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Senior Graphics Programmer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Figure

Sr/Staff Graphics Engineer

San Jose, CA

$150K - $275K/yr

We are looking for a Senior/Staff Graphics Software Engineer to join the Platform Software team and own the graphics stack powering our robot's displays. You will build the rendering engine and UI ...

Figure

Sr/Staff Graphics Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$164K - $202K/yr

They are seeking a Senior/Staff Graphics Software Engineer to join the Platform Software team and own the graphics stack powering their robot's displays, building the rendering engine and UI ...

Figure

Sr/Staff Graphics Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$150K - $275K/yr

We are looking for a Senior/Staff Graphics Software Engineer to join the Platform Software team and own the graphics stack powering our robot's displays. You will build the rendering engine and UI ...

Visual Concepts

Graphics Engineer - NBA 2K

Novato, CA · On-site +1

$120K - $174K/yr

We welcome candidates across all experience levels, from junior to senior, with compensation based ... This position reports to the Lead Graphics Engineer. What You Will Do: * Explore and implement new ...

2K

Graphics Engineer - NBA 2K

Novato, CA · On-site

$120K - $174K/yr

We welcome candidates across all experience levels, from junior to senior, with compensation based ... This position reports to the Lead Graphics Engineer. What You Will Do: * Explore and implement new ...

Visual Concepts

Graphics Engineer - NBA 2K

Novato, CA · On-site

$120K - $174K/yr

We welcome candidates across all experience levels, from junior to senior, with compensation based ... This position reports to the Lead Graphics Engineer. What You Will Do: * Explore and implement new ...

2K

Graphics Engineer - NBA 2K

Novato, CA · On-site +1

$120K - $174K/yr

We welcome candidates across all experience levels, from junior to senior, with compensation based ... This position reports to the Lead Graphics Engineer. What You Will Do: * Explore and implement new ...

Rylo

Sr. Computer Graphics Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$164K - $203K/yr

Developed by a team of former Instagram and Apple engineers, Rylo's breakthrough stabilization ... Demonstrated ability to research, design and implement graphic techniques. This includes features ...

Rylo

Sr. Computer Graphics Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$164K - $203K/yr

Developed by a team of former Instagram and Apple engineers, Rylo's breakthrough stabilization ... Demonstrated ability to research, design and implement graphic techniques. This includes features ...

Ashtel Studios Inc

Senior Graphic Designer

Ontario, CA · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Develop visual concepts, graphics, and layouts for digital assets * Create exciting branding and ... Proof color and packaging structural integrity and engineering * Present design concepts and ideas ...

Apply Early

Ashtel Studios Inc

Senior Graphic Designer

Ontario, CA · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Develop visual concepts, graphics, and layouts for digital assets * Create exciting branding and ... Proof color and packaging structural integrity and engineering * Present design concepts and ideas ...

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All JobsSenior Graphics Programmer JobsSenior Graphics Programmer Jobs in California

Senior Graphics Programmer information

See California salary details

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How much do senior graphics programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for senior graphics programmer in California is $51.59, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43.41 and $61.68 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 California? The most popular types of Graphics Programmer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Senior Graphics Programmer jobs in California? For Senior Graphics Programmer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Senior Graphics Programmer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Graphics Programmer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Senior Graphics Programmer jobs? Cities in California with the most Senior Graphics Programmer job openings:
Senior Graphics Programmer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Graphics Programmer job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 5% Temporary. Highlights an 83% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,312 per year, or $51.6 per hour.
Sr/Staff Graphics Engineer

Sr/Staff Graphics Engineer

Figure

San Jose, CA

$150K - $275K/yr

Other

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Figure is an AI robotics company developing autonomous general-purpose humanoid robots. The goal of the company is to ship humanoid robots with human level intelligence. Its robots are engineered to perform a variety of tasks in the home and commercial markets. Figure is headquartered in San Jose, CA.

We are looking for a Senior/Staff Graphics Software Engineer to join the Platform Software team and own the graphics stack powering our robot's displays. You will build the rendering engine and UI framework that brings Figure's humanoid to life - crafting fluid, expressive interfaces that make every human-robot interaction feel natural and engaging. You will work closely with the Head of HMI to translate creative vision into pixel-perfect, high-performance reality on embedded hardware.

Responsibilities: 

  • Design, implement, and optimize the graphics rendering stack for robot head displays, from low-level GPU pipeline to high-level UI components.
  • Build and maintain Qt/QML-based applications targeting embedded Linux systems with strict CPU, GPU, and memory constraints.
  • Develop and tune shaders for real-time vector graphics, animations, and visual effects.
  • Implement and optimize Vulkan and OpenGL ES rendering pipelines to achieve smooth, high-framerate output.
  • Collaborate closely with the Design team and Head of HMI to implement and iterate on UI/UX designs, ensuring fidelity and responsiveness.
  • Profile and optimize rendering performance on resource-constrained embedded hardware, targeting consistent frame rates with minimal power draw.
  • Integrate graphics components into the broader Robot Platform software stack, working with middleware and embedded systems engineers.
  • Establish best practices for graphics development, testing, and CI integration within the platform team

Requirements: 

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Computer Graphics, or a related field.
  • At least 7 years of industry experience in graphics or UI engineering.
  • Expert-level proficiency in Qt and QML, including custom rendering and performance optimization.
  • Deep hands-on experience with Vulkan and OpenGL ES - including shader authoring (GLSL/SPIR-V) and render pipeline design.
  • Strong experience with vector graphics rendering and animation..
  • Proven track record developing on embedded or resource-constrained systems (limited RAM, GPU, thermal envelope).
  • Solid C++ skills and familiarity with Linux userspace development.
  • Strong cross-functional communication skills - comfortable working directly with designers and translating visual specs into technical implementations.

Bonus Qualifications: 

  • Hands-on experience with game engines such as Unreal Engine or Unity.
  • Experience with scene graph architectures or retained-mode rendering frameworks.
  • Experience with SVG or other vector graphics formats and their GPU-accelerated rendering.
  •  Knowledge of display hardware interfaces (MIPI DSI, HDMI) and display driver integration on embedded Linux.
  • Experience with EGLFS/DRM/KMS display backends.
  • Background in HMI or human-robot interaction design.

The US base salary range for this full-time position is between $150,000 - $275,000 annually.

The pay offered for this position may vary based on several individual factors, including job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package may also include additional components/benefits depending on the specific role. This information will be shared if an employment offer is extended. 

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