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Senior Graphics Programmer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

NxT Level

Senior Tools Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$112K - $154K/yr

They currently need a programmer passionate about terrain and graphical tools. What are the responsibilities? * Develop and maintain tools for terrain and graphics within our game engine. Ensure that ...

Ashtel Studios Inc

Senior Graphic Designer

Ontario, CA · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

NxT Level

Senior Tools Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site +1

$112K - $154K/yr

They currently need a programmer passionate about terrain and graphical tools. What are the responsibilities? * Develop and maintain tools for terrain and graphics within our game engine. Ensure that ...

Waymo

Senior Software Engineer, ICX Graphics

Mountain View, CA · Hybrid

$165K - $204K/yr

Graphics or game engine developer with strong experience in 3D graphics development using C++ and APIs like OpenGL ES or Vulkan. * Experience with mobile/embedded platforms, custom rendering engines ...

Hyve Solutions

Senior Graphic Designer, Lead

Fremont, CA · On-site +1

$135K - $150K/yr

Senior Graphic Designer, Lead Location: Fremont Type: Full-time Reports to: Creative Director ... engineers, producers, and program managers. - Balance stakeholder needs while advocating for design ...

Lancesoft

Engineer, Senior|12519

San Diego, CA · On-site

$110K - $152K/yr

If the candidate does not have these required skills, they will be rejected completely) 1. Vulkan Graphics Programming - Strong experience with Vulkan render pipelines, compute shaders ...

hyve solutions

Senior Graphic Designer, Lead

Fremont, CA · On-site

$135K - $150K/yr

Senior Graphic Designer, Lead Location: Fremont Type: Full-time Reports to: Creative Director ... engineers, producers, and program managers. - Balance stakeholder needs while advocating for design ...

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Senior Graphics Programmer information

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$13

$51

$70

How much do senior graphics programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 81% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,312 per year, or $51.6 per hour.

Senior Software Engineer, Graphics Performance

Nvidia Corporation

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

$164K - $203K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday

Nvidia rating

9.6

Company rating: 9.6 out of 10

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 244 rated software companies

Job description

NVIDIA's invention of the GPU in 1999 fueled the growth of the PC gaming market, redefined modern computer graphics, and revolutionized parallel computing. More recently, GPU deep learning ignited modern AI - the next era of computing - with the GPU acting as the brain of computers, robots, and self-driving cars that can perceive and understand the world. Today, we are increasingly known as "the AI computing company". We are growing our company and the team with the smartest people in the world. We are looking for you to join the Graphics driver team. You are expected to design, develop, and deliver driver solutions for new GPU designs on current and future Linux platforms.
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 software for our GPUs as well as enhancements and maintenance of existing features.
What you'll be doing:
  • You will work on the definition, design, and development of pioneering professional and consumer Linux Vulkan and OpenGL graphics software performance features.
  • Develop and maintain SW technologies targeted at enabling and supporting NVIDIA's GPU hardware on the Linux operating systems, ensuring the best performance and cross platform implementation.
  • You will work with other worldwide internal teams, including software, hardware, architecture, and OEM support.

What we need to see:
  • A Bachelors or higher degree in electrical engineering, computer science, or computer engineering (or equivalent experience).
  • 3+ years "hands on" experience developing graphics OpenGL/Vulkan system level software especially for the Linux OS.
  • 3+ years' experience in graphics rendering, shader programming, compilers, and optimizations.
  • 8+ years of programming experience in C and C++.
  • Low-level Linux operating system knowledge, specifically memory/resource management, scheduling and process control, and hardware virtualization.
  • Very good oral and written communication skills.
  • A self-motivated teammate with good attitude.

Ways to stand out from the crowd:
  • You have prior experience with shader compilers development.

With competitive salaries and a generous benefits package, we are widely considered to be one of the technology world's most desirable employers. We have some of the most forward-thinking and hardworking people in the world working for us and, due to outstanding growth, our exclusive engineering teams are rapidly growing. If you're a creative and autonomous engineer with a real passion for technology, we want to hear from you.
Your base salary will be determined based on your location, experience, and the pay of employees in similar positions. The base salary range is 184,000 USD - 287,500 USD for Level 4, and 224,000 USD - 356,500 USD for Level 5.
You will also be eligible for equity and benefits.
Applications for this job will be accepted at least until February 17, 2026.
This posting is for an existing vacancy.
NVIDIA uses AI tools in its recruiting processes.
NVIDIA is committed to fostering a diverse work environment and proud to be an equal opportunity employer. As we highly value diversity in our current and future employees, we do not discriminate (including in our hiring and promotion practices) on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or any other characteristic protected by law.

What Nvidia employees say

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Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

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About Nvidia

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

NVIDIA has been transforming computer graphics, PC gaming, and accelerated computing for more than 25 years. It's a unique legacy of innovation that's fueled by great technology--and amazing people. Today, we're tapping into the unlimited potential of AI to define the next era of computing. An era in which our GPU acts as the brains of computers, robots, and self-driving cars that can understand the world. Doing what's never been done before takes vision, innovation, and the world's best talent.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Santa Clara, CA, US

Year founded

1993

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