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Computer Graphics Jobs in Santa Cruz, CA (NOW HIRING)

Graphic Designer - Brand - Junior

San Jose, CA · On-site

$23.75 - $31.75/hr

Our work spans environmental graphics and campus signage systems to brand identity, placemaking ... Proficiency in the latest design software including Adobe Creative Suite, CAD Tools, and AI ...

Graphic Designer - Brand - Junior

San Jose, CA

$23.75 - $31.75/hr

Our work spans environmental graphics and campus signage systems to brand identity, placemaking ... Proficiencyin the latest design software including Adobe Creative Suite, CAD Tools, andAI ...

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Computer Graphics information

See Santa Cruz, CA salary details

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How much do computer graphics jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for computer graphics in Santa Cruz, CA is $24.43, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.42 and $24.42 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Computer Graphics job?

A Computer Graphics job involves creating, designing, and manipulating visual content using software and algorithms. Professionals in this field work in industries such as gaming, film, virtual reality, and simulation. Responsibilities may include 3D modeling, rendering, animation, and visual effects. Strong skills in mathematics, programming, and creative design are essential. Common tools include software like Blender, Maya, and Adobe Creative Suite.

Is a graphic designer a well paid job?

Graphic designers' salaries vary based on experience, location, and industry, but generally they earn a median annual wage that is competitive within creative fields. Skilled designers with proficiency in tools like Adobe Creative Suite and a strong portfolio can command higher pay, especially in specialized or senior roles.

What are typical daily responsibilities for someone working in Computer Graphics?

Professionals in Computer Graphics typically spend their days creating and refining visual assets, collaborating with team members such as designers, animators, and developers, and troubleshooting technical issues related to rendering or modeling. They may also participate in team meetings to align on project goals, incorporate feedback, and ensure visual consistency throughout the project. Daily tasks often involve using specialized software, optimizing graphics for performance, and staying updated on the latest industry trends. This dynamic structure provides opportunities to learn new techniques and contribute creative solutions that enhance the final product.

What careers use computer graphics?

Computer graphics are used in careers such as video game design, animation, visual effects for film and television, graphic design, and virtual reality development. Professionals in these fields often work with tools like Adobe Creative Suite, Autodesk Maya, or Blender and may require skills in 3D modeling, rendering, and digital illustration.

What kind of jobs do you get as a graphic designer?

A graphic designer can work in roles such as branding designer, web designer, advertising designer, or multimedia artist. They create visual content for print, digital media, and marketing campaigns using tools like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, often working in agencies, corporate settings, or freelance environments.

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

To excel in Computer Graphics, you need a strong background in mathematics, computer science, and visual design, often supported by a degree in a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard tools such as Adobe Creative Suite, Autodesk Maya, Blender, and programming languages like C++ or GLSL is highly valued, and professional certifications can enhance credibility. Creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork are essential soft skills that drive innovation and effective project collaboration. Mastering these skills ensures you can create compelling visual content, adapt to evolving technologies, and contribute to diverse projects across industries.

Is computer graphics a good field?

Computer graphics is a viable field involving the creation and manipulation of visual content using software tools like Adobe Photoshop, Maya, or Blender. It offers opportunities in industries such as entertainment, advertising, and design, often requiring skills in programming, artistic ability, and knowledge of rendering techniques. Job prospects depend on experience, portfolio quality, and proficiency with relevant software and hardware.
What cities near Santa Cruz, CA are hiring for Computer Graphics jobs? Cities near Santa Cruz, CA with the most Computer Graphics job openings:
Infographic showing various Computer Graphics job openings in Santa Cruz, CA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $50,805 per year, or $24.4 per hour.
Senior Research Engineer - 3D Graphics Compression

Senior Research Engineer - 3D Graphics Compression

Sony Electronics

San Jose, CA • On-site, Remote

$164K - $202K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 days ago


Job description

Sony Corporation of America, located in New York, NY, is the U.S. headquarters of Sony Group Corporation, based in Tokyo, Japan. Sony's principal U.S. businesses include Sony Electronics Inc., Sony Interactive Entertainment LLC, Sony Music Entertainment, Sony Music Publishing and Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc. With some 900 million Sony devices in hands and homes worldwide today, a vast array of Sony movies, television shows and music, and the PlayStation Network, Sony creates and delivers more entertainment experiences to more people than anyone else on earth. To learn more: www.sony.com/en.

POSITION SUMMARY

Sony Corporation of America seeks a Senior Research Engineer for its U.S. Research Center in San Jose, CA to drive research in 3D image processing, computer graphics, and 3D image compression by creating, validating, and optimizing algorithms for structure from motion, point clouds, meshes, and new representations (e.g., NeRF and Gaussian splats), delivering reproducible results and efficient solutions for product integration.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Ensure technical relevance by evaluating current and emerging 3D compression technologies.
  • Deliver new 3D imaging concepts by taking them from initial design through product integration and market release.
  • Validate capability and quality by performing feasibility studies and experimental evaluations.
  • Deliver robust implementations by designing algorithm architectures and applying advanced engineering and mathematical principles.
  • Achieve cross-platform performance targets by optimizing algorithm performance across a variety of platforms.
  • Ensure consistent evaluation by defining test procedures and evaluation methodologies.
  • Sustain high-quality algorithms and software applications by providing advanced technical expertise across design, development, and maintenance.
  • Increase capability by writing code that improves or extends existing solutions.
  • Restore reliability by diagnosing, debugging, and resolving complex application issues.
  • Improve outcomes by developing new technical and domain expertise and applying it to products and research problems.
  • Ensure reproducibility by documenting all phases of research and development.
  • Secure intellectual property by drafting and filing invention disclosures and collaborating with patent attorneys.
  • Influence international standards by contributing technical proposals and participating in standards meetings.
  • Disseminate results by drafting professional articles for technical journals as required.
  • Honesty, trustworthiness and ethical conduct are material requirements for the responsibilities outlined above

QUALIFICATIONS FOR POSITION

Your qualifications and experience should include:

  • PhD (or MS with a minimum of 3 years of related experience) in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, or a related field.
  • Demonstrated knowledge and experience in multi-view imaging, 3D image processing, 3D image compression and computer graphics (e.g., publications, patents, open-source contributions, or shipped features).
  • Research experience in point cloud, mesh, and/or Gaussian splats reconstruction and compression (e.g., peer-reviewed work, prototypes, or standards-related experimentation).
  • Strong programming skills in C/C++ and Python (e.g., production-quality code, performance profiling/optimization, and reproducible experimentation).
  • Experience with machine learning libraries such as TensorFlow and/or PyTorch (e.g., experimentation, training/inference pipelines, or integrating learned components).
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills (e.g., clear technical writing, conference or internal talks, and cross-functional collaboration).
  • Proficiency in Linux-based development environments.

Work Arrangement

Remote work can be considered after an extensive period of on-site training and may require monthly business trips to the head office.

We are committed to creating an inclusive employee experience for you to thrive as part of Sony's purpose to "fill the world with emotion through the power of creativity and technology."

Benefits:

SCA offers benefits-eligible employees (generally regularemployees scheduled to work 20 or more hours a week) a comprehensive benefits program that offers coverage and support for employees and their family's physical, emotional, and financial well-being.

What we offer you:

  • Comprehensive medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coveragewith coverage for spouses/domestic partners and child dependents, including access to a Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

  • Employeeassistanceplan and comprehensive behavioral health benefits

  • Fertility benefits, including, surrogacy, and adoptionassistanceprograms

  • Basic and supplemental life insurance for employees as well as supplemental life insurance coverage for their spouses/domestic partners and children

  • Voluntary benefits such as group legal, identity theft protection, accident, and hospital indemnity insurance

  • Short-term & long-term disability plans

  • Up to12 weeksof paid parental and caregiver leave

  • 401(k) Plan with pre-tax, Roth, and after-tax options and company match with immediate vesting

  • Educationassistanceand student loan programs

Other Programs:

  • Time off to include vacation, paid holidays, sick leave, Summer Fridays (early release), and a winter break between Christmas and New Year's Day (based on business needs)

  • Referral bonuses (subject to eligibility)

  • Matching gift program

  • A wide variety of employee business resource groups (EBRGs)

  • Special discountson Sony products, offered exclusively to Sony employees

  • Employee stock purchase plan (Sony covers commissions and fees for your Sony stock purchases made through after-tax payroll deductions)

Theanticipatedannual base salary for this position is $150,000 to $160,000In addition to the annual base salary, this role has an annual bonus target of10%.Thisrange does not include any other compensation components or other benefits that an individual may be eligible for. The actual base salary offered depends on a variety of factors, which may include as applicable, the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, specific and unique skills, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and the location in which the applicant lives and/or from which they will be performing the job.

#LI-AS1

SCA will consider qualified applicants with arrest or conviction recordsin accordance withapplicable law.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local law, ordinance, or regulation.

Disability Accommodation for Applicants to Sony Corporation of America

Sony Corporation of America provides reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in job application procedures. For reasonable accommodation requests, please contact us by email at careers@sonyusa.com or by mail to: Sony Corporation of America, People Experience Department, 25 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10010. Please indicate the position you are applying for.

We are aware that unauthorized individuals or organizations may attempt to solicit personal information or payments from job applicants by impersonating our company through fraudulent job postings. We take these matters seriously but cannot control third-party websites. To protect your personal information, please verify that any job posting you respond to also appears on our official Careers page:www.sonyjobs.com. Please also be advised that we never request personal identifying information (such as Social Security numbers, bank details, or copies of identification documents) during the initial stages of our application process. If you have any doubts about the authenticity of a job posting or communication, please contactcareers@sonyusa.combefore submitting any information.

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