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Graphics Programmer Jobs in Houston, TX (NOW HIRING)

Hexagroup

Graphic Designer

Houston, TX · On-site

... media graphics, signage, and corporate reports, while ensuring strict adherence to internal and ... Work closely with copywriters, account managers, and web developers from concept to final execution ...

Hexagroup

Graphic Designer

Houston, TX · On-site

... media graphics, signage, and corporate reports, while ensuring strict adherence to internal and ... Work closely with copywriters, account managers, and web developers from concept to final execution ...

METECS

Junior Simulation Software Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

METECS is seeking an entry-level Simulation Software Engineer to support NASA's simulation efforts as part of the Robotics, Simulations, and Graphics Support (RSGS) team. This role is ideal for ...

METECS

Junior Simulation Software Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

METECS is seeking an entry-level Simulation Software Engineer to support NASA's simulation efforts as part of the Robotics, Simulations, and Graphics Support (RSGS) team. This role is ideal for ...

Viridien

Graphical Software Developer

Houston, TX · Hybrid

In this role, you'll help create and improve the graphical applications that enable scientists and engineers to explore complex 3D subsurface data. You'll gain hands-on experience developing scalable ...

Viridien

Graphical Software Developer

Houston, TX · Hybrid

In this role, you'll help create and improve the graphical applications that enable scientists and engineers to explore complex 3D subsurface data. You'll gain hands-on experience developing scalable ...

METECS

General Engineering

Houston, TX · On-site

METECS is an engineering and applied technology company that provides high-fidelity simulation and ... graphics, XR systems and advanced web-based tools. METECS is an Equal Opportunity Employer ...

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All JobsGraphics Programmer JobsGraphics Programmer Jobs in Houston, TX

Graphics Programmer information

See Houston, TX salary details

$105.5K

$128.9K

$149.5K

How much do graphics programmer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for graphics programmer in Houston, TX is $128,921.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $119,400.00 and $138,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Are graphics programmers in demand?

Graphics programmers are in demand in the gaming, entertainment, and simulation industries due to the need for advanced visual effects and real-time rendering. They often require knowledge of graphics APIs like DirectX or OpenGL and programming skills in C++ or similar languages. The role is expected to grow as visual technology continues to advance across various digital platforms.

How do I become a graphics programmer?

A graphics programmer typically needs a bachelor's degree in computer science, computer graphics, or a related field. Developing strong programming skills in languages like C++ and understanding graphics APIs such as DirectX or OpenGL are essential. Gaining experience through personal projects, internships, or contributing to open-source graphics engines can also help build a portfolio for this role.

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.

What are graphics programmers?

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 is the highest paying graphic design job?

In the field of graphics programming, senior roles such as Lead Graphics Programmer or Technical Director often have the highest salaries, especially in large gaming or software development companies. These positions typically require advanced skills in graphics APIs like DirectX or Vulkan, and extensive experience in real-time rendering, with salaries reaching six figures or more in some regions.

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.

Is graphics programming difficult?

Graphics programming is considered challenging because it requires understanding complex concepts such as rendering pipelines, shaders, and mathematical calculations. It often involves proficiency in programming languages like C++ and knowledge of graphics APIs such as DirectX or OpenGL. Success in this field depends on strong problem-solving skills and continuous learning of new tools and techniques.

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.

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.
More about Graphics Programmer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Graphics Programmer jobs in Houston, TX? The most popular types of Graphics Programmer jobs in Houston, TX are:
What are popular job titles related to Graphics Programmer jobs in Houston, TX? For Graphics Programmer jobs in Houston, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Graphics Programmer jobs in Houston, TX look for? The top searched job categories for Graphics Programmer jobs in Houston, TX are:
What cities near Houston, TX are hiring for Graphics Programmer jobs? Cities near Houston, TX with the most Graphics Programmer job openings:
Graphics Programmer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Graphics Programmer job openings in Houston, TX as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $128,921 per year, or $62 per hour.

Senior Software Engineer, Simulation Systems

Bot Auto

Houston, TX • On-site, Remote

Other

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Senior Software Engineer, Simulation Systems

Houston, TX or San Francisco Bay Area

About the Role

We are building the next generation of autonomous trucking technology to make freight transportation safer, more efficient, and more scalable.

Our Simulation team develops the virtual environments, testing infrastructure, and AI-driven simulation systems that enable rapid development and validation of autonomous driving software. We leverage large-scale simulation, synthetic data generation, reinforcement learning environments, and emerging world-model technologies to accelerate autonomy development.

We are seeking a software engineer with strong C++ expertise and a passion for building scalable simulation systems. This role offers the opportunity to work at the intersection of autonomous driving, simulation, robotics, and AI.

Build Autonomous Driving Simulation Systems
  • Design and develop high-performance simulation infrastructure for autonomous vehicle development and validation
  • Build scalable systems for scenario generation, simulation execution, and evaluation
  • Develop simulation tooling used by Perception, Prediction, Planning, and Controls teams
  • Improve simulation realism, scalability, and operational efficiency
  • Collaborate across teams to support testing, validation, and development workflows
Develop AI-Driven Simulation Capabilities
  • Build infrastructure supporting reinforcement learning and closed-loop evaluation workflows
  • Develop systems for synthetic data generation and automated scenario creation
  • Collaborate with ML engineers and researchers to integrate learned models into simulation environments
  • Explore emerging approaches in world modeling, agent simulation, and Physical AI
Engineering Excellence
  • Write production-quality C++ and Python code
  • Participate in architecture and technical design discussions
  • Build reliable, maintainable, and well-tested systems
  • Contribute to code reviews and engineering best practices
  • Create clear technical documentation for systems and tools
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field
  • 3+ years of professional software development experience
  • Strong expertise in modern C++ (C++17 or newer preferred)
  • Experience designing and developing production software systems
  • Strong understanding of:
    • Multithreading and concurrency
    • Memory management
    • Performance optimization
    • Software architecture and system design
  • Experience working with simulation, robotics, gaming, or autonomous systems
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with simulation platforms such as:
    • CARLA
    • Isaac Sim
    • Unreal Engine
  • Familiarity with reinforcement learning concepts and workflows
  • Experience with agent-based simulation or closed-loop simulation systems
  • Experience building synthetic data generation pipelines
  • Experience with ROS or ROS2
  • Experience with cloud-native infrastructure such as Docker, Kubernetes, AWS, or GCP
  • Familiarity with machine learning infrastructure and large-scale data processing systems
Nice to Have
  • Experience in autonomous driving or robotics applications
  • Experience with multi-agent simulation systems
  • Familiarity with world models, generative simulation, or Physical AI technologies
  • Experience with sensor simulation, including camera, lidar, or radar
  • Experience with physics engines and real-time systems
  • Experience with CUDA, OpenGL, Vulkan, or graphics programming
What We're Looking For
  • Strong software engineering fundamentals
  • Systems-thinking mindset and attention to detail
  • Curiosity about simulation, AI, robotics, and autonomous systems
  • Ability to work across simulation, infrastructure, and machine learning domains
  • Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with evolving technical challenges
  • Passion for building the next generation of intelligent simulation platforms

Apply