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Shader Programming Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Waymo

Senior Software Engineer, ICX Graphics

Mountain View, CA · Hybrid

$165K - $204K/yr

Solid foundation in 3D mathematics (linear algebra, coordinate spaces, transformations) and shader programming (GLSL). * 5+ years of total software development experience, with a Bachelor's degree in ...

NVIDIA

Neural Graphics Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$164K - $203K/yr

... shader programming (Slang, HLSL, GLSL), or compiler development Company : NVIDIA is a computing platform company operating at the intersection of graphics, HPC, and AI. Founded in 1993, the company ...

NVIDIA Corporation

Neural Graphics Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$163K - $201K/yr

Familiarity with graphics APIs (Vulkan, OpenGL, DirectX), shader programming (Slang, HLSL, GLSL), or compiler development Your base salary will be determined based on your location, experience, and ...

Nvidia

Neural Graphics Engineer

Santa Clara, CA

$164K - $203K/yr

Familiarity with graphics APIs (Vulkan, OpenGL, DirectX), shader programming (Slang, HLSL, GLSL), or compiler development Your base salary will be determined based on your location, experience, and ...

Nvidia Corporation

Neural Graphics Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$164K - $203K/yr

Familiarity with graphics APIs (Vulkan, OpenGL, DirectX), shader programming (Slang, HLSL, GLSL), or compiler development Your base salary will be determined based on your location, experience, and ...

Navier AI

Full Stack Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Knowledge of WebGL or shader programming (GLSL, WGSL) * Experience integrating ML model inference into production apps * Familiarity with containerization (Docker) and cloud deployment (AWS, GCP, or ...

Navier AI

Full Stack Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Knowledge of WebGL or shader programming (GLSL, WGSL) * Experience integrating ML model inference into production apps * Familiarity with containerization (Docker) and cloud deployment (AWS, GCP, or ...

Parallelz

Principal Graphics Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site +1

$164K - $203K/yr

OpenGL ES, WebGL, WebGPU, Vulkan, Metal, or DirectX, including shader programming, GPU memory and pipeline optimization, and frame/latency budgeting. * Track record of owning complex, multi-component ...

Parallelz

Principal Graphics Engineer

San Francisco, CA

$164K - $203K/yr

OpenGL ES, WebGL, WebGPU, Vulkan, Metal, or DirectX, including shader programming, GPU memory and pipeline optimization, and frame/latency budgeting. * Track record of owning complex, multi-component ...

Parallelz

Principal Graphics Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$164K - $203K/yr

OpenGL ES, WebGL, WebGPU, Vulkan, Metal, or DirectX, including shader programming, GPU memory and pipeline optimization, and frame/latency budgeting. * Track record of owning complex, multi-component ...

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All JobsShader Programming JobsShader Programming Jobs in California

Shader Programming information

What is shader programming?

Shader programming involves writing specialized code that runs on a computer's graphics processing unit (GPU) to control how images, lighting, and colors are rendered in computer graphics. Shaders are essential for creating realistic visual effects in video games, movies, and virtual reality. Programmers use languages like GLSL, HLSL, or Cg to write vertex, fragment, or compute shaders, which manipulate geometry, textures, and lighting in real time. This field requires strong mathematical and programming skills, especially in linear algebra and computer graphics concepts.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Shader Programmer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Shader Programmer, you need strong proficiency in computer graphics principles, mathematics (especially linear algebra), and experience with shading languages like GLSL or HLSL, often supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with graphics APIs (such as OpenGL or DirectX), real-time rendering engines, and version control systems is typically required. Creative problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective collaboration with artists and developers are standout soft skills in this role. These competencies are vital to create visually stunning and efficient visual effects that enhance real-time applications and games.

What is the difference between Shader Programming vs Graphics Programmer?

AspectShader ProgrammingGraphics Programmer
Required credentialsKnowledge of GLSL/HLSL, graphics APIsKnowledge of graphics APIs, C++, shader languages
Work environmentFocus on writing shaders for rendering pipelinesDeveloping graphics engines, rendering techniques
Industry usageUsed in game development, real-time renderingUsed in game studios, visual effects, simulation
Common search intentUnderstanding shader coding differencesUnderstanding graphics pipeline development

Shader Programming primarily involves writing small programs that run on the GPU to control rendering effects, while Graphics Programming encompasses broader development of rendering engines and graphics systems. Both roles require knowledge of graphics APIs and shader languages, but Shader Programmers focus more on creating visual effects at the shader level, whereas Graphics Programmers develop the overall graphics architecture.

What are some common challenges shader programmers face when optimizing graphics performance?

Shader programmers often encounter challenges related to balancing visual quality with real-time performance. Optimizing shaders requires a strong understanding of hardware limitations, such as processing power and memory bandwidth, as well as efficient use of GPU resources. Debugging and profiling shader code can be complex, especially when dealing with platform-specific differences. Collaboration with artists and other developers is essential to ensure that the visuals meet creative goals without exceeding performance budgets.
What are popular job titles related to Shader Programming jobs in California? For Shader Programming jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Shader Programming jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Shader Programming jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Shader Programming jobs? Cities in California with the most Shader Programming job openings:
Shader Programming jobs near you
Infographic showing various Shader Programming job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.
Senior Software Engineer, ICX Graphics

Senior Software Engineer, ICX Graphics

Waymo

Mountain View, CA • Hybrid

$165K - $204K/yr

Other

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

The Waymo Passenger Experience team builds the real-time, in-car visualization systems that communicate the Waymo Driver's perception to our riders. We are focused on delivering high-fidelity, low-latency 3D renderings on our infotainment displays, ensuring passengers feel informed and confident throughout their journey.

In this hybrid role, you will report to an Engineering Manager.

You will:

  • Own the technical implementation of 3D visualization systems (EgoView) on onboard infotainment platforms, delivering fluid, high-performance visual experiences.

  • Lead the design and implementation of the 3D rendering pipeline for the 3D Car View on the Android-based in-car system using C++ and Kotlin via JNI.

  • Integrate next-generation visual assets for the new vehicle platform, optimize shader performance in the internal rendering engine to reduce GPU utilization, and implement new visual indicators for complex perception scenarios like construction zones.

  • Write high-quality, well-tested code, resolve complex rendering bugs, and optimize performance (frame rate, CPU/GPU, memory) on resource-constrained onboard hardware.

  • Collaborate closely with Product Managers and UX/UI designers to translate vehicle perception data into fluid animations and motion designs.

You have:

  • 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, mobile game development, VR/AR, or high-performance Android graphics.

  • Solid foundation in 3D mathematics (linear algebra, coordinate spaces, transformations) and shader programming (GLSL).

  • 5+ years of total software development experience, with a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or equivalent practical experience.

  • Strong sense of ownership and the ability to independently design, optimize, and implement complex software components.

We prefer:

  • Experience with Android graphics architecture (SurfaceFlinger, HWUI) and custom Android builds (AOSP).

  • Experience developing with Kotlin/Java and integrating with C++ via JNI.

  • Background in real-time visualization of perception data (e.g., point clouds, object detection) or game engine rendering.

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