1

Graphics Programmer Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Graphic Design Specialist

Kirkland, WA

$22.25 - $30.50/hr

Develop custom graphics including infographics, process diagrams, organizational charts, schedules ... Background in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry preferred. * Proven ...

New

Be Seen First

Position Summary This is a dual-role position combining customer service and graphic design for our ... managers, and developers). You'll be the main point of contact for clients placing orders ...

In this position, you will be part of our extraordinary team of Computer Graphics, Computer Vision and Deep Learning researchers and engineers to discover and build solutions to previously-unsolved ...

Showing results 41-60

Graphics Programmer information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$125.8K

$153.7K

$178.2K

How much do graphics programmer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for graphics programmer in Seattle, WA is $153,720.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $142,300.00 and $165,100.00 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Graphics Programmer jobs in Seattle, WA?

The most popular types of Graphics Programmer jobs in Seattle, WA are:

What cities near Seattle, WA are hiring for Graphics Programmer jobs?

Cities near Seattle, WA with the most Graphics Programmer job openings:

Infographic showing various Graphics Programmer job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 79% In-person, and 21% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $153,720 per year, or $73.9 per hour.

Graphic Design Specialist

McMillen, Inc.

Kirkland, WA

$22.25 - $30.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description

Design a career and build your future... Because it matters!

Graphic Design Specialist

McMillen, Inc. is seeking a Graphic Design Specialist to serves as a specialized graphic design resource within the Marketing Department, supporting strategic pursuits, interviews and presentations, conferences, business development efforts, and major Marketing initiatives. The role partners across teams translating complex information into compelling, brand-consistent visual communication. Proposal Managers retain responsibility for proposal layout, production, and delivery; this role provides targeted design expertise based on priorities established by the Director of Marketing.

Responsibilities:

  • Serve as a specialized graphic design resource supporting strategic pursuits, interviews and presentations, conferences, business development, and major Marketing initiatives.
  • Develop custom graphics including infographics, process diagrams, organizational charts, schedules, workflows, maps, technical graphics, icons, and other visual elements.
  • Partner with Proposal Managers, Communications and technical staff to translate complex technical concepts, approaches, data, and differentiators into effective visual communication.
  • Provide targeted design support for strategic and high-priority pursuits while Proposal Managers retain responsibility for proposal layout, production, and delivery.
  • Develop and maintains templates, graphic libraries, presentation tools, and reusable visual assets that enable Proposal Managers and Proposal Coordinators to independently produce high-quality materials.
  • Design interview and presentation materials including PowerPoint and/or Canva presentations, graphics, leave-behinds, boards, handouts, and other visual assets.
  • Support conference, tradeshow, and major Marketing initiatives through development of booth graphics, signage, advertisements, presentations, collateral, and related materials.
  • Develop strategic marketing and business development collateral including qualifications materials, capability statements, brochures, advertisements, and market- or discipline-specific materials.
  • Coordinate with print, tradeshow, and specialty vendors and prepares files for professional print and digital production.
  • Maintain organized graphic assets, templates, photography, and other visual resources.
  • Ensure design work follows McMillen brand standards and performs quality control for accuracy, readability, consistency, and professional presentation.
  • Collaborate with Communications when initiatives overlap while maintaining clear ownership of Marketing and pursuit-related design responsibilities.
  • Identifies opportunities to improve graphic communication, templates, presentations, and design workflows through technology, AI-assisted tools, automation, and continuous process improvement.
  • Manage multiple concurrent design assignments and partners with the Director of Marketing to prioritize requests based on strategic importance, deadlines, workload, and capacity.
  • Regular, predictable attendance is required and ability to get along and work effectively with others.

 Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree (B.A. or B.F.A.) from a four-year college or university in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, Marketing, Communications, or a related field; or five to ten years of related professional experience in graphic design, marketing, proposal development, or production; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Background in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry preferred.
  • Proven ability to support proposal development, interview presentations, marketing initiatives, and business development efforts within the AEC industry.
  • Proficiency in developing proposal graphics, technical illustrations, infographics, maps, process diagrams, organizational charts, schedules, workflows, and other visual communication materials.
  • Experience developing and maintaining branded templates, graphic libraries, presentation systems, reusable visual assets, and marketing collateral.
  • Skilled in supporting conferences, tradeshows, industry events, advertisements, and other high-visibility marketing initiatives.
  • Ability to coordinate with external production vendors, including printers, signage providers, tradeshow vendors, and other specialty partners.
  • Experience working within a matrixed organization supporting multiple offices, markets, disciplines, and technical teams.

Application Requirements: Interested candidates should submit:

  • Resume
  • Cover Letter describing your proposal management experience and interest in joining McMillen
  • Portfolio or representative work samples (redacted project examples, layouts, presentation samples, graphics, or other relevant materials are encouraged where confidentiality permits)

Physical and Emotional Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The inability to cope with a stressful work environment does not constitute a protected disability.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.  Must be able to travel with luggage and be able to transport materials and personal overnight supplies. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Compensation Package:

  • Pay Range: $76,000 - $122,000 (DOE)
  • Benefits: McMillen provides a full Benefits Program comprising medical, dental, vision, life, disability, FSA, EAP, HSA, 401(k) and match, 9 paid holidays, generous PTO, opportunity for stock ownership, and wellness reimbursement.

EEO: McMillen, Inc. is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and will make all employment related decisions without race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

Visa sponsorship, including renewal during employment, will not be provided for this position.

No recruiters, please