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Hlsl Shaders Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Studio Wildcard

Sr. VFX Artist

Bellevue, WA

Deep knowledge of vector math, real time lighting, post FX, shaders, and real time performance ... HLSL or equivalent shader writing language * Houdini Knowledge * Scripting (Python, Vex, Mel, etc ...

Bellota Labs

Senior Technical Artist

Redwood City, CA

$170K - $225K/yr

Create and optimize shaders, particle systems, and post-processing effects to enhance visual ... Familiarity with shader authoring (Shader Graph, HLSL, Amplify Shader Editor, or similar). * Deep ...

Studio Wildcard

Sr. VFX Artist

Bellevue, WA · On-site

Deep knowledge of vector math, real time lighting, post FX, shaders, and real time performance ... HLSL or equivalent shader writing language * Houdini Knowledge * Scripting (Python, Vex, Mel, etc ...

Embraer

Unreal Engine Technical Artist

Melbourne, FL · On-site

$117K - $140K/yr

... and shaders using the material editor. Ensure accurate PBR workflows and consistent material ... Exposure to scripting (Python, HLSL, or similar) is a plus. Experience working in visualization ...

Nvidia Corporation

Neural Graphics Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$164K - $203K/yr

Contribute to our graphics software stack, including compilers, shaders, and runtime tools What We ... Familiarity with graphics APIs (Vulkan, OpenGL, DirectX), shader programming (Slang, HLSL, GLSL ...

Nvidia

Neural Graphics Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$164K - $203K/yr

Contribute to our graphics software stack, including compilers, shaders, and runtime tools What We ... Familiarity with graphics APIs (Vulkan, OpenGL, DirectX), shader programming (Slang, HLSL, GLSL ...

NVIDIA Corporation

Neural Graphics Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$163K - $201K/yr

Contribute to our graphics software stack, including compilers, shaders, and runtime tools What We ... Familiarity with graphics APIs (Vulkan, OpenGL, DirectX), shader programming (Slang, HLSL, GLSL ...

Tencent

Senior VFX Artist (Gameplay)

Los Angeles, CA

$106K - $199K/yr

Strong knowledge of node-based shaders and their creation. * Experience creating realistic ... Understanding of CGFX and/or HLSL shader languages. * Texturing, modeling, skinning, animation, or ...

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Hlsl Shaders information

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$95.5K

$138.7K

$153.5K

How much do hlsl shaders jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for hlsl shaders in the United States is $138,713.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $127,000.00 and $152,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Hlsl Shaders vs Shader Developers?

AspectHlsl ShadersShader Developers
CredentialsKnowledge of HLSL, graphics programmingProficiency in shader languages, graphics APIs
Work EnvironmentGraphics programming, game engines, real-time renderingGame development, visual effects, simulation
Industry UsageUsed within game engines like DirectX-based projectsDevelops shaders for games, VR, AR, and visualization

Hlsl Shaders are specialized scripts written in HLSL for graphics rendering, often created by shader developers. Shader developers design and implement shaders across various platforms, including HLSL, GLSL, or Metal. While Hlsl Shaders refer specifically to shaders written in HLSL, shader developers have broader expertise in shader programming languages and applications. Both roles require knowledge of graphics pipelines but differ in scope and focus.

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

To thrive as an HLSL Shader Developer, you need strong programming skills in C++ and HLSL, a solid understanding of graphics pipelines, and typically a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with graphics APIs like DirectX, shader debugging tools, and version control systems is essential. Creativity, problem-solving, and attention to detail are valuable soft skills that help in optimizing visual effects and resolving graphical issues. These skills are crucial for delivering real-time, high-performance graphics and ensuring visually compelling and efficient rendering in games or applications.

What are HLSL shaders?

HLSL shaders are small programs written in the High-Level Shading Language (HLSL), which is used primarily for programming graphics hardware in Microsoft's DirectX API. These shaders control how graphics are rendered on the screen by defining how vertices and pixels are processed. HLSL supports various types of shaders, such as vertex, pixel, and compute shaders, allowing developers to create realistic lighting, shadows, and effects in real-time graphics applications. Mastery of HLSL is essential for game developers and graphics programmers working with DirectX.

What are some common challenges faced by HLSL Shader Developers when optimizing real-time graphics performance?

HLSL Shader Developers often encounter challenges such as balancing visual quality with rendering speed, managing GPU resource constraints, and minimizing bottlenecks in the graphics pipeline. Optimizing shaders requires a deep understanding of both hardware and the game's rendering engine, as even small inefficiencies can impact frame rates. Collaboration with artists and gameplay programmers is common to ensure that the implemented effects align with both creative vision and technical feasibility, making clear communication and iterative refinement essential parts of the role.
Sr. VFX Artist

Sr. VFX Artist

Studio Wildcard

Bellevue, WA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

Studio Wildcard - Seattle, WA

Open role:

Senior VFX Artist

____________________________________________________________________________________

We're Studio Wildcard, developers of the smash indie hit ARK: Survival Evolved -- one of the most popular and original video games in recent years. Despite our massive success, we've been able to stay independent, so that we can steer our own future in games and beyond. There's never been a better time for you to join this adventure and help us build ARK Survival Ascended, the next chapter of our original hit franchise! We're expanding and updating many of the ARK community's most beloved features, while taking full advantage of the latest tools and technologies. And now we're searching for an exceptionally talented and passionate Senior VFX Artist who can create high-impact work for the expanding ARK franchise.

Responsibilities:

  • Independently create and implement high quality, performant, and visually compelling VFX Assets/Tools/Systems for games- including real time particle systems, textures & texture atlases, shaders/materials, and scripting/Blueprints as needed
  • Work closely with designers, engineers and related artists to design, implement, and troubleshoot VFX
  • Be a self starter who meets deadlines and actively collaborates with team on VFX goals, prioritization, and scheduling
  • Seek out, troubleshoot, and fix performance issues
  • Maintain a meticulous, organized approach to creating, documenting, and sharing VFX for the team
  • Have a great attitude and be a positive force at the studio- flexible and adaptive to the needs of the team

Requirements:

  • Portfolio of work demonstrating proficiency in creating and implementing real-time VFX using Niagara in Unreal Engine
  • Proficiency in creating VFX Assets using advanced techniques like fluids/pyro/etc in a software package like Houdini/Embergen/Maya/Max/Blender/etc
  • Deep knowledge of vector math, real time lighting, post FX, shaders, and real time performance issues
  • Proficiency with Unreal Engine Blueprint for implementing VFX and creation of VFX Systems and Tools
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Digital Art, related field or equivalent work experience
  • 5+ years of experience working in game development or related field
  • At least 2 or 3 shipped AAA game as a VFX or Technical Artist

Pluses:

  • HLSL or equivalent shader writing language
  • Houdini Knowledge
  • Scripting (Python, Vex, Mel, etc.)

Required Application Materials:

  • Resume
  • Demo reel with breakdown/explanation of what you did

About Studio Wildcard

Studio Wildcard was founded in 2014 by industry veterans Jeremy Stieglitz and Jesse Rapczak, with the mission of bringing AAA quality to ambitious indie productions designed for core gamers. With countless years of combined industry experience across multiple independent and studio-backed titles, Wildcard's core team continues to grow, with offices in Redmond, WA and Gainesville, FL including distributed team members across multiple continents.

Equal Opportunity Employer
Wildcard is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, or any other characteristics protected by applicable laws, regulations or ordinances. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodations due to disability during the application or the recruiting process, please let us know.

Pay Transparency Information
The expected annual base pay range(s) for this position vary based on a variety of factors, which include: (but aren't limited to) skills, competencies, qualifications, knowledge, and experience. Each pay range is only relevant to those residing in WA state and can vary based on geographical location.


Wildcard Benefits

We pay 100% of all premiums for the employee and discounted rates for dependent premiums. Our coverage includes Medical (3 different plans to choose from), Dental, Vision, Short Term and Long Term Disability, Life Insurance, 401(k) option, 100% covered Parental Leave, PTO, Paid Holidays, Unlimited Sick Time, and FSA/ HSA options


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