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Graphics Programmer Jobs in Pasadena, CA (NOW HIRING)

Zoo

CAD Graphics Engine Software Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site +1

$150K - $186K/yr

About The Role We're looking for a Graphics Engine Software Engineer to join our growing team to help us build out the core functionality of our next-generation CAD Graphics Engine! In this role, you ...

thatgamecompany

Senior/Principal Graphics Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · Remote

$150K - $220K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

US and Canada Only We are looking for an exceptional Senior Graphics Engineer to join our engine team and help us continue to grow the most advanced social game on earth. You'll collaborate with ...

New

Zoo

CAD Graphics Engine Software Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site +1

$145K - $195K/yr

In this role, you'll work as part of a small team of Graphics Engineers to design, prototype and implement features of our engine in order to enable users with faster and more reliable geometry and ...

Side

Senior Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

$112K - $154K/yr

You'll work across engine, rendering, and graphics systems, helping teams maximise visual fidelity while ensuring games run efficiently across target platforms. We're looking for an engineer who ...

New

SpaceX

Motion Graphics Producer

Hawthorne, CA

$95K - $120K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

In this role, you'll interface directly with both engineering and creative teams to ensure all projects meet or exceed SpaceX's high standards for both quality and accuracy. As a Motion Graphics ...

SpaceX

Motion Graphics Producer

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$95K - $120K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

In this role, you'll interface directly with both engineering and creative teams to ensure all projects meet or exceed SpaceX's high standards for both quality and accuracy. As a Motion Graphics ...

NxT Level

Senior Tools Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$112K - $154K/yr

They currently need a programmer passionate about terrain and graphical tools. What are the responsibilities? * Develop and maintain tools for terrain and graphics within our game engine. Ensure that ...

NxT Level

Senior Tools Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site +1

$112K - $154K/yr

They currently need a programmer passionate about terrain and graphical tools. What are the responsibilities? * Develop and maintain tools for terrain and graphics within our game engine. Ensure that ...

Side

Senior Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$112K - $154K/yr

As our projects continue to grow in scale and technical ambition, we're looking for a Senior Engine & Graphics Engineer with deep expertise in Unreal Engine 5, rendering systems, and performance ...

New

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All JobsGraphics Programmer JobsGraphics Programmer Jobs in Pasadena, CA

Graphics Programmer information

See Pasadena, CA salary details

$120.5K

$147.3K

$170.7K

How much do graphics programmer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for graphics programmer in Pasadena, CA is $147,258.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $136,400.00 and $158,200.00 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.
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Cities near Pasadena, CA with the most Graphics Programmer job openings:

Graphics Programmer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Graphics Programmer job openings in Pasadena, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $147,258 per year, or $70.8 per hour.

3D Pipeline Real Time Graphics Developer

Prosum Inc.

Glendale, CA • On-site

$80.53/hr

Contractor

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Job Description
Job Title: 3D Pipeline Real-Time Graphics Developer
Location: Glendale, CA (Hybrid)
Employment Type: 24-Month Contract
Pay Rate: Up to $80.53/hour
Position Overview
We are seeking a talented 3D Pipeline Real-Time Graphics Developer to join an innovative technology team focused on building and enhancing digital content creation pipelines. This role involves developing tools and workflows that support artists, designers, and engineers creating immersive real-time experiences, visualizations, animations, and interactive environments.
The ideal candidate has a strong background in graphics programming, game engine development, and digital content pipelines, along with a passion for collaborating with cross-functional creative teams.
Key Responsibilities
  • Develop and maintain digital pipeline tools for 3D content creation and real-time graphics workflows.
  • Build solutions supporting visualizations, animations, simulation environments, interactive experiences, and dynamic digital assets.
  • Troubleshoot, enhance, and support existing software tools, applications, and proof-of-concept projects.
  • Partner with artists, designers, and technical stakeholders to gather requirements and improve production workflows.
  • Contribute to the design and implementation of scalable pipeline technologies and integrations.
Required Qualifications
  • 3-7 years of experience working with VFX, digital art pipelines, or video game production pipelines.
  • Experience with virtual reality content development and/or VR systems development.
  • Strong experience with Unreal Engine, including game logic, plugin development, or core engine programming.
  • Knowledge of industry-standard 3D content creation tools such as Autodesk Maya, Houdini, Substance Painter, or similar applications.
  • Proficiency in Python and C/C++.
  • Experience with 3D mathematics and computer graphics programming using APIs such as OpenGL and/or DirectX.
  • Experience working in Windows-based development environments.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with one or more of the following is highly desirable:
  • Autodesk Maya scripting and API development (Python, C++, OpenMaya API)
  • Animation rigging workflows
  • CAD applications such as SolidWorks, Revit, Rhino, or equivalent
  • ShotGrid
  • UI/UX development using PyQt, Qt, WxWidgets, or similar frameworks
  • Web technologies including HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, jQuery, Ruby on Rails, or Django
  • Universal Scene Description (USD)
  • REZ package management
  • Shader programming (GLSL, HLSL, or Cg)
  • Physics-based simulation tools such as Simulink or ANSYS
  • Ability to quickly learn and integrate new APIs and SDKs

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