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Entry Level Computer Graphics Programmer Jobs in San Diego, CA

Gnostech LLC

Drafter/CAD Operator II

San Diego, CA · On-site +1

$26.92 - $29.33/hr

Technical School degree in Drafting, Illustrating or Graphic Arts. Minimum Years of Experience * 3 years of professional experience preparing detailed engineering drawings using CAD tools and ...

Qualcomm

Senior GPU Software Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$130K - $171K/yr

... graphics (e.g., C++, C). Preferred Qualifications: • Master's Degree in Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, or related field ...

Pro Digitizing

Digitizer 2026

Chula Vista, CA · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

... programming, and marketing. Requirements * Note: Neither embroidery nor embroidery digitizing experience is required. * 2+ years of computer graphics design experience. * Proficiency in Adobe ...

Qualcomm

GPU Software Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$98K - $148K/yr

... graphics (e.g., C++, C). Preferred Qualifications: • Master's Degree in Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, or related field ...

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Entry Level Computer Graphics Programmer information

See San Diego, CA salary details

$15

$28

$83

How much do entry level computer graphics programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level computer graphics programmer in San Diego, CA is $28.38, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.12 and $24.52 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an entry level computer graphics programmer do?

An Entry Level Computer Graphics Programmer creates and implements code to generate visual elements in software applications, such as video games, simulations, or design tools. They work with graphics APIs like OpenGL or DirectX to render images, animations, and visual effects. Their responsibilities may include optimizing graphics performance, debugging visual issues, and collaborating with artists and other developers to achieve desired visual outcomes. This role is ideal for those with a background in computer science and a passion for visual computing.

What types of projects and technologies can an entry level computer graphics programmer expect to work on in their first year?

As an Entry Level Computer Graphics Programmer, you’ll typically start by assisting with the implementation of rendering features, debugging graphics code, and developing small components for larger visual systems. Expect to work with technologies such as OpenGL, DirectX, or Vulkan, alongside shader languages like GLSL or HLSL. You may collaborate closely with artists and senior developers to bring visual concepts to life, learning best practices for optimizing real-time graphics. This role often involves frequent code reviews, documentation, and rapid prototyping, helping you build a strong foundation for more advanced graphics programming tasks in the future.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level computer graphics programmer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Computer Graphics Programmer, you need a solid understanding of computer science fundamentals, mathematics (especially linear algebra), and programming languages such as C++ or Python, often supported by a relevant degree or coursework. Familiarity with graphics APIs like OpenGL or DirectX, shader programming, and tools such as Unity or Unreal Engine is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, creativity, and effective teamwork skills help you stand out in this field. These skills and qualities are crucial for designing efficient, visually compelling graphics solutions and collaborating on complex projects within the industry.

What is the difference between Entry Level Computer Graphics Programmer vs Entry Level Software Developer?

AspectEntry Level Computer Graphics ProgrammerEntry Level Software Developer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Science, Computer Graphics, or related field; knowledge of graphics APIs (OpenGL, DirectX)Bachelor's in Computer Science or related; programming skills in multiple languages
Work EnvironmentGame studios, simulation companies, visual effects firmsTech companies, software firms, startups
Industry UsagePrimarily in gaming, entertainment, visualizationBroad across various industries including finance, healthcare, tech
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

Entry Level Computer Graphics Programmers focus on creating visual effects, rendering, and graphics algorithms, often within gaming or entertainment industries. Entry Level Software Developers have a broader scope, developing applications across multiple sectors. While both roles require programming skills and a related degree, graphics programmers specialize in visual technologies, whereas software developers work on general software solutions.

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Computer Graphics Programmer jobs in San Diego, CA?

For Entry Level Computer Graphics Programmer jobs in San Diego, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Computer Graphics Programmer jobs in San Diego, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Computer Graphics Programmer jobs in San Diego, CA are:

What cities near San Diego, CA are hiring for Entry Level Computer Graphics Programmer jobs?

Cities near San Diego, CA with the most Entry Level Computer Graphics Programmer job openings:

Entry Level Computer Graphics Programmer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Computer Graphics Programmer job openings in San Diego, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 58% Full Time, and 42% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $59,025 per year, or $28.4 per hour.

Senior AI Systems Engineer - Graphics Design Verification

Qualcomm Technologies

San Diego, CA • On-site

$133K - $200K/yr

Other

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Company:
Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.
Job Area:
Engineering Group, Engineering Group > GPU ASICS Engineering
General Summary:
We are seeking a Senior AI Systems Engineer to design and deliver production-grade AI-powered tools for graphics design verification. This role focuses on building AI systems, not data science or offline ML modeling. You will develop Python-based tooling that integrates large language models, agentic workflows, and Model Context Protocol (MCP)-based integrations directly into real verification workflows used to validate next-generation GPUs.
Success in this role is defined by shipping reliable AI tools that engineers trust and adopt at scale.
Key Responsibilities
  • Architect, implement, and own AI-powered verification tools used by graphics engineering teams
  • Build Python-based AI systems leveraging:
    • Large Language Models (LLMs)
    • Generative and agentic workflows
    • agents using tools, and orchestration frameworks
    • Model Context Protocol (MCP) for structured model-to-tool and model-to-data integrations
    • Apply AI to verification use cases such as specification understanding, test and plan assistance, regression triage, debug analysis, and coverage insights
    • Integrate AI tooling into existing verification infrastructure and workflows
    • Design evaluation and reliability mechanisms to ensure correctness, traceability, and safe operation of AI systems
    • Collaborate across design, verification, modeling, compiler/driver, and infrastructure teams

Minimum Skills
  • BS/MS in Computer Science, Engineering, or equivalent practical experience
  • 6+ years experience building production software systems
  • Strong proficiency in Python, with experience delivering tools used by other engineers
  • Hands-on experience building LLM-based or generative AI systems (agents, tool use, orchestration)
  • Strong software engineering fundamentals (APIs, testing, version control, maintainability)

Preferred Skills
  • Experience with Model Context Protocol (MCP) or similar model-to-tool integration patterns
  • Experience designing agentic or multi-step reasoning systems
  • Experience building evaluation frameworks for AI system quality and reliability
  • Background or exposure to hardware design verification, EDA, or complex engineering workflows
  • Experience developing internal platforms, infrastructure, or developer productivity tools
  • Comfort working in Linux-based development environments

Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field and 2+ years of Software Engineering, Hardware Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related work experience.
OR
Master's degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field and 1+ year of Software Engineering, Hardware Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related work experience.
OR
PhD in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
Qualcomm is an equal opportunity employer. If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation during the application/hiring process, rest assured that Qualcomm is committed to providing an accessible process. You may e-mail or call Qualcomm's toll-free number found here. Upon request, Qualcomm will provide reasonable accommodations to support individuals with disabilities to be able participate in the hiring process. Qualcomm is also committed to making our workplace accessible for individuals with disabilities. (Keep in mind that this email address is used to provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. We will not respond here to requests for updates on applications or resume inquiries).
To all Staffing and Recruiting Agencies: Our Careers Site is only for individuals seeking a job at Qualcomm. Staffing and recruiting agencies and individuals being represented by an agency are not authorized to use this site or to submit profiles, applications or resumes, and any such submissions will be considered unsolicited. Qualcomm does not accept unsolicited resumes or applications from agencies. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, Qualcomm employees or any other company location. Qualcomm is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes/applications.
EEO Employer: Qualcomm is an equal opportunity employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or any other protected classification.
Qualcomm expects its employees to abide by all applicable policies and procedures, including but not limited to security and other requirements regarding protection of Company confidential information and other confidential and/or proprietary information, to the extent those requirements are permissible under applicable law.
Pay range and Other Compensation & Benefits:
$133,600.00 - $200,400.00
The above pay scale reflects the broad, minimum to maximum, pay scale for this job code for the location for which it has been posted. Even more importantly, please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Qualcomm. We also offer a competitive annual discretionary bonus program and opportunity for annual RSU grants (employees on sales-incentive plans are not eligible for our annual bonus). In addition, our highly competitive benefits package is designed to support your success at work, at home, and at play. Your recruiter will be happy to discuss all that Qualcomm has to offer - and you can review more details about our US benefits at this link.
If you would like more information about this role, please contact Qualcomm Careers.

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