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Vulkan Programmer Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Umd

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 ...

All JobsVulkan Programmer JobsVulkan Programmer Jobs in Reston, VA

Vulkan Programmer information

See Reston, VA salary details

$14

$54

$74

How much do vulkan programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for vulkan programmer in Reston, VA is $54.39, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45.77 and $65.00 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Vulkan Programmers?

Vulkan Programmers are software developers who specialize in using the Vulkan graphics and compute API to create high-performance graphics applications, such as video games, simulations, and visualization tools. They are skilled in low-level programming, optimizing rendering pipelines, and managing resources for efficient GPU usage. Vulkan Programmers often work closely with game engines or custom graphics frameworks to achieve advanced visual effects and real-time performance. Their expertise is crucial for applications that require cross-platform compatibility and maximum control over graphics hardware.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced engineers in specialized fields such as software development, data science, or systems architecture can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially in senior or executive roles at large technology companies. These roles often require advanced skills, certifications, and extensive industry experience.

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

To thrive as a Vulkan Programmer, you need a solid understanding of computer graphics, C/C++ programming, and low-level GPU architecture, often supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with the Vulkan API, graphics debugging tools like RenderDoc, and shader languages such as GLSL or HLSL is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective collaboration skills help set candidates apart in this role. These skills ensure efficient development of high-performance graphics applications and successful teamwork in demanding technical environments.

What are some common challenges Vulkan Programmers face when integrating Vulkan into existing projects?

Vulkan Programmers often encounter challenges such as managing the explicit nature of Vulkan’s API, which requires detailed handling of memory management and synchronization. Integrating Vulkan into legacy codebases can reveal compatibility issues and a steep learning curve, particularly when transitioning from more abstract graphics APIs like OpenGL or DirectX. Additionally, debugging and performance optimization can be more complex due to Vulkan’s low-level access to hardware, requiring robust tooling and a deep understanding of graphics pipelines. Collaborating closely with other developers and technical artists is essential to ensure seamless integration and optimal performance.

What coding language does Vulkan use?

Vulkan programming primarily uses C and C++ languages, which provide low-level access to hardware and high performance for graphics and compute tasks. Developers working as Vulkan programmers should be proficient in these languages and familiar with graphics APIs and shader languages like GLSL or SPIR-V.

What is the highest-paying programming job?

Vulkan programmers, especially those with expertise in graphics development and real-time rendering, can earn high salaries, often exceeding six figures annually, particularly in industries like gaming, simulation, and virtual reality. Senior roles requiring advanced skills in graphics APIs, optimization, and cross-platform development tend to be the highest paying in programming fields.

Are graphics programmers in demand?

Graphics programmers, including Vulkan programmers, are in high demand due to the growth of the gaming, virtual reality, and simulation industries. Skills in graphics APIs like Vulkan, OpenGL, and DirectX, along with knowledge of real-time rendering and shader development, are highly valued by employers seeking to optimize visual performance and quality.
What are popular job titles related to Vulkan Programmer jobs in Reston, VA? For Vulkan Programmer jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Vulkan Programmer jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Vulkan Programmer jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Vulkan Programmer jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Vulkan Programmer job openings:
Vulkan Programmer jobs near you

Modeling & Simulation Engineer (Systems Engineer, Sr)

Redwire Space

Chantilly, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Redwire is an innovative space and defense technology company driving advanced capabilities across the aerospace sector. We are looking for a leader who can contribute to concept of operations development, mission solution design, and strategic analysis for spacecraft programs supporting National Security Space. This includes work spanning space domain awareness, space resiliency, mission autonomy, structures, sensors, and next‑generation space systems.
The Modeling amp; Simulation Engineer is responsible for developing, integrating, and maintaining high‑fidelity digital twins and simulation architectures that support the company’s modeling, mission‑analysis, and digital‑engineering ecosystems. This role blends physics‑based computation, systems‑engineering discipline, and software‑driven simulation development to ensure that digital twins, scenario models, and system‑level simulations are accurate, scalable, and aligned with mission and product objectives. You will design and validate simulation components, implement numerical and multi‑domain models, support virtual integration and V amp;V activities, and collaborate closely with systems engineers, software teams, mission analysts, and UI/UX partners to deliver coherent, data‑driven simulation capabilities across aerospace and defense applications.
Responsibilities
  • Develop and enhance simulation models supporting mission analysis, system design, and digital‑engineering workflows.
  • Design and maintain digital twins for spacecraft, vehicles, and mission systems, including data‑driven updates and configuration management.
  • Architect simulation frameworks including component models, interfaces, scenario generation, and system‑level integration.
  • Implement numerical and multi‑domain models using physics‑based computation and advanced simulation techniques.
  • Perform virtual integration and V amp;V for simulation components and end‑to‑end system behavior.
  • Evaluate system performance using defined metrics, technical performance measures, and simulation‑based criteria.
  • Collaborate across engineering disciplines to align simulation outputs with mission, product, and system‑design needs.
  • Communicate technical results through documentation, design artifacts, and presentations for reviews and proposals.
Ideal Experience
  • STEM foundation — Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Applied Mathematics, or related STEM field.
  • Modeling amp; simulation development — 1–5 years building physics‑based models or simulation engines.
  • Physics‑based computation — Proficiency with MATLAB/Simulink, Python (NumPy/SciPy/JAX), or C++ for numerical modeling and system dynamics.
  • Digital engineering amp; MBSE — Experience applying MBSE, SysML, or digital‑thread methodologies.
  • Simulation architecture — Ability to design and validate simulation architectures and system‑level integrations.
  • Digital twins amp; digital threads — Experience creating and evolving digital twins for mission systems.
  • Interface design amp; simulation — Ability to model and simulate system and subsystem interfaces.
  • Numerical methods — Knowledge of integration methods, control theory, estimation, orbital mechanics, or multi‑domain modeling.
  • Verification amp; validation — Experience with virtual integration and V amp;V of simulation components.
  • Performance evaluation — Ability to define and assess simulation‑based performance metrics.
  • Cross‑functional collaboration — Ability to work with systems, software, mission analysis, and UI/UX teams.
  • Technical communication — Skilled in presenting simulation results and design artifacts.
Desired Skills
  • High‑fidelity simulation tools — STK, GMAT, Orekit, Trick, Modelica, or similar frameworks.
  • Real‑time amp; HIL simulation — Experience with real‑time or hardware‑in‑the‑loop environments.
  • HPC amp; GPU‑accelerated workflows — Familiarity with CUDA, Vulkan compute, OpenCL, or HPC pipelines.
  • Graph‑based data modeling — Knowledge of metadata lineage and digital‑thread integration.
  • API integration — Experience integrating simulation engines with REST, gRPC, or GraphQL APIs.
  • Simulation visualization — Experience with Three.js, WebGL, React Three Fiber, or CesiumJS.
  • Aerospace amp; mission‑system experience — Background in aerospace, defense, or high‑integrity engineering.
  • MBSE tooling — Experience with Cameo, Teamwork Cloud, or similar tools.
  • Requirements management — Experience with Jama, DOORS, or comparable systems.
  • Systems engineering certifications — INCOSE ASEP/CSEP, OCSMP, or related credentials.
  • Travel readiness — Ability to travel 10–15% as required.
  • Security eligibility — U.S. Citizen; able to obtain and maintain DoD Secret clearance (TS/SCI preferred).
Grow with us as we innovate the next generation capabilities for a new era of space exploration!  We offer a highly competitive benefits package along with a commitment to our core values of Integrity, Innovation, Impact, Inclusion, and Excellence.   
Don’t meet every single requirement above? No worries.  We want people who can grow, collaborate and build a stronger team.  We strive to build a diverse and inclusive culture, so if you’re excited about this job posting, we encourage you to apply. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.   
Redwire Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with MIS is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
All offers of employment at Redwire Space are contingent upon clear results of a thorough background check.
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the Click Here

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