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Opengl Engineer Jobs in Silver Spring, MD (NOW HIRING)

Our Reston team is hiring a Software Engineer to help build and mature technically sophisticated ... OpenGL * Experience with data-intensive or distributed systems, including databases, messaging ...

Our Reston team is hiring a Software Engineer to help build and mature technically sophisticated ... OpenGL * Experience with data-intensive or distributed systems, including databases, messaging ...

C/C++, .Net, OpenGL, Java * Equipment: Wireless Communications such as: Cellular, WiFi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, or ZWave Software Defined Radios (SDR) Microcontrollers such as: Raspberry Pi or Arduino ...

Graphics Software Engineer

College Park, MD

$138K - $171K/yr

This position requires passion for real-time XR programming on cutting-edge hardware while closely ... Understanding of modern graphics APIs (Vulkan preferred, DirectX 12, Metal, or OpenGL) with real ...

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Opengl Engineer information

See Silver Spring, MD salary details

$39.3K

$119.8K

$198K

How much do opengl engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for opengl engineer in Silver Spring, MD is $119,778.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $85,800.00 and $156,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Opengl Engineer vs Graphics Software Developer?

AspectOpengl EngineerGraphics Software Developer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Science or related field, knowledge of OpenGL, C/C++ skillsBachelor's in Computer Graphics, Computer Science, or related, strong programming skills, knowledge of graphics APIs
Work EnvironmentDeveloping graphics rendering code, optimizing visual performance, working with 3D enginesCreating graphics applications, developing visual effects, working with rendering pipelines
Employer & Industry UsageGame studios, simulation companies, visualization firmsGame development, multimedia companies, CAD software firms

While both roles involve graphics programming, an Opengl Engineer specializes specifically in developing and optimizing graphics rendering using OpenGL, whereas a Graphics Software Developer may work across various graphics APIs and broader visual application development. The Opengl Engineer focuses more on low-level graphics API implementation, while the Graphics Software Developer may handle higher-level graphics features and tools.

What are some common challenges faced by OpenGL Engineers when optimizing graphics performance?

OpenGL Engineers often encounter challenges related to balancing visual fidelity with rendering performance, especially when working on complex scenes or resource-constrained hardware. Issues such as minimizing draw calls, managing memory efficiently, and reducing CPU-GPU bottlenecks require careful optimization techniques. Additionally, ensuring cross-platform compatibility and debugging graphics-related issues can be demanding, as different devices and drivers may yield inconsistent results. Collaborating closely with artists, designers, and other engineers is essential to address these challenges and deliver smooth, high-quality graphics experiences.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an OpenGL Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an OpenGL Engineer, you need strong proficiency in computer graphics, C/C++ programming, and a solid understanding of OpenGL APIs, usually supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with graphics debugging tools, shader programming, and version control systems like Git is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication are essential soft skills for this role. These skills ensure the development of efficient, high-quality graphics applications and enable effective collaboration with technical teams.

What does an OpenGL Engineer do?

An OpenGL Engineer specializes in developing and optimizing graphics applications using the OpenGL API. They are responsible for creating and maintaining rendering pipelines, writing shaders, and ensuring high performance and visual quality in 2D and 3D graphics. OpenGL Engineers work closely with game developers, simulation teams, or any software requiring advanced graphics rendering, and often debug and profile graphics code to improve efficiency. They must have a strong understanding of computer graphics, mathematics, and hardware capabilities to deliver visually impressive and responsive applications.
What job categories do people searching Opengl Engineer jobs in Silver Spring, MD look for? The top searched job categories for Opengl Engineer jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:
What cities near Silver Spring, MD are hiring for Opengl Engineer jobs? Cities near Silver Spring, MD with the most Opengl Engineer job openings:

Graphics Simulation Software Engineer

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Sterling, VA • On-site

$138K - $171K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New


Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 357 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

86th of 536 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
CLEARANCE TYPE: Top Secret
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription
At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.
If forging a secure future excites you, look no further! Northrop Grumman's Space Sector provides an arena where your passion for innovation and quest for exploration is welcome. As a Graphics Simulation Software Engineer- Level 3 or 4, your role at Dulles, VA will be pivotal in supporting mission-critical efforts to national and global security.
Ready to join forces with our visionary team?
A Graphics Simulation Software Engineer develops spacecraft 3D models and contributes to graphics software within the full software lifecycle. They perform graphical modeling and simulation across multiple projects using C/C++, Python, and 3D tools such as Blender. Preferred candidates have experience modeling sensors, actuators, and space environments to demonstrate closed-loop spacecraft performance and support aerospace integration and test. Knowledge of waterfall, spiral, and Agile methods, along with CI/DevSecOps tools like Jenkins, Jira, Bitbucket, and GitLab, is also valuable.
This position is 100% onsite and cannot accommodate telecommute work.
Roles and Responsibilities:
Engineers on our teams all participate in the following activities:
  • Plan, organize, and be involved in the full software lifecycle to develop spacecraft simulation software using state-of-the-art tools and software best practices.
  • Develop models to support modeling and simulation activities across multiple projects.
  • Establish simulation requirements.
  • Work with other engineering disciplines to integrate and validate space vehicle modeling and simulation.
  • Prepare design documentation, analysis, test results, and presentation materials for internal and external customers.

In this role, engineers will also:
  • Convert engineering spacecraft CAD models into optimized 3D visualizer tool models, using software such as Blender.
  • Develop software interaction between the simulated spacecraft components and the 3D visualization models.
  • Contribute to our ever-expanding graphical capabilities of the spacecraft simulation architecture using OpenSceneGraph, OpenGL, Vulkan, or similar.

This position is contingent upon the candidate obtaining final clearances and program access(es) within a reasonable period of time as determined by the company.
This position can be filled at either a Level 3 or a Level 4.
Basic Qualifications for Level 3:
  • Bachelor's degree with 5 years of relevant professional experience - OR - Master's degree with 3 years of relevant professional experience - OR - PhD with 1 year of relevant professional experience. (Degree should be in Software/Electrical/Computer/Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, or a similar technical program with a computer graphics emphasis.)
  • Requires an active U.S. Government Top-Secret [TS] security clearance, current and within scope, at time of application [US citizenship required]
  • 3D graphics development, using OpenSceneGraph, OpenGL, Vulkan, or similar
  • Diverse programming proficiency: C/C++, Python
  • Experience building models and simulations
  • Able to develop in both Windows and Linux environments

Basic Qualifications for Level 4:
  • Bachelor's degree with 8 years of relevant professional experience - OR - Master's degree with 6 years of relevant professional experience - OR - PhD with 4 years of relevant professional experience. (Degree should be in Software/Electrical/Computer/Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, or a similar technical program with a computer graphics emphasis.)
  • Requires an active U.S. Government Top-Secret [TS] security clearance, current and within scope, at time of application [US citizenship required]
  • 3D graphics development, using OpenSceneGraph, OpenGL, Vulkan, or similar
  • Diverse programming proficiency: C/C++, Python
  • Experience building models and simulations
  • Able to develop in both Windows and Linux environments

Preferred Qualifications:
  • System knowledge in one or more of the following domains: Spacecraft Command & Control, Mission Planning, Space Situational Awareness and Visualization
  • Hardware interfacing, integration and test and controls experience
  • Agile development methodology, specifically Scrum, using Jira
  • Understanding of common embedded system tools, real-time operating systems and avionics integration and test practices
  • Usage and configuration of DevOps/CI/CD technologies (Jenkins, Ansible, Docker, etc.)

Primary Level Salary Range: $114,000.00 - $171,000.00
Secondary Level Salary Range: $142,200.00 - $213,400.00
The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.
Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.
The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.
Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939