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Architectural Rendering Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Architect cross-platform monetization frameworks enabling reusable rendering, experimentation, and measurement capabilities across all shopper surfaces. * Drive the evolution of Walmart's first-party ...

Architect cross-platform monetization frameworks enabling reusable rendering, experimentation, and measurement capabilities across all shopper surfaces. * Drive the evolution of Walmart's first-party ...

Distinguished, Software Engineer

Fremont, CA ยท On-site

$169K - $338K/yr

Architect cross-platform monetization frameworks enabling reusable rendering, experimentation, and measurement capabilities across all shopper surfaces. * Drive the evolution of Walmart's first-party ...

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Architectural Rendering information

See California salary details

$11

$22

$37

How much do architectural rendering jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for architectural rendering in California is $22.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.03 and $26.35 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Architectural Rendering position, and why are they important?

To excel in Architectural Rendering, you need a strong proficiency in 3D modeling, visualization, and an understanding of architectural concepts, usually backed by a degree in architecture, design, or a related field. Expertise in industry-standard tools such as Autodesk 3ds Max, SketchUp, V-Ray, Lumion, and Adobe Creative Suite is highly valued, and knowledge of BIM software can be a plus. Attention to detail, creativity, effective communication, and the ability to collaborate with architects and designers are key soft skills. These competencies are crucial for producing compelling, accurate visualizations that effectively convey design intent to clients and stakeholders.

What is an Architectural Rendering job?

An Architectural Rendering job involves creating visual representations of architectural designs using 3D modeling, rendering software, and illustration techniques. Professionals in this field produce photorealistic images, animations, and virtual walkthroughs to help clients, architects, and developers visualize projects before construction. They work with architects, interior designers, and real estate firms to enhance presentations and marketing materials. Strong skills in software like 3ds Max, V-Ray, and Photoshop are essential.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of an Architectural Rendering professional?

As an Architectural Rendering professional, your typical day often involves collaborating with architects and designers to interpret project requirements, creating and refining 3D models, adjusting lighting and textures, and producing high-quality visualizations or animations. You may also participate in meetings to discuss design intent, incorporate client feedback, and ensure that renderings accurately reflect project specifications. Additionally, staying current with digital rendering techniques and software updates is an important aspect of your ongoing development. This role frequently requires balancing multiple deadlines and adapting to changes based on team or client input. Working in this position provides a dynamic mix of creative problem-solving and technical execution.

What are the most commonly searched types of Architectural Rendering jobs in California? The most popular types of Architectural Rendering jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Architectural Rendering jobs in California? For Architectural Rendering jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Architectural Rendering jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Architectural Rendering jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Architectural Rendering jobs? Cities in California with the most Architectural Rendering job openings:
Infographic showing various Architectural Rendering job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 90% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 92% In-person, 5% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,192 per year, or $22.7 per hour.

Principal Rendering Engineer

Absurd Ventures

Santa Monica, CA โ€ข On-site

$170K - $230K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Summary:
We are seeking a Principal Rendering Engineer to drive the technical excellence of our rendering systems. Join our world-class team developing a cutting-edge open-world video game that pushes the boundaries of visual fidelity and gameplay immersion.
Core Responsibilities:
  • Be responsible for optimizing and improving rendering infrastructure systems, including texture streaming, virtual texturing, GPU, and shader compilation.
  • Collaborate with technical artists to establish a performant kit of materials and techniques to meet visual requirements.
  • Develop scalable graphics solutions to maximize visual fidelity across a range of targets, from current-gen consoles to cutting-edge PCs and emerging hardware.
  • Drive the development of tools associated with rendering features, ensuring they are user-friendly and meet the needs of our artists.
  • Optimize our skin cache for GPU performance and memory to support rendering many characters on screen.
  • Stay up-to-date on current techniques, research, graphics data, and hardware advancements to inform the development of forward-thinking rendering systems.
  • Define and enforce technical specifications for asset and scene construction in collaboration with the art and design teams.
  • Author new shaders and effects to enhance visual quality.

Core Qualifications:
  • Strong proficiency in C++ and multi-threaded programming techniques.
  • In-depth real-time rendering experience in the games industry or related computer graphics fields.
  • Expertise in GPU architecture and performance characteristics, with extensive use of GPU profiling tools (e.g., PIX, Razor).
  • Experience with Unreal Engine 4 or 5.
  • Thorough knowledge and practical application of 3D math, rendering algorithms, and data structures.
  • Deep knowledge of at least one graphics API (e.g., DirectX 11/12, OpenGL, Vulkan, Metal).
  • Demonstrated skills in performance and memory optimization across various platforms.
  • Experience shipping AAA video games.
  • A proven track record of creating clean, efficient, and well-tested code.

Plus If...
  • Experience with emerging rendering technologies, such as ray tracing or machine-learning-based graphics solutions.
  • Contributions to published research or participation in industry conferences related to computer graphics.
  • Familiarity with mGPU solutions and cutting-edge PC hardware optimization techniques.

Description
  • Full-time job with benefits.
  • Role is on-site in Santa Monica, CA.

The base pay range for this position is $170,000 to $230,000 per year. Actual compensation is based on market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. We also offer a competitive package of benefits including vacation time, sick time, company holidays, parental leave, medical/dental/vision insurance, life insurance, disability insurance, and 401(k) match to regular full-time employees. Certain roles may also be eligible for bonus and equity.