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Graphic Programmer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

We are currently seeking a full-time Senior Graphics Engineer to work on our next generation game engine for both announced and unannounced titles to build up our team of dedicated and experienced ...

Senior Graphics Engineer

Plymouth, MI · On-site

$100K - $200K/yr

We are currently seeking a full-time Senior Graphics Engineer to work on our next generation game engine for both announced and unannounced titles to build up our team of dedicated and experienced ...

Description Overview We are currently looking for a Graphic Designer to join our Graphics ... Design artwork based on a variety of inputs: customer direction, engineering dies, marketing ...

Graphic Design Specialist

Detroit, MI

$19.25 - $26.50/hr

Overview The Graphic Design Specialist is an integral part of the Emergent Holdings communications ... Familiarity with AI-assisted creative workflows and prompt engineering for visual generation ...

Graphic Design Specialist

Detroit, MI · On-site

$19.25 - $26.50/hr

The Graphic Design Specialist is an integral part of the Emergent Holdings communications team and ... Familiarity with AI-assisted creative workflows and prompt engineering for visual generation ...

Graphic Design Specialist

Detroit, MI

$19.25 - $26.50/hr

The Graphic Design Specialist is an integral part of the Emergent Holdings communications team and ... Familiarity with AI-assisted creative workflows and prompt engineering for visual generation ...

Minimum 3-5 years of graphic design experience and presentation of a design portfolio required ... engineering and marketing * Ability to brainstorm and come up with creative, innovative answers to ...

Minimum 3-5 years of graphic design experience and presentation of a design portfolio required ... engineering and marketing * Ability to brainstorm and come up with creative, innovative answers to ...

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Graphic Programmer information

See Michigan salary details

$96.3K

$117.7K

$136.4K

How much do graphic programmer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for graphic programmer in Michigan is $117,665.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $108,900.00 and $126,400.00 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, and why are they important?

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 are graphic programmers?

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 Michigan? For Graphic Programmer jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Graphic Programmer jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Graphic Programmer jobs in Michigan are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Graphic Programmer jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Graphic Programmer job openings:
Infographic showing various Graphic Programmer job openings in Michigan as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 73% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 77% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $117,665 per year, or $56.6 per hour.
Senior Graphics Engineer

$100K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Stardock released the first DirectX 12 game as well as the first game to support both DirectX 12 and Vulkan. We are currently seeking a full-time Senior Graphics Engineer to work on our next generation game engine for both announced and unannounced titles to build up our team of dedicated and experienced talent! This is a salaried, full-time position at our Plymouth, Michigan office and relocation assistance will be provided.


Primary Responsibilities Include:

  • Develop and implement new and existing rendering techniques.
  • Create and optimize shaders and materials to run on a variety of platforms and machine specifications.
  • Develop systems for animations and special effects.
  • Work with the technical art team to create editors and tools that help improve the art pipeline.
  • Implement graphics using modern APIs (DirectX, OpenGL, Vulkan, Metal).


Education and/or Experience Desired:

  • Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics or equivalent work experience.
  • 5+ years experience creating materials and shaders.
  • Strong proficiency in 3D math, linear algebra, shaders, HLSL/GLSL, physically based rendering, image based lighting, materials and global illumination.
  • A passion for optimization and familiarity with optimization tools.
  • Self-motivated, likes to identify and solve problems.
  • Very strong C++ background.
  • Familiarity with Unreal Engine is a plus.


The salary for this position ranges from $100,000 to $200,000 annually, depending on your qualifications, experience, and expertise. Stardock is committed to offering a competitive compensation package tailored to the right candidate.