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Graphics Programmer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

2K

Graphics Engineer - NBA 2K

Novato, CA · On-site +1

$120K - $174K/yr

Our talented NBA 2K team is looking for a Graphics Engineer with a passion for cutting-edge rendering technology. In this role, you'll work on the design, development, and maintenance of high ...

Rylo

Sr. Computer Graphics Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$164K - $203K/yr

Developed by a team of former Instagram and Apple engineers, Rylo's breakthrough stabilization ... Demonstrated ability to research, design and implement graphic techniques. This includes features ...

Boeing

Proposal Graphic Artist

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$135K - $161K/yr

... graphics for a variety of formats * Effectively communicates key messages using storytelling techniques and visual elements which express complex concepts into easily understandable engineering and ...

Boeing

Proposal Graphic Artist

El Segundo, CA

$135K - $161K/yr

... graphics for a variety of formats * Effectively communicates key messages using storytelling techniques and visual elements which express complex concepts into easily understandable engineering and ...

Rylo

Sr. Computer Graphics Engineer

San Francisco, CA

$164K - $203K/yr

Developed by a team of former Instagram and Apple engineers, Rylo's breakthrough stabilization ... Demonstrated ability to research, design and implement graphic techniques. This includes features ...

Qualcomm

Graphics Software Engineer, Staff

San Diego, CA · On-site

$148K - $183K/yr

Engineering Group, Engineering Group > Graphics Software Engineering General Summary: As a leading technology innovator, Qualcomm pushes the boundaries of what's possible to enable next-generation ...

Zoo

CAD Graphics Engine Software Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site +1

$145K - $195K/yr

In this role, you'll work as part of a small team of Graphics Engineers to design, prototype and implement features of our engine in order to enable users with faster and more reliable geometry and ...

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All JobsGraphics Programmer JobsGraphics Programmer Jobs in California

Graphics Programmer information

See California salary details

$109.1K

$133.2K

$154.5K

How much do graphics programmer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for graphics 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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Graphics Programmer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Graphics Programmer, you need a solid background in computer science, mathematics, and computer graphics, often supported by a degree in a related field. Expertise in programming languages like C++ and familiarity with graphics APIs such as DirectX, OpenGL, or Vulkan, as well as shader programming, are typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, creativity, and effective teamwork help you design and optimize complex visual systems. These skills and qualities are crucial for developing high-performance, visually appealing graphics that meet the demands of modern applications and games.

What are graphics programmers?

Graphics programmers are specialized software developers who focus on creating and optimizing visual elements in video games, simulations, and other computer graphics applications. They write code to render 2D and 3D graphics, work with engines like Unity or Unreal, and utilize APIs like DirectX or OpenGL. Their responsibilities often include developing shaders, improving rendering performance, and collaborating with artists and designers to achieve visually compelling results. Graphics programmers need strong mathematical skills, especially in linear algebra and geometry, to solve complex visual problems. They play a crucial role in ensuring that digital graphics run smoothly and look realistic.

What Does a Graphics Programmer Do?

A graphics programmer creates software and applications for developing images and animation on a computer. Your duties can focus on programs for computer-aided design and rendering, animation, image manipulation, photo editing, or video game design. You use linear math and algorithms as well as computer programming languages. Your responsibilities involve writing code in languages like C++, Java, and High-Level Shading Language (HLSL). After coding, you test your programs to ensure that each article and image is accurate. If you work on video games, you coordinate with other developers and programmers on a video game design platform like Unreal Engine.

What is the difference between Graphics Programmer vs Shader Developer?

AspectGraphics ProgrammerShader Developer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Science, Computer Graphics, or related field; knowledge of graphics APIsSimilar educational background; strong understanding of shading languages
Work EnvironmentDevelops and optimizes rendering engines, works on graphics pipelinesCreates and fine-tunes shaders for visual effects and rendering
Industry UsageUsed across game development, simulation, and visualization industriesPrimarily in game development and real-time rendering projects
Common Search/ComparisonOften compared due to overlapping skills in graphics programmingSpecialized focus on shader code and effects

While both roles require knowledge of graphics APIs and programming skills, Graphics Programmers develop the overall rendering systems and pipelines, whereas Shader Developers focus specifically on writing and optimizing shaders for visual effects. The roles often overlap but differ in scope and specialization within the graphics development process.

How do Graphics Programmers typically collaborate with artists and designers during a game development project?

Graphics Programmers work closely with artists and designers to ensure that visual assets are rendered efficiently and accurately within the game engine. They often participate in regular meetings to discuss technical constraints, optimize asset pipelines, and implement new graphical features based on creative requirements. This collaboration requires strong communication skills, as Graphics Programmers must translate artistic visions into technical solutions, troubleshoot rendering issues, and provide feedback to artists to achieve the desired visual quality while maintaining performance. Effective teamwork between these roles is essential to deliver high-quality visuals that run smoothly on target platforms.
More about Graphics Programmer jobs
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Graphics Programmer jobs near you
Sr/Staff Graphics Engineer

Sr/Staff Graphics Engineer

Figure

San Jose, CA • On-site

$150K - $275K/yr

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

Figure is an AI robotics company developing autonomous general-purpose humanoid robots. The goal of the company is to ship humanoid robots with human level intelligence. Its robots are engineered to perform a variety of tasks in the home and commercial markets. Figure is headquartered in San Jose, CA.
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 framework that brings Figure's humanoid to life - crafting fluid, expressive interfaces that make every human-robot interaction feel natural and engaging. You will work closely with the Head of HMI to translate creative vision into pixel-perfect, high-performance reality on embedded hardware.
Responsibilities:
  • Design, implement, and optimize the graphics rendering stack for robot head displays, from low-level GPU pipeline to high-level UI components.
  • Build and maintain Qt/QML-based applications targeting embedded Linux systems with strict CPU, GPU, and memory constraints.
  • Develop and tune shaders for real-time vector graphics, animations, and visual effects.
  • Implement and optimize Vulkan and OpenGL ES rendering pipelines to achieve smooth, high-framerate output.
  • Collaborate closely with the Design team and Head of HMI to implement and iterate on UI/UX designs, ensuring fidelity and responsiveness.
  • Profile and optimize rendering performance on resource-constrained embedded hardware, targeting consistent frame rates with minimal power draw.
  • Integrate graphics components into the broader Robot Platform software stack, working with middleware and embedded systems engineers.
  • Establish best practices for graphics development, testing, and CI integration within the platform team

Requirements:
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Computer Graphics, or a related field.
  • At least 7 years of industry experience in graphics or UI engineering.
  • Expert-level proficiency in Qt and QML, including custom rendering and performance optimization.
  • Deep hands-on experience with Vulkan and OpenGL ES - including shader authoring (GLSL/SPIR-V) and render pipeline design.
  • Strong experience with vector graphics rendering and animation..
  • Proven track record developing on embedded or resource-constrained systems (limited RAM, GPU, thermal envelope).
  • Solid C++ skills and familiarity with Linux userspace development.
  • Strong cross-functional communication skills - comfortable working directly with designers and translating visual specs into technical implementations.

Bonus Qualifications:
  • Hands-on experience with game engines such as Unreal Engine or Unity.
  • Experience with scene graph architectures or retained-mode rendering frameworks.
  • Experience with SVG or other vector graphics formats and their GPU-accelerated rendering.
  • Knowledge of display hardware interfaces (MIPI DSI, HDMI) and display driver integration on embedded Linux.
  • Experience with EGLFS/DRM/KMS display backends.
  • Background in HMI or human-robot interaction design.

The US base salary range for this full-time position is between $150,000 - $275,000 annually.
The pay offered for this position may vary based on several individual factors, including job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package may also include additional components/benefits depending on the specific role. This information will be shared if an employment offer is extended.

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