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Graphics Programmer Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Graphic Designer

Lafayette, CO · On-site

$40 - $45/hr

Collaborate with Marketing, Engineering, Manufacturing, and Regulatory teams * Support print ... Graphic Designer * Production Designer * Desktop Publishing Specialist * Technical Publications ...

Sr. Realtime Software Engineer

Boulder, CO · On-site

$127K - $167K/yr

Familiarity in graphics programming or image processing * Experience in connectivity and high-performance networking software development * Any experience in Nix/NixOS is a big plus * Active Secret U.

Create engaging email graphics, newsletter assets, and campaign imagery. * Produce essential sales ... Skill connects the best professional, IT, engineering, financial and administrative talent with the ...

Familiarity in graphics programming or image processing * Experience in connectivity and high-performance networking software development * Any experience in Nix/NixOS is a big plus * Active Secret U.

You will use design and graphics software such as ACAD, Revit, Navisworks, and Risa. This role ... Bachelor's degree from a 4-year engineering program (meets NCEES standards for licensing). * Has ...

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Graphics Programmer information

See Colorado salary details

$116.2K

$142K

$164.6K

How much do graphics programmer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for graphics programmer in Colorado is $141,954.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $131,400.00 and $152,500.00 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.
What are the most commonly searched types of Graphics Programmer jobs in Colorado? The most popular types of Graphics Programmer jobs in Colorado are:
What are popular job titles related to Graphics Programmer jobs in Colorado? For Graphics Programmer jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Graphics Programmer jobs in Colorado look for? The top searched job categories for Graphics Programmer jobs in Colorado are:
What cities in Colorado are hiring for Graphics Programmer jobs? Cities in Colorado with the most Graphics Programmer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Graphics Programmer jobs in CO? For Graphics Programmer jobs in CO, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Graphics Programmer job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $141,954 per year, or $68.2 per hour.

3D Visualization Specialist, Infrastructure

Stantec

Denver, CO • On-site

$72K - $104K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago


Stantec rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 83 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

112th of 441 rated engineering


Job description


Description
At Stantec, our Design Visualization Services group supports project teams by creating visual content that helps explain complex design and engineering work clearly.
We are seeking a 3D Visualization Specialist to join our visualization production team. This role will focus on creating 3D models, renderings, animations, photo simulations, and presentation graphics for Stantec projects across infrastructure, transportation, water, environmental services, energy, mining, community development, and architecture.
This is a production-focused role. The ideal candidate is comfortable working from technical information such as CAD files, BIM models, GIS data, terrain, aerial imagery, sketches, and project drawings to help create accurate and visually clear project deliverables.
You will work under the direction of senior visualization staff and collaborate with engineers, architects, planners, designers, and project teams to support proposals, public outreach, design studies, stakeholder engagement, and project presentations.
Your Key Responsibilities
  • Create 3D models, renderings, animations, photo simulations, motion graphics, and presentation visuals for Stantec project teams.
  • Support visualization production for infrastructure, water, environmental services, transportation, energy, mining, community development, and architectural projects.
  • Prepare and clean up project data from CAD, BIM, GIS, terrain, aerial imagery, point clouds, sketches, and engineering drawings for use in visualization workflows.
  • Build accurate existing and proposed project context, including roads, bridges, utilities, terrain, vegetation, buildings, site elements, water features, and other project-specific assets.
  • Produce materials, lighting, camera views, render passes, and basic animation sequences using 3D visualization and rendering software.
  • Assist with photo simulations, before-and-after views, construction phasing graphics, public outreach visuals, and proposal imagery.
  • Support 4D construction sequencing by preparing animation elements, camera paths, timeline-based visuals, and rendered outputs.
  • Assist with real-time visualization, 360-degree views, VR/AR content, and interactive environments as needed.
  • Make revisions based on direction from senior visualization staff, project managers, designers, and technical teams.
  • Maintain organized scene files, assets, references, render outputs, and project folders.
  • Follow established production standards, naming conventions, file organization practices, and quality-control procedures.
  • Follow direction from senior staff and complete assigned production tasks within established project schedules.

Qualifications
Education and Experience
  • Bachelor's degree in 3D Visualization, Computer Graphics, Engineering, Digital Media, or a related field.
  • Minimum of 3 years of professional experience in 3D visualization, preferably in the AEC industry.
  • Experience with infrastructure, transportation, water, environmental, energy, mining, community development, or large-scale site visualization is preferred.

Technical Skills
  • Strong proficiency in Autodesk 3ds Max, including data import, modeling, texturing, lighting, rendering, camera setup, and basic animation.
  • Experience with Chaos V-Ray, including materials, lighting, rendering, and render output preparation.
  • Strong proficiency in Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator for image editing, compositing, graphic production, and presentation support.
  • Proficiency in Adobe After Effects and/or Premiere Pro for animation production, motion graphics, video editing, and post-production.
  • Working knowledge of CAD, GIS, BIM, terrain, and engineering data workflows.
  • Familiarity with Civil 3D, Revit, MicroStation, OpenRoads, InfraWorks, point clouds, LiDAR, aerial imagery, or similar technical data sources is preferred.
  • Familiarity with real-time visualization tools such as Unreal Engine, Twinmotion, Chaos Vantage, or similar platforms.
  • Ability to work with large and complex project datasets across multiple software environments.
  • Strong understanding of composition, lighting, materials, cameras, scale, and visual clarity.
  • Clear communication skills and ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary production team.
  • Ability to follow direction, manage assigned tasks, meet deadlines, and maintain organized project files.

This description is not a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that may be required of the employee and other duties, responsibilities and activities may be assigned or may be changed at any time with or without notice.
Stantec is a place where the best and brightest come to build on each other's talents, do exciting work, and make an impact on the world around us. Join us and redefine your personal best.
About the Team
Pay Transparency: In compliance with pay transparency laws, pay ranges are provided for positions in locations where required. Please note, the final agreed upon compensation is based on individual education, qualifications, experience, and work location. At Stantec certain roles are bonus eligible. Actual compensation for part-time roles will be pro-rated based on the agreed number of working hours per week.
Benefits Summary: Regular full-time and part-time employees (working at least 20 hours per week) have access to medical, dental, and vision plans, a wellness program, health saving accounts, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) plan, employee stock purchase program, life and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D) insurance, short-term/long-term disability plans, emergency travel benefits, tuition reimbursement, professional membership fee coverage and paid family leave. Regular full-time and part-time employees will receive ten paid holidays in each calendar year. In addition, employees will be eligible to accrue vacation between 10 and 20 days per year and eligible for paid sick leave (and if more generous, in accordance with state and local law).
Temporary/casual employees have access to 401(k) plans, employee stock purchase program, and paid leave, in accordance with state and local law.
The benefits information listed above may not apply to union positions because benefits for such positions are governed by applicable collective bargaining agreements

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