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Graphics Programmer Jobs in Pennsylvania (NOW HIRING)

Senior Software Engineer

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

$118K - $156K/yr

The Senior Engineer will play a key role in decoupling UI from graphics code and contributing to the modernization of our rendering architecture. This position does not offer visa sponsorship now or ...

Principal Software Engineer

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

$136K - $182K/yr

Principal Software Engineer Location: Philadelphia, PA - Hybrid No sponsorship is available for ... Drive the research and implementation of novel 3D graphics algorithms, tackling the most ...

Software Engineer III

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

$55.75 - $75/hr

Software Engineer III Location: Pittsburgh, PA (5 days' on-site) Duration: 1 Year Contract We are ... PyQt5 / PyQt6 / PySide2 NumPy Requests PyYaml / JSON PyZMQ Passion for Graphical User Interface ...

Create high-quality motion graphics and animation assets across digital campaigns, e-commerce ... Work closely with Designers, Developers, Content Producers, Editors, and Creative Directors ...

... graphic design Experience in planning, designing, and delivering software platforms used across multiple products and organizational units Hands on experience with Web Applications and Programming ...

UI Developer - Oaks, PA

Oaks, PA · On-site

$51.25 - $66.50/hr

Responsibilities : • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Interactive Design, Graphic/Web ... years of experience in programming/front-end development • Proficient in a broad range of ...

SharePoint Developer

Mechanicsburg, PA · On-site

$46.50 - $60.75/hr

... graphic designing, web application development using frameworks based on model view controller ... SharePoint Developer MUST HAVE: Strong SharePoint Development experience Experience working with ...

Showing results 21-40

Graphics Programmer information

See Pennsylvania salary details

$110.8K

$135.3K

$156.9K

How much do graphics programmer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for graphics programmer in Pennsylvania is $135,324.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $125,300.00 and $145,300.00 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 Pennsylvania?

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

What cities in Pennsylvania are hiring for Graphics Programmer jobs?

Cities in Pennsylvania with the most Graphics Programmer job openings:

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

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

Infographic showing various Graphics Programmer job openings in Pennsylvania as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 80% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $135,324 per year, or $65.1 per hour.

Senior Software Engineer

Smith & Nephew

Pittsburgh, PA • On-site

$118K - $156K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago


Smith & Nephew rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 41 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

118th of 546 rated manufacturers


Job description

Life Unlimited. At Smith+Nephew, we design and manufacture technology that takes the limits off living.
Are you passionate about developing high-quality, scalable, and robust software solutions for medical applications? Do you thrive in a dynamic, collaborative environment where you can make a significant impact? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you! We are seeking a talented Senior Software Engineer to join our team and help us enhance our digital presence and improve customer engagement.
This role will focus on UI/UX design and development alongside hands-on graphics and rendering work. The Senior Engineer will play a key role in decoupling UI from graphics code and contributing to the modernization of our rendering architecture.
This position does not offer visa sponsorship now or in the future.
What will you be doing?
As a Senior Software Engineer, you will be responsible for designing, developing, and implementing software solutions that meet the highest standards of quality and performance. Your key responsibilities will include:
  • Develop and implement high-quality, scalable, and robust software solutions for medical applications using full-stack development principles. This includes applying knowledge of medical image processing and visualization techniques.
  • Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including product managers, product owners, and fellow engineers.
  • Participate in Agile development processes, including sprint planning, code reviews, and continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Design, implement, and maintain UI and rendering components for complex applications.
  • Contribute to the decoupling of existing UI layers from graphics/rendering code to improve modularity and maintainability.
  • Implement and optimize rendering solutions using modern graphics APIs.
  • Collaborate with designers, systems engineers, and other software engineers to deliver high-quality user experiences.
  • Participate in technical design discussions and review code for quality and correctness.
  • Troubleshoot and resolve rendering, UI, and performance issues in production systems.

What will you need to be successful?
Education:
  • A Bachelor's or Master's in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field is required.

Experience:
  • 5-8 years of professional experience in design and implementation of complex software components
  • Strong hands-on experience with SDL, CUDA, Vulkan, and OpenGL
  • Demonstrated expertise in scene rendering and graphics pipeline development.
  • Experience modernizing or refactoring legacy rendering or UI architectures.
  • Proven ability to deliver complex systems from design through deployment.
  • Strong programming skills in a compiled language such as C++, and experience developing production software in Python is preferred.
  • Proficiency in image processing algorithms and libraries (e.g., OpenCV, ITK)
  • Experience with medical image visualization tools and techniques is a plus
  • Proven track record in algorithm development is a plus

Knowledge:
  • Deep understanding of UI/UX principles as they apply to graphics-driven applications is required.
  • Knowledge of robotic systems
  • Experience in machine learning or deep learning, especially in segmentation, registration, or classification of medical images

Competences:
  • Excellent communication, problem-solving, and collaboration skills

Travel:
  • Travel Requirements: Domestic / International - up to 15%

You Unlimited. We believe in creating the greatest good for society. Our strongest investments are in our people and the patients we serve.
  • Inclusion and Belonging- Committed to Welcoming, Celebrating and Thriving on Inclusion and Belonging, Learn more about Employee Inclusion Groups on our website ( https://www.smith-nephew.com/).
  • Your Future: 401k Matching Program, 401k Plus Program, Discounted Stock Options, Tuition Reimbursement
  • Work/Life Balance: Flexible Personal/Vacation Time Off, Paid Holidays, Flex Holidays, Paid Community Service Day
  • Your Wellbeing: Medical, Dental, Vision, Health Savings Account (Employer Contribution of $500+ annually), Employee Assistance Program, Parental Leave, Fertility and Adoption Assistance Program
  • Flexibility: Hybrid Work Model (For most professional roles)
  • Training: Hands-On, Team-Customized, Mentorship
  • Extra Perks: Discounts on fitness clubs, travel and more!

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Smith+Nephew provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability.
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