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Graphics Programmer Jobs in Livermore, CA (NOW HIRING)

GPU Standards Developer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$175K - $250K/yr

Bolt Graphics is a semiconductor startup based in Sunnyvale, CA building the fastest and most ... About the role: We're looking for a highly experienced GPU Standards Developer. You will focus on ...

Site Reliability Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$145K - $175K/yr

Bolt Graphics is a semiconductor startup based in Sunnyvale, CA building the fastest and most ... Bolt Graphics is seeking a highly experienced Site Reliability Engineer (SRE) to design, build, and ...

GPU Driver Developer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$175K - $250K/yr

Bolt Graphics is a semiconductor startup based in Sunnyvale, CA building the fastest and most ... About the role: We're looking for an experienced GPU Driver Developer. You will focus the design ...

GPU Compiler Lead

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$68.75 - $90.25/hr

Bolt Graphics is a semiconductor startup based in Sunnyvale, CA building the fastest and most ... of compiler engineers and coordinate with partners and external contributors Qualifications

Extensive experience developing GPU graphics and compute applications and writing graphics and compute shaders * Strong proficiency in C/C++ programming * Experience with code analysis, IR (LLVM ...

Showing results 41-60

Graphics Programmer information

See Livermore, CA salary details

$129.6K

$158.4K

$183.6K

How much do graphics programmer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for graphics programmer in Livermore, CA is $158,353.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $146,600.00 and $170,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.
What cities near Livermore, CA are hiring for Graphics Programmer jobs? Cities near Livermore, CA with the most Graphics Programmer job openings:
Infographic showing various Graphics Programmer job openings in Livermore, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 92% In-person, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $158,353 per year, or $76.1 per hour.

Senior Real-Time Rendering and Graphics Software Engineer

Apple

Cupertino, CA

$184K - $324K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Re-posted 20 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

Apple Maps offers a constantly evolving and increasingly detailed 3D world, and our team renders every frame of it. We develop the graphics engine that powers the mapping and navigation experiences across Apple's entire device ecosystem, from Watch to Vision Pro, as well as the Web. We're looking for a Senior Graphics Software Engineer who is excited by the challenge of rendering our planet beautifully and performantly in real time.
Description
We are the Map Display team, and every day our work is used by hundreds of millions of people to explore and navigate the world. We own the 3D visual experience inside Apple Maps and the graphics engine that fuels a thriving ecosystem of first- and third-party applications. You'll work at the intersection of art and engineering, developing novel algorithms, pushing rendering techniques forward, and collaborating with world-class designers and cartographers to make every pixel perfect. Whether it's the 3D imagery and splats of Yosemite National Park, the historical landmarks of Rome, the streets of Paris, or the transit systems of Tokyo, you'll have a hand in how people interact with our world.","responsibilities":"Architect and implement Maps rendering features and technologies across all Apple platforms
Optimize rendering performance and power efficiency across our diverse hardware ecosystem
Collaborate with Metal, GPU, and Power teams to leverage and influence Apple’s graphics innovations
Help drive long-term technical strategy and roadmaps for future rendering and Maps experiences
Contribute to critical decisions balancing visual quality, implementation complexity, and platform constraints
Partner with HI and Cartography teams to design new visual experiences
Uphold and evolve team culture through architecture and code reviews, mentorship, and leadership by example
Preferred Qualifications
Track record of shipping interactive 3D engines at scale for mobile platforms such as iOS, Android, or Linux
Experience navigating the entire lifecycle of software development, from whiteboarding designs to shipping quality, optimized code
Proficiency with GPU profiling tools and performance optimization for mobile platforms
Familiarity with AR/VR rendering technologies and the unique challenges of immersive environments
Minimum Qualifications
BA/BS plus 5 years of hands-on experience building real-time 3D rendering applications
Mastery of writing C++ that is safe, performant, readable, and built to last
Deep understanding of the graphics pipeline, modern rendering techniques, and image processing
Fluency with one or more modern graphics APIs (e.g., Metal, Vulkan, Direct3D 12, WebGPU) and shading languages (e.g., MSL, HLSL, GLSL, WGSL)
Sharp instincts for 3D geometry and linear algebra
Experience with multi-threaded rendering architectures
Methodical debugging mindset and tenacious problem-solving instincts
Communication skills to make complex ideas clear to leadership and the collaboration skills to focus teams’ efforts
Deep ownership of the features you ship
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 $184,700 and $324,800, 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

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Benefits

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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