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Graphics Programmer Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

DOWL

Content Marketer

Portland, OR · On-site

$35.40 - $53.11/hr

Coordinate proposal writing effort with engineering/planning teams. * Work with proposal team and graphics staff to develop engaging and interesting graphics for proposals and other marketing ...

DOWL

Content Marketer

Portland, OR · On-site

Coordinate proposal writing effort with engineering/planning teams. * Work with proposal team and graphics staff to develop engaging and interesting graphics for proposals and other marketing ...

Nvidia

Manager, Compiler Engineering

Hillsboro, OR

... graphics, and revolutionized parallel computing. Our GPUs are being used in many of the largest ... We are now looking for a Compiler Engineering Manager! NVIDIA's HPC Compiler team is looking to ...

Esri

UI Designer II - Mobile & Native

Portland, OR

You will help design and build innovative user experiences for apps built with developer ... Understanding of best practices in user-centered design and possess strong graphic design skills ...

Nvidia

Senior ASIC Timing Engineer

Hillsboro, OR · Hybrid

NVIDIA has been transforming computer graphics, PC gaming, and accelerated computing for more than ... We are now looking for a motivated ASIC Timing Engineer to join our dynamic and growing team. If ...

Nvidia

Senior CPU Design Engineer

Hillsboro, OR · Hybrid

We are looking for a Senior CPU Design Engineer!NVIDIA is seeking best-in-class CPU Design ... graphics to self-driving cars and the growing field of artificial intelligence. NVIDIA is a ...

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All JobsGraphics Programmer JobsGraphics Programmer Jobs in Portland, OR

Graphics Programmer information

See Portland, OR salary details

$112.9K

$138K

$159.9K

How much do graphics programmer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for graphics programmer in Portland, OR is $137,954.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $127,700.00 and $148,200.00 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 Portland, OR? The most popular types of Graphics Programmer jobs in Portland, OR are:
What are popular job titles related to Graphics Programmer jobs in Portland, OR? For Graphics Programmer jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Graphics Programmer jobs in Portland, OR look for? The top searched job categories for Graphics Programmer jobs in Portland, OR are:
What cities near Portland, OR are hiring for Graphics Programmer jobs? Cities near Portland, OR with the most Graphics Programmer job openings:
Graphics Programmer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Graphics Programmer job openings in Portland, OR as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 90% In-person, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $137,954 per year, or $66.3 per hour.
Senior System Software Engineer, Enterprise MODS

Senior System Software Engineer, Enterprise MODS

NVIDIA

Hillsboro, OR • On-site

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Job Summary:
NVIDIA is a leading company in AI and computing innovation. They are seeking a Senior System Software Engineer to develop diagnostic systems for their data center platforms, ensuring quality and performance while mentoring engineering teams and driving long-term strategies.
Responsibilities:
• Develop diagnostic systems for NVIDIA data center platforms, which involve hardware and software tools to develop the worst case stress workloads for CPUs, GPUs, memory, storage, and interconnects.
• Lead platform bring-up and integration, ensuring diagnostics are embedded early and effectively across the server lifecycle.
• Drive hardware validation strategy in collaboration with architecture and hardware teams, crafting robust validation plans for new server generations.
• Analyze root causes of complex failures, acting as a Level 2 engineering contact for critical issues and offering scalable solutions across the stack.
• Develop diagnostics software to ensure quality and performance at scale across ODM and partner production lines.
• Mentor and grow engineering teams, providing technical leadership and encouraging a culture of innovation and excellence.
• Influence the long-term strategy by developing diagnostic architecture and roadmaps for the upcoming products of NVIDIA and its partners.
Qualifications:
Required:
• Proven experience architecting diagnostics for complex server systems, especially at the SW/HW interface.
• Deep systems knowledge: x86/ARM architectures, Linux/Windows OS internals, firmware (UEFI/BIOS), BMC, and platform security.
• Ability to weigh tradeoffs in system development and drive the most optimum solutions with customers and multi-disciplinary teams.
• Expertise in programming languages like C, C++, and Python for tool development and automation.
• Familiarity with high-speed interconnects such as PCIe, Infiniband, NVLink, and Ethernet.
• Strong communication skills to engage with technical and executive team.
• BS/MS or equivalent experience in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
• 8+ years of engineering experience in diagnostics, embedded systems, or cloud platforms.
Preferred:
• Experience driving diagnostics across rack-level or cluster-level deployments.
• Background in cloud-scale infrastructure and partner engagement.
• Demonstrated success in influencing product direction and vendor roadmaps.
• Passion for mentoring and building high-performing teams.
Company:
NVIDIA is a computing platform company operating at the intersection of graphics, HPC, and AI. Founded in 1993, the company is headquartered in Santa Clara, USA, with a team of 10001+ employees. The company is currently Late Stage.
Nvidia logo

About Nvidia

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

NVIDIA has been transforming computer graphics, PC gaming, and accelerated computing for more than 25 years. It's a unique legacy of innovation that's fueled by great technology--and amazing people. Today, we're tapping into the unlimited potential of AI to define the next era of computing. An era in which our GPU acts as the brains of computers, robots, and self-driving cars that can understand the world. Doing what's never been done before takes vision, innovation, and the world's best talent.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Santa Clara, CA, US

Year founded

1993

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