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Graphic Programmer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... engineers, and producers to deliver compelling and precise on-air graphics that enhance the fan ... Familiarity with tools such as Adobe Photoshop , After Effects , and Illustrator for graphic asset ...

... engineers, and producers to deliver compelling and precise on-air graphics that enhance the fan ... Familiarity with tools such as Adobe Photoshop , After Effects , and Illustrator for graphic asset ...

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 ...

... engineers, and producers to deliver compelling and precise on-air graphics that enhance the fan ... Familiarity with tools such as Adobe Photoshop , After Effects , and Illustrator for graphic asset ...

Principal Graphics Engineer

New York, NY

$153K - $189K/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 ...

Senior Graphics Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA

$164K - $203K/yr

Senior Graphics Engineer 100% Remote 6 months contract(with possibility of extension) Desired Location (Remote/Onsite): REMOTE, can work in-person in Pittsburgh office only IF REMOTE: Limitations in ...

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 ...

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 ...

Principal Graphics Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · Remote

$143K - $177K/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 ...

Graphics Engineer Senior

Aberdeen, MD · On-site

$138K - $160K/yr

Overview The Graphics Engineer Sr I produces and reviews technical documentation reflecting ... graphic design, related industrial design, architecture, drafting, and interior design for the US ...

Senior Graphics Engineer (Software Engineer V) Location: Remote Rate: $130K per annum Job Responsibilities Develop and optimize features in a modern, low-level Vulkan rendering engine Profile and ...

Principal Graphics Engineer

Austin, TX

$138K - $171K/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 ...

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Graphic Programmer information

See salary details

$110.5K

$135K

$156.5K

How much do graphic programmer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for graphic programmer in the United States is $135,000.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $125,000.00 and $145,000.00 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.
More about Graphic Programmer jobs
What cities are hiring for Graphic Programmer jobs? Cities with the most Graphic Programmer job openings:
What states have the most Graphic Programmer jobs? States with the most job openings for Graphic Programmer jobs include:
Principal Graphics Developer Tools Engineer

Principal Graphics Developer Tools Engineer

Nvidia

Seattle, WA

$159K - $196K/yr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

The Graphics Developer Tools team is seeking an exceptional technical leader to help shape the future of graphics development. This role spans multiple areas of NVIDIA's graphics software ecosystem, driving innovation across developer tools, graphics technologies, and next-generation development workflows. You will create and lead new strategic initiatives, partnering closely with NVIDIA Research, GPU Architecture, Driver, SDK, and Developer Technology teams to evaluate emerging technologies, prototype new ideas, and deliver solutions that improve how developers build, debug, profile, and optimize graphics applications. This is a hands-on technical leadership role emphasizing vision, execution, influence, and collaboration. Success in this role comes from technical excellence and the ability to align teams around ambitious ideas.

What You'll Be Doing:

  • Define and implement the technical vision and strategy for next-generation developer tools, workflows, and technologies that improve developer productivity.

  • Design and prototype new tools that can evolve into production-ready software.

  • Collaborate with GPU architects, driver engineers, SDK teams, and graphics developers to understand future needs and influence product direction.

  • Drive technical initiatives across multiple organizations through collaboration and technical leadership.

  • Mentor engineers and help establish engineering excellence within the larger Developer Tools organization.

  • Engage with external developers, game studios, engine teams, and strategic partners to understand real-world workflows and pain points.

  • Represent NVIDIA at industry events, technical conferences, and developer engagements.

  • Influence the evolution of graphics development as AI increasingly transforms how software is built, optimized, and maintained.

What We Need To See:

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

  • 15+ years of experience developing graphics software, developer tools, game engines, GPU technologies, or related systems.

  • Deep understanding of modern graphics APIs including DirectX, Vulkan, or Metal.

  • Strong C++ software engineering skills and experience building large-scale software systems.

  • Demonstrated technical leadership driving complex projects across multiple teams.

  • Experience designing software architectures and influencing technical direction beyond a single codebase.

  • Strong communication skills with the ability to collaborate across engineering, research, product, and external developer communities.

  • Proven ability to thrive in ambiguous environments and transform ideas into shipped products.

Ways To Stand Out From The Crowd:

  • Expertise in GPU architecture, memory systems, performance analysis, or graphics debugging.

  • Experience with ray tracing technologies, neural rendering, or advanced rendering techniques using Vulkan or D3D12.

  • Experience developing profilers, debuggers, validation tools, or SDKs.

  • Experience applying machine learning or generative AI techniques to software development workflows.

  • Contributions to game engines, graphics middleware, graphics SDKs, or open-source graphics projects.

NVIDIA is widely considered to be one of the technology world's most desirable employers with some of the most forward-thinking and hardworking people in the world working here. If you're highly technical and enthusiastic about 3D Graphics, we want to hear from you! For two decades, we have pioneered visual computing, the art and science of computer graphics. With our invention of the GPU - the engine of modern visual computing - the field has expanded to encompass video games, movie production, product design, medical diagnosis and scientific research. Today, we stand at the beginning of the next era, the AI computing era, ignited by a new computing model, GPU deep learning.

Your base salary will be determined based on your location, experience, and the pay of employees in similar positions. The base salary range is 272,000 USD - 431,250 USD.

You will also be eligible for equity and benefits.

Applications for this job will be accepted at least until June 20, 2026.

This posting is for an existing vacancy.

NVIDIA uses AI tools in its recruiting processes.

NVIDIA is committed to fostering an inclusive 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.

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