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Graphic Rendering Programmer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Studio Wildcard

Senior Graphics Programmer

Bellevue, WA · On-site

We are looking for a Senior Graphics Programmer with an obsessive focus on performance and visual ... Profile GPU performance and resolve severe rendering bottlenecks related to draw calls, level of ...

Roblox

Senior Rendering Engineer Manager

San Mateo, CA · On-site

The core rendering pipeline, culling and dispatching systems, graphics APIs backends (Vulkan, Metal ... Partner with your team and other engineering leaders to define and execute the vision for the core ...

Studio Wildcard

Senior Graphics Programmer

Bellevue, WA · On-site

We are looking for a Senior Graphics Programmer with an obsessive focus on performance and visual ... Profile GPU performance and resolve severe rendering bottlenecks related to draw calls, level of ...

Studio Wildcard

Senior Graphics Programmer

Bellevue, WA · Remote

We are looking for a Senior Graphics Programmer with an obsessive focus on performance and visual ... Profile GPU performance and resolve severe rendering bottlenecks related to draw calls, level of ...

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 ... You will build the rendering engine and UI framework that brings Figure's humanoid to life ...

Nvidia

Senior Research Scientist, Rendering

Redmond, WA · On-site

$110K - $140K/yr

Deep understanding of rendering theory, sampling, and graphics systems. Strong coding skills with knowledge of C/C++, GPU programming models, parallel programming, and Python. Ways to stand out from ...

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 ... You will build the rendering engine and UI framework that brings Figure's humanoid to life ...

Nvidia

Senior Research Scientist, Rendering

Redmond, WA

$110K - $140K/yr

Deep understanding of rendering theory, sampling, and graphics systems. * Strong coding skills with knowledge of C/C++, GPU programming models, parallel programming, and Python. Ways to stand out ...

Apple

Graphics Software Content Engineer

Orlando, FL · On-site

$130K - $161K/yr

As part of our Silicon Engineering team, you'll help develop and manufacture our next-generation ... Knowledge of key graphics rendering algorithms. Expertise and knowledge of graphics rendering ...

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Graphic Rendering Programmer information

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How much do graphic rendering programmer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for graphic rendering 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.

What is a graphic rendering programmer?

Graphic Rendering Programmers are specialized software engineers who develop and optimize the code responsible for displaying visuals in video games, simulations, and other interactive applications. Their work focuses on creating algorithms and techniques that turn 3D models and scenes into images on the screen, often leveraging graphics APIs like DirectX or OpenGL. They collaborate closely with artists and designers to ensure that visual effects are both high-quality and efficient, balancing performance with graphical fidelity. This role requires strong programming skills, a solid understanding of computer graphics, and a keen eye for visual detail.

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

To thrive as a Graphic Rendering Programmer, you need strong proficiency in computer graphics principles, programming languages such as C++ or Python, and a relevant degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with graphics APIs like DirectX, OpenGL, or Vulkan and experience with shader programming are typically required. Creative problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective collaboration are standout soft skills in this role. These competencies are crucial for developing visually compelling, optimized graphics solutions that meet technical and artistic requirements in gaming, simulation, or visualization industries.

What are some common challenges faced by graphic rendering programmers when optimizing real-time graphics performance?

Graphic Rendering Programmers often encounter challenges related to balancing visual fidelity with real-time performance constraints. This includes optimizing shaders and rendering pipelines to ensure smooth frame rates across various hardware, addressing memory bandwidth limitations, and managing complex scenes with high polygon counts or advanced lighting effects. Collaboration with artists and designers is crucial to identify optimization opportunities without compromising artistic vision. Staying up-to-date with the latest rendering techniques and hardware capabilities is also important for success in this role.

What is the difference between Graphic Rendering Programmer vs Graphics Software Engineer?

AspectGraphic Rendering ProgrammerGraphics Software Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Science, Graphics, or related field; knowledge of graphics APIsBachelor's or higher in Computer Science, Software Engineering; strong programming skills
Work EnvironmentGame studios, visual effects companies, simulation firmsSoftware development firms, tech companies, hardware manufacturers
Industry UsageFocuses on rendering algorithms, real-time graphics, and visual effectsDevelops graphics tools, libraries, and software for various applications

While both roles involve graphics programming, Graphic Rendering Programmers specialize in creating and optimizing rendering techniques for real-time visuals, often in gaming or simulation contexts. Graphics Software Engineers develop broader graphics software solutions, including tools and libraries used across multiple platforms. The roles overlap in skills and credentials but differ in focus and application areas.

What are popular job titles related to Graphic Rendering Programmer jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Graphic Rendering Programmer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% Internship, 75% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 77% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $135,000 per year, or $64.9 per hour.

Senior Graphics Programmer

Bellevue, WA • On-site

Studio Wildcard
PC Games • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about Studio Wildcardexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Dive into the Unreal Engine C++ source code to implement complex refactors and engine upgrades supporting open-world gameplay.

  • Profile GPU performance and resolve rendering bottlenecks related to draw calls, LOD transitions, and overdraw.

  • Collaborate with technical art and VFX teams to build and optimize custom rendering systems for dynamic in-world elements.

Job description

Studio Wildcard, creators of the smash indie hit ARK: Survival Evolved, was founded in 2014. ARK has become one of the most successful cross-platform indie titles ever and continues to break industry records. We are looking for a Senior Graphics Programmer with an obsessive focus on performance and visual fidelity to push Unreal Engine 5 to its absolute limits.
Reporting directly to the Chief Technical Officer, you will be responsible for wrestling with core rendering systems, GPU performance, and cutting-edge visual tech. This role sits at the bleeding edge of game development, wrestling with core rendering systems, massive hardware budgets, and cutting-edge tech to ensure our wildest, most ambitious environments look stunning while maintaining a respectable frame rate.
Responsibilities can include:
  • Dive into the Unreal Engine C++ source code to implement complex refactors and engine upgrades that support massive open-world gameplay.
  • Profile GPU performance and resolve severe rendering bottlenecks related to draw calls, level of detail (LOD) transitions, and overdraw
  • Dive deep into the specific hardware profiles of modern consoles (PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S), pushing the limits of their architecture while strictly adhering to their unique VRAM constraints, memory bandwidths, and certification standards
  • Enhance and optimize Unreal Engine 5's rendering ecosystem, working intimately with features like Lumen, Nanite, and hardware ray tracing.
  • Collaborate directly with the Technical Art and VFX teams to build and optimize custom rendering systems for dynamic in-world elements. You will provide deep technical support for materials and shader pipelines to bring complex environmental reactions to life, such as dense interactive foliage and physical weather systems.
  • Partner with the Creature Art and Tech Animation teams to pioneer new rendering techniques, including advanced fur, skin shaders, and deformation. You will support their creative vision while aggressively optimizing draw calls and rendering costs for scenes densely packed with massive numbers of creatures.
  • Define scalability scenarios across different GPU tiers to manage VRAM budgets and hit strict performance targets.
  • Integrate, tweak, and optimize modern upscaling and frame generation technologies (such as DLSS, FSR, PSSR, and TSR).
  • Co-define engine-level technical artist tooling and create documentation or best practices to raise the rendering capability floor for artists across the studio.
  • Vigorously investigate, debug, and solve complex low-level graphics crashes and rendering anomalies across PC and modern console platforms.
  • Perform periodic memory tracking, deep performance analysis, load time analysis, and critical race condition/deadlock fixes.
  • Develop internal tools and extend engine features to improve iteration times and support the development pipelines for massive survival ecosystems.
  • Manage and optimize large-scale asset pipelines, packaging, and streaming architectures to handle the massive data footprint of a dense open-world survival game.

Requirements:
  • 5+ years of professional C/C++ experience focusing entirely on real-time rendering and low-level GPU systems.
  • Deep expertise in shaping rendering architecture using modern graphics APIs, specifically DirectX 12 (DX12).
  • Hands-on experience profiling, debugging, and identifying frame time optimizations using tools like PIX.
  • Strong proficiency in authoring HLSL shaders, compute shaders, and PBR materials.
  • Deep, hands-on experience modifying and extending the Unreal Engine 4/5 source code.
  • Deep experience working with version control platforms, specifically Perforce.
  • Ability to work core hours of 10:00 AM PST to 4:00 PM PST.
  • Willingness to be on-call for live issue firefighting and to crunch around critical shipping periods to support major content launches.

Pluses:
  • Shipped titles credited as a Senior Graphics Programmer, Senior Rendering Engineer, Principal Graphics Engineer or similar technical role
  • Familiarity with the ARK franchise (Survival Evolved / Survival Ascended).

Required Application Materials:
  • Resume
  • Cover Letter including:
    • Why you are interested in this role
    • Why are you interested in working for Studio Wildcard
    • What other games are you currently playing

About The Studio
Studio Wildcard was founded in 2014 by industry veterans Jeremy Stieglitz and Jesse Rapczak, with the mission of bringing AAA quality to ambitious indie productions designed for core gamers. With countless years of combined industry experience across multiple independent and studio-backed titles, Wildcard's core team continues to grow, with offices in Redmond, WA and Gainesville, FL including distributed team members across multiple continents.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Wildcard is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, or any other characteristics protected by applicable laws, regulations or ordinances. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodations due to disability during the application or the recruiting process, please let us know.
Pay Transparency Information
The expected annual base pay range(s) for this position vary based on a variety of factors, which include: (but aren't limited to) skills, competencies, qualifications, knowledge, and experience. Each pay range is only relevant to those residing in WA state and can vary based on geographical location.
Wildcard Benefits
We pay 100% of all premiums for the employee and discounted rates for dependent premiums. Our coverage includes Medical (3 different plans to choose from), Dental, Vision, Short Term and Long Term Disability, Life Insurance, 401(k) option, 100% covered Parental Leave, PTO, Paid Holidays, Unlimited Sick Time, and FSA/ HSA options

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