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Senior Graphics Programmer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

ManTech

Senior Graphics Designer

Herndon, VA · Hybrid

$66.30K - $91K/yr

The Senior Graphic Designer will lead the visual execution for our most significant Federal ... engineering and high-end multimedia storytelling. If you thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven ...

CoStar Group

Senior Graphic Designer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$74.20K - $101.80K/yr

You will be responsible for concepts, high-quality designs, graphics, mock-ups and layouts for ... You will work in a team with fellow designers, developers, marketing managers, and senior ...

CoStar

Senior Graphic Designer

Arlington, VA

$74.20K - $101.80K/yr

You will be responsible for concepts, high-quality designs, graphics, mock-ups and layouts for ... You will work in a team with fellow designers, developers, marketing managers, and senior ...

CoStar Group

Senior Graphic Designer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$74.20K - $101.80K/yr

You will be responsible for concepts, high-quality designs, graphics, mock-ups and layouts for ... You will work in a team with fellow designers, developers, marketing managers, and senior ...

Leidos

Senior 2D and 3D Graphic Designer

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$82.55K - $149.23K/yr

In this role, you will work alongside government partners, engineers, and other industry teammates ... Design and develop 2D and 3D visual assets including graphics, animations, infographics, and data ...

Leidos

Senior 2D and 3D Graphic Designer

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$82.55K - $149.23K/yr

In this role, you will work alongside government partners, engineers, and other industry teammates ... Design and develop 2D and 3D visual assets including graphics, animations, infographics, and data ...

HDR

Senior Graphic Designer

Glen Allen, VA

$60.90K - $83.60K/yr

Our diverse service lines, including Water, Architecture, Building Engineering Services, Field ... In the role of Senior Graphic Designer, we'll count on you to: * Plan, manage and deliver projects ...

HDR

Senior Graphic Designer

Glen Allen, VA · On-site

$60.90K - $83.60K/yr

Our diverse service lines, including Water, Architecture, Building Engineering Services, Field ... In the role of Senior Graphic Designer, we'll count on you to: * Plan, manage and deliver projects ...

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How much do senior graphics programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of May 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for senior graphics programmer in Virginia is $51.83, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43.61 and $61.97 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Senior Graphics Programmer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Graphics Programmer, you need advanced knowledge of computer graphics theory, C++ programming, and a degree in computer science or a related field. Expertise with graphics APIs such as DirectX, OpenGL, or Vulkan, and experience using shader languages (HLSL/GLSL) are typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, collaboration, and effective communication help you work across teams and innovate in complex technical environments. These skills ensure the creation of efficient, visually impressive graphics systems that meet the demands of modern games or applications.

How does a Senior Graphics Programmer typically collaborate with other departments during a game development project?

A Senior Graphics Programmer works closely with artists, designers, and technical directors to ensure that visual features are both cutting-edge and feasible within the project's constraints. They often translate artistic visions into optimized, real-time rendering solutions and provide technical feedback on asset creation. Regular meetings and code reviews help align the graphics team's work with the broader development goals, while cross-discipline problem-solving is common to address performance or visual fidelity challenges. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as graphics programming decisions can significantly impact the gameplay experience and production timeline.

What does a Senior Graphics Programmer do?

A Senior Graphics Programmer is responsible for designing, developing, and optimizing graphics systems and visual effects in video games, simulations, or other interactive applications. They work with rendering pipelines, shaders, and hardware APIs to ensure high visual quality and performance. Their role often involves collaborating with artists and other engineers to implement advanced visual features, troubleshoot graphical issues, and stay updated with the latest graphics technologies. Senior Graphics Programmers also mentor junior team members and help set technical direction for graphics development.

What is the difference between Senior Graphics Programmer vs Graphics Engineer?

AspectSenior Graphics ProgrammerGraphics Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Computer Science, Computer Graphics, or related field; extensive experience in graphics programmingSimilar educational background; may have less experience or focus on implementation
Work EnvironmentDevelops advanced graphics features, shaders, rendering techniques in game engines or visualization toolsSupports graphics development, optimizes rendering pipelines, and implements graphics solutions
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in gaming, simulation, and visual effects industries; common in companies developing real-time graphicsFound in similar industries, often collaborating with graphics teams to improve rendering performance

The main difference is that Senior Graphics Programmers typically lead complex graphics development projects, focusing on advanced rendering techniques, while Graphics Engineers support and optimize existing graphics systems. Both roles require strong technical skills, but Senior Graphics Programmers usually have more experience and responsibility in designing innovative graphics solutions.

What are the most commonly searched types of Graphics Programmer jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Graphics Programmer jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Senior Graphics Programmer jobs in Virginia? For Senior Graphics Programmer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Senior Graphics Programmer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Graphics Programmer jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Senior Graphics Programmer jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Senior Graphics Programmer job openings:
Senior Graphics Programmer jobs near you
Senior Graphics Developer/Designer - OBIQUA

Senior Graphics Developer/Designer - OBIQUA

CELESTAR

Reston, VA • On-site

$67.10K - $92.10K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Celestar Corporation is seeking a Senior Graphics Developer/Designer to support The Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) under the Object Based Intelligence and Quality Assurance (OBIQUA) task order. The primary place of performance will be at DIA Facilities across the National Capital Region (NCR). If interested and meet the qualifications, we encourage you to apply for this rewarding and impactful opportunity.
ANTICIPATED AWARD: TBD
ANTICIPATED START: TBD
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: 1 Base Year + 4 Option Years
LOCATION: DIA Facilities across the National Capital Region (NCR)
CLEARANCE REQUIREMENT: Active TS/SCI with a Current CI Poly
About Us:
Celestar, a proud Veteran-Owned company, offers highly competitive salaries and benefits. Our comprehensive benefits package includes company-paid employee and family dental insurance, employee health insurance, life insurance, and disability coverage. Additionally, we provide a 401(k)-retirement plan with company matching, paid holidays, and personal time off.
Responsibilities:
This opportunity will support multiple DIA initiatives, including the Machine-Assisted Rapid-Repository System (MARS), Object Management Services (OMS), and Object-Based Intelligence (OBI).
• The Graphics Developer/Designer Works collaboratively with analysts to understand requirements and further enhances/conveys analytic thoughts and assessments by developing graphic and layout solutions.
• Provides graphic design and layout solutions for intelligence products including, but not limited to, developing illustrations, editing existing images, providing font management, and utilizing advanced pre-publications techniques.
• Uses Government-specified technology to produce graphic design, cartographic products, and interactive graphical content, video content, analytic product templates, and marketing content.
• Integrates graphics with text, audio and video to support interactive and multimedia high-visibility finished intelligence products.
• Produces dynamic content IAW IC published standards (i.e. D3 Style Guide), including podcasts or audio segments.
• Provides user experience/user interface expertise for development of interactive graphics and web products.
• Demonstrates proficiency in professional graphics and design software to include, but not limited to: Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, AfterEffects, Premiere, and Flash), Apple Final Cut Pro X, and Apple Mac hardware platforms, Map Publisher, MS Office Suite, and any other interactive graphics enablers, languages, or tools specified.
• Supports DIA efforts to vet or validate existing or emerging programs and capabilities.
Required qualifications/skills:
• Minimum 12 years of experience related to the specific labor category with at least a portion of the experience within the last 2 years with a master's degree.
-OR-
• A minimum of 17 years of experience related to the specific labor category with at least a portion of the experience within the last 2 years with a bachelor's degree.
• Demonstrates ability to work independently and with minimal oversight.
Come on board with a company that Values its Employees!
Celestar Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Celestar Corporation prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in employment based on race; color; religion; genetic information; national origin; sex (including same-sex); sexual orientation; gender identity; pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; age; disability or handicap; citizenship status; marital status; service member/protected veteran status; or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.

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