1

Sound Designer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

The Urban Designer will serve on multi-disciplinary urban design and planning projects across the ... Apply strong conceptual design skills, generate planning and design ideas, and exercise sound ...

New

Electrical Designer Join a dynamic consulting engineering firm based in Fairfax, Virginia ... Develop systems design and AV sound design. * Collaborate on school system projects, with ...

Electrical Designer Join a dynamic consulting engineering firm based in Fairfax, Virginia ... Develop systems design and AV sound design. * Collaborate on school system projects, with ...

Experience designing for Accessibility (WCAG 2.x AA/AAA.) Does that sound like you? Apply now by clicking the link below! Click this link to learn more about our SaaS platform: Benefits In addition ...

Experience designing for Accessibility (WCAG 2.x AA/AAA.) Does that sound like you? Apply now by clicking the link below! Click this link to learn more about our SaaS platform: Benefits In addition ...

... sound, and aligned with client expectations. This role requires a skilled learning professional ... Designing, developing, and updating training materials for new employee courses and onboarding ...

... sound, and aligned with client expectations. This role requires a skilled learning professional ... Designing, developing, and updating training materials for new employee courses and onboarding ...

... sound, and aligned with client expectations. This role requires a skilled learning professional ... Designing, developing, and updating training materials for new employee courses and onboarding ...

Showing results 21-40

Sound Designer information

See Virginia salary details

$64.4K

$83.1K

$100.6K

How much do sound designer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for sound designer in Virginia is $83,114.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,900.00 and $92,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a sound designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Sound Designer, you need a strong background in audio engineering, acoustics, and music theory, often supported by a relevant degree or professional training. Proficiency with digital audio workstations (DAWs) like Pro Tools, Logic Pro, and industry-standard sound libraries is essential. Creativity, attention to detail, and effective communication enable standout collaboration with directors and production teams. These skills and qualities are crucial for producing immersive and high-quality soundscapes that enhance the overall impact of media projects.

What are some common challenges sound designers face when collaborating with other departments on a project?

Sound Designers often collaborate closely with directors, game developers, or video editors, which can present challenges such as aligning creative vision and managing feedback from multiple stakeholders. Balancing technical constraints, like file formats or hardware limitations, with artistic goals is a frequent hurdle. Effective communication and flexibility are essential, as last-minute script changes or edits may require rapid sound adjustments. Building strong relationships with other departments helps ensure the final audio fits seamlessly into the overall project.

What is the difference between Sound Designer vs Sound Editor?

AspectSound DesignerSound Editor
CredentialsTypically holds a degree in audio production, sound design, or related fieldOften has similar educational background, sometimes with additional editing certifications
Work EnvironmentWorks in film, video games, advertising, and multimedia projects, creating original soundscapesPrimarily works in post-production, editing and assembling sound recordings
Industry UsageUsed across entertainment, media, and advertising industriesCommonly employed in film, TV, and video game post-production

While both roles involve working with audio, a Sound Designer creates original sound elements and atmospheres, whereas a Sound Editor focuses on editing and assembling existing audio recordings. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and job expectations in the audio industry.

What is a sound designer?

A sound designer works to create and assemble sound effects for a video or audio production. Depending on the medium, you may produce a variety of different audio clips. You typically work closely with the director and other sound technicians to ensure all the audio comes together in a cohesive way and supports the creative goals of the production. As a sound designer, you may source special effects from third parties or find ways to create and record them yourself.

What are the most commonly searched types of Sound Designer jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Sound Designer jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Sound Designer jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Sound Designer job openings:
Infographic showing various Sound Designer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,114 per year, or $40 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New


AECOM rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 65 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

10th of 80 rated construction


Job description

Company Description

Work with Us. Change the World.

At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world's most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.

There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.

We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.

Job Description

AECOM's Urbanism + Planning practice is actively seeking a creative and enthusiastic Urban Designer for our growing Urban Design Studio based in our Arlington, VA or Washington DC office (preference based on candidate's choice). The Urban Designer will serve on multi-disciplinary urban design and planning projects across the East Coast, from transit-oriented development (TOD) master plans, large scale mixed-use master plans, downtown revitalization, and public realm design projects. As part of a highly collaborative team of urban designers, planners, landscape architects, engineers, and economists, the urban designer will have the opportunity to have a high impact on transformational placemaking projects across the region for municipal, state, and private sector clients.

Responsibilities

  • Work independently under the guidance of studio leadership to prepare planning and urban design deliverables, including conceptual studies, draft designs, and final presentation materials for TOD, mixed-use master plans, site planning, downtown redevelopment, and public realm projects.
  • Apply strong conceptual design skills, generate planning and design ideas, and exercise sound professional judgment on projects involving complex urban sites across a range of scales and diverse social, environmental, and geographic contexts.
  • Prepare design drawings, diagrams, maps, renderings, presentations, and project documentation that clearly communicate planning concepts and urban design vision for TOD, residential, office, retail, mixed-use, and public realm projects, while applying knowledge of building systems, planning regulations, and urban design principles in accordance with project specifications, established design standards, and verbal and written direction using industry-standard digital and traditional design tools.
  • Lead research and analysis of urban context, including zoning, land use, site history, geography, mobility networks, urban character, natural resources, and development programs. Prepare precedent studies, building massing, and other planning and design studies to inform project outcomes.
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to integrate planning, urban design, architecture, landscape, and infrastructure considerations throughout project development.
  • Apply knowledge of planning and urban design principles, building typologies, spatial requirements, zoning and land use regulations, project phasing, and implementation strategies to support design decisions.
  • Lead discrete tasks and coordinate with other consultants throughout the planning and design process to ensure technical coordination and interdisciplinary alignment.
  • Prepare for and participate in marketing activities and client outreach meetings to bring visibility to AECOM's Urbanism + Planning practice.  

***Design portfolio must be submitted by applicant in order to be considered for opportunity.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in Urban Design, Planning, Architecture, or Landscape Architecture with minimum of 4 years of professional experience.
  • Experience with mapping, drafting, and rendering software including AutoCAD, Rhino, GIS, and Enscape.
  • Experience with Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign), and Microsoft Office.
  • Experience producing written narrative and graphics for reports and presentations, and presenting to internal and external audiences. 

Preferred Qualifications

  • Master's degree in Urban Design, Planning, Architecture, or Landscape Architecture with 6+ years of professional experience.
  • Experience with Lumion.
  • Urban design and digital graphic skills, including authorship and production of 2D and 3D site plans, sections, elevations, building massing studies, diagrams, renderings, maps, and presentation graphics.
  • Experience with large-scale mixed-use master planning, TOD, infrastructure-integrated planning, and downtown district planning in a collaborative, fast-paced professional environment.
  • Experience designing and evaluating urban design concepts, planning strategies, and policy objectives through collaboration with public agencies, elected officials, clients, and community stakeholders.
  • Positive, proactive approach to teamwork and problem-solving.
  • Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.
  • Excellent time management skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
  • AICP certification or active pursuit of certification preferred.
Additional Information
  • Sponsorship for US employment authorization is not available now or in the future for this position.
  • Relocation Support is not available for this role.

At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.

About AECOM 

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan. 

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients' complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle - from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com. 

What makes AECOM a great place to work 

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you'll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you've always envisioned. Here, you'll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community-where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity. 

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines. 


What AECOM employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom