ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Graphics Programmer Jobs in Oakland, CA (NOW HIRING)

Parallelz

Principal Graphics Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$164K - $203K/yr

About the Role We are seeking a passionate and resilient Principal Graphics Engineer to own a foundational piece of our infrastructure: the rendering and runtime layer that lets unmodified mobile ...

Parallelz

Principal Graphics Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site +1

$164K - $203K/yr

About the Role We are seeking a passionate and resilient Principal Graphics Engineer to own a foundational piece of our infrastructure: the rendering and runtime layer that lets unmodified mobile ...

Parallelz

Principal Graphics Engineer

San Francisco, CA · Remote

$143K - $177K/yr

About the Role We are seeking a passionate and resilient Principal Graphics Engineer to own a foundational piece of our infrastructure: the rendering and runtime layer that lets unmodified mobile ...

Notability

Senior iOS Graphics Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site +1

$160K - $250K/yr

We're looking for a Senior Engineer to join our Graphics Technology group. What You'll Do * Solve difficult problems that feature soft real-time performance targets * Work on a canvas with rich ...

Notability

Senior iOS Graphics Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$160K - $250K/yr

We're looking for a Senior Engineer to join our Graphics Technology group. What You'll Do * Solve difficult problems that feature soft real-time performance targets * Work on a canvas with rich ...

Figure

Sr/Staff Graphics Engineer

San Jose, CA

$150K - $275K/yr

We are looking for a Senior/Staff Graphics Software Engineer to join the Platform Software team and own the graphics stack powering our robot's displays. You will build the rendering engine and UI ...

Figure

Sr/Staff Graphics Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$150K - $275K/yr

We are looking for a Senior/Staff Graphics Software Engineer to join the Platform Software team and own the graphics stack powering our robot's displays. You will build the rendering engine and UI ...

Rylo

Sr. Computer Graphics Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$164K - $203K/yr

Developed by a team of former Instagram and Apple engineers, Rylo's breakthrough stabilization ... Demonstrated ability to research, design and implement graphic techniques. This includes features ...

Rylo

Sr. Computer Graphics Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$164K - $203K/yr

Developed by a team of former Instagram and Apple engineers, Rylo's breakthrough stabilization ... Demonstrated ability to research, design and implement graphic techniques. This includes features ...

Waymo

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 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsGraphics Programmer JobsGraphics Programmer Jobs in Oakland, CA

Graphics Programmer information

See Oakland, CA salary details

$126.9K

$155K

$179.7K

How much do graphics programmer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for graphics programmer in Oakland, CA is $155,044.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $143,600.00 and $166,500.00 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 popular job titles related to Graphics Programmer jobs in Oakland, CA?

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

What job categories do people searching Graphics Programmer jobs in Oakland, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Graphics Programmer jobs in Oakland, CA are:

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

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

Graphics Programmer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Graphics Programmer job openings in Oakland, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $155,044 per year, or $74.5 per hour.

Senior iOS Graphics Engineer

Notability

San Francisco, CA

$160K - $250K/yr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

We're looking for a Senior Engineer to join our Graphics Technology group.

What You'll Do
  • Solve difficult problems that feature soft real-time performance targets
  • Work on a canvas with rich content including ink, images, pdfs, text, animation, and more
  • Design, code, test, debug, and modernize graphics systems that meet our high quality bar
  • Collaborate with non-graphics engineers to leverage each platform's strengths
  • Collaborate with design & product teams to dream big
  • Leverage the GPU for maximum performance
  • Identify and avoid risks with new approaches
  • Participate in code reviews and provide guidance and mentorship on software development best practices
  • Communicate progress and risks to the team
  • Read and understand research papers to implement new functionality
  • Build a product that our customers genuinely love!
What You Need
  • 6+ years of experience with graphics programming
  • Experience with iOS graphics programming including Core Graphics or MetalKit
  • Experience using the GPU to solve problems in 2D graphics
  • Experience with resolution-independent graphics primitives and related mathematical concepts
  • Strong computer science fundamentals and problem solving skills
  • Excellent communication and collaboration skills
  • Ability to deliver results in a fast-paced and collaborative environment
  • Passionate about solutions while humble in the face of opposing ideas
  • Desire to embrace the way engineering is changing (more immutable data, functional patterns, etc) while also being intensely pragmatic
  • Experience with Bezier curves, CRDTs is a plus

For this position we are targeting a base pay between $160k-$250k. Actual compensation offered will be determined by factors such as job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

Apply