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Graphics Programmer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

StaffGreat.com

Engineer (early career)

Mundelein, IL · On-site

They're hiring early-career engineers with raw ability rather than domain experience ... The role is deliberately broad: machine learning, geometry, graphics, and AI, spanning geometry and ...

New

Oscar Health

Controls Field Engineer

Aurora, IL

$82K - $107K/yr

The Controls Field Engineer supports the availability, reliability, and day-to-day operation of ... Perform point-to-point checks, basic logic validation, and graphics verification. * Assist with ...

New

Jump Trading

Software Engineer | GUI

Chicago, IL · On-site

... engineering, data science and research, to deliver the infrastructure and tools that drive our ... You will focus on lowlevel rendering, graphics pipelines, and efficient data delivery to the ...

Actalent

Software Engineer

Schaumburg, IL

$55 - $80/hr

Software Engineer (Mid to Principle Level Openings!!) We have multiple openings from Midlevel to ... Create and enhance graphical user interfaces (GUIs), leveraging frameworks such as Qt to deliver ...

1872 Consulting

Senior C# Developer

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$56.25 - $74.25/hr

Senior C# Developer This role is open with a premier trading firm located in Downtown Chicago. We ... tiered, scalable, Graphical User Interfaces. The successful candidate will enhance existing ...

1872 Consulting

Senior C# Developer

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$56.25 - $74.25/hr

Senior C# Developer This role is open with a premier trading firm located in Downtown Chicago. We ... tiered, scalable, Graphical User Interfaces. The successful candidate will enhance existing ...

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Showing results 41-60

All JobsGraphics Programmer JobsGraphics Programmer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Graphics Programmer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$113.9K

$139.2K

$161.3K

How much do graphics programmer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for graphics programmer in Chicago, IL is $139,179.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $128,900.00 and $149,500.00 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 are the most commonly searched types of Graphics Programmer jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Graphics Programmer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Graphics Programmer jobs in Chicago, IL?

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

What job categories do people searching Graphics Programmer jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Graphics Programmer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Graphics Programmer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Graphics Programmer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Internship, and 50% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $139,179 per year, or $66.9 per hour.

Engineer (early career)

StaffGreat.com

Mundelein, IL • On-site

Other

Posted 2 days ago

New

Job description

Our client is a fast-moving startup doing ambitious work in AI. They're hiring early-career engineers with raw ability rather than domain experience. The role is deliberately broad: machine learning, geometry, graphics, and AI, spanning geometry and data pipelines, evaluation harnesses, internal tooling, and training and experiment support. They want real strength in one of those areas and curiosity about the rest.


What will you be doing?

  • Build and maintain geometry and data pipelines. Parse CAD, convert formats, extract features, and verify that what comes out matches what went in.
  • Write the evaluation harnesses and tooling that tell the team whether a model actually got better.
  • Support training and experiment runs. Instrument them, debug failures, and turn results into something readable at a glance.
  • Build internal tools that remove friction for everyone else.
  • Take well-scoped pieces of larger research and engineering efforts, then grow your scope as you earn it.


Dealbreaker

Work experience

  • Experience with ML training, data pipelines, or internal tooling
  • Internships or research at organizations with a high hiring bar: top aerospace, automotive, or robotics companies, leading AI research labs, or major tech companies, or a lab affiliation

Education

  • BS or MS in CS, engineering, math, physics, or a related technical field, from a highly competitive, top-tier program

Hard skills

  • Proficient in Python and/or C/C++

Baseline

Seniority

  • 0–2 years of experience (ONLY) in software engineering, including internships and research

Miscellaneous

  • Willing to start as a generalist before specializing

Nice-to-have

Hard skills

  • Exposure to one of four adjacent domains: CAD, robotics, perception, or graphics and game design. Coursework or projects count; depth is not expected.



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