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Shader Programming Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Apple

Senior Software Engineer - UI Rendering

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$160K - $199K/yr

Knowledge of color management, HDR presentation, wide color gamut workflows, or advanced shader programming (MSL/GLSL/HLSL). * Familiarity with iOS, macOS, watchOS, or visionOS software development ...

Apple

Senior Software Engineer - UI Rendering

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$184K - $324K/yr

Knowledge of color management, HDR presentation, wide color gamut workflows, or advanced shader programming (MSL/GLSL/HLSL). * Familiarity with iOS, macOS, watchOS, or visionOS software development ...

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Showing results 21-40

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?

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 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 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 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 6% Temporary, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 75% In-person, and 25% Remote job distribution.

GPU Design Verification Engineer - Shader Core

Advanced Micro Devices, Inc

San Diego, CA • On-site

$126K/yr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

Advanced Micro Devices rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

26th of 161 rated electronics manufacturers

Job description

ADVANCE YOUR CAREER. ADVANCE THE WORLD.
At AMD, we believe technology has the power to solve the world's most important challenges. From advancing healthcare and scientific discovery to powering AI and the technologies people rely on every day, innovation at AMD is shaping the future.
Whether you're designing next-gen processors, enabling AI breakthroughs, or bringing leading edge products to market, every role at AMD contributes to something bigger - technology that moves the world forward. Join us and, together, we'll advance your career.
THE ROLE:
Join a team responsible for the verification of AMD's GPU shader processor core, a critical component that enables high-performance graphics and compute workloads. In this role, you will help ensure the quality and reliability of new and existing hardware features by developing and executing comprehensive verification strategies throughout the design cycle. You will collaborate closely with architecture, hardware, firmware, and software teams to validate functionality, identify issues early, and drive high-quality design releases. This position offers the opportunity to work on advanced GPU technologies while contributing to complex verification environments and methodologies.
THE PERSON:
You are passionate about processor architecture, digital design, and hardware verification. You thrive in a collaborative environment and communicate effectively across geographically distributed teams. You bring strong analytical and debugging skills, take ownership of challenging problems, and enjoy working across disciplines to deliver high-quality results. Experience mentoring others or providing technical leadership is a plus.
KEY RESPONSIBLITIES:
  • Collaborate with architecture, hardware, and firmware teams to understand and verify new shader core features.
  • Develop comprehensive verification plans that account for feature interactions across hardware, firmware, and software.
  • Estimate verification effort and identify required enhancements to verification environments.
  • Design, develop, and execute directed and constrained-random verification tests.
  • Debug simulation failures and determine root causes of functional issues.
  • Partner with design and firmware engineers to resolve defects and improve design quality.
  • Analyze functional and code coverage results and implement improvements to achieve coverage goals.
  • Enhance verification methodologies, automation, and test infrastructure to improve productivity and quality.
  • Contribute to continuous improvement of verification processes, tools, and workflows.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:
  • Experience with IP-level ASIC design verification.
  • Strong knowledge of UVM-based verification environments and methodologies.
  • Experience debugging RTL and firmware using simulation tools.
  • Proficiency with Verilog, SystemVerilog, C, and C++.
  • Understanding of GPU architecture and graphics pipeline concepts.
  • Experience developing verification frameworks, testbenches, processes, and flows.
  • Familiarity with Linux-based development environments; exposure to Windows development is a plus.
  • Experience automating workflows in distributed compute environments.
  • Knowledge of simulation performance optimization, acceleration technologies, or high-level synthesis methodologies.
  • Familiarity with SystemC and Transaction-Level Modeling (TLM).
  • Experience with scripting languages such as Perl, Ruby, shell scripting, or Makefiles.

ACADEMIC CREDENTIALS:
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline preferred

This role is not eligible for Visa sponsorship.
#LI-LC3
#LI-HYBRID
#LI-Hybrid
Benefits offered are described: AMD benefits at a glance.
AMD does not accept unsolicited resumes from headhunters, recruitment agencies, or fee-based recruitment services. AMD and its subsidiaries are equal opportunity, inclusive employers and will consider all applicants without regard to age, ancestry, color, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, national origin, race, religion, political and/or third-party affiliation, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates and will accommodate applicants' needs under the respective laws throughout all stages of the recruitment and selection process.
AMD may use Artificial Intelligence to help screen, assess or select applicants for this position. AMD's "Responsible AI Policy" is available here.
This posting is for an existing vacancy.

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