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Shader Programming Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Naughty Dog

Core Tech Programmer

Santa Monica, CA

... shader editor, dcc plug-ins, build tools, data messaging tools, lighting tools or equivalent software * Experience with PC application programming Bonus Skills: * Experience with console programming

Figure

Sr/Staff Graphics Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$164K - $202K/yr

They are seeking a Senior/Staff Graphics Software Engineer to join the Platform Software team and ... shader authoring (GLSL/SPIR-V) and render pipeline design. • Strong experience with vector ...

Neuralink

UI Design Engineer

South San Francisco, CA

$125K - $167K/yr

We're looking for an experienced UI Design Engineer to conceptualize, prototype, and ship novel ... shader or a custom property animator, while maintaining an extremely high bar for fluidity and ...

Apple

GPU Performance Modeling Engineer

San Diego, CA

$142K - $263K/yr

Areas could include core/shader micro-architecture, texture pipeline, caching, or memory subsystem ... Excellent C/C++ programming skills. Experience in hardware performance modeling, analysis, and ...

Figure

Sr/Staff Graphics Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$150K - $275K/yr

Its robots are engineered to perform a variety of tasks in the home and commercial markets. Figure ... Deep hands-on experience with Vulkan and OpenGL ES - including shader authoring (GLSL/SPIR-V) and ...

Figure

Sr/Staff Graphics Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$150K - $275K/yr

Its robots are engineered to perform a variety of tasks in the home and commercial markets. Figure ... Deep hands-on experience with Vulkan and OpenGL ES - including shader authoring (GLSL/SPIR-V) and ...

Naughty Dog

Core Tech Programmer

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$141K - $176K/yr

... shader editor, dcc plug-ins, build tools, data messaging tools, lighting tools or equivalent software * Experience with PC application programming Bonus Skills: * Experience with console programming

Apple

Systems Performance Architect

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$206K/yr

This position is a multi-disciplinary engineering role encompassing computer system design ... Areas could include core/shader micro-architecture, texture pipeline, caching, or memory subsystem ...

Apple

GPU Performance Modeling Engineer

San Diego, CA

$142K - $263K/yr

Areas could include core/shader micro-architecture, texture pipeline, caching, or memory subsystem ... Excellent C/C++ programming skills. Experience in hardware performance modeling, analysis, and ...

Figma

Software Engineer, Graphics & Media

San Francisco, CA · On-site +1

$164K - $203K/yr

The Pixel Engine team is looking for engineers with domain expertise in Media processing and ... animation primitives, shader-based effects, and video and image import/export support. This ...

Adobe, Inc.

Director of Engineering, Graph

San Jose, CA · On-site

$296K/yr

Experience with node-based systems (visual programming, shader graphs, NLE timelines, etc.) * Background in creative tools, imaging, design, video, audio, or 3D * Experience building extensible ...

Adobe

Director of Engineering, Graph

San Jose, CA

Experience with node-based systems (visual programming, shader graphs, NLE timelines, etc.) * Background in creative tools, imaging, design, video, audio, or 3D * Experience building extensible ...

World Labs

Senior Product Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Experience in 3D graphics programming and shader development, particularly web frameworks such as WebGL and three.js. * Experience building applications around generative image, video, or 3D AI ...

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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

Principal Rendering Engineer

Absurd Ventures

Santa Monica, CA • On-site

$170K - $230K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

Summary:
We are seeking a Principal Rendering Engineer to drive the technical excellence of our rendering systems. Join our world-class team developing a cutting-edge open-world video game that pushes the boundaries of visual fidelity and gameplay immersion.
Core Responsibilities:
  • Be responsible for optimizing and improving rendering infrastructure systems, including texture streaming, virtual texturing, GPU, and shader compilation.
  • Collaborate with technical artists to establish a performant kit of materials and techniques to meet visual requirements.
  • Develop scalable graphics solutions to maximize visual fidelity across a range of targets, from current-gen consoles to cutting-edge PCs and emerging hardware.
  • Drive the development of tools associated with rendering features, ensuring they are user-friendly and meet the needs of our artists.
  • Optimize our skin cache for GPU performance and memory to support rendering many characters on screen.
  • Stay up-to-date on current techniques, research, graphics data, and hardware advancements to inform the development of forward-thinking rendering systems.
  • Define and enforce technical specifications for asset and scene construction in collaboration with the art and design teams.
  • Author new shaders and effects to enhance visual quality.

Core Qualifications:
  • Strong proficiency in C++ and multi-threaded programming techniques.
  • In-depth real-time rendering experience in the games industry or related computer graphics fields.
  • Expertise in GPU architecture and performance characteristics, with extensive use of GPU profiling tools (e.g., PIX, Razor).
  • Experience with Unreal Engine 4 or 5.
  • Thorough knowledge and practical application of 3D math, rendering algorithms, and data structures.
  • Deep knowledge of at least one graphics API (e.g., DirectX 11/12, OpenGL, Vulkan, Metal).
  • Demonstrated skills in performance and memory optimization across various platforms.
  • Experience shipping AAA video games.
  • A proven track record of creating clean, efficient, and well-tested code.

Plus If...
  • Experience with emerging rendering technologies, such as ray tracing or machine-learning-based graphics solutions.
  • Contributions to published research or participation in industry conferences related to computer graphics.
  • Familiarity with mGPU solutions and cutting-edge PC hardware optimization techniques.

Description
  • Full-time job with benefits.
  • Role is on-site in Santa Monica, CA.

The base pay range for this position is $170,000 to $230,000 per year. Actual compensation is based on market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. We also offer a competitive package of benefits including vacation time, sick time, company holidays, parental leave, medical/dental/vision insurance, life insurance, disability insurance, and 401(k) match to regular full-time employees. Certain roles may also be eligible for bonus and equity.

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