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Lead Sound Designer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Lead solution design and requirement decomposition, translating mission/business needs into technically sound ServiceNow designs (data model, workflows, integrations) * Facilitate deep-dive working ...

Lead Strategist

Richmond, VA · On-site

$140K - $160K/yr

Designing innovation and new product strategies * Synthesizing qualitative and quantitative ... Consistently demonstrates the invaluable leadership characteristics, such as sound judgment, the ...

Showing results 41-60

Lead Sound Designer information

See Virginia salary details

$41.6K

$90.4K

$155.7K

How much do lead sound designer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for lead sound designer in Virginia is $90,379.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,900.00 and $108,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a lead sound designer do?

A Lead Sound Designer oversees the creation and implementation of audio elements in various media, such as video games, films, or television productions. They manage a team of sound designers, coordinate with directors and producers to understand the creative vision, and ensure high-quality sound effects, music, and dialogue are integrated seamlessly. The Lead Sound Designer is also responsible for setting audio standards, guiding the creative direction of sound, and troubleshooting technical issues related to audio production.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lead sound designer?

To thrive as a Lead Sound Designer, you need expertise in audio engineering, sound design principles, and a strong portfolio demonstrating creative and technical ability, often supported by a relevant degree or equivalent experience. Mastery of digital audio workstations (DAWs) such as Pro Tools or Logic Pro, familiarity with middleware like Wwise or FMOD, and knowledge of audio post-production tools are typically required. Leadership, collaboration, and effective communication are standout soft skills for directing teams and working with cross-functional partners. These skills ensure the creation of high-quality, immersive audio experiences that align with project goals and enhance the overall product.

How does a lead sound designer typically collaborate with game developers and other creative teams during production?

A Lead Sound Designer works closely with game developers, animators, and narrative teams to ensure that audio enhances the overall player experience. They attend regular meetings to align on project vision, provide feedback on how sound can support gameplay mechanics, and coordinate with programmers to implement audio assets. Effective collaboration often involves managing a team of sound designers, setting audio standards, and troubleshooting technical challenges to maintain audio quality throughout the development process.

What is the difference between Lead Sound Designer vs Sound Designer?

AspectLead Sound DesignerSound Designer
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in audio engineering, sound design, or related field; experience in sound productionSimilar educational background; entry-level or mid-level experience
Work EnvironmentLeads sound teams in game, film, or media projects; manages project sound directionExecutes sound design tasks under supervision; collaborates with the team
ResponsibilitiesOversees sound design process, coordinates team, ensures project consistencyCreates sound effects, edits audio, implements sound assets

The main difference is that the Lead Sound Designer manages the sound team and oversees the entire sound design process, while the Sound Designer focuses on creating and implementing sound assets. The Lead role involves leadership and project management, whereas the Sound Designer is more hands-on with sound creation.

What are popular job titles related to Lead Sound Designer jobs in Virginia?

For Lead Sound Designer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Lead Sound Designer jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Lead Sound Designer job openings:

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago


Job description

Overview of Opportunity 

Two Six Technologies is actively seeking a Lead Full Stack Developer to join our team. The team is composed of intellectual individuals, passionate about developing reverse engineering tooling, system architecture, technical leadership, and complex software implementation. The team is growing and looking for someone with a full-stack background who has an understanding of how to synthesize program requirements into actionable tasks and lead technical teams through implementation and scaling. If you are actively using modern frontend frameworks, Python, and cloud-based architectures, the team wants to talk to you!

What you will do:

  • Serve as a technical lead, bridging the gap between high-level visionary goals and tactical implementation for critical national security research programs.
  • Support the Principal Investigator by breaking down complex deliverables into actionable tasks and overseeing the full stack development process from inception to deployment.
  • Lead technical implementation teams 100% in-office, with a primary focus on hands-on lab operations in Arlington and occasional travel to Herndon.
  • Ensure the successful completion of program deliverables through sound technical judgment and the leadership of functional engineering staff.

What you will need (basic qualifications)

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or a related field and 7+ years of experience in a similar software engineering role (extensive experience in Software Engineering, Computer Science, or related field may substitute for a degree requirement).
  • Proven ability to lead the planning and execution of technical tasks, including task prioritization, schedule management, and providing direction to other team members.
  • Advanced proficiency in development programming languages such as Python and JavaScript, with extensive experience working in Linux-based environments.
  • Deep understanding of the software development lifecycle, including version control (git), containerization and scaling (Kubernetes), and CI/CD automated tools (Jenkins, GitLab).
  • Must possess an active Top Secret (TS) clearance with SCI eligibility and be willing to work 100% in person and in a lab environment.
  • This role is based in-person at our Arlington, VA office, with a planned transition to our Herndon, VA lab facility in the future. Candidates must be able to commute to both locations.

Nice to have (preferred)

  • Experience designing and deploying scalable applications within AWS, OpenStack, or other cloud-based architectures.
  • Strong professional experience with modern frontend frameworks, specifically Vue.js.
  • Familiarity with Infrastructure-as-Code practices and tools such as Ansible, Terraform, or OpenTofu to optimize service delivery.
  • Prior experience supporting DoD or national security R&D projects, particularly in transitioning technology to operational end-users.
  • Demonstrated success in providing technical mentorship and guidance to junior and staff-level engineering staff.

Security Clearance:

  • Must possess an active Top Secret (TS) clearance with SCI eligibility

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