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Senior Graphics Programmer Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Senior Graphic Designer

Phoenix, AZ ยท On-site

$62K - $85K/yr

Populating and maintaining graphics databases. * Coordinating and/or directing in-house or external ... Prior experience working for an architectural or engineering firm. * The ability to complete tasks ...

Senior Hardware Engineer

Phoenix, AZ ยท On-site

$106K - $142K/yr

Senior Hardware Engineer Senior Hardware Engineer Company Overview We are a publicly traded ... PCB tools such as Altium, Cadence Allegro, or Mentor Graphics. * Hands-on lab experience with ...

Senior Hardware Engineer

Phoenix, AZ

$109K - $146K/yr

Senior Hardware Engineer Senior Hardware Engineer Company Overview We are a publicly traded ... PCB tools such as Altium, Cadence Allegro, or Mentor Graphics. * Hands-on lab experience with ...

Senior .NET Application Developer/Software Engineer with extensive experience developing complex UI (user interface) applications in WPF and/or Silverlight. Extensive experience with graphical user ...

Senior Marketing Coordinator

Phoenix, AZ ยท On-site

$70K - $100K/yr

Create and coordinate proposal graphics--including charts, infographics, layouts, and visual brand ... Knowledge of architecture and engineering services is a plus but not required. Estimated ...

Senior Toy Designer

Mesa, AZ ยท On-site

$101K - $108K/yr

We are looking for a full-time Senior Toy Designer to join our creative team! We are looking for a ... Bachelors in Graphic Design, Industrial Design, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering * 3 ...

The position develops and communicates planning concepts through verbal, written, and graphic means ... Responsible for overseeing programming and space planning needs for a project. The Senior Health ...

The position develops and communicates planning concepts through verbal, written, and graphic means ... Responsible for overseeing programming and space planning needs for a project. The Senior Health ...

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Senior Graphics Programmer information

See Arizona salary details

$12

$48

$66

How much do senior graphics programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for senior graphics programmer in Arizona is $48.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41.01 and $58.22 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

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.

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 are the most commonly searched types of Graphics Programmer jobs in Arizona? The most popular types of Graphics Programmer jobs in Arizona are:
What job categories do people searching Senior Graphics Programmer jobs in Arizona look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Graphics Programmer jobs in Arizona are:
What cities in Arizona are hiring for Senior Graphics Programmer jobs? Cities in Arizona with the most Senior Graphics Programmer job openings:

Senior Embedded Graphics Software Engineer

Quest Defense Systems & Solutions, Inc.

Phoenix, AZ โ€ข On-site, Remote

$123K - $161K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement

Posted yesterday

New


Job description

Join the elite team at QDSS, where our engineers are at the forefront of developing cutting-edge Aerospace, Defense, Space, and Medical Device products. Your work will make a real impact, contributing to the core of engineering solutions that drive technological advancements.ย 

Quest Defense is seeking a Senior Embedded Graphics Software Engineer to support the development, modernization, and sustainment of graphics software for advanced avionics display systems. This role will focus on graphics driver development, graphics middleware, rendering technologies, and performance optimization within safety-critical embedded environments.

The ideal candidate will bring deep experience developing graphics software on embedded platforms, including OpenGL-based solutions, graphics drivers, display technologies, and real-time operating systems. This individual will work closely with platform, systems, and hardware engineering teams to enhance graphics performance, support legacy display modernization efforts, and help advance next-generation avionics display capabilities.

Hybrid work in Phoenix, AZ is preferred; however, qualified remote candidates will be considered. U.S. Citizenship or U.S. Permanent Resident status is required.

Keyย Responsibilities:ย ย ย 

  • Design, develop, integrate, and maintain graphics drivers, graphics middleware, and embedded graphics software supporting avionics display systems.
  • Support the modernization and enhancement of legacy graphics software and display technologies for safety-critical aerospace applications.
  • Develop and optimize OpenGL-based graphics solutions for embedded and real-time operating environments.
  • Collaborate with platform, systems, and hardware engineering teams to ensure efficient interaction between graphics software, GPUs, processors, memory, and display hardware.
  • Analyze and optimize graphics performance across multi-core processor architectures, including CPU/GPU shared resource utilization.
  • Investigate and resolve software performance issues related to memory architecture, cache behavior, rendering performance, and system throughput.
  • Support software integration, verification, debugging, and testing activities throughout the development lifecycle.
  • Participate in software architecture, design reviews, technical trade studies, and graphics technology evaluations.
  • Develop technical documentation and engineering artifacts in support of software development and certification activities.
  • Mentor junior engineers and provide technical leadership in embedded graphics and graphics driver development.

Required Qualifications:ย 

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
  • 10+ years of experience developing software for embedded and/or real-time systems.
  • Strong experience developing embedded graphics software using OpenGL or similar graphics APIs.
  • Experience developing graphics drivers, display drivers, or GPU-related software
  • Experience working within DO-178B and/or DO-178C software development environments for safety-critical aerospace systems.
  • Strong programming experience in C/C++ within embedded and real-time operating system environments.
  • Experience working with Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS) in embedded environments. (DEOS highly preferred)
  • Working knowledge of multi-core processor architectures and their impact on software performance.
  • U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Resident status.

Preferred Qualifications:ย 

  • Experience with DEOS RTOS.
  • Experience supporting avionics display systems or aerospace embedded products.
  • Experience with CPU/GPU shared memory architectures and graphics performance optimization.
  • Familiarity with FAA certification requirements and multicore certification guidance.
  • Experience supporting legacy platform modernization efforts.
  • Master's degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
  • Experience in the adoption and/or integration of emerging technologies (e.g., generative AI, automation platforms, digital assistants) into day-to-day operations for continuous improvement.

The QDSS Advantage:ย ย 

At QDSS, our advantage is purpose-driven work, collaborative teams, and complex challenges that push boundaries and build lasting impact.ย You'llย grow your career while contributing to mission-critical programs that demand excellence and shape the future.ย 

Whatย You'llย Find Hereย 

  • Work That Matters - Next-generation, safety- and mission-critical projects where your contributions have real-world impact.ย 
  • Growthย That'sย Supported - Competitive compensation, employer-matched 401(k), certificationย assistance, and clear opportunities for advancement.ย 
  • A Culture That Works - A flexible, collaborative, and people-first environment where teamwork, innovation, and balance are valued.ย 

Benefits Includeย 

  • Competitive pay, comprehensive medical/dental/lifeย and disability coverage, 401(k) with employer match, professional development support, and a flexible, friendly workplace.