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Graphics Programmer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Sr. Project Engineer

Ankeny, IA ยท On-site

$92K - $120K/yr

The Sr. Project Engineer will provide tactical leadership for process design, operations process ... Possess proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite & Graphic Design Programs. * Must have project ...

Sr. Project Engineer

Ankeny, IA ยท On-site

$92K - $120K/yr

The Sr. Project Engineer will provide tactical leadership for process design, operations process ... Possess proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite & Graphic Design Programs. * Must have project ...

Sr. Project Engineer

Ankeny, IA ยท On-site

$92K - $120K/yr

The Sr. Project Engineer will provide tactical leadership for process design, operations process ... Possess proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite & Graphic Design Programs. * Must have project ...

Project Engineer Automation

Muscatine, IA ยท On-site

$75 - $95/hr

Position: Project Engineer - Automation (Muscatine, IA) Contact Hannah Wilson at hwilson ... Maintain HMI standards, including graphics, alarms, and navigation structures. * Troubleshoot and ...

Service Technician - Automation

Ankeny, IA ยท On-site

$39K/yr

... programming for computer-based building or industrial control systems * Establish special calibration instructions on selected equipment * Perform creation of system graphics and DDC systems graphics

Service Technician - Automation

Cedar Rapids, IA ยท On-site

$41K/yr

... programming for computer-based building or industrial control systems * Establish special calibration instructions on selected equipment * Perform creation of system graphics and DDC systems graphics

The Front End Developer will work with Back End Developers and Graphic Designers to create top-quality websites with intuitive UX and cross-device compatibility. Goals in this position include ...

The Front End Developer will work with Back End Developers and Graphic Designers to create top-quality websites with intuitive UX and cross-device compatibility. Goals in this position include ...

Automation Technician I

Ankeny, IA ยท On-site

$39K/yr

PURPOSE Provide technical start-up, checkout and programming for Building Automation and Control ... Map control points into graphical front end and link points to graphics * Create Automation System ...

Automation Technician I

Cedar Rapids, IA ยท On-site

$41K/yr

PURPOSE Provide technical start-up, checkout and programming for Building Automation and Control ... Map control points into graphical front end and link points to graphics * Create Automation System ...

Showing results 21-40

Graphics Programmer information

See Iowa salary details

$103.8K

$126.8K

$147K

How much do graphics programmer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for graphics programmer in Iowa is $126,800.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $117,400.00 and $136,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

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 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Graphics Programmer jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Graphics Programmer jobs in Iowa are:

What are popular job titles related to Graphics Programmer jobs in Iowa?

For Graphics Programmer jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What are popular job titles related to Graphics Programmer jobs in IA?

For Graphics Programmer jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Graphics Programmer job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $126,800 per year, or $61 per hour.

Software Engineering Manager, Advanced Processing Architectures (Onsite)

Prattwhitney

Cedar Rapids, IA โ€ข On-site

$132.40 - $251.60/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

At RTX, the world's largest aerospace and defense company, 185,000 great minds are united by purpose and inspired to make a difference solving the worldโ€™s most complex problems. With our three market leading businesses, worldโ€‘class operations and investments in research and development, we offer capabilities and opportunity no one else can. Together, we push the boundaries of known science and find new ways to connect and protect our world.

Collins Aerospace is a leader in technologically advanced, intelligent solutions that help redefine the aerospace and defense industry. With a comprehensive portfolio and deep technical expertise, we help customers meet the demands of the global market.

Join us and help shape the future of aerospace and defense.

Collins Aerospace is seeking an experienced Software Engineering Manager who is passionate about developing innovative software solutions and leading high performing teams at the forefront of aerospace technology. In this role, you will not only manage program execution but also drive the development of advanced, safety critical software that enables Collinsโ€™ next generation processors. You will lead the design and implementation of foundational software that boots, configures, and orchestrates modern computing and graphics platforms, overseeing the full development lifecycle to advance our product lines. You will also be responsible for ensuring the teamโ€™s operational excellenceโ€”providing strong support for current development programs while building the capabilities required to scale for future adopters. We are seeking a leader with deep technical expertise, strong execution skills, and proven people leadership who thrives in an environment centered on innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

What You Will Do:
  • Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing software engineering team, fostering technical growth and career development.
  • Drive the architecture, design, and delivery of safety-critical software.
  • Own program execution, ensuring successful delivery within scope, schedule, and budget.
  • Champion engineering excellence by implementing best practices across software development, verification, and certification.
  • Partner with program leadership, crossโ€‘functional teams, and customers to align technical solutions with business and mission objectives.
  • Lead technical strategy and support bid and proposal efforts, including solution development and scope estimation.
  • Build and strengthen the engineering organization through strategic hiring, workforce planning, and talent development.
  • Identify program risks early and drive proactive mitigation strategies to ensure successful execution.
  • Travel domestically and internationally as needed.
Qualifications You Must Have:
  • Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and minimum 10 years prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 7 years of experience.
  • Proven leadership experience managing software development projects in certification environments with responsibility for cost, schedule, and execution.
  • Strong background in Earned Value Management (EVM).
  • Experience leading, mentoring, and developing engineering teams, including staffing, performance management, and career development.
  • Handsโ€‘on experience with DOโ€‘178C software development processes.
Qualifications We Prefer:
  • Experience developing safetyโ€‘critical embedded platform software with emphasis on processor control, power and memory management, system health monitoring and Graphics.
  • Experience with SoC/MPSoC platform software (experience with ASIC based platforms strongly preferred).
  • Familiarity with multicore processing architectures and the challenges associated with scheduling, synchronization, and resource management.
  • Experience with lab integration, systemโ€‘level testing, and engineering development tools (including virtual development environments).
  • Strong analytical and problemโ€‘solving skills with the ability to manage risk and technical complexity.
  • Excellent communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across technical and nonโ€‘technical teams.
Role Type

Please ensure the role type (defined below) is appropriate for your needs before applying to this role. Onsite: Employees who are working in onsite roles will work primarily onsite. This includes all production and maintenance employees, as they are essential to the development of our products. Regardless of your role type, collaboration and innovation are critical to our business and all employees will have access to digital tools so they can work with colleagues around the world โ€“ and access to Collins sites when their work requires inโ€‘person meetings.

What We Offer
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
  • Three weeks of vacation for newly hired employees.
  • Generous 401(k) plan that includes employer matching funds and separate employer retirement contribution, including a Lifetime Income Strategy option.
  • Tuition reimbursement program.
  • Student Loan Repayment Program.
  • Life insurance and disability coverage.
  • Optional coverages you can buy pet insurance, home and auto insurance, additional life and accident insurance, critical illness insurance, group legal, ID theft protection.
  • Birth, adoption, parental leave benefits.
  • Ovia Health, fertility, and family planning.
  • Adoption Assistance.
  • Autism Benefit.
  • Employee Assistance Plan, including up to 10 free counseling sessions.
  • Healthy You Incentives, wellness rewards program.
  • Doctor on Demand, virtual doctor visits.
  • Bright Horizons, child and elder care services.
  • Teladoc Medical Experts, second opinion program.
  • And more!

Avionics delivers advanced cockpit displays, vision systems, and comprehensive digital solutions for global government, commercial and business aviation customers. We provide connectivity and managed data services to ensure safety and seamless communication for passengers, crews, and militaries, from aircraft and airports to air traffic management. Join us in creating solutions that connect the world, one flight at a time.

As part of our commitment to maintaining a secure hiring process, candidates may be asked to attend select steps of the interview process inโ€‘person at one of our office locations, regardless of whether the role is designated as onsite, hybrid or remote.

The salary range for this role is 132,400 USD - 251,600 USD. The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels.

RTX considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidateโ€™s work experience, location, education/training, and key skills.

Hired applicants may be eligible for benefits, including but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, flexible work schedules, employee assistance program, Employee Scholar Program, parental leave, paid time off, and holidays.

Specific benefits are dependent upon the specific business unit as well as whether or not the position is covered by a collectiveโ€‘bargaining agreement.

Hired applicants may be eligible for annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs depending on the level of the position and whether or not it is covered by a collectiveโ€‘bargaining agreement. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and are dependent upon a variety of factors including, but not limited to, individual performance, business unit performance, and/or the companyโ€™s performance.

This role is a U.S.-based role. If the successful candidate resides in a U.S. territory, the appropriate pay structure and benefits will apply.

RTX anticipates the application window closing approximately 40 days from the date the notice was posted. However, factors such as candidate flow and business necessity may require RTX to shorten or extend the application window.

RTX is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected class. RTX provides affirmative action in employment for qualified Individuals with a Disability and Protected Veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veteransโ€™ Readjustment Assistance Act.

RTX is an aerospace and defense company that provides advanced systems and services for commercial, military and government customers worldwide. It comprises three industryโ€‘leading businesses โ€“ Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, and Raytheon. Its 195,000 employees enable the company to operate at the edge of known science as they imagine and deliver solutions that push the boundaries in quantum physics, electric propulsion, directed energy, hypersonics, avionics and cybersecurity. The company, formed in 2020 through the combination of Raytheon Company and the United Technologies Corporation aerospace businesses, is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia.

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