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Graphic Programmer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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

$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 ...

Zoo

CAD Graphics Engine Software Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site +1

$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 ...

Managed Staffing

Graphic Designer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$35 - $36/hr

This role focuses on delivering high-quality visual assets across print and digital channels while collaborating with UX, product, and engineering teams. Responsibilities * Design layouts, graphics ...

TEKsystems

Keynote Shader And Effects Engineer

Cupertino, CA

$143.28/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Apply modern graphics techniques to solve complex visual and technical challenges. * Optimize GPU performance to achieve smooth, high-fidelity rendering across a variety of hardware platforms.

Figure

Sr/Staff Graphics Engineer

San Jose, CA

$150K - $275K/yr

We are looking for a Senior/Staff Graphics Software Engineer to join the Platform Software team and own the graphics stack powering our robot's displays. You will build the rendering engine and UI ...

Figure

Sr/Staff Graphics Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$164K - $202K/yr

They are seeking a Senior/Staff Graphics Software Engineer to join the Platform Software team and own the graphics stack powering their robot's displays, building the rendering engine and UI ...

Figure

Sr/Staff Graphics Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$150K - $275K/yr

We are looking for a Senior/Staff Graphics Software Engineer to join the Platform Software team and own the graphics stack powering our robot's displays. You will build the rendering engine and UI ...

Kimley-Horn

Graphic Designer

Orange, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Interact with engineers, project managers, and technical staff * Work within corporate and client branding guidelines Qualifications * Bachelors Degree in Graphic Design or similar * Proficient in ...

Kimley-Horn

Graphic Designer

Orange, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Interact with engineers, project managers, and technical staff * Work within corporate and client branding guidelines Qualifications * Bachelors Degree in Graphic Design or similar * Proficient in ...

Side

Senior Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

$112K - $154K/yr

You'll work across engine, rendering, and graphics systems, helping teams maximise visual fidelity while ensuring games run efficiently across target platforms. We're looking for an engineer who ...

New

Appcoach

Graphic Designer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

... app developers market and grow their global user base. We are one of the few agencies that are ... RESPONSIBILITIES Design banner graphics and video ads for our client's daily marketing campaigns ...

Appcoach

Graphic Designer

San Francisco, CA

... app developers market and grow their global user base. We are one of the few agencies that are ... RESPONSIBILITIES Design banner graphics and video ads for our client's daily marketing campaigns ...

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Showing results 21-40

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 16, 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.

Neural Graphics Engineer

Nvidia

Santa Clara, CA

$164K - $203K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago

Nvidia rating

9.6

Company rating: 9.6 out of 10

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 244 rated software companies

Job description

Computer graphics is experiencing its most exciting transformation in decades. Neural techniques are reshaping how we render, simulate, and create visual content in real time - and we're just getting started.

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 like Slang, our shader language and compiler for portable GPU programming. We work on hard, meaningful problems with curiosity and collaboration - and we're looking for a Neural Graphics Engineer to grow with us. This is an opportunity to learn from some of the most accomplished people in graphics and AI, and to make a meaningful impact early in your career!

What You'll Be Doing:

  • Implement and optimize neural graphics techniques within real-time rendering pipelines

  • Prototype neural rendering, differentiable graphics, and generative 3D approaches

  • Collaborate across teams to move ideas from concept to production

  • Contribute to our graphics software stack, including compilers, shaders, and runtime tools

What We Need to See:

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

  • At least 2-4 years od practical experience and demonstrated ability in C++ and Python

  • Coursework or project experience in computer graphics, machine learning, or computer vision

  • A drive to learn, grow, and take on challenging problems

Ways to Stand Out from the Crowd:

  • Hands-on experience with neural rendering (NeRF, Gaussian splatting, differentiable rendering) or generative AI for 3D content

  • Experience with PyTorch and real-time rendering engines

  • Familiarity with graphics APIs (Vulkan, OpenGL, DirectX), shader programming (Slang, HLSL, GLSL), or compiler development

Your base salary will be determined based on your location, experience, and the pay of employees in similar positions. The base salary range is 124,000 USD - 195,500 USD for Level 2, and 152,000 USD - 241,500 USD for Level 3.

You will also be eligible for equity and benefits.

Applications for this job will be accepted at least until February 27, 2026.

This posting is for an existing vacancy.

NVIDIA uses AI tools in its recruiting processes.

NVIDIA is committed to fostering a diverse 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

Pay

Benefits

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

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