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Graphics Programmer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Waymo

Senior Software Engineer, ICX Graphics

Mountain View, CA · Hybrid

$165K - $204K/yr

Graphics or game engine developer with strong experience in 3D graphics development using C++ and APIs like OpenGL ES or Vulkan. * Experience with mobile/embedded platforms, custom rendering engines ...

ACL Digital

Engineer, Senior - Job ID: 8425

San Diego, CA · On-site

$148K - $183K/yr

If the candidate does not have these required skills, they will be rejected completely) 1. Vulkan Graphics Programming - Strong experience with Vulkan render pipelines, compute shaders ...

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 ...

SpaceX

Motion Graphics Producer

Hawthorne, CA

$95K - $120K/yr

In this role, you'll interface directly with both engineering and creative teams to ensure all projects meet or exceed SpaceX's high standards for both quality and accuracy. As a Motion Graphics ...

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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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 Aug 6, 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 is a graphics programmer?

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
What are the most commonly searched types of Graphics Programmer jobs in California? The most popular types of Graphics Programmer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Graphics Programmer jobs in California? For Graphics Programmer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Graphics Programmer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Graphics Programmer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Graphics Programmer jobs? Cities in California with the most Graphics Programmer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Graphics Programmer jobs in CA? For Graphics Programmer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Graphics Programmer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Graphics Programmer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% Full Time, 33% Part Time, 17% Temporary, and 17% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $133,232 per year, or $64.1 per hour.

Senior Software Engineer, ICX Graphics

Waymo

Mountain View, CA • Hybrid

$165K - $204K/yr

Other

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

The Waymo Passenger Experience team builds the real-time, in-car visualization systems that communicate the Waymo Driver's perception to our riders. We are focused on delivering high-fidelity, low-latency 3D renderings on our infotainment displays, ensuring passengers feel informed and confident throughout their journey.

In this hybrid role, you will report to an Engineering Manager.

You will:

  • Own the technical implementation of 3D visualization systems (EgoView) on onboard infotainment platforms, delivering fluid, high-performance visual experiences.

  • Lead the design and implementation of the 3D rendering pipeline for the 3D Car View on the Android-based in-car system using C++ and Kotlin via JNI.

  • Integrate next-generation visual assets for the new vehicle platform, optimize shader performance in the internal rendering engine to reduce GPU utilization, and implement new visual indicators for complex perception scenarios like construction zones.

  • Write high-quality, well-tested code, resolve complex rendering bugs, and optimize performance (frame rate, CPU/GPU, memory) on resource-constrained onboard hardware.

  • Collaborate closely with Product Managers and UX/UI designers to translate vehicle perception data into fluid animations and motion designs.

You have:

  • Graphics or game engine developer with strong experience in 3D graphics development using C++ and APIs like OpenGL ES or Vulkan.

  • Experience with mobile/embedded platforms, custom rendering engines, mobile game development, VR/AR, or high-performance Android graphics.

  • Solid foundation in 3D mathematics (linear algebra, coordinate spaces, transformations) and shader programming (GLSL).

  • 5+ years of total software development experience, with a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or equivalent practical experience.

  • Strong sense of ownership and the ability to independently design, optimize, and implement complex software components.

We prefer:

  • Experience with Android graphics architecture (SurfaceFlinger, HWUI) and custom Android builds (AOSP).

  • Experience developing with Kotlin/Java and integrating with C++ via JNI.

  • Background in real-time visualization of perception data (e.g., point clouds, object detection) or game engine rendering.

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