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Hlsl Programming Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Graphics Engineer - NBA 2K

Novato, CA · On-site +1

$120K - $174K/yr

Our talented NBA 2K team is looking for a Graphics Engineer with a passion for cutting‐edge ... Advanced proficiency in HLSL or a comparable shading language * Strong grasp of 3D math concepts ...

Stardock Corporation

Senior Graphics Engineer

Plymouth, MI · On-site

$100K - $200K/yr

We are currently seeking a full-time Senior Graphics Engineer to work on our next generation game ... Strong proficiency in 3D math, linear algebra, shaders, HLSL/GLSL, physically based rendering ...

Stardock Corporation

Senior Game Developer

Plymouth, MI · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

Stardock is currently seeking a talented Senior Game Developer. The ideal candidate is well versed ... HLSL/GLSL shaders, pipelines, terrain. * Able to learn new technology quickly and execute on a ...

Visual Concepts

Graphics Engineer - NBA 2K

Novato, CA · On-site

$120K - $174K/yr

Our talented NBA 2K team is looking for a Graphics Engineer with a passion for cutting-edge ... Advanced proficiency in HLSL or a comparable shading language * Strong grasp of 3D math concepts ...

The Mill

Lead Developer

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$64.75 - $84.75/hr

Fluency writing real-time shaders using GLSL/HLSL. * Understanding of the real-time graphics GPU ... Comfortable learning new software and programming languages. * Understanding of content & technical ...

The Mill

Lead Developer

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$64.75 - $84.75/hr

Fluency writing real-time shaders using GLSL/HLSL. * Understanding of the real-time graphics GPU ... Comfortable learning new software and programming languages. * Understanding of content & technical ...

Visual Concepts

Graphics Engineer - NBA 2K

They are seeking a Graphics Engineer to design, develop, and maintain high-performance rendering ... HLSL or a comparable shading language • Strong grasp of 3D math concepts and applications • ...

PTR Global

Software Engineer V

Cupertino, CA · Remote

$120 - $130/hr

... HLSL, Metal shading language, etc.) Excellent communication skills Adaptable, quick learner ... Engineering and Information Technology Industries IT Services and IT Consulting Pay Range: $120 ...

Visual Concepts

Graphics Engineer - NBA 2K

They are seeking a Graphics Engineer for the NBA 2K team to work on high-performance rendering ... HLSL or a comparable shading language • Strong grasp of 3D math concepts and applications • ...

Apple

Technical Artist Engineer

Culver City, CA · On-site

$139K - $166K/yr

Strong understanding of shader programming (shader performance optimization and platform constraints) and real-time rendering pipelines (e.g., Metal, HLSL, GLSL, shader graphs)Experience with Metal ...

Visual Concepts

Graphics Engineer - NBA 2K

They are seeking a Graphics Engineer for their NBA 2K team to work on cutting-edge rendering ... HLSL or a comparable shading language • Strong grasp of 3D math concepts and applications • ...

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$156.3K

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How much do hlsl programming jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for hlsl programming in the United States is $156,348.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $116,000.00 and $205,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an HLSL Programmer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an HLSL Programmer, you need strong proficiency in shader programming, computer graphics fundamentals, and a solid understanding of linear algebra, typically supported by experience with DirectX or similar APIs. Familiarity with tools like Visual Studio, graphics debuggers, and source control systems, as well as knowledge of GPU architectures, is highly valuable. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills for optimizing graphics performance and collaborating with artists and developers. These competencies ensure the creation of efficient, visually stunning graphics and seamless integration within game or simulation development pipelines.

What is the difference between Hlsl Programming vs Shader Developer?

AspectHlsl ProgrammingShader Developer
Required CredentialsKnowledge of HLSL, graphics programmingProficiency in shader languages (HLSL, GLSL), graphics APIs
Work EnvironmentGame studios, graphics software, real-time renderingGame development, visual effects, simulation
Industry UsageDirectly used in graphics programming for renderingDesigning and implementing shaders for visual effects
Search & Comparison IntentFocus on HLSL coding skillsBroader shader development skills including multiple languages

Hlsl Programming primarily involves writing shaders using HLSL for real-time graphics rendering, often within game engines or graphics applications. Shader Developers may work with multiple shader languages and focus on creating complex visual effects. While Hlsl Programming is specialized in HLSL, Shader Developers have a broader scope, including GLSL and other shading languages, making their roles more versatile in graphics development.

What is HLSL programming?

HLSL (High-Level Shading Language) programming involves writing code for shaders, which are small programs that run on a graphics processing unit (GPU) to control the rendering of graphics in applications, primarily games and real-time 3D environments. HLSL is used with Microsoft's DirectX API to create effects like lighting, shadows, and textures. Programmers use HLSL to write vertex, pixel, and compute shaders, allowing for advanced visual effects and optimized graphics performance. Learning HLSL is essential for game developers and graphics programmers working on Windows platforms.

What are some common challenges faced by HLSL programmers when optimizing shader performance, and how can they be addressed?

HLSL programmers often encounter challenges related to balancing visual quality with real-time rendering performance, especially when working with complex shaders or targeting multiple hardware platforms. Common issues include managing GPU resource usage, avoiding costly operations like dynamic branching, and minimizing texture fetches. To address these, programmers typically profile their shaders, use efficient algorithms, and leverage built-in HLSL optimizations. Collaborating closely with artists and graphics engineers is also crucial to ensure that shader code aligns with both aesthetic goals and technical constraints.
Infographic showing various Hlsl Programming job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 2% As Needed, 74% Part Time, 4% Temporary, 15% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $156,348 per year, or $75.2 per hour.
Sr Staff Software Engineer, Dolby Vision

Sr Staff Software Engineer, Dolby Vision

Dolby Laboratories, Inc.

Sunnyvale, CA

Other

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Join the leader in entertainment innovation and help us design the future. At Dolby, science meets art, and high tech means more than computer code. As a member of the Dolby team, you'll see and hear the results of your work everywhere, from movie theaters to smartphones. We continue to revolutionize how people create, deliver, and enjoy entertainment worldwide. To do that, we need the absolute best talent. We're big enough to give you all the resources you need, and small enough so you can make a real difference and earn recognition for your work. We offer a collegial culture, challenging projects, and excellent compensation and benefits, not to mention a Flex Work approach that is truly flexible to support where, when, and how you do your best work.

Dolby's consumer entertainment and cinema businesses are bringing Dolby's breakthrough technologies, powering the world's top movies, TV shows, music, games, and live sports to more places around the world across a wider range of consumer experiences and devices.

Overview

We're seeking a Senior Staff Software Engineer to lead the evolution of Dolby Vision on the PC platform. This highly impactful role sits at the intersection of C++ systems programming, GPU compute, HDR video architecture, and OS-level media frameworks. You'll define the technical roadmap, architect scalable video pipelines, and drive Dolby Vision adoption across the PC ecosystem, working closely with GPU vendors, Microsoft, OEMs, and game engine partners to deliver consistent, best-in-class visual fidelity.

Responsibilities
  • Lead the design, development, and optimization of highperformance C++ software for realtime video processing and GPUintensive workloads.
  • Architect scalable, futureproof Dolby Vision video pipelines across diverse PC hardware configurations.
  • Build and maintain Windows Media Foundation transforms and integrate deeply with OS media and display pipelines.
  • Develop and optimize GPU shaders (HLSL) using DirectX 11/12 for media and gaming workflows.
  • Ensure seamless interoperability across CPU, GPU, OS frameworks, and thirdparty applications (including game engines).
  • Act as a technical ambassador, collaborating with GPU vendors (NVIDIA, AMD, Intel), Microsoft, OEMs, and ISVs on drivers, APIs, and certification paths.
  • Partner crossfunctionally with research, product, and support teams to define technical requirements and guide execution.
  • Lead code reviews, mentor engineers, and champion best practices in performance optimization, multithreading, and advanced video rendering.
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field (MS/PhD preferred).
  • 8+ years of experience in C++ software development with deep expertise in GPU programming and video rendering optimization.
  • Proven experience with Windows Media Foundation and browser media decoding/rendering pipelines.
  • Strong knowledge of image processing, color formats, and color space transformations.
  • Expertlevel GPU and shader programming experience (HLSL/GLSL, DirectX 12).
  • Advanced expertise in multithreading, SIMD, and CPU/GPU workload orchestration for realtime performance.
  • Excellent debugging, analytical, and performancefocused problemsolving skills.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Solid understanding of SDR/HDR video pipelines, tone mapping, and endtoend display paths.
  • Experience with color science and picture quality evaluation.
  • Strong communication and documentation skills.
  • Selfmotivated, resultsdriven, and eager to learn new technologies.

#LI-GW1

The San Francisco/Bay Area base salary range for this full-time position is $214,000 - 261,500 which can vary if outside this location, plus bonus, benefits, and some roles may also include equity. Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, competencies, experience, market demands, internal parity, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range and perks and benefits for your location during the hiring process.

Dolby will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of San Francisco Police Code, Article 49, and Administrative Code, Article 12

Equal Employment Opportunity:
Dolby is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Our success depends on the combined skills and talents of all our employees. We are committed to making employment decisions without regard to race, religious creed, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, religion, marital status, family status, medical condition, disability, military service, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions or any other classification protected by federal, state, and local laws and ordinances.

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