ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Graphic Programmer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

NVIDIA

Neural Graphics Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$164K - $203K/yr

They are seeking a Neural Graphics Engineer to implement and optimize neural graphics techniques, prototype new approaches, and contribute to their graphics software stack. Responsibilities : • ...

Notability

Senior iOS Graphics Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site +1

$160K - $250K/yr

We're looking for a Senior Engineer to join our Graphics Technology group. What You'll Do * Solve difficult problems that feature soft real-time performance targets * Work on a canvas with rich ...

Parallelz

Principal Graphics Engineer

San Francisco, CA

$164K - $203K/yr

About the Role We are seeking a passionate and resilient Principal Graphics Engineer to own a foundational piece of our infrastructure: the rendering and runtime layer that lets unmodified mobile ...

Parallelz

Principal Graphics Engineer

Santa Clara, CA

$164K - $203K/yr

About the Role We are seeking a passionate and resilient Principal Graphics Engineer to own a foundational piece of our infrastructure: the rendering and runtime layer that lets unmodified mobile ...

Notability

Senior iOS Graphics Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$160K - $250K/yr

We're looking for a Senior Engineer to join our Graphics Technology group. What You'll Do * Solve difficult problems that feature soft real-time performance targets * Work on a canvas with rich ...

Parallelz

Principal Graphics Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site +1

$164K - $203K/yr

About the Role We are seeking a passionate and resilient Principal Graphics Engineer to own a foundational piece of our infrastructure: the rendering and runtime layer that lets unmodified mobile ...

Nvidia

Neural Graphics Engineer

Santa Clara, CA

$164K - $203K/yr

At NVIDIA, our Neural Graphics team builds technologies at the intersection of AI and real-time rendering. We reach millions of developers and creators through products like Alpasim, open platforms ...

NVIDIA Corporation

Neural Graphics Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$163K - $201K/yr

At NVIDIA, our Neural Graphics team builds technologies at the intersection of AI and real-time rendering. We reach millions of developers and creators through products like Alpasim, open platforms ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsGraphic Programmer JobsGraphic Programmer Jobs in California

Graphic Programmer information

See California salary details

$109.1K

$133.2K

$154.5K

How much do graphic programmer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for graphic programmer in California is $133,232.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $123,400.00 and $143,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a graphic programmer typically collaborate with artists and designers during a game's development cycle?

Graphic Programmers work closely with artists and designers to ensure that visual concepts are both achievable and optimized for performance. They often translate creative ideas into technical solutions, developing shaders, rendering techniques, and visual effects that align with the team's artistic vision. Regular meetings and iterative feedback sessions help bridge the gap between technical feasibility and creative intent, making strong communication skills essential for success in this role.

What is the difference between Graphic Programmer vs Shader Developer?

AspectGraphic ProgrammerShader Developer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Science, Graphics, or related field; knowledge of graphics APIsSimilar educational background; specialized knowledge of shader languages
Work EnvironmentGame studios, visual effects companies, simulation firmsGame studios, graphics software companies, real-time rendering projects
Employer & Industry UsageUsed broadly across industries involving graphics programmingPrimarily in graphics and game development sectors
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in graphics developmentFocusing on shader-specific tasks within graphics programming

Both Graphic Programmers and Shader Developers work in graphics-intensive environments, often requiring similar educational backgrounds and skills. While Graphic Programmers handle overall graphics systems and engine integration, Shader Developers focus specifically on creating and optimizing shaders for rendering effects. The roles are closely related, with Shader Developers often being a specialized subset within the broader scope of Graphic Programming.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a graphic programmer?

To thrive as a Graphic Programmer, you need a strong background in computer science, mathematics, and graphics programming, often supported by a relevant degree or equivalent experience. Proficiency with programming languages like C++, graphics APIs such as DirectX or OpenGL, and familiarity with shader languages and game engines is typically required. Creativity, problem-solving, and effective collaboration with artists and developers are essential soft skills that set top performers apart. These skills and qualities are crucial for creating visually compelling, high-performance graphics that enhance user experiences in interactive applications.

What is a graphic programmer?

Graphic programmers are specialized software developers who focus on creating and optimizing visual elements in computer programs, particularly in video games, simulations, and multimedia applications. They work on rendering engines, shaders, lighting, and other graphical effects to achieve high-quality visuals and efficient performance. Their expertise lies in graphics APIs, mathematics, and hardware acceleration to ensure smooth and realistic graphics. Graphic programmers often collaborate closely with artists and designers to bring visual concepts to life. This role requires strong programming skills, usually in languages like C++ and knowledge of graphics libraries such as DirectX or OpenGL.

What are popular job titles related to Graphic Programmer jobs in California?

For Graphic Programmer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Graphic Programmer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Graphic Programmer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Graphic Programmer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Graphic Programmer job openings:

Graphic Programmer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Graphic Programmer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% Internship, 64% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 78% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $133,232 per year, or $64.1 per hour.

Senior iOS Graphics Engineer

Notability

San Francisco, CA

$160K - $250K/yr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

We're looking for a Senior Engineer to join our Graphics Technology group.

What You'll Do
  • Solve difficult problems that feature soft real-time performance targets
  • Work on a canvas with rich content including ink, images, pdfs, text, animation, and more
  • Design, code, test, debug, and modernize graphics systems that meet our high quality bar
  • Collaborate with non-graphics engineers to leverage each platform's strengths
  • Collaborate with design & product teams to dream big
  • Leverage the GPU for maximum performance
  • Identify and avoid risks with new approaches
  • Participate in code reviews and provide guidance and mentorship on software development best practices
  • Communicate progress and risks to the team
  • Read and understand research papers to implement new functionality
  • Build a product that our customers genuinely love!
What You Need
  • 6+ years of experience with graphics programming
  • Experience with iOS graphics programming including Core Graphics or MetalKit
  • Experience using the GPU to solve problems in 2D graphics
  • Experience with resolution-independent graphics primitives and related mathematical concepts
  • Strong computer science fundamentals and problem solving skills
  • Excellent communication and collaboration skills
  • Ability to deliver results in a fast-paced and collaborative environment
  • Passionate about solutions while humble in the face of opposing ideas
  • Desire to embrace the way engineering is changing (more immutable data, functional patterns, etc) while also being intensely pragmatic
  • Experience with Bezier curves, CRDTs is a plus

For this position we are targeting a base pay between $160k-$250k. Actual compensation offered will be determined by factors such as job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

Apply