1

Scientific Illustrator Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Expert Systems Architect 112-139

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$248K/yr

Expert working experience in creating wiring diagrams illustrating data flow between various ... Masters degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Management Information Systems, or ...

Translate complex medical, scientific, and organizational information into clear and accessible ... Advanced proficiency with Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop. * Knowledge of print ...

Translate complex medical, scientific, and organizational information into clear and accessible ... Advanced proficiency with Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop. * Knowledge of print ...

Showing results 41-60

Scientific Illustrator information

See Reston, VA salary details

$57.7K

$173.6K

$280.9K

How much do scientific illustrator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for scientific illustrator in Reston, VA is $173,579.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,500.00 and $260,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a scientific illustrator do?

A Scientific Illustrator creates detailed, accurate visuals to help communicate scientific concepts, data, and discoveries. They work with researchers, educators, and publishers to produce illustrations for textbooks, journals, museums, and digital media. Their work may include medical diagrams, wildlife renderings, or complex infographics. Scientific illustrators use traditional and digital tools to ensure clarity and precision in their artwork.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a scientific illustrator?

To thrive as a Scientific Illustrator, you need strong artistic ability, a solid understanding of scientific concepts, and attention to detail, often supported by a degree in scientific illustration or a related field. Proficiency with digital illustration software such as Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and 3D modeling tools is essential, and specialized certifications in scientific or medical illustration are valued. Excellent communication, collaboration, and project management skills help illustrators accurately interpret information and work effectively with scientists and publishers. These competencies ensure the creation of precise, visually engaging illustrations that clearly convey complex scientific information.

What are the typical work environments and collaborative dynamics for scientific illustrators?

Scientific illustrators can work in a variety of settings, including academic institutions, research organizations, publishing companies, museums, or as independent freelancers. Collaboration is often a key aspect of the role, as illustrators regularly consult with scientists, researchers, editors, and educators to ensure accuracy and clarity in their visual materials. Team structures may vary; some illustrators work independently on commissioned pieces, while others are part of larger creative or research teams in institutions. Because of the interdisciplinary nature of the work, strong communication skills and adaptability are important for thriving in diverse professional environments.

Are scientific illustrators in demand?

Scientific illustrators are in steady demand in fields such as biology, medicine, and environmental science, especially as scientific communication and education grow. Opportunities often require proficiency in digital illustration tools and a strong understanding of scientific concepts, with employment available in academic, publishing, and research institutions.

How do I become a scientific illustrator?

To become a scientific illustrator, you typically need a bachelor's degree in biology, art, or a related field, along with strong drawing skills and knowledge of scientific concepts. Proficiency in digital illustration tools such as Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator is also important, and building a portfolio of scientific artwork can help demonstrate your skills to potential employers.

How much money do scientific illustrators make?

Scientific illustrators typically earn a median annual salary of around $50,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Those with specialized skills in digital tools or advanced degrees may earn higher salaries, especially in research institutions or publishing companies.

What jobs use scientific illustration?

Scientific illustrators create detailed visual representations for fields such as biology, medicine, geology, and environmental science. They work in research institutions, publishing, museums, and educational settings, often using tools like Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, and may require knowledge of anatomy, botany, or zoology.

What job categories do people searching Scientific Illustrator jobs in Reston, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Scientific Illustrator jobs in Reston, VA are:

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Scientific Illustrator jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most Scientific Illustrator job openings:

Infographic showing various Scientific Illustrator job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% Internship, 48% Full Time, 34% Part Time, and 12% Contract. Highlights an 92% In-person, and 8% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $173,579 per year, or $83.5 per hour.

Expert Systems Architect 112-139

IC-CAP LLC

Chantilly, VA • On-site

$248K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

System Architect (Expert) assists in leading the design and development of solutions for complex applications problems, API design, data services, platform services, cloud services and infrastructure services to meet user requirements and align to strategic goals and the Enterprise Architecture.
Duties include:
  • Assists Government in directing system architects in the design, development, maintenance, and documentation of solution architectures ensuring traceability to the Enterprise architecture and Enterprise requirements.
  • Assists with the analysis of user requirements, procedures, and problems to automate or improve existing systems and review computer system capabilities, workflow, and scheduling limitations.
  • Advises the Government on proposed changes to the solutions architecture design based on analysis of requirements and new technology.
  • Oversees and coordinates the work of Senior-, Mid-, and Junior-level System Architect contractors.

Skills and Experience:
Required
  • Expert working experience in government or industry in relevant work areas including: Enterprise Architecture, Solution Architecture, Data Architecture, Department of Defense Architecture Framework (DoDAF), or IC Program Architecture Guidance (PAG).
  • Expert working experience, knowledge, and understanding of satellites, GEOINT, Hyperspectral Imagery (HSI), LiDAR, Wide Area Motion Imagery (WAMI) data integration, GCCS-M, Remote Sensing capability, MEDAL, Quellfire, UVDS, FSG SIPR Cloud, USAF DCGS, and USN DCGS.
  • Expert working experience in creating wiring diagrams illustrating data flow between various Intelligence Community (IC) and Department of Defense (DoD) entities.
  • Familiarity with DevOps, IC and NGA cloud computing environments (C2S).
  • Working understanding of data flow between cloud computing environments, and have knowledge of various security domains (SIPR, JWICS).
  • Working experience in capturing high-level plan risk, critical paths, and depicting a project using Gantt charts.

Skills and Experience:
Desired:
  • Working knowledge of Model Based Systems Engineering, processes, tools and languages.
  • Federated Enterprise Architect Certifications: Certified Enterprise Architect
  • National Defense University, College of Information and Cyberspace, Enterprise Architecture Certification.

Education and Experience:
  • 18+ years' experience.
  • Masters degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Management Information Systems, or related STEM degree program, or equivalent Expert level work experience as a System Architect.

Security Clearance:
  • Active TS/SCI and the willingness to sit for a polygraph, if needed

IC-CAP provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status.