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Graphics Software Engineer Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Senior Software Engineer

Redmond, WA · On-site

$160K - $261K/yr

As a Senior Software Engineer working on Windows desktop remoting, you will get an amazing ... graphics remoting engineers and product managers. Our culture is more like a startup - we will do ...

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Graphics Software Engineer information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$157.7K

$184.5K

$198.7K

How much do graphics software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for graphics software engineer in Seattle, WA is $184,536.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $159,400.00 and $197,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a graphics software engineer?

A Graphics Software Engineer develops and optimizes software that processes and renders graphics for applications such as video games, simulations, and visual computing. They work with technologies like GPUs, APIs (OpenGL, Vulkan, DirectX), and shaders to enhance rendering performance and visual quality. Their role often involves low-level programming, algorithm development, and collaboration with artists and other engineers to create efficient and visually stunning graphics solutions.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a graphics software engineer?

Graphics Software Engineers typically spend their days designing, implementing, and optimizing rendering algorithms and graphics features for applications such as games, simulations, or visualization tools. They work closely with cross-functional teams including artists, designers, and other software engineers to ensure smooth integration of visual assets and technical features. Routine tasks often include debugging visual issues, profiling performance bottlenecks, and staying current with the latest graphics technology advancements. Collaboration, code reviews, and iterative problem-solving are also important parts of the daily workflow to ensure high-quality visual results.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the graphics software engineer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Graphics Software Engineer, you need strong programming skills (typically in C++ or similar languages), a solid understanding of computer graphics principles, and a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field. Experience with graphics APIs (like OpenGL, DirectX, or Vulkan), shader languages, and possibly certifications in game or graphics development are highly valued. Attention to detail, creative problem-solving, and effective collaboration are important soft skills in this role. These capabilities enable the engineer to efficiently develop high-performance rendering systems and work seamlessly with artists, designers, and other engineers.

What are popular job titles related to Graphics Software Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA?

For Graphics Software Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Graphics Software Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Graphics Software Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA are:

Infographic showing various Graphics Software Engineer job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $184,536 per year, or $88.7 per hour.

Senior Real-Time Rendering and Graphics Software Engineer

Seattle, WA • On-site


Apple Inc.
Computer and Electronic Product Manufacturing • 10K+ employees

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

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by students


$171.60 - $302.20/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Senior Real-Time Rendering and Graphics Software Engineer

Seattle, Washington, United States Software and Services

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
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
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

At Apple, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. The base pay range for this role is between $171,600 and $302,200, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.

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.

Apple benefit, compensation, and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.

Apple is an equal‑opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We seek to promote equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics. Learn more about your EEO rights as an applicant.

At Apple, we believe accessibility is a fundamental human right. You’ll find that idea reflected in everything here—our culture, our benefits, and our digital tools. By welcoming as many perspectives as possible, we help you build a career where you feel like you belong.

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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


What Apple employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

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