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Graphics Programmer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

World Labs

Pipeline Engineer (Graphics/3D)

San Francisco, CA · Remote

$164K - $203K/yr

Bridge research and product by working closely with both graphics/computer vision researchers and frontend engineers to ship usable features. * Turn standalone Python scripts into clean, production ...

World Labs

Pipeline Engineer (Graphics/3D)

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$164K - $203K/yr

Bridge research and product by working closely with both graphics/computer vision researchers and frontend engineers to ship usable features. * Turn standalone Python scripts into clean, production ...

NxT Level

Senior Tools Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$112K - $154K/yr

They currently need a programmer passionate about terrain and graphical tools. What are the responsibilities? * Develop and maintain tools for terrain and graphics within our game engine. Ensure that ...

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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.
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Graphics Programmer jobs near you
Senior AI Systems Engineer - Graphics Design Verification

Senior AI Systems Engineer - Graphics Design Verification

Qualcomm

San Diego, CA • On-site

$110K - $151K/yr

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago

Qualcomm rating

9.6

Company rating: 9.6 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 209 rated software companies

Job description

Job Summary:
Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. is seeking a Senior AI Systems Engineer to design and deliver production-grade AI-powered tools for graphics design verification. This role focuses on building AI systems that integrate into real verification workflows used to validate next-generation GPUs, ensuring the delivery of reliable AI tools that engineers trust and adopt at scale.
Responsibilities:
• Architect, implement, and own AI‑powered verification tools used by graphics engineering teams
• Build Python‑based AI systems leveraging:
• Large Language Models (LLMs)
• Generative and agentic workflows
• agents using tools, and orchestration frameworks
• Model Context Protocol (MCP) for structured model‑to‑tool and model‑to‑data integrations
• Apply AI to verification use cases such as specification understanding, test and plan assistance, regression triage, debug analysis, and coverage insights
• Integrate AI tooling into existing verification infrastructure and workflows
• Design evaluation and reliability mechanisms to ensure correctness, traceability, and safe operation of AI systems
• Collaborate across design, verification, modeling, compiler/driver, and infrastructure teams
Qualifications:
Required:
• BS/MS in Computer Science, Engineering, or equivalent practical experience
• 6+ years experience building production software systems
• Strong proficiency in Python, with experience delivering tools used by other engineers
• Hands‑on experience building LLM‑based or generative AI systems (agents, tool use, orchestration)
• Strong software engineering fundamentals (APIs, testing, version control, maintainability)
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field and 2+ years of Software Engineering, Hardware Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related work experience.
• Master's degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field and 1+ year of Software Engineering, Hardware Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related work experience.
• PhD in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
Preferred:
• Experience with Model Context Protocol (MCP) or similar model‑to‑tool integration patterns
• Experience designing agentic or multi‑step reasoning systems
• Experience building evaluation frameworks for AI system quality and reliability
• Background or exposure to hardware design verification, EDA, or complex engineering workflows
• Experience developing internal platforms, infrastructure, or developer productivity tools
• Comfort working in Linux‑based development environments
Company:
Qualcomm designs wireless technologies and semiconductors that power connectivity, communication, and smart devices. Founded in 1985, the company is headquartered in San Diego, USA, with a team of 10001+ employees. The company is currently Late Stage.

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About Qualcomm

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Qualcomm is enabling a world where everyone and everything can be intelligently connected. You interact with products and technologies made possible by Qualcomm every day, including 5G-enabled smartphones that double as pro-level cameras and gaming devices, smarter vehicles and cities, and the technology behind the smart, connected factories that manufactured your latest purchase. Our powerful connectivity solutions keep you connected—even in remote areas. Qualcomm 5G and AI innovations are the power behind the connected intelligent edge. You’ll find our technologies behind and inside the innovations that deliver significant value across multiple industries and to billions of people every day.

Industry

Technology, communication and media

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

San Diego, CA, US

Year founded

1985

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