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Junior Unity 3D Developer Jobs in Washington, DC

Junior Naval Architect

Washington, DC · On-site

$61K - $122K/yr

Engineering Time Type: Full time Minimum Clearance Required to Start: None Employee Type: Regular ... Ability to create drawings in AutoCAD and 3D models in Rhinoceros 3D Experience using GHS, SHCP, or ...

New

Experience with simulation platforms or engines such as AFSIM, NGTS, OneSAF, Unity, Unreal Engine ... Knowledge of 3D graphics, physics engines, and database management systems (e.g., SQL) * Experience ...

Experience with simulation platforms or engines such as AFSIM, NGTS, OneSAF, Unity, Unreal Engine ... Knowledge of 3D graphics, physics engines, and database management systems (e.g., SQL) * Experience ...

Experience with simulation platforms or engines such as AFSIM, NGTS, OneSAF, Unity, Unreal Engine ... Knowledge of 3D graphics, physics engines, and database management systems (e.g., SQL) * Experience ...

Experience with simulation platforms or engines such as AFSIM, NGTS, OneSAF, Unity, Unreal Engine ... Knowledge of 3D graphics, physics engines, and database management systems (e.g., SQL) * Experience ...

Experience with simulation platforms or engines such as AFSIM, NGTS, OneSAF, Unity, Unreal Engine ... Knowledge of 3D graphics, physics engines, and database management systems (e.g., SQL) * Experience ...

Experience with simulation platforms or engines such as AFSIM, NGTS, OneSAF, Unity, Unreal Engine ... Knowledge of 3D graphics, physics engines, and database management systems (e.g., SQL) * Experience ...

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Junior Unity 3D Developer information

See Washington, DC salary details

$27.2K

$100.8K

$155.7K

How much do junior unity 3d developer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for junior unity 3d developer in Washington, DC is $100,773.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,900.00 and $98,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a junior Unity 3D developer?

Junior Unity 3D Developers are entry-level professionals who use the Unity 3D engine to create, design, and implement interactive games or applications. They typically work under the guidance of senior developers and are responsible for coding gameplay features, fixing bugs, and assisting in the overall development process. These developers often have a basic understanding of C# programming and the Unity environment, and they are eager to learn and grow their skills in game development or interactive media.

What types of projects and tasks can a junior Unity 3D developer expect to work on in their first year?

As a Junior Unity 3D Developer, you’ll typically start by assisting with the development of gameplay features, bug fixing, and implementing simple UI elements. You may also be tasked with creating or modifying prefabs, working on basic scripting tasks, and supporting senior developers during the testing and optimization phases. Collaboration is key, as you’ll work closely with artists, designers, and QA testers to bring game elements to life and ensure everything functions smoothly. Over time, you’ll gain exposure to more complex systems and have opportunities to take on increased responsibility as you build your skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a junior Unity 3D developer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Junior Unity 3D Developer, you need a solid understanding of C# programming, 3D game development principles, and familiarity with the Unity engine, often supported by a relevant degree or portfolio of projects. Experience with version control systems like Git and basic knowledge of graphics tools such as Blender or Photoshop are commonly required. Creative problem-solving, attention to detail, and strong communication skills help you collaborate effectively in multidisciplinary teams. These skills ensure efficient game development, high-quality user experiences, and smooth teamwork in a fast-paced environment.

What is the difference between Junior Unity 3D Developer vs Junior Game Programmer?

AspectJunior Unity 3D DeveloperJunior Game Programmer
Primary FocusDeveloping 3D interactive content and game features using UnityWriting game logic and systems, often using C++ or C#
Skills & CertificationsUnity engine proficiency, 3D modeling basics, scripting in C#Programming languages (C++, C#), game development fundamentals
Work EnvironmentGame studios, AR/VR companies, interactive media firmsGame development teams, software companies

While both roles involve game development, a Junior Unity 3D Developer specializes in creating 3D content within Unity, focusing on visual and interactive elements. A Junior Game Programmer concentrates on coding game mechanics and systems, often across various engines. Both roles require programming skills and are common entry points in the game industry, but their core responsibilities differ in focus and tools used.

What are the most commonly searched types of Unity 3D Developer jobs in Washington, DC?

The most popular types of Unity 3D Developer jobs in Washington, DC are:

Infographic showing various Junior Unity 3D Developer job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 18% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,773 per year, or $48.4 per hour.

Real-Time 3D Asset Engineer

Laurel, MD • On-site


Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory
Manufacturing • 5 - 10K employees

9.6

Company rating: 9.6 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

2nd of 74 rated research

Great coworkers

People enjoy working here

Good employer


Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

Description
Do you love creating accurate and compelling real-time 3D assets from reference?
Are you an artist who can generate and optimize 3D models for real-time engines, and use code to streamline or expand the asset pipeline?
If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.
We are seeking a Real-Time 3D Asset Engineer with technical art skills to help us create modern training systems, compelling visual tools, and real-time content pipelines for critical national security challenges. You'll join a multidisciplinary team that creates interactive training and visualization tools grounded in real-world form, function, and engineering detail. In this role, you'll pair production-art judgment with the technical curiosity to build tools, write shaders, and solve pipeline problems.
As a Real-Time 3D Asset Engineer...
  • Your primary responsibility will be to create, optimize, and integrate real-time 3D assets, materials, and scenes for training systems, engineering visualizations, interactive tools, and mission-focused applications.
  • You will build production-ready models, textures, and materials from reference photos, CAD, 3D scans, photogrammetry, engineering drawings, and other source material, with an emphasis on equipment, environments, facilities, and other hard-surface assets.
  • You will optimize 3D assets for real-time performance, including polycount, draw calls, texture memory, levels of detail, colliders, materials, and scene organization.
  • You will develop and maintain source-to-engine asset pipelines that help artists and engineers move content from reference material and 3D tools into Unity, Unreal, or other real-time engines.
  • You will create tools, scripts, shaders, import/export workflows, and asset-processing utilities that streamline real-time content production.
  • You will work with artists, engineers, and software developers to troubleshoot asset, rendering, shader, lighting, source control, and build issues across production pipelines.
  • You will help shape practical technical art standards for reference gathering, asset quality, visual accuracy, optimization, source control, and repeatable workflows.

Qualifications
You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...
  • Have a bachelor's degree in game art, technical art, digital art, computer graphics, game development, engineering, architecture, a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
  • Have 3+ years of professional experience creating real-time 3D art for games, AR/VR, training systems, engineering visualization, simulation, or other interactive applications.
  • Have a portfolio, demo reel, or project examples that show finished 3D models, textures, materials, or scenes based on real-world source material.
  • Have experience with 3D content tools and real-time engine workflows, such as Blender, Maya, 3ds Max, Houdini, Substance tools, Unity, Unreal Engine, proprietary game engines, or similar tools.
  • Have used scripting, shader authoring, or programming to solve technical art problems, streamline workflows, improve materials, process assets, or support real-time content production.
  • Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain Secret level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...
  • Have experience as a technical artist, environment artist, hard-surface artist, material artist, real-time 3D artist, or in a related capacity on shipped games, AAA productions, training systems, simulations, or real-time visualization products.
  • Have experience writing shaders, tools, plugins, asset processors, or pipeline automation with HLSL, Slang, C++, C#, Python, Java, or similar languages.
  • Have experience with or interest in, 3D reconstruction, scan cleanup, CAD conversion, computer vision, image processing, procedural workflows, or real-world asset capture.
  • Have experience optimizing meshes, textures, materials, shaders, lighting, memory use, draw calls, load times, or frame rate for real-time applications.
  • Have experience with Unity, Unreal Engine, Git, GitLab, PlasticSCM, or source-controlled art and build pipelines in a production environment.

About Us
Why Work at APL?
The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.
At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accessibility@jhuapl.edu.
The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Minimum Rate
$100,000 Annually
Maximum Rate
$245,000 Annually


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