ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Graphics Programmer Jobs in Fairfax, VA (NOW HIRING)

Holder Construction

VDC Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

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

ControlsJobs

Controls Programmer

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$85 - $130/hr

Controls Programmer * Bonus: Discretionary * Work Type: In-Office with Regular Field Visits ... Create BAS front-end graphics and user interface visuals * Perform point-to-point testing and ...

previous page

Showing results 41-60

All JobsGraphics Programmer JobsGraphics Programmer Jobs in Fairfax, VA

Graphics Programmer information

See Fairfax, VA salary details

$113.9K

$139.1K

$161.3K

How much do graphics programmer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for graphics programmer in Fairfax, VA is $139,120.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $128,800.00 and $149,400.00 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.

More about Graphics Programmer jobs

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

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

What are popular job titles related to Graphics Programmer jobs in Fairfax, VA?

For Graphics Programmer jobs in Fairfax, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Graphics Programmer jobs in Fairfax, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Graphics Programmer jobs in Fairfax, VA are:

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

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

Graphics Programmer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Graphics Programmer job openings in Fairfax, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 76% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 78% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $138,195 per year, or $66.4 per hour.

Senior Building Controls Technician (25% Travel)

The Building People

Washington, DC • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

The Senior Building Controls Technician will provide services related to the expansion, upgrade or replacement of building automation hardware and software for smart building infrastructure. The position will work independently to meet project requirements with limited supervision. The programmer will be responsible for programming, configuring, and testing of Direct Digital Control (DDC) building automation and control systems. The senior control technician will be assigned to the Leesburg headquarters building but the primary work responsibility will involve working within buildings in Washington D.C. and its neighboring suburbs. 

Responsibilities/Duties:

  • Design and engineer control system hardware and software programming based on project plans, specifications, and other contract documents

  • Ability to program projects with various levels of complexity

  • Capable of performing network troubleshooting, database troubleshooting and repair programming

  • Collaborates with the engineering team on the system configuration, network and software requirements, graphics, programming, and sequences of operations

  • Develop and configure the sequence of operations, programming, graphics, database, network, and integrations into third party systems

  • Maintains accurate and thorough project documentation and redlines

  • Provides owner training as required by the project

  • Executes system commissioning and functional testing

  • Assist in installation of control hardware

  • Startup and commission new hardware installations

  • Provide project management assistance on projects as required, interfacing directly to customers

  • Supervise sub-contractors and suppliers as needed

  • Help educate lower-level technicians through on the job training as needed

*This position will require a minimum of 25% travel

Apply