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Senior Graphics Programmer Jobs in Pittsburgh, PA

Senior Software Engineer

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

$118K - $156K/yr

The Senior Engineer will play a key role in decoupling UI from graphics code and contributing to the modernization of our rendering architecture. This position does not offer visa sponsorship now or ...

Senior Controls Engineer

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

$91K - $129K/yr

Wabtec's Advanced Technology Group (ATG) is seeking a Senior Controls Engineer to play a key role ... Experience in Graphical User Interface (GUI) design using QT and C#. * Strong background in ...

Senior Controls Engineer

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

$91K - $129K/yr

Wabtec's Advanced Technology Group (ATG) is seeking a Senior Controls Engineer to play a key role ... Experience in Graphical User Interface (GUI) design using QT and C#. * Strong background in ...

Senior Controls Engineer

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

$91K - $129K/yr

Wabtec's Advanced Technology Group (ATG) is seeking a Senior Controls Engineer to play a key role ... Experience in Graphical User Interface (GUI) design using QT and C#. * Strong background in ...

... and Engineering drawing sets, computer-aided design, modeling work, and graphics (CAD/BIM), and understanding of construction documentation. A Sr Designer is responsible for developing and leading ...

... and Engineering drawing sets, computer-aided design, modeling work, and graphics (CAD/BIM), and understanding of construction documentation. A Sr Designer is responsible for developing and leading ...

... and Engineering drawing sets, computer-aided design, modeling work, and graphics (CAD/BIM), and understanding of construction documentation. A Sr Designer is responsible for developing and leading ...

... and Engineering drawing sets, computer-aided design, modeling work, and graphics (CAD/BIM), and understanding of construction documentation. A Sr Designer is responsible for developing and leading ...

... and Engineering drawing sets, computer-aided design, modeling work, and graphics (CAD/BIM), and understanding of construction documentation. A Sr Designer is responsible for developing and leading ...

... and Engineering drawing sets, computer-aided design, modeling work, and graphics (CAD/BIM), and understanding of construction documentation. A Sr Designer is responsible for developing and leading ...

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Showing results 1-20

Senior Graphics Programmer information

See Pittsburgh, PA salary details

$13

$50

$69

How much do senior graphics programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for senior graphics programmer in Pittsburgh, PA is $50.75, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42.69 and $60.67 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 popular job titles related to Senior Graphics Programmer jobs in Pittsburgh, PA? For Senior Graphics Programmer jobs in Pittsburgh, PA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Pittsburgh, PA are hiring for Senior Graphics Programmer jobs? Cities near Pittsburgh, PA with the most Senior Graphics Programmer job openings:
Infographic showing various Senior Graphics Programmer job openings in Pittsburgh, PA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,562 per year, or $50.8 per hour.

Senior Software Engineer

Smith & Nephew

Pittsburgh, PA • On-site

$118K - $156K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago


Smith & Nephew rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 41 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

113th of 536 rated manufacturers


Job description

Life Unlimited. At Smith+Nephew, we design and manufacture technology that takes the limits off living.
Are you passionate about developing high-quality, scalable, and robust software solutions for medical applications? Do you thrive in a dynamic, collaborative environment where you can make a significant impact? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you! We are seeking a talented Senior Software Engineer to join our team and help us enhance our digital presence and improve customer engagement.
This role will focus on UI/UX design and development alongside hands-on graphics and rendering work. The Senior Engineer will play a key role in decoupling UI from graphics code and contributing to the modernization of our rendering architecture.
This position does not offer visa sponsorship now or in the future.
What will you be doing?
As a Senior Software Engineer, you will be responsible for designing, developing, and implementing software solutions that meet the highest standards of quality and performance. Your key responsibilities will include:
  • Develop and implement high-quality, scalable, and robust software solutions for medical applications using full-stack development principles. This includes applying knowledge of medical image processing and visualization techniques.
  • Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including product managers, product owners, and fellow engineers.
  • Participate in Agile development processes, including sprint planning, code reviews, and continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Design, implement, and maintain UI and rendering components for complex applications.
  • Contribute to the decoupling of existing UI layers from graphics/rendering code to improve modularity and maintainability.
  • Implement and optimize rendering solutions using modern graphics APIs.
  • Collaborate with designers, systems engineers, and other software engineers to deliver high-quality user experiences.
  • Participate in technical design discussions and review code for quality and correctness.
  • Troubleshoot and resolve rendering, UI, and performance issues in production systems.

What will you need to be successful?
Education:
  • A Bachelor's or Master's in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field is required.

Experience:
  • 5-8 years of professional experience in design and implementation of complex software components
  • Strong hands-on experience with SDL, CUDA, Vulkan, and OpenGL
  • Demonstrated expertise in scene rendering and graphics pipeline development.
  • Experience modernizing or refactoring legacy rendering or UI architectures.
  • Proven ability to deliver complex systems from design through deployment.
  • Strong programming skills in a compiled language such as C++, and experience developing production software in Python is preferred.
  • Proficiency in image processing algorithms and libraries (e.g., OpenCV, ITK)
  • Experience with medical image visualization tools and techniques is a plus
  • Proven track record in algorithm development is a plus

Knowledge:
  • Deep understanding of UI/UX principles as they apply to graphics-driven applications is required.
  • Knowledge of robotic systems
  • Experience in machine learning or deep learning, especially in segmentation, registration, or classification of medical images

Competences:
  • Excellent communication, problem-solving, and collaboration skills

Travel:
  • Travel Requirements: Domestic / International - up to 15%

You Unlimited. We believe in creating the greatest good for society. Our strongest investments are in our people and the patients we serve.
  • Inclusion and Belonging- Committed to Welcoming, Celebrating and Thriving on Inclusion and Belonging, Learn more about Employee Inclusion Groups on our website ( https://www.smith-nephew.com/).
  • Your Future: 401k Matching Program, 401k Plus Program, Discounted Stock Options, Tuition Reimbursement
  • Work/Life Balance: Flexible Personal/Vacation Time Off, Paid Holidays, Flex Holidays, Paid Community Service Day
  • Your Wellbeing: Medical, Dental, Vision, Health Savings Account (Employer Contribution of $500+ annually), Employee Assistance Program, Parental Leave, Fertility and Adoption Assistance Program
  • Flexibility: Hybrid Work Model (For most professional roles)
  • Training: Hands-On, Team-Customized, Mentorship
  • Extra Perks: Discounts on fitness clubs, travel and more!

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Smith+Nephew provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability.
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