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Linux Graphics Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Principal Graphics Engineer

New York, NY · On-site

$153K - $189K/yr

We allow developers to, with no modifications to their code, transform existing mobile apps into ... Android/Linux graphics stack (EGL, Gralloc, DRM/KMS, Mesa) and graphics driver work. * Web platform ...

Principal Graphics Engineer

New York, NY · Remote

$143K - $177K/yr

We allow developers to, with no modifications to their code, transform existing mobile apps into ... Android/Linux graphics stack (EGL, Gralloc, DRM/KMS, Mesa) and graphics driver work. * Web platform ...

Principal Graphics Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · Remote

$143K - $177K/yr

We allow developers to, with no modifications to their code, transform existing mobile apps into ... Android/Linux graphics stack (EGL, Gralloc, DRM/KMS, Mesa) and graphics driver work. * Web platform ...

Principal Graphics Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$164K - $203K/yr

We allow developers to, with no modifications to their code, transform existing mobile apps into ... Android/Linux graphics stack (EGL, Gralloc, DRM/KMS, Mesa) and graphics driver work. * Web platform ...

Principal Graphics Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site +1

$164K - $203K/yr

We allow developers to, with no modifications to their code, transform existing mobile apps into ... Android/Linux graphics stack (EGL, Gralloc, DRM/KMS, Mesa) and graphics driver work. * Web platform ...

Principal Graphics Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$164K - $203K/yr

We allow developers to, with no modifications to their code, transform existing mobile apps into ... Android/Linux graphics stack (EGL, Gralloc, DRM/KMS, Mesa) and graphics driver work. * Web platform ...

Principal Graphics Engineer

San Francisco, CA · Remote

$143K - $177K/yr

We allow developers to, with no modifications to their code, transform existing mobile apps into ... Android/Linux graphics stack (EGL, Gralloc, DRM/KMS, Mesa) and graphics driver work. * Web platform ...

Principal Graphics Engineer

Austin, TX

$138K - $171K/yr

We allow developers to, with no modifications to their code, transform existing mobile apps into ... Android/Linux graphics stack (EGL, Gralloc, DRM/KMS, Mesa) and graphics driver work. * Web platform ...

Principal Graphics Engineer

Austin, TX · Remote

$143K - $177K/yr

We allow developers to, with no modifications to their code, transform existing mobile apps into ... Android/Linux graphics stack (EGL, Gralloc, DRM/KMS, Mesa) and graphics driver work. * Web platform ...

OR

$139K - $172K/yr

NVIDIA is searching for world-class software engineers to join the Linux Graphics driver team. This position involves architecture and development of new SW technologies to support Vulkan and OpenGL ...

Android Developer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$65.50 - $86/hr

Android Developer Duration: 12+ Months 3+ years of proficiency with Android Application development ... Linux, Graphics, Media, RTOS, etc) Ability to quickly prototype and debug code around variety of ...

C/C++ Developer

New York, NY · Remote

$50.25 - $67.50/hr

... Linux graphics stacks (runtime, drivers, and compilers), then communicating clear findings and ... engineers. Job Responsibilities: • Reproduce reported DirectX 12 performance issues from data ...

They are seeking a Senior Linux Software Engineer to work with OS partners on enabling Linux ... Advanced Micro Devices is a semiconductor company that designs and develops graphics units ...

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Showing results 1-20

Linux Graphics Engineer information

See salary details

$62.5K

$142.5K

$175K

How much do linux graphics engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for linux graphics engineer in the United States is $142,468.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $140,000.00 and $159,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Linux Graphics Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Linux Graphics Engineer, you need strong expertise in C/C++ programming, graphics APIs like OpenGL or Vulkan, and a solid understanding of Linux operating systems and kernel development. Familiarity with build tools, version control systems like Git, and experience with drivers or open-source graphics stacks (e.g., Mesa, DRM) are typically required, along with a relevant degree in computer science or engineering. Problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and clear communication are essential soft skills for collaborating in distributed teams and debugging complex graphics issues. These skills and qualifications are crucial for developing reliable, high-performance graphics solutions that support modern Linux environments.

What are some common challenges faced by Linux Graphics Engineers when working with open-source drivers?

Linux Graphics Engineers often encounter challenges related to hardware compatibility, rapidly evolving upstream kernels, and debugging across diverse hardware platforms. Open-source driver development requires staying up-to-date with community changes and ensuring robust support for a wide range of GPUs. Collaboration with other engineers, upstream maintainers, and sometimes hardware vendors is essential to identify and resolve bugs, optimize performance, and contribute code that meets both project and community standards.

What is the difference between Linux Graphics Engineer vs Linux Kernel Developer?

AspectLinux Graphics EngineerLinux Kernel Developer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Science or related, experience with graphics APIsBachelor's or higher in Computer Science, strong C programming skills
Work EnvironmentGraphics hardware/software teams, embedded systems, driver developmentKernel development teams, low-level system programming
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, hardware manufacturers, gaming, multimediaOpen-source projects, hardware vendors, OS development
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding graphics driver roles, career paths in graphicsKernel development, system programming careers

The Linux Graphics Engineer focuses on developing and optimizing graphics drivers and APIs for Linux systems, working closely with hardware and software teams. In contrast, the Linux Kernel Developer works on the core Linux kernel, including low-level system components and driver infrastructure. While both roles require strong C skills and familiarity with Linux, their focus areas and work environments differ significantly.

What does a Linux Graphics Engineer do?

A Linux Graphics Engineer is responsible for developing, optimizing, and maintaining graphics drivers and software for Linux-based systems. They work with graphics hardware, such as GPUs, to ensure compatibility and performance with the Linux operating system. Their tasks often include writing code for graphics stacks like Mesa or Vulkan, debugging graphical issues, and collaborating with hardware vendors and open-source communities. This role requires strong knowledge of graphics APIs, Linux internals, and programming languages like C or C++. Linux Graphics Engineers play a crucial role in enabling high-quality graphics experiences on desktops, embedded systems, and other devices running Linux.
Infographic showing various Linux Graphics Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 64% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 27% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $142,468 per year, or $68.5 per hour.

Principal Graphics Engineer

Parallelz

New York, NY • On-site

$153K - $189K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 27 days ago


Job description

About Parallelz

Parallelz is building a new technology platform that enables new ways of delivering, discovering, and extending mobile applications, ways that were never thought possible. We allow developers to, with no modifications to their code, transform existing mobile apps into web-native apps that can run anywhere, all without a walled garden app store.

You will be getting in at a pivotal stage, contributing to the technical strategic roadmap, helping build a world-class technical team, and working in a small, agile, flat organization to evolve our R&D initiatives into a live, scaled operational platform that will have an impact across the industry.

Parallelz is an AI-native organization. We expect every engineer to use AI tools and agentic systems as a core part of how they design, build, debug, and ship. Not as a side experiment, but as a multiplier on judgment, velocity, and quality.

Our founding team and advisors are serial entrepreneurs and technologists from Google, Mozilla, MIT Media Labs, and other top organizations. The company is joined by top-tier and global venture funds and angel investors.

About the Role

We are seeking a passionate and resilient Principal Graphics Engineer to own a foundational piece of our infrastructure: the rendering and runtime layer that lets unmodified mobile apps execute and stream pixel-perfect, low-latency experiences to any browser.

You will spend your time deep in graphics pipelines, shaders, GPU compositing, frame timing, and the cross-stack interactions between Android/Linux graphics, browser engines, and WebGL/WebGPU. The role demands first-principles thinking, an instinct for getting to the root of difficult problems, and the maturity to ship performance-critical code that holds up at scale.

We are equally interested in candidates with a deep graphics engineering background (game engines, browser graphics, GPU systems, real-time rendering) and candidates from adjacent low-level systems backgrounds with demonstrated graphics depth.

What You'll Do
  • Own the design, implementation, and evolution of our graphics and rendering stack across native (Android/Linux) and web (WebGL, WebGPU) targets.
  • Write efficient, maintainable, performance-critical C/C++ for system-level and rendering components, with hard requirements on frame budgets, memory, and latency.
  • Profile and tune the full pipeline: CPU/GPU bottlenecks, shader cost, texture and buffer management, compositor interactions, and end-to-end streaming latency.
  • Investigate and resolve faults in complex environments, tracing issues from the browser engine down through the runtime to the OS, kernel, and graphics driver.
  • Drive upgrades to the underlying platforms (AOSP versions, browser engines, GLES/WebGPU evolution) while keeping the system stable and shippable.
  • Partner with other teams to define and implement robust testing strategies for rendering correctness, performance regressions, and cross-device fidelity.
  • Operate as a senior independent contributor: scope your own work, drive it to completion, and communicate clearly with a small, high-trust team.
  • Work natively with AI coding agents and tooling (Claude Code, Cursor, agentic workflows, custom internal agents) to accelerate research, prototyping, code generation, debugging, and review, treating these tools as a junior pair you direct and verify, not a passenger.

Requirements

This is a technically demanding role that rewards resilience, creative problem-solving, and out-of-the-box thinking.

Must-Haves
  • Strong systems programming foundation: C/C++ proficiency on performance-critical, low-level codebases, with deep familiarity with Linux and OS-level internals.
  • Deep experience with one or more real-time graphics stacks: OpenGL ES, WebGL, WebGPU, Vulkan, Metal, or DirectX, including shader programming, GPU memory and pipeline optimization, and frame/latency budgeting.
  • Track record of owning complex, multi-component graphics or systems products end-to-end, from research prototype through production at scale.
  • Daily fluency with AI coding agents and LLM tooling, with a clear bias toward verifying and pushing back on AI output rather than accepting it.
  • A "dig until it bleeds" investigative instinct: the drive to understand every layer of the system.
  • Strong written communication and a self-directed working style suited to a small, senior, high-trust team.

We'd love to see depth in two or more of the following:

  • Browser engine internals (Chromium/Blink, Gecko, WebKit), particularly the graphics, compositor, or rendering subsystems.
  • Game engine internals, real-time renderers, or GPU compute frameworks.
  • Android internals and custom AOSP development (kernel, HAL, SurfaceFlinger, System Services, GMS, Android Build System).
  • Android/Linux graphics stack (EGL, Gralloc, DRM/KMS, Mesa) and graphics driver work.
  • Web platform technologies: WebAssembly, WebRTC, and the surrounding browser security/sandboxing model.
  • Containers and virtualization (LXC, namespaces, cgroups) and their interaction with hardware-accelerated graphics.
  • Real-time network and socket programming, including low-latency streaming protocols and frame pacing.
  • Linux device driver programming.
Nice-to-Haves
  • Experience building, fine-tuning, or evaluating internal AI/agent tooling that augments engineering work.
  • A data-driven mindset, relying on qualitative and quantitative signal to make informed decisions.
  • Mobile game development experience, including engines, SDKs, and the broader ecosystem.
  • Background in advanced compression, video codecs, or color management.
  • Graduate work or research background in computer graphics, systems, or a related area.

Benefits

  • Group Retirement Savings Plan matching and participation
  • Comprehensive benefits package (health, dental, vision), including Health and Wellness spending account
  • Generous time off policies
  • Access to leading AI tools and platforms