1

Graphics Programmer Jobs in Fremont, CA (NOW HIRING)

Senior Software Engineer, ICX Graphics

Mountain View, CA · Hybrid

$165K - $204K/yr

Graphics or game engine developer with strong experience in 3D graphics development using C++ and APIs like OpenGL ES or Vulkan. * Experience with mobile/embedded platforms, custom rendering engines ...

Pipeline Engineer (Graphics/3D)

San Francisco, CA · Remote

$164K - $203K/yr

Bridge research and product by working closely with both graphics/computer vision researchers and frontend engineers to ship usable features. * Turn standalone Python scripts into clean, production ...

Pipeline Engineer (Graphics/3D)

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$164K - $203K/yr

Bridge research and product by working closely with both graphics/computer vision researchers and frontend engineers to ship usable features. * Turn standalone Python scripts into clean, production ...

Senior / Staff Graphics Software Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site +1

$155K - $269K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

To learn more visit: www.waabi.ai As a Graphics Software Engineer, you will create the next generation of multi-sensor rendering software for autonomous driving. You will collaborate with our team of ...

Senior / Staff Graphics Software Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site +1

$155K - $269K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

To learn more visit: www.waabi.ai As a Graphics Software Engineer, you will create the next generation of multi-sensor rendering software for autonomous driving. You will collaborate with our team of ...

Showing results 41-60

Graphics Programmer information

See Fremont, CA salary details

$121K

$147.8K

$171.3K

How much do graphics programmer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for graphics programmer in Fremont, CA is $147,780.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $136,800.00 and $158,700.00 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 popular job titles related to Graphics Programmer jobs in Fremont, CA?

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

What cities near Fremont, CA are hiring for Graphics Programmer jobs?

Cities near Fremont, CA with the most Graphics Programmer job openings:

Infographic showing various Graphics Programmer job openings in Fremont, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 80% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $147,780 per year, or $71 per hour.

Sr Engineering Program Manager, GPU and Graphics

Apple

Cupertino, CA

$144K - $263K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Re-posted 14 days ago


Apple rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 677 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 30 rated technology retailers


Job description

At Apple, we believe excellent ideas have a way of becoming extraordinary products with unique customer experiences at the highest quality. When you bring passion and dedication to your job, there’s no telling what you could accomplish! The people here at Apple don’t just build products, they craft the kind of wonder that’s revolutionized entire industries.
The Graphics, Gaming & Machine Learning team is seeking a Technical Program Manager to help shape the future of our GPU frameworks and graphics ecosystem. In this role, you’ll lead planning, execution, and cross-functional coordination across engineering teams to deliver robust, high-performance GPU drivers and Metal Frameworks. You'll work closely with product teams to define, develop, and coordinate the release of next-generation GPU and Graphics features across Apple's hardware and software platforms. This role requires an energetic and motivated individual with strong communication, organizational, and technical skills who thrives in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
Description
Apple’s Graphics, Games & Machine learning (GGML) group provides the GPU and graphics software foundation across all of Apple's innovative products, from iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, AppleTV and Vision Pro. We’re looking for a strong Engineering Program Manager with a proven record of building and maintaining complex software platforms, tools, and processes that deliver new end-to-end experiences. You will partner with product and engineering teams across Apple to deliver some of our most ambitious capabilities for graphics rendering, GPU acceleration, You will drive the feature release lifecycle from initial concept through software launch, ensuring reliability, performance, and efficiency across the entire stack. If you are the type of person that feels a personal stake in everything that you work on, have a strong sense of ownership, thrive in fast-paced environments with lots of ambiguity, enjoy working with complex technologies, know how to foster strong relationships, build trust, and work for the success of the entire team, then you will be a strong match for our team. We want to talk to you!
Preferred Qualifications
BS/MS (EE/CS/CE), or a related technical field.
Self-motivated, independent, and proactive; demonstrated creative and critical thinking capabilities; can quickly (real-time) triage, prioritize, and lead cross-functional teams under pressure.
Deep background working with GPU Driver development, Metal Frameworks, and cross-functional release management.
Experience collaborating with Product teams to translate consumer feature requests into technical milestones for graphics and display software.
Minimum Qualifications
5-10+ years of program management experience in software, hardware, or systems engineering environments.
Exceptional communication, collaboration, and leadership skills.
Prior PM or engineering experience driving graphics/compute API and software/hardware feature development lifecycles (e.g., Metal, Vulkan, DX12, or OpenGL).
Solid understanding of GPU Drivers, graphics pipelines, silicon acceleration, or exposure to Display technologies (e.g., Color management, HDR, ProMotion).
Pay & Benefits
At Apple, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base pay range for this role is between $144,600 and $263,800, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.
Apple employees also have the opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through participation in Apple's discretionary employee stock programs. Apple employees are eligible for discretionary restricted stock unit awards, and can purchase Apple stock at a discount if voluntarily participating in Apple's Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You'll also receive benefits including: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, a range of discounted products and free services, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Apple, reimbursement for certain educational expenses - including tuition. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation. Learn more about Apple Benefits
Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.

What Apple employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Apple logo

About Apple

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Imagine what you could do here! At Apple, new ideas have a way of becoming extraordinary products, services, and customer experiences very quickly. Bring passion and dedication to your job and there's no telling what you could accomplish. Dynamic, intelligent people and inspiring, innovative technologies are the norm here. The people who work here have reinvented entire industries with all Apple Hardware products. The same real passion for innovation that goes into our products also applies to our practices strengthening our dedication to leave the world better than we found it.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Cupertino, CA, US

Year founded

1976