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Graphics Programmer Jobs in Boulder, CO (NOW HIRING)

Ball

Engineer, Project Ink & Graphics

Westminster, CO · On-site

$140K - $173K/yr

Demonstrated skill in Developing and validating Ink & Graphic solutions within printing, coating, or decoration processes, Applying engineering tools (DoE, statistical analysis, FMEA) to drive ...

Three Point Solutions

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 ...

CannonDesign

Experiential Graphic Designer II

Denver, CO · On-site +1

$63K - $79K/yr

... graphics, signage, and exhibits. * Develop documentation for a variety of design projects to ... engineering, and social impact converge. We don't just dream up solutions - we create and bring ...

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Graphics Programmer information

See Boulder, CO salary details

$114.6K

$140K

$162.3K

How much do graphics programmer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for graphics programmer in Boulder, CO is $140,008.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $129,600.00 and $150,400.00 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.

More about Graphics Programmer jobs

What job categories do people searching Graphics Programmer jobs in Boulder, CO look for?

The top searched job categories for Graphics Programmer jobs in Boulder, CO are:

What cities near Boulder, CO are hiring for Graphics Programmer jobs?

Cities near Boulder, CO with the most Graphics Programmer job openings:

Graphics Programmer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Graphics Programmer job openings in Boulder, CO as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $140,008 per year, or $67.3 per hour.

Engineer, Project Ink & Graphics

Ball Corporation

Westminster, CO

$75K - $105K/yr

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago

Ball rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 23 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

At Ball, integrity and trust are the foundation of who we are. Guided by our core values -"We Care. We Work. We Win."- we create a culture where every voice matters, and every idea drives progress.  

Together with our global employees, customers, and partners, we're turning bold sustainability goals into reality and shaping a future we can all be proud of. 

Create a new future. Apply Today. 

Primary Purpose:

Lead and execute innovation projects focused on ink, coating, and graphics technologies for beverage packaging applications. Apply expertise in high-speed can manufacturing, print performance, and product qualification to deliver solutions that meet aesthetic, functional, and production requirements. Collaborate with cross-functional global teams, suppliers, and subject matter experts to generate data-driven insights, assess risks, and guide technical decision-making. Identify and develop emerging technologies to address capability gaps and enhance next-generation packaging performance.

Essential Responsible Areas:

  • Execute 'Ink & Graphic' centered initiatives for aluminum packaging by identifying detailed performance requirements and developing technically robust solutions.
  • Identify and navigate ambiguous innovation pathways; develop project charters and test plans; organize timelines, resources, and costs; own and develop tools to support project execution; perform cost-impact estimates and analyses; generate and present data summaries, project updates, analytical findings, and formal recommendations.
  • Facilitate efforts to dissect product and process challenges through method development and application of engineering tools (Design of Experiments (DoE), statistics, etc.)
  • Implement risk identification and mitigation by applying analytical insights, leading FMEA development, and ensuring clear documentation and reporting to support product and process solutions.
  • Develop and enable quality-driven solutions by establishing Critical-to-Quality (CTQ) parameters and ensuring alignment to performance, manufacturability, and customer requirements.
  • Coordinate cross-functional collaboration to drive technical alignment, integrate diverse inputs, and ensure timely, data-driven decision-making with stakeholders.
  • Build, grow, and manage supplier networks and external partnerships to support problem solving, technology development, and project execution.
  • Utilize financial modeling tools to evaluate and compare solution scenarios, enabling informed decision-making within the business.
  • Conduct technology scouting efforts for Ink & Graphics by monitoring industry advancements, engaging external partners, and elevating high-potential concepts to shape innovation priorities and long-term capability development.
  • Contribute to broader Innovation initiatives through ideation, technical expertise, and cross-functional collaboration.

Top 5 Outcomes:

  • Deliver validated Ink & Graphic solutions to Key Accounts.
  • Enable effective intake, scoping, and resourcing of project requests through clear technical assessments.
  • Increase profitability through expanded Ink & Graphic capabilities and solution offerings.
  • Identify and advance new Ink & Graphic technologies to strengthen the innovation pipeline.
  • Reduce technical risk through structured validation, FMEA, and disciplined testing.

Minimum of a Bachelor's Degree with a preference towards a Degree in Engineering, Materials Science, Polymer Science, or a related discipline.

Minimum of 3 years' experience doing product, process or material development within manufacturing or engineered product environments, cross-functional project execution with supplier management and technical stakeholder alignment, structured development within printing, coating, or high-speed decoration processes using engineering tools (e.g., Design of Experiments (DoE), statistical analysis, FMEA).

Demonstrated skill in Developing and validating Ink & Graphic solutions within printing, coating, or decoration processes, Applying engineering tools (DoE, statistical analysis, FMEA) to drive solution development and risk mitigation, Leading cross-functional technical projects and aligning stakeholders to data-driven decisions, Managing supplier relationships to execute development programs and resolve technical challenges, Translating technical data into clear insights, reports, and actionable recommendations.

Working knowledge of Printing and decoration technologies for aluminum packaging (e.g., lithography, coatings, curing systems), High-speed manufacturing processes and integration of new technologies into production environments, Critical-to-Quality (CTQ) development and quality systems within product and process design, Financial evaluation tools and cost-impact analysis for engineering solutions, Industry trends, emerging technologies, and external innovation landscape for Ink & Graphic applications.

Compensation & Benefits: 

  • Expected Hiring Salary Range:$75,400-105,290   (Salary to be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.)  
  • This role will be eligible to participate in the annual incentive compensation plan. 
  • Please visit our "Total Rewards" page to learn more about Ball's comprehensive benefits structure.  
  • Hybrid On-Site Work Environment: Based in Colorado, this position requires regular in-person engagement by working on-site for three (3) or more work days per work week (with core collaboration days of Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday). 
  • 20-30% Travel and local commute between Ball locations and other possible non-Ball locations required

When submitting your application to Ball, we encourage you to emphasize your skills, experience, and qualifications that align with the role.  

Ball Corporation is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We actively encourage applications from everybody. All qualified job applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin, aboriginality, genetic information, ancestry, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, veteran status, age, political affiliation or any other non-merit characteristic. 

Please note the advertised job title might vary from the job title on the contract due to local job title structure and global HR systems. 

  • Under Colorado, California, Connecticut, Minnesota, and Pennsylvania law, you have the right to exclude or redact age-related details-such as your date of birth, school attendance dates, or graduation dates-from your resume, cover letter, CV, or other supporting documents (e.g., transcripts, certificates).  
  • Legal authorization to work in the U.S. We will not sponsor individuals for employment visa, now or in the future, for this job opening. 

* This position will be posted internally for a minimum of 5 days and will remain open until filled or adjusted based on the volume of applicants. 

No agencies please. 

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