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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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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Senior Graphics Programmer information

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$13

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How much do senior graphics programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 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 Machine Learning Graphics Engineer, AI for Experiences

Nvidia Corporation

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

$164K - $203K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 14 hours ago

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 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. As an NVIDIAN, you'll be immersed in a diverse, supportive environment where everyone is inspired to do their best work. Come join the team and see how you can make a lasting impact on the world.
NVIDIA is searching for a world-class engineer in graphics and AI to join our neural graphics product team. If you agree with us that the most exciting thing about the AI revolution is applying it to solve real problems, this team will be an excellent fit for you! We are passionate about applications in generative AI, gaming, augmented reality, user-generated content, computer vision, and other areas, with the goal of improving visual fidelity, gameplay, or other domains within the gaming and pro-visualization markets. Working with other teams throughout the company, you will productize promising research, as well as develop new features through your own work.
What you'll be doing:
  • Use AI for solving product problems in gaming and other interactive experiences.
  • Build upon the latest research to create new models and invent new ways of applying AI to advance neural graphics and gaming.
  • Create prototypes to demonstrate real-life applications of your ideas and to accelerate productization.
  • Keep up with the latest AI/DL research and collaborate with diverse teams (both internal and external to NVIDIA), including AI/DL researchers, hardware architects, and software engineers.
  • Participate in technology transfers to and from teams across NVIDIA.

What we need to see:
  • Master's in computer science/engineering, Machine Learning, AI, and related fields (or equivalent experience)
  • 12+ years of machine learning / deep learning research or work experience
  • Knowledge of application areas such as real-time computer graphics, CV, and game development.
  • Expertise with programming systems such as Python, C+, CUDA, and deep learning frameworks such as TensorFlow and PyTorch. Very strong programming skills.
  • A proven track record of delivering complex products and technologies spanning multiple teams and functional areas.

Intelligent machines powered by AI computers that can learn, reason, and interact with people are no longer science fiction. Image recognition and speech recognition - GPU deep learning has provided the foundation for machines to learn, perceive, reason, and solve problems. The GPU started out as the engine for simulating human imagination, conjuring up the amazing virtual worlds of video games and Hollywood films. Now, NVIDIA's GPU runs deep learning algorithms, simulating human intelligence, and acts as the brain of computers, robots and self-driving cars that can perceive and understand the world. Just as human imagination and intelligence are linked, computer graphics and artificial intelligence come together in our architecture. Two modes of the human brain, two modes of the GPU. This may explain why NVIDIA GPUs are used broadly for deep learning, and NVIDIA is known as "the AI computing company."
Widely considered to be one of the technology world's most desirable employers, NVIDIA offers highly competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package. As you plan your future, see what we can offer to you and your family www.nvidiabenefits.com
Your base salary will be determined based on your location, experience, and the pay of employees in similar positions. The base salary range is 224,000 USD - 356,500 USD for Level 5, and 272,000 USD - 431,250 USD for Level 6.
You will also be eligible for equity and benefits.
Applications for this job will be accepted at least until July 20, 2026.
This posting is for an existing vacancy.
NVIDIA uses AI tools in its recruiting processes.
NVIDIA is committed to fostering an inclusive 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

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Nvidia logo

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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