilities for higher-level position includes:

  • 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

Required Skills/Experience areas include:

  • 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

Preferred Skills/Experience areas include:

  • 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

Your working location will be: fully on-site located in State College, PA or Reston, VA. This role requires periodic travel to remote locations.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

If filled as Research and Development Engineer - Software (ARL) - Advanced Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 5+ years of relevant experience Required Certifications: None If filled as Research and Development Engineer - Software (ARL) - Intermediate Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 2+ years of relevant experience Required Certifications: None

ARL's purpose is to research and develop innovative solutions to challenging scientific, engineering, and technology problems in support of the Navy, the Department of Defense (DoD), and the Intel Community (IC). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on ARL, visit our website at www.arl.psu.edu.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.Notice regarding employment at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL): Employees must be eligible to obtain a government security clearance, participate in the ARL drug testing program, and comply with electronic and physical monitoring requirements applicable to federal contractors. ARL operates in a secure information environment involving Unclassified, Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), and Classified information. Personal electronic devices brought onsite must be registered and may be restricted from certain areas. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply.

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $127,080.00 - $240,960.00. This salary range includes an adjustment based on required geographic work location.

Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

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About Pennsylvania State University

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Pennsylvania State University, often referred to as Penn State, is a major, public, research-intensive university located in University Park, PA, US. This esteemed institution serves as an important player within the education industry, offering a plethora of academic programs across various disciplines. The university was founded in 1855 with the mission to provide quality education, advanced research, and service to society. Penn State holds firmly to values of integrity, respect, and excellence, fostering a diverse and inclusive community. The university is renowned for its research productivity and its high-ranking programs in areas like engineering, business, and education. One notable achievement of the institution is its designation as a "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity," demonstrating its commitment to scholarship and discovery.

Industry

Education

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

University Park, PA, US

Year founded

1855

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