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Senior Graphics Programmer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

We are currently seeking a full-time Senior Graphics Engineer to work on our next generation game engine for both announced and unannounced titles to build up our team of dedicated and experienced ...

Senior Graphics Engineer

Plymouth, MI ยท On-site

$100K - $200K/yr

We are currently seeking a full-time Senior Graphics Engineer to work on our next generation game engine for both announced and unannounced titles to build up our team of dedicated and experienced ...

Senior Graphics Engineer

Irvine, CA ยท On-site

$116.20K - $269.10K/yr

What the Role Entails LightSpeed LA is seeking for a talented and enthusiastic Senior Graphics Engineer to join our new studio in sunny Irvine California. The ideal candidate will have a strong ...

What the Role Entails LightSpeed LA is seeking for a talented and enthusiastic Senior Graphics Engineer to join our new studio in sunny Irvine California. The ideal candidate will have a strong ...

Senior Graphics Developer/Designer - OBIQUA

Reston, VA ยท On-site

$67.10K - $92.10K/yr

Celestar Corporation is seeking a Senior Graphics Developer/Designer to support The Defense Intelligence Agency ( DIA) under the Object Based Intelligence and Quality Assurance (OBIQUA) task order.

Senior Graphics Designer

Herndon, VA ยท Hybrid

$66.30K - $91K/yr

The Senior Graphic Designer will lead the visual execution for our most significant Federal ... engineering and high-end multimedia storytelling. If you thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven ...

Work on next generation media player that integrates live video and 3D graphics Sr. Graphics Engineer VR 5 years' experience with OpenGL and WebGL Expert level knowledge of C++ and Java Expert level ...

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Senior Graphics Programmer information

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How much do senior graphics programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of May 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for senior graphics programmer in the United States is $52.28, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43.99 and $62.50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Senior Graphics Programmer, you need advanced knowledge of computer graphics theory, C++ programming, and a degree in computer science or a related field. Expertise with graphics APIs such as DirectX, OpenGL, or Vulkan, and experience using shader languages (HLSL/GLSL) are typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, collaboration, and effective communication help you work across teams and innovate in complex technical environments. These skills ensure the creation of efficient, visually impressive graphics systems that meet the demands of modern games or applications.

How does a Senior Graphics Programmer typically collaborate with other departments during a game development project?

A Senior Graphics Programmer works closely with artists, designers, and technical directors to ensure that visual features are both cutting-edge and feasible within the project's constraints. They often translate artistic visions into optimized, real-time rendering solutions and provide technical feedback on asset creation. Regular meetings and code reviews help align the graphics team's work with the broader development goals, while cross-discipline problem-solving is common to address performance or visual fidelity challenges. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as graphics programming decisions can significantly impact the gameplay experience and production timeline.

What does a Senior Graphics Programmer do?

A Senior Graphics Programmer is responsible for designing, developing, and optimizing graphics systems and visual effects in video games, simulations, or other interactive applications. They work with rendering pipelines, shaders, and hardware APIs to ensure high visual quality and performance. Their role often involves collaborating with artists and other engineers to implement advanced visual features, troubleshoot graphical issues, and stay updated with the latest graphics technologies. Senior Graphics Programmers also mentor junior team members and help set technical direction for graphics development.

What is the difference between Senior Graphics Programmer vs Graphics Engineer?

AspectSenior Graphics ProgrammerGraphics Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Computer Science, Computer Graphics, or related field; extensive experience in graphics programmingSimilar educational background; may have less experience or focus on implementation
Work EnvironmentDevelops advanced graphics features, shaders, rendering techniques in game engines or visualization toolsSupports graphics development, optimizes rendering pipelines, and implements graphics solutions
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in gaming, simulation, and visual effects industries; common in companies developing real-time graphicsFound in similar industries, often collaborating with graphics teams to improve rendering performance

The main difference is that Senior Graphics Programmers typically lead complex graphics development projects, focusing on advanced rendering techniques, while Graphics Engineers support and optimize existing graphics systems. Both roles require strong technical skills, but Senior Graphics Programmers usually have more experience and responsibility in designing innovative graphics solutions.

More about Senior Graphics Programmer jobs
What cities are hiring for Senior Graphics Programmer jobs? Cities with the most Senior Graphics Programmer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Graphics Programmer jobs? The most popular types of Graphics Programmer jobs are:
What states have the most Senior Graphics Programmer jobs? States with the most job openings for Senior Graphics Programmer jobs include:
Senior Graphics Programmer, Mobile (iOS/Android)

Senior Graphics Programmer, Mobile (iOS/Android)

PlayStation Global

San Mateo, CA โ€ข On-site

Other

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

Senior Graphics Programmer, Mobile (iOS/Android)

PlayStation Studios / San Diego Studio

Why PlayStation? Why San Diego Studio?

Come join San Diego Studio in bringing MLB The Show to mobile platforms. Our focus is on delivering innovative, high-quality gaming experiences, and we are seeking a Senior Mobile Graphics Programmer to help advance the visual and technical quality of our mobile title on iOS and Android.

In this role, you will be responsible for developing and optimizing real-time graphics systems specifically for mobile devices, ensuring strong performance, scalability, and visual fidelity across a wide range of hardware configurations and device capabilities.

You will focus on writing and optimizing our mobile rendering engine, debugging graphics and performance issues, implementing new visual features, and ensuring the game takes full advantage of platform-specific capabilities across Apple and Android ecosystems.

The ideal candidate possesses strong problem-solving abilities, sharp attention to detail, and thrives both independently and in collaborative, cross-functional teams. They are passionate about GPU architecture and real-time rendering innovation, skilled in profiling and optimizing complex graphics systems, and experienced in shipping high-quality graphics features on constrained mobile hardware.

Responsibilities:
  • Develop, optimize, and maintain real-time rendering systems and graphics features specifically for mobile platforms (iOS and Android)

  • Identify and resolve performance bottlenecks related to rendering, memory usage, thermal constraints, battery usage, and device-specific hardware limitations

  • Ensure compatibility, stability, and performance across a broad range of mobile devices, from high-end flagship phones/tablets to lower-spec hardware

  • Implement scalable graphics systems that support varying performance tiers, screen resolutions, refresh rates, and GPU capabilities

  • Work with platform-specific graphics APIs and technologies such as Metal and Vulkan

  • Optimize shaders, rendering pipelines, texture usage, and asset memory footprint for mobile GPU architectures

  • Implement requested graphics features and enhancements in collaboration with the broader engineering, art, and rendering teams

  • Debug graphics issues across different chipsets and vendors

  • Stay current with emerging rendering techniques, mobile GPU technologies, and platform advancements to drive visual improvements and technical innovation

Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, or a related technical field

  • 5+ years of experience programming in C++ with a focus on performance-critical applications

  • Strong experience with graphics programming on mobile platforms, including low-level graphics APIs such as Metal or Vulkan

  • Proficiency in GPU shader programming and optimization for mobile platforms

  • Strong foundational math skills, especially linear algebra, geometry, and trigonometry

  • Hands-on experience with graphics profiling and debugging tools for mobile development

  • Proven ability to debug and optimize rendering performance across a wide range of mobile hardware and operating system versions

  • Strong understanding of the constraints and tradeoffs involved in mobile rendering, including memory bandwidth, battery usage, thermal throttling, frame pacing, and device fragmentation

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience shipping one or more mobile games or interactive applications on iOS and/or Android

  • Familiarity with platform-specific development environments and tools such as Xcode, Microsoft Visual Studio, GPU frame debuggers, and mobile performance analyzers

  • Experience optimizing rendering systems for a variety of mobile GPU architectures

  • Understanding of scalable rendering techniques for mobile, including dynamic resolution, LOD systems, texture streaming, and efficient post-processing

  • Familiarity with scripting languages such as Python is a plus

  • Experience working on cross-platform rendering systems is highly desirable

  • Passion for sports games and delivering visually compelling real-time experiences on mobile devices

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