1

3D Graphics Programmer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

You'll learn optimization craft from engineers who live it, making this the fastest place in the company to grow into a serious graphics engineer. What you'll do * Build features in the 3D experience ...

Graphics Engineer

Novato, CA · On-site +1

$120K - $154K/yr

Our talented NBA 2K team is looking for a Graphics Engineer with a passion for cutting-edge ... Strong grasp of 3D math concepts and applications * Deep understanding of optimization techniques ...

Graphics Engineer

Novato, CA · On-site

$120K - $154K/yr

Our talented NBA 2K team is looking for a Graphics Engineer with a passion for cutting-edge ... Strong grasp of 3D math concepts and applications * Deep understanding of optimization techniques ...

Graphics Engineer

Novato, CA · On-site +1

$120K - $154K/yr

Our talented NBA 2K team is looking for a Graphics Engineer with a passion for cutting-edge ... Strong grasp of 3D math concepts and applications * Deep understanding of optimization techniques ...

Graphics Engineer

Novato, CA · On-site

$120K - $154K/yr

Our talented NBA 2K team is looking for a Graphics Engineer with a passion for cutting-edge ... Strong grasp of 3D math concepts and applications * Deep understanding of optimization techniques ...

iOS Game Developer

Los Angeles, CA

$55.75 - $76.75/hr

We're looking for iOS engineers to join our game studio! You will work on exciting new casual games ... OpenGL, 3D graphics experience * Keen eye for pixel perfect UI * Familiar with art asset pipelines ...

GPU Software Engineer Location: San Jose, CA Duration: 6+ months contract (Long Term) Roles and ... Experience implementing 3D graphics features such as lighting, effects, shaders and other low-level ...

3D Software Junior Developer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$79K - $102K/yr

Experience developing 3D graphics applications. * Experience with Machine Learning and LLM ... Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related fields. * Experience working in a ...

Showing results 41-60

3D Graphics Programmer information

See California salary details

$109.1K

$133.2K

$154.5K

How much do 3d graphics programmer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for 3d graphics programmer in California is $133,232.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $123,400.00 and $143,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a 3d graphics programmer?

A 3D Graphics Programmer develops software and algorithms for rendering 3D visuals in applications like video games, simulations, and virtual reality. They work with graphics APIs such as DirectX and OpenGL, optimize performance, and implement visual effects. Their role requires strong programming skills in languages like C++ and knowledge of 3D mathematics.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a 3d graphics programmer?

A 3D Graphics Programmer typically spends their day writing and optimizing shaders, implementing rendering pipelines, troubleshooting graphics bugs, and collaborating with artists and designers to ensure visual fidelity aligns with creative vision. Tasks often include profiling and debugging rendering code, staying updated on industry advancements, and integrating new rendering techniques into the project. Teamwork and communication are essential, as you’ll work closely with other engineers and creative staff to ensure technical and artistic goals are met. Some roles may also involve documenting workflows and conducting code reviews to maintain high standards across the team.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the 3d graphics programmer position, and why are they important?

Succeeding as a 3D Graphics Programmer requires strong proficiency in C++ or similar programming languages, a solid understanding of computer graphics concepts, and a degree in computer science or related field. Familiarity with graphics APIs like DirectX, OpenGL, or Vulkan, and experience with game engines such as Unreal or Unity are typically needed, while certifications in graphics programming can be advantageous. Attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and effective communication are important soft skills for working both independently and collaboratively. These skills ensure the ability to develop optimized, visually impressive graphics solutions that meet project requirements and work smoothly across platforms.

Are 3D graphics programmers in demand?

3D graphics programmers are in high demand across industries such as gaming, film, virtual reality, and simulation, as these fields require advanced graphics rendering and real-time visualization. Skills in programming languages like C++ and knowledge of graphics APIs such as DirectX or OpenGL increase employability, and experience with game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine is often preferred.

What is 3D graphics programming?

3D graphics programming involves creating and manipulating three-dimensional visual content using programming languages and graphics APIs like OpenGL or DirectX. It requires understanding of mathematical concepts such as vectors and matrices, as well as skills in coding, shading, and rendering techniques to develop realistic or stylized 3D visuals for games, simulations, or visualizations.

What job categories do people searching 3D Graphics Programmer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for 3D Graphics Programmer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for 3D Graphics Programmer jobs?

Cities in California with the most 3D Graphics Programmer job openings:

Infographic showing various 3D Graphics Programmer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 81% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $133,232 per year, or $64.1 per hour.

Machine Learning 3D Reconstruction Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA • On-site

Apple Inc.
Computer and Electronic Product Manufacturing • 10K+ employees

$184K - $324K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Re-posted 18 days ago


Apple rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 684 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Machine Learning 3D Reconstruction Engineer

Sunnyvale, California, United States Machine Learning and AI

The Video Computer Vision organization is working on exciting technologies for future Apple products. Our team delivers computer vision and machine learning algorithms that power many Apple technologies like human understanding and human intelligence algorithms with applications for digital humans, health and AI. In this role, you will work closely with our team of experts in computer graphics, computer vision and machine learning to design and implement 3D reconstruction algorithms that power large-scale ground-truth data pipelines and bring high impact to millions of users.

Description

We are looking for a skilled 3D reconstruction engineer, with a strong background in computer graphics, particularly geometric algorithms and 3D reconstruction. In this role, you will design, implement, benchmark, and optimize algorithms for ambitious real-world problems in human reconstruction, producing the ground-truth data used to train and ship ML models in Apple products. You will both develop new reconstruction algorithms and build the core APIs that let ML engineers apply them at scale. You will work in a small and dynamic team to take algorithms from prototype to production, contributing directly to upcoming Apple products. Your contributions won't just support algorithm development; they'll directly shape product direction, unlock entirely new AI/ML capabilities, and define what's possible at Apple.

Responsibilities
  • Lead efforts to adapt state-of-the-art algorithms, as well as design and implement new algorithms to solve challenging ground-truth reconstruction problems.
  • Develop core API for improving how ML engineers work with ground-truth data at scale.
  • Take a practical approach to problem solving and adapt to an evolving environment.
  • Deliver clean, modular, testable algorithm code.
  • Communicate and work effectively with cross-functional partners.
  • The ideal candidate should possess these qualities:
  • Be highly-motivated and take initiative to achieve goals, while delivering on schedule. 2) Have a sense of curiosity and willingness to learn.
Minimum Qualifications
  • BA degree in computer science, computer graphics, computer vision or related field.-
  • 5+ years of relevant industry experience.
  • Strong proficiency in C/C++ or Python, writing clean and well-structured code.
  • Strong knowledge of 3D graphics and geometry processing.
  • Strong understanding of data structures and algorithms.
Preferred Qualifications
  • MS or PhD in computer graphics, computer vision, computer science, computer engineering, machine learning or related fields.
  • Proficiency in both C/C++ and Python.
  • Experience with computer vision algorithms.
  • Understanding of SW/HW parallelism, threads, processes and asynchronous processing.
  • Excellent communication and experience working with multi-functional teams.
  • Self-motivated with proven track record to optimally prioritize and deliver tasks on schedule.
  • Passion for delivering high quality software to end-users.

At Apple, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base pay range for this role is between $184,700 and $324,800, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.

Apple employees also have the opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through participation in Apple’s discretionary employee stock programs. Apple employees are eligible for discretionary restricted stock unit awards, and can purchase Apple stock at a discount if voluntarily participating in Apple’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You’ll also receive benefits including: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, a range of discounted products and free services, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Apple, reimbursement for certain educational expenses — including tuition. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation. Learn more about Apple Benefits

Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.

Apple is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We seek to promote equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics. Learn more about your EEO rights as an applicant

At Apple, we believe accessibility is a fundamental human right. You’ll find that idea reflected in everything here — in our culture, our benefits and our digital tools. By welcoming as many perspectives as possible, we help you build a career where you feel like you belong.

Learn about accessibility in Apple’s workplace

Learn about reasonable accommodations for job applicants

Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.

#J-18808-Ljbffr

What Apple employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Apple logo

About Apple

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Imagine what you could do here! At Apple, new ideas have a way of becoming extraordinary products, services, and customer experiences very quickly. Bring passion and dedication to your job and there's no telling what you could accomplish. Dynamic, intelligent people and inspiring, innovative technologies are the norm here. The people who work here have reinvented entire industries with all Apple Hardware products. The same real passion for innovation that goes into our products also applies to our practices strengthening our dedication to leave the world better than we found it.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Cupertino, CA, US

Year founded

1976