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Graphics Programmer Jobs in Columbia, MD (NOW HIRING)

Peraton is seeking a Graphics Developer/Designer to support USCYBERCOM J2 intelligence production at Fort Meade, MD, providing expert graphic design and layout solutions that bring analytic content ...

Peraton is seeking a Graphics Developer/Designer to support USCYBERCOM J2 intelligence production at Fort Meade, MD, providing expert graphic design and layout solutions that bring analytic content ...

Peraton is seeking a Graphics Developer/Designer to support USCYBERCOM J2 intelligence production at Fort Meade, MD, providing expert graphic design and layout solutions that bring analytic content ...

Background in graphics programming, ML acceleration, scientific computing, HPC, or related GPU-focused fields. * Strong understanding of GPU architecture and performan

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Graphics Programmer information

See Columbia, MD salary details

$107.6K

$131.5K

$152.4K

How much do graphics programmer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for graphics programmer in Columbia, MD is $131,475.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $121,700.00 and $141,200.00 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 Columbia, MD?

The most popular types of Graphics Programmer jobs in Columbia, MD are:

What are popular job titles related to Graphics Programmer jobs in Columbia, MD?

For Graphics Programmer jobs in Columbia, MD, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Graphics Programmer jobs in Columbia, MD look for?

The top searched job categories for Graphics Programmer jobs in Columbia, MD are:

What cities near Columbia, MD are hiring for Graphics Programmer jobs?

Cities near Columbia, MD with the most Graphics Programmer job openings:

Infographic showing various Graphics Programmer job openings in Columbia, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $131,475 per year, or $63.2 per hour.

Graphics Developer/Designer

Peraton

Fort George G Meade, MD • On-site

$112K - $179K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago


Peraton rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 56 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

52nd of 226 rated it services


Job description

Responsibilities

Intelligence is only as effective as its ability to communicate - and at USCYBERCOM, that means transforming complex, multi-source analysis into compelling visual products that inform decisions at the highest levels. Peraton is seeking a Graphics Developer/Designer to support USCYBERCOM J2 intelligence production at Fort Meade, MD, providing expert graphic design and layout solutions that bring analytic content to life across interactive, multimedia, and finished intelligence products.

In this role, you'll work hand-in-hand with analysts and subject matter experts to understand their requirements and translate complex intelligence into clear, visually compelling products - from diagrams and infographics to multimedia presentations and high-visibility finished intelligence. You'll manage the full production lifecycle, from concept through publication, ensuring every product meets IC style standards and is optimized for its intended audience.

This is a senior-level role for a creative professional who combines deep expertise in professional design tools with a working knowledge of the intelligence production environment - and who understands that in this mission space, how information looks is as important as what it says.

What You'll Do
  • Provide graphic design and layout solutions for intelligence products, including developing illustrations, editing existing images, managing fonts, and applying advanced pre-publication techniques
  • Integrate graphics with text, audio, and video to support interactive and multimedia high-visibility finished intelligence products
  • Develop graphics and diagrams associated with USCYBERCOM J2 intelligence production
  • Work collaboratively with analysts to understand requirements and enhance analytic thoughts through graphic and layout solutions
  • Research and collect information from internal and external stakeholder subject matter experts
  • Analyze, interpret, and cross-check information for accuracy; organize information and determine optimum presentation methods
  • Ensure current style guides and applicable publications policies are followed
  • Supervise the production process for completed materials across digital and print media
  • Document Operating Instructions (OIs) for Command-wide programs and initiatives as assigned

#USCCJ2

QualificationsWhat You Bring

Required:

  • Active Top Secret/SCI (TS/SCI) clearance with Polygraph
  • Minimum of 16 years w/oa degree or 14 years with AS/AA or 12 years with BS/BA or 10 years with MS/MA or 7 years with Phd
  • Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite (including Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and After Effects)
  • Experience with Apple Final Cut Pro X for video production and editing
  • Proficiency with Apple Mac hardware platforms
  • Working knowledge of graphic design principles, layout design, and IC/DoD classification guidelines
  • Demonstrated ability to produce high-quality visual products for intelligence and defense audiences
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools
  • Strong attention to detail and ability to work collaboratively with analysts and subject matter experts

Preferred:

  • Background in intelligence product design, infographic development, or multimedia production
  • Experience producing graphics for classified intelligence products in accordance with IC style guides
  • Familiarity with IC publication standards and finished intelligence product formats
  • 12+ years of relevant experience, including work within the last 2 years
  • Master's degree in a related field - or a Bachelor's degree plus 5 additional years of senior-level experience (17 years total)

Peraton drives missions of consequence - protecting and promoting U.S. national security at the highest levels. As part of our team, you'll work alongside some of the most skilled professionals in the intelligence community, tackling complex problems that matter. We offer a culture that values your expertise and invests in your growth.

Peraton Overview

Peraton is a next-generation national security company that drives missions of consequence spanning the globe and extending to the farthest reaches of the galaxy. As the world's leading mission capability integrator and transformative enterprise IT provider, we deliver trusted, highly differentiated solutions and technologies to protect our nation and allies. Peraton operates at the critical nexus between traditional and nontraditional threats across all domains: land, sea, space, air, and cyberspace. The company serves as a valued partner to essential government agencies and supports every branch of the U.S. armed forces. Each day, our employees do the can't be done by solving the most daunting challenges facing our customers. Visit peraton.com to learn how we're keeping people around the world safe and secure.

Target Salary Range$112,000 - $179,000. This represents the typical salary range for this position. Salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the individual's experience, education, knowledge, skills, and competencies, as well as geographic location and business and contract considerations. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay.EEOEEO: Equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veterans, or other characteristics protected by law.Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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About Peraton

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Peraton, we re at the forefront of delivering the next big thing every day. We re the partner of choice to help solve some of the world s most daunting challenges, delivering bold, new solutions to keep people around the world safer and more secure.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Herndon, VA, US

Year founded

2017