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Engineering Graphics Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

At least 7 years of industry experience in graphics or UI engineering. * Expert-level proficiency in Qt and QML, including custom rendering and performance optimization. * Deep hands-on experience ...

Sr/Staff Graphics Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$150K - $275K/yr

At least 7 years of industry experience in graphics or UI engineering. * Expert-level proficiency in Qt and QML, including custom rendering and performance optimization. * Deep hands-on experience ...

Sr/Staff Graphics Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$164K - $202K/yr

Required : • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Computer Graphics, or a related field. • At least 7 years of industry experience in graphics or UI engineering. • Expert-level ...

Graphics Software Engineer, Staff

San Diego, CA · On-site

$148K - $183K/yr

Engineering Group, Engineering Group > Graphics Software Engineering General Summary: As a leading technology innovator, Qualcomm pushes the boundaries of what's possible to enable next-generation ...

CAD Graphics Engine Software Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$150K - $186K/yr

About The Role We're looking for a Graphics Engine Software Engineer to join our growing team to help us build out the core functionality of our next-generation CAD Graphics Engine! In this role, you ...

Required : • ~5-8 years of experience in frontend engineering, graphics, or real-time rendering • Strong experience with JavaScript/TypeScript and WebGL frameworks (BabylonJS, Three.js, or ...

What the Role Entails LightSpeed LA is seeking for a talented and enthusiastic Senior Graphics Engineer to join our new studio in sunny Irvine California. The ideal candidate will have a strong ...

Senior Graphics Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$124K - $283K/yr

What the Role Entails LightSpeed LA is seeking for a talented and enthusiastic Senior Graphics Engineer to join our new studio in sunny Irvine California. The ideal candidate will have a strong ...

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Engineering Graphics information

See California salary details

$61.7K

$140.6K

$172.7K

How much do engineering graphics jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for engineering graphics in California is $140,603.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $138,200.00 and $156,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Engineering Graphics vs Drafting?

AspectEngineering GraphicsDrafting
CredentialsTypically requires a diploma or degree in engineering or technical drawingOften requires a certificate or diploma in drafting or technical drawing
Work EnvironmentDesign studios, engineering firms, manufacturing companiesArchitectural firms, engineering offices, manufacturing plants
Industry UsageUsed across engineering disciplines for creating detailed technical drawingsPrimarily used for producing precise technical drawings and plans

Engineering Graphics and Drafting are closely related roles involving technical drawing creation. Engineering Graphics often encompasses a broader scope, including conceptual design and visualization, while Drafting focuses specifically on producing detailed technical drawings. Both roles require similar skills and certifications, and they are integral to engineering and manufacturing industries.

What are engineering graphics?

Engineering graphics are visual representations and drawings used by engineers and designers to communicate ideas, technical information, and specifications for engineering projects. These graphics include technical drawings, diagrams, schematics, and blueprints that detail the dimensions, materials, and assembly of components or systems. Mastery of engineering graphics is essential for accurately conveying design intent and ensuring that manufactured products meet required standards. Modern engineering graphics often utilize computer-aided design (CAD) software to create precise and detailed drawings.

How do Engineering Graphics professionals typically collaborate with engineers and designers during a project?

Engineering Graphics professionals work closely with engineers and designers to translate conceptual ideas and technical requirements into precise visual representations, such as CAD drawings or schematics. They often participate in project meetings to clarify design intent, incorporate feedback, and ensure that all graphical documentation aligns with industry standards and project specifications. Effective communication and attention to detail are key, as their work forms the basis for manufacturing, construction, or further design iterations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Engineering Graphics professional, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Engineering Graphics professional, you need strong spatial reasoning, technical drawing skills, and a background in engineering principles, often supported by a degree in engineering or drafting. Proficiency with CAD software such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or Revit, along with knowledge of industry standards, is essential. Attention to detail, creativity, and strong communication skills help you accurately interpret requirements and collaborate with engineers and designers. These skills ensure precise technical documentation, effective collaboration, and the successful realization of engineering projects.
Principal Graphics Developer Tools Engineer

Principal Graphics Developer Tools Engineer

Nvidia

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

$164K - $203K/yr

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago


Nvidia rating

9.3

Company rating: 9.3 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 209 rated software companies


Job description

The Graphics Developer Tools team is seeking an exceptional technical leader to help shape the future of graphics development. This role spans multiple areas of NVIDIA's graphics software ecosystem, driving innovation across developer tools, graphics technologies, and next-generation development workflows. You will create and lead new strategic initiatives, partnering closely with NVIDIA Research, GPU Architecture, Driver, SDK, and Developer Technology teams to evaluate emerging technologies, prototype new ideas, and deliver solutions that improve how developers build, debug, profile, and optimize graphics applications. This is a hands-on technical leadership role emphasizing vision, execution, influence, and collaboration. Success in this role comes from technical excellence and the ability to align teams around ambitious ideas.

What You'll Be Doing:

  • Define and implement the technical vision and strategy for next-generation developer tools, workflows, and technologies that improve developer productivity.

  • Design and prototype new tools that can evolve into production-ready software.

  • Collaborate with GPU architects, driver engineers, SDK teams, and graphics developers to understand future needs and influence product direction.

  • Drive technical initiatives across multiple organizations through collaboration and technical leadership.

  • Mentor engineers and help establish engineering excellence within the larger Developer Tools organization.

  • Engage with external developers, game studios, engine teams, and strategic partners to understand real-world workflows and pain points.

  • Represent NVIDIA at industry events, technical conferences, and developer engagements.

  • Influence the evolution of graphics development as AI increasingly transforms how software is built, optimized, and maintained.

What We Need To See:

  • BS, MS, or PhD in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience).

  • 15+ years of experience developing graphics software, developer tools, game engines, GPU technologies, or related systems.

  • Deep understanding of modern graphics APIs including DirectX, Vulkan, or Metal.

  • Strong C++ software engineering skills and experience building large-scale software systems.

  • Demonstrated technical leadership driving complex projects across multiple teams.

  • Experience designing software architectures and influencing technical direction beyond a single codebase.

  • Strong communication skills with the ability to collaborate across engineering, research, product, and external developer communities.

  • Proven ability to thrive in ambiguous environments and transform ideas into shipped products.

Ways To Stand Out From The Crowd:

  • Expertise in GPU architecture, memory systems, performance analysis, or graphics debugging.

  • Experience with ray tracing technologies, neural rendering, or advanced rendering techniques using Vulkan or D3D12.

  • Experience developing profilers, debuggers, validation tools, or SDKs.

  • Experience applying machine learning or generative AI techniques to software development workflows.

  • Contributions to game engines, graphics middleware, graphics SDKs, or open-source graphics projects.

NVIDIA is widely considered to be one of the technology world's most desirable employers with some of the most forward-thinking and hardworking people in the world working here. If you're highly technical and enthusiastic about 3D Graphics, we want to hear from you! For two decades, we have pioneered visual computing, the art and science of computer graphics. With our invention of the GPU - the engine of modern visual computing - the field has expanded to encompass video games, movie production, product design, medical diagnosis and scientific research. Today, we stand at the beginning of the next era, the AI computing era, ignited by a new computing model, GPU deep learning.

Your base salary will be determined based on your location, experience, and the pay of employees in similar positions. The base salary range is 272,000 USD - 431,250 USD.

You will also be eligible for equity and benefits.

Applications for this job will be accepted at least until June 20, 2026.

This posting is for an existing vacancy.

NVIDIA uses AI tools in its recruiting processes.

NVIDIA is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment and proud to be an equal opportunity employer. As we highly value diversity in our current and future employees, we do not discriminate (including in our hiring and promotion practices) on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or any other characteristic protected by law.

What Nvidia employees say

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Nvidia logo

About Nvidia

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

NVIDIA has been transforming computer graphics, PC gaming, and accelerated computing for more than 25 years. It's a unique legacy of innovation that's fueled by great technology--and amazing people. Today, we're tapping into the unlimited potential of AI to define the next era of computing. An era in which our GPU acts as the brains of computers, robots, and self-driving cars that can understand the world. Doing what's never been done before takes vision, innovation, and the world's best talent.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Santa Clara, CA, US

Year founded

1993