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Entry Level Graphics Engineer Jobs in Austin, TX

Entry Level Graphics Engineer information

See Austin, TX salary details

$40.1K

$85.6K

$141.2K

How much do entry level graphics engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level graphics engineer in Austin, TX is $85,621.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,400.00 and $102,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an Entry Level Graphics Engineer do?

An Entry Level Graphics Engineer assists in designing, developing, and optimizing graphics systems for software applications, such as video games or visualization tools. They work closely with senior engineers to implement rendering algorithms, debug graphical issues, and ensure high performance across different hardware platforms. Their role often includes writing code in languages like C++ or using graphics APIs such as OpenGL or DirectX. Entry level engineers also collaborate with artists and designers to achieve the desired visual effects and user experiences.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Graphics Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Graphics Engineer, you need a solid understanding of computer graphics concepts, programming languages such as C++ or Python, and a relevant degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with graphics APIs like OpenGL, DirectX, or Vulkan, and experience using shader languages and development environments are typically expected. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork skills help you excel in this creative and technical field. These competencies are vital for developing efficient visual solutions and collaborating on complex graphics projects in the tech industry.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Highly experienced engineers in specialized fields such as software engineering, petroleum engineering, or aerospace engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with senior roles, bonuses, and stock options. These positions often require advanced skills, certifications, and years of experience in high-demand industries.

Will AI replace computer graphics?

As an Entry Level Graphics Engineer, AI is increasingly used to automate certain aspects of computer graphics, such as rendering and image processing. However, human creativity, design skills, and understanding of visual concepts remain essential, and AI tools are more likely to augment rather than replace the role of graphics professionals. Developing proficiency in AI-driven software and graphics tools can enhance job performance in this field.

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

AspectEntry Level Graphics EngineerEntry Level Software Developer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Graphics, Computer Science, or related field; knowledge of graphics APIs (OpenGL, DirectX)Bachelor's in Computer Science or Software Engineering; programming skills in languages like Java, Python, C++
Work EnvironmentDesign studios, gaming companies, tech firms focusing on visual contentSoftware firms, tech startups, any industry requiring application development
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in gaming, multimedia, visual effects industriesUsed across all software development sectors including web, mobile, enterprise

While both roles require programming knowledge and a related degree, Entry Level Graphics Engineers focus on visual content creation and graphics programming, often in gaming or multimedia industries. Entry Level Software Developers have a broader scope, working on application development across various sectors. The choice depends on your interest in visual design versus general software development.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level graphics engineers when working with real-time rendering engines?

Entry level graphics engineers often encounter challenges such as optimizing rendering performance, debugging graphical glitches, and understanding complex shader languages when working with real-time rendering engines. Adapting to frequent changes in project requirements and collaborating with artists and other engineers to ensure visual fidelity can also be demanding. However, these challenges offer valuable learning opportunities and are typically supported by experienced team members who provide mentorship and code reviews.

Are there entry-level graphic design jobs?

Entry-level graphic design jobs are widely available and typically require basic skills in design software such as Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator. These positions often involve tasks like creating visual content, assisting senior designers, and building a portfolio, making them suitable for recent graduates or those new to the field.

What engineers make $500,000?

Highly experienced engineers in specialized fields such as software engineering, petroleum engineering, or aerospace engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and stock options. These roles typically require advanced skills, extensive experience, and often involve leadership or executive responsibilities.
What are the most commonly searched types of Graphics Engineer jobs in Austin, TX? The most popular types of Graphics Engineer jobs in Austin, TX are:
What cities near Austin, TX are hiring for Entry Level Graphics Engineer jobs? Cities near Austin, TX with the most Entry Level Graphics Engineer job openings:
Associate Field Engineer - Controls

Associate Field Engineer - Controls

Wunderlich-Malec Engineering, Inc

Austin, TX

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago


Job description

Wunderlich-Malec Engineering (WM) is a 100% employee-owned ESOP and one of the largest and most well-established engineering companies in the United States. When you join WM you become part of a company that is:

  • 100% employee-owned with 40+ years of industry history
  • ENR (Engineering News Record) Top 500 firm
  • Rated as a top System Integrator Giant

Our Austin, TX Wunderlich Malec Engineering team is seeking a travel-ready, entry-level Field Engineer or Technician who is eager to build hands-on technical experience and grow quickly. Field-based commissioning work provides direct exposure to systems, customers, schedules, and real-time decision-making, accelerating the development of technical expertise and project execution skills. Compared with a traditional office-based engineering role, this position provides direct ownership of installation verification, control system testing, commissioning support, and start-up activities. This role supports projects across industries including Data Center, Semiconductor, Life Science, Food & Beverage, and other industrial facilities. Responsibilities include electrical and controls engineering support, electrical and instrumentation verification, coordination with clients and electrical subcontractors, PLC/SCADA/HMI support, commissioning execution, and start-up assistance.

Major Responsibilities

  • Installation & Wiring QA/QC Verification (Level 2 Commissioning). Verify that control panels, field devices, instruments, and related control system equipment have been installed and wired in accordance with manufacturer requirements, approved shop drawings, project documentation, and applicable quality standards and specifications
  • Point-to-Point Testing (Level 3 Commissioning). Confirm that field devices associated with the control system are installed, wired, addressed, and configured in accordance with approved system drawings and documentation. This includes verification of data to and from field devices, including signals received through network integration
  • Functional Performance Testing (FPT) (Level 4 Commissioning). Verify that the control system and field devices operate as defined by the project design documentation. This includes testing control sequences, alarm and alert configuration, alarm activation, trend displays, trend configuration, system graphics, and control system response during failure scenarios
  • System-Level Testing Support (Level 5 Commissioning). Support system-level testing to confirm that the control system and field devices operate together as an integrated system. This includes verifying control sequences across related systems, using the facility’s Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system to view equipment status and navigate system screens, activating alarms, monitoring trends, and supporting failure-mode testing

Minimum Requirements

Education BS Electrical, Computer, Chemical, or Mechanical Engineering preferred. An AA in Engineering Technology or equivalent field technician experience may be substituted.

Experience New Graduate or 0-2 years of field experience

  • Understanding of or exposure to field instrumentation, hardware panels and low voltage controls design
  • Understanding of control systems, components, PLC programming, SCADA programming and their applications

Physical Demands of Position

Requirements Above all else, attention to all applicable safety specifications and standards is a requirement. Strong attention to detail and a consistent focus on quality control are required, especially during repetitive commissioning activities. The role may include writing, computer work, field work in construction trailers or industrial environments, color perception, hearing, verbal and written communication, teamwork, manual dexterity, driving, lifting, climbing, mounting and dismounting equipment, pushing, and pulling. Regular interaction and coordination with customers, subcontractors, vendors, and internal project teams is expected. Daily use of a computer, standard office applications, and a mobile phone is required.

Working/Residence Plan

Up to 100% travel to project sites may be required, excluding approved vacation or paid time off.

Work is typically performed Monday through Friday, with occasional weekend work required based on project needs.

Assignments may last multiple months at various U.S.-based project sites. Weekend travel may be available up to two times per month, subject to project schedule requirements and approval. Project housing, airfare, meals, and incidentals are covered by the company in accordance with company policy.

This position includes full company benefits, structured training, mentorship, and three weeks of paid time off.

Work Conditions This is primarily a field-based, hands-on role performing automation work at client sites, with occasional office or trailer-based work as needed.

Field/Client Site Environment (Primary)

  • Ability to stand, move, and work on job sites for up to 8-12 hour shifts
  • Ability to climb stairs/ladders, work at heights, and occasionally lift up to 40 lbs
  • Frequent bending, reaching, and working in and around industrial equipment
  • Exposure to construction, industrial, and processing environments, including noise, temperature changes, and moving machinery
  • Ability to safely wear required PPE (safety glasses, steel-toed boots, hearing protection, and electrical safety gear as applicable)
  • Comfortable performing electrical/instrumentation checkout and troubleshooting (e.g., voltage testing, control panel wiring)

Office/Trailer Work (Occasional)

  • Periods of sitting/standing at a computer, including in on-site construction trailers
  • Standard office/PC and cell phone use for documentation, communication, and project support

Ability to work safely and effectively in both indoor and outdoor environments, including exposure to extreme temperatures, weather conditions, humidity, dust, and other environmental conditions typical of construction, industrial, and processing facilities.

Reasonable accommodation can be provided for individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

Career Growth & Advancement This role is designed for ambitious, goal-oriented self-starters who want to accelerate their technical and leadership development through hands-on field experience. Field Engineers and Technicians who demonstrate strong technical capability, sound judgment, ownership, and leadership on-site can advance faster than peers following a traditional office-based engineering path. High performers may move into lead field roles ahead of the typical timeline.

Training & Mentorship You'll build capability through hands-on training across progressively challenging commissioning assignments, Level 2 through Level 5, with mentorship from senior field engineers on every project.

Merit-Based Advancement Advancement is based on demonstrated proficiency, ownership, technical judgment, and field performance - not time in role alone. Commissioning Levels 2 through 5 represent scopes of commissioning activity, not job titles. As capability grows across these scopes, high performers can earn responsibility for larger and more complex commissioning activities.

Own It in the Field As you demonstrate competency, you're given real ownership on-site. This includes:

  • Leading point-to-point testing campaigns for entire system areas independently.
  • Owning functional performance testing for major systems end-to-end.
  • Serving as the primary technical point of contact with subcontractors and customers during system-level testing.
  • Directing and overseeing commissioning activities for a major project area — taking full accountability for safety, quality, schedule, and sign-off.

Where Can This Take You Field engineers and technicians who build a strong track record are positioned for rapid advancement, including paths such as:

  • Associate Field Engineer → Staff Field Engineer → Senior Field Engineer
  • QA/QC Manager
  • Controls Project Engineer
  • Commissioning Lead
  • Project Manager
  • Mentor or Technical Evaluator for future field hires

    *Job Descriptions are not exhaustive lists of all skills, responsibilities, or efforts associated with a job. They reflect principal job elements essential for performing the job and evaluating performance.

    Wunderlich-Malec is proud to offer a comprehensive employee-owner benefit package. Full-time employees may be eligible for the following benefits: Medical • Dental • Vision • Basic and Supplemental Life and AD&D • Long Term Disability • Voluntary Short Term Disability • Healthcare & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts • Health Savings Account • Paid Time Off (PTO) • Paid Holidays • Tuition Reimbursement • Referral Bonus Program • 401(k)/Profit Sharing • 100% ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) • Employee Assistance Program • Will Preparation Resources • Worldwide Travel Assistance

    #LI-WM1