Technical Artist (Mid - Senior)
Seattle, WA · On-site +1
$144K - $173K/yr
... shader workflows). Implement and leverage procedural generation systems (such as UE5's PCG ... Remote
Technical Artist (Mid - Senior)
Seattle, WA · On-site +1
$144K - $173K/yr
... shader workflows). Implement and leverage procedural generation systems (such as UE5's PCG ... Remote
Remote Shader information
See salary details
$21.63 - $23.19
11% of jobs
$23.19 - $24.74
10% of jobs
$26.06 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$24.74 - $26.29
5% of jobs
$26.29 - $27.84
4% of jobs
$27.84 - $29.39
5% of jobs
$29.39 - $30.94
8% of jobs
The median wage is $32.06 / hr.
$30.94 - $32.50
10% of jobs
$32.50 - $34.05
8% of jobs
$34.05 - $35.60
5% of jobs
$36.73 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$35.60 - $37.15
13% of jobs
$37.15 - $38.70
22% of jobs
$21
$31
$38
How much do remote shader jobs pay per hour?
As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for remote shader in the United States is $31.76, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.20 and $37.02 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.
What is a remote shader?
Remote Shaders are specialized computer graphics professionals who develop, optimize, and troubleshoot shader programs, typically for video games, visual effects, or real-time rendering applications, while working remotely. Shaders are small programs that run on a GPU to control the rendering of images and visual effects. Remote Shaders use their expertise in shader languages such as GLSL, HLSL, or Cg to create realistic lighting, shadowing, and other visual effects from a remote location. Their work is crucial for producing visually compelling graphics in modern digital media.
What are some common challenges faced by remote shader developers, and how can they be addressed?
Remote Shader Developers often face challenges related to communication and collaboration, as shader programming requires close coordination with artists, designers, and other developers. Debugging and testing shaders remotely can also be complex due to differences in hardware and graphics APIs. To overcome these challenges, it's important to establish clear communication channels, use version control systems effectively, and regularly share test builds to ensure consistency across team members' environments. Additionally, proactive documentation of shader code and regular virtual check-ins can help maintain alignment and address issues promptly.
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a remote shader, and why are they important?
To excel as a Remote Shader, you need a solid understanding of computer graphics, shading languages (like GLSL or HLSL), and a background in mathematics or computer science. Familiarity with tools such as Unity, Unreal Engine, or proprietary rendering engines, and experience with version control systems like Git are typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, effective remote communication, and a collaborative mindset make candidates stand out. These skills ensure the efficient creation and optimization of high-quality visual effects while maintaining smooth workflow in distributed teams.
What is the difference between Remote Shader vs Remote 3D Artist?
| Aspect | Remote Shader | Remote 3D Artist |
|---|---|---|
| Required Skills | Shader programming, GLSL/HLSL, graphics APIs | Modeling, texturing, rendering, 3D software proficiency |
| Work Environment | Primarily focused on coding and graphics programming | Design, modeling, and visual creation in 3D software |
| Industry Usage | Video games, visual effects, real-time rendering | Games, animation, product visualization |
| Common Search Intent | Shader development, graphics programming jobs | 3D modeling, visual artist roles |
Remote Shader roles focus on developing and optimizing shaders for graphics rendering, requiring programming skills in graphics APIs. Remote 3D Artists create visual assets using modeling and texturing tools. While both work in the digital art and gaming industry, shaders are more technical, whereas 3D artists focus on visual design and modeling.
More about Remote Shader jobs
What cities are hiring for Remote Shader jobs? Cities with the most Remote Shader job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Shader jobs? The most popular types of Shader jobs are:
What states have the most Remote Shader jobs? States with the most job openings for Remote Shader jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Remote Shader jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Remote Shader jobs are:
$144K - $173K/yr
Full-time
Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO
Posted 21 days ago
Job description
ABOUT HARDSUIT LABS
Founded in 2015 by industry veterans Andy Kipling and Russell Nelson, we are a Seattle based game developer and co-dev studio who were recently acquired by Keywords Studios in 2023. We believe that great games can only be built with great people and that great people thrive and do their best work in a healthy, collaborative, and positive work environment that values them. We believe in a diverse and inclusive workplace and building equity throughout the organization. At Hardsuit Labs, we are respectful and inclusive, we are problem solvers and efficiency champions, we are curious and collaborative, we are flexible and adaptable and most of all we are always looking to deliver excellence in the experiences and products that we craft!
As a studio we have built a reputation as an Unreal Engine focused development house, working in a multitude of genres and games, from support work and work for hire to original development. We have long-standing relationships with some of the largest gaming companies in the industry and are a certified developer across all major platforms.
Role Overview
We are seeking a talented and versatile Mid to Senior Technical Artist to bridge the gap between our artistic vision and technical execution. In this role, you will collaborate closely with artists, designers, and engineers to optimize workflows, establish high-quality pipelines, and push the visual boundaries of our projects in Unreal Engine 5.
The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of the 3D art pipeline, a strong grasp of 3D math, and the ability to maintain peak performance across multiple platforms-from high-end AAA environments to optimized mobile devices.
Key Responsibilities
What You'll Bring (Requirements)
Bonus Points (Preferred Qualifications)
Job Details
This position is currently open to candidates residing in the following U.S. states only:
Arizona (AZ), Connecticut (CT), Florida (FL), lowa (IA), Illinois (IL), Massachusetts (MA), Maine (ME), Michigan (MI), Minnesota (MN), New Hampshire (NH), Nevada (NV), Ohio (OH), Oregon (OR), South Carolina (SC), Tennessee (TN), Texas (TX), Virginia (VA), Wisconsin (WI), Montana (MT), Alabama (AL), Georgia (GA), Indiana (IN), Louisiana (LA), North Carolina (NC), New Jersey (NJ), Oklahoma (OK), Washington (WA), Pennsylvania (PA), Colorado (CO), New York (NY), Nebraska (NE), Kansas (KS), Idaho (ID) and Utah (UT).
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States and reside in one of the eligible states listed above.
Salary Range: $66,000 to $95,000 USD
Primary working language: English
ABOUT HARDSUIT LABS
We are an independent game developer founded in 2015 in Seattle, Washington. We believe that great games can only be built with great people and that great people thrive and do their best work in a healthy, collaborative, and positive work environment that values them. We believe in a diverse and inclusive workplace and building equity throughout the organization. At Hardsuit Labs, we are respectful and inclusive, we are problem solvers and efficiency champions, we are curious and collaborative, we are flexible and adaptable, and most of all, we are always looking to deliver excellence in the experiences and products that we craft!
As a studio, we have built a reputation as an Unreal Engine-focused development house, working in a multitude of genres and games, from support work and engagement for hire to the development of original in-house projects. We have long standing relationships with some of the largest gaming companies in the industry and are certified developers across all major platforms.
Hardsuit Labs is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, reproductive health decisions, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, genetic information, political views or activity, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. You may view our Equal Employment Opportunity notice here. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with applicable federal, state, and local law.
Hardsuit Labs is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at HR@Hardsuitlabs.com
Keywords Studios is dedicated to following a well-established Equal Opportunities Policy. We endeavor to create a workplace which provides for equal opportunities for all employees and potential employees.
PERSONAL DATA PROTECTION POLICY
By providing your information in this application, you understand that we will collect and process your information in accordance with our Applicant Privacy Notice. For more information, please see our Applicant Privacy Notice at https://www.keywordsstudios.com/en/applicant-privacy-notice
E-Verify Notification
This Organization Participates in E-Verify
Esta Organización Participa en E-Verify
Role Information: EN
Studio: Hardsuit Labs
Location: Americas
Area of Work: Game Development
Service: Create
Employment Type: Full Time, Permanent
Working Pattern: Remote
Founded in 2015 by industry veterans Andy Kipling and Russell Nelson, we are a Seattle based game developer and co-dev studio who were recently acquired by Keywords Studios in 2023. We believe that great games can only be built with great people and that great people thrive and do their best work in a healthy, collaborative, and positive work environment that values them. We believe in a diverse and inclusive workplace and building equity throughout the organization. At Hardsuit Labs, we are respectful and inclusive, we are problem solvers and efficiency champions, we are curious and collaborative, we are flexible and adaptable and most of all we are always looking to deliver excellence in the experiences and products that we craft!
As a studio we have built a reputation as an Unreal Engine focused development house, working in a multitude of genres and games, from support work and work for hire to original development. We have long-standing relationships with some of the largest gaming companies in the industry and are a certified developer across all major platforms.
Role Overview
We are seeking a talented and versatile Mid to Senior Technical Artist to bridge the gap between our artistic vision and technical execution. In this role, you will collaborate closely with artists, designers, and engineers to optimize workflows, establish high-quality pipelines, and push the visual boundaries of our projects in Unreal Engine 5.
The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of the 3D art pipeline, a strong grasp of 3D math, and the ability to maintain peak performance across multiple platforms-from high-end AAA environments to optimized mobile devices.
Key Responsibilities
- Pipeline & Workflow Optimization: Define, build, and enforce technical and quality standards for all in-game art assets. Author comprehensive pipeline documentation to guide and support the art team.
- Visual Development & Shaders: Develop advanced, optimized materials via node graphs using 3D/vector math. Create stunning real-time visual effects using Niagara FX.
- Terrain & Procedural Workflows: Author complex, performant landscape and terrain materials (utilizing Runtime Virtual Texturing and layered shader workflows). Implement and leverage procedural generation systems (such as UE5's PCG framework) to streamline world-building and environment art pipelines.
- Performance & Rendering: Balance cutting-edge UE5 features (Lumen, Nanite) for AAA experiences while ensuring strict performance optimization and calibration for lower-end and mobile platforms.
- Cross-Discipline Collaboration: Act as the primary technical liaison between art, design, and engineering to ensure seamless asset integration and clear communication.
What You'll Bring (Requirements)
- Artistic Foundation: Strong understanding of lighting, color theory, composition, visual balance, and PBR rendering standards/calibration.
- Software Proficiency: Proven experience authoring high-quality textures using Photoshop and the Substance Suite for games.
- Technical Scripting: Strong knowledge of object-oriented programming (OOP) using UE5 Blueprint scripting, functions, and data-driven systems.
- Problem-Solving Mindset: Detail-oriented with a natural talent for troubleshooting, profiling, and debugging complex technical art issues.
- Autonomy & Communication: Ability to work independently through complex challenges while remaining highly collaborative, approachable, and professional.
Bonus Points (Preferred Qualifications)
- Tooling: Experience designing, developing, and deploying custom toolsets to
- improve artist workflows.
- Automation & UI: Proficiency with Python scripting for DCCs (Maya, 3ds Max, Blender) and Unreal Engine, as well as experience with Editor Utility Widgets (EUW) and UMG UI systems.
- Shipped Titles: Track record of delivering results on previously published or shipped game titles.
- Hybrid Experience: Past professional experience working directly as a production artist, game designer, or software engineer.
Job Details
- Job Title: Technical Artist
- Reports to: Studio Art & Animation Director
- Department: Art
- Work Location: Fully Remote
- Employment status: Full Time
- FLSA: Salaried, Exempt
- Benefits: Generous PTO, Health, Dental, & Vision coverage; Healthcare and Daycare FSAs, 401k with company match; Life and Disability insurance, Technology Stipend, Paid Sick leave, commuter benefits, paid company holidays and office closures
This position is currently open to candidates residing in the following U.S. states only:
Arizona (AZ), Connecticut (CT), Florida (FL), lowa (IA), Illinois (IL), Massachusetts (MA), Maine (ME), Michigan (MI), Minnesota (MN), New Hampshire (NH), Nevada (NV), Ohio (OH), Oregon (OR), South Carolina (SC), Tennessee (TN), Texas (TX), Virginia (VA), Wisconsin (WI), Montana (MT), Alabama (AL), Georgia (GA), Indiana (IN), Louisiana (LA), North Carolina (NC), New Jersey (NJ), Oklahoma (OK), Washington (WA), Pennsylvania (PA), Colorado (CO), New York (NY), Nebraska (NE), Kansas (KS), Idaho (ID) and Utah (UT).
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States and reside in one of the eligible states listed above.
Salary Range: $66,000 to $95,000 USD
Primary working language: English
ABOUT HARDSUIT LABS
We are an independent game developer founded in 2015 in Seattle, Washington. We believe that great games can only be built with great people and that great people thrive and do their best work in a healthy, collaborative, and positive work environment that values them. We believe in a diverse and inclusive workplace and building equity throughout the organization. At Hardsuit Labs, we are respectful and inclusive, we are problem solvers and efficiency champions, we are curious and collaborative, we are flexible and adaptable, and most of all, we are always looking to deliver excellence in the experiences and products that we craft!
As a studio, we have built a reputation as an Unreal Engine-focused development house, working in a multitude of genres and games, from support work and engagement for hire to the development of original in-house projects. We have long standing relationships with some of the largest gaming companies in the industry and are certified developers across all major platforms.
Hardsuit Labs is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, reproductive health decisions, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, genetic information, political views or activity, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. You may view our Equal Employment Opportunity notice here. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with applicable federal, state, and local law.
Hardsuit Labs is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at HR@Hardsuitlabs.com
Keywords Studios is dedicated to following a well-established Equal Opportunities Policy. We endeavor to create a workplace which provides for equal opportunities for all employees and potential employees.
PERSONAL DATA PROTECTION POLICY
By providing your information in this application, you understand that we will collect and process your information in accordance with our Applicant Privacy Notice. For more information, please see our Applicant Privacy Notice at https://www.keywordsstudios.com/en/applicant-privacy-notice
E-Verify Notification
This Organization Participates in E-Verify
Esta Organización Participa en E-Verify
Role Information: EN
Studio: Hardsuit Labs
Location: Americas
Area of Work: Game Development
Service: Create
Employment Type: Full Time, Permanent
Working Pattern: Remote
About Hardsuit Labs
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
Industry
Pc games
Company size
11 - 50 Employees
Headquarters location
Seattle, WA, US
Year founded
2015