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Shader Programming Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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

Senior VFX Artist - Art Center

CA · On-site +1

$115K - $155K/yr

We have been a global developer and publisher of digital entertainment since 2009 and are committed ... Lead performance optimization efforts, managing particle counts, shader complexity, and overdraw ...

... 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

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 ...

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 ...

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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 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:
Infographic showing various Shader Programming job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 99% Full Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution.
Principal Engineer, GPU Architect & Modeling

Principal Engineer, GPU Architect & Modeling

Samsung Electronics

San Jose, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 2 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Samsung Electronics rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 49 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

111th of 139 rated electronics manufacturers


Job description

Position Summary

Samsung, a world leader in advanced semiconductor technology, is founded on a simple philosophy - the endless pursuit of excellence will create a better world for all. At Samsung Austin Research and Development Center (SARC) and Advanced Computing Lab (ACL), we are building a center of excellence for Intellectual Property (IP) that is applied to high-performance computing devices (mobile, automotive, and other custom market segments) consumed by millions of people around the world. Come build with us!

Role and Responsibilities

As a Principal of GPU Architect & Modeling, you will lead teams to define the architectural vision, modeling strategy, and performance roadmap for Samsung's next-generation mobile GPUs-powering cutting-edge graphics, compute, and AI capabilities for millions of premium mobile devices worldwide.

In this high-impact and highly visible role, you will shape the long-term GPU architecture direction across performance, memory systems, PPA, system modeling, roadmap design, AI/ML acceleration, ray tracing, and shader and texture. You will guide cross-functional teams in transforming research concepts into silicon-proven capabilities, driving innovation in architectural design, modeling methodologies, and workload optimization that deliver world-class graphics performance and power efficiency, scalable across Samsung's premium consumer device markets.

  • You shape the long-term GPU architecture vision and technology development roadmap, setting technical direction across memory system, performance analysis, and PPA optimization to enable scalable, power-efficient designs for current and next-generation workloads.
  • You spearhead design excellence by leading architecture and modeling teams to build advanced modeling frameworks and performance methodologies that guide architectural exploration, data-driven design decisions, and accurate silicon correlation.
  • You drive innovation across shader, texture, and ray tracing features, and AI/ML acceleration features, influencing architectural strategies, feature definitions, and trade-offs that enhance graphics realism and deliver efficient compute capabilities for emerging use cases.
  • You champion cross-functional collaboration among hardware, software, design, and system teams-aligning technical roadmap, integrating architecture, and optimizing system-level performance excellence, while articulating complex architectural trade-offs and strategic direction to gain consensus with executives and engineering peers.
  • You empower a culture of innovation by mentoring leaders, exemplifying ownership, encouraging open communications and data-driven decisions, inspiring bold ideas and calculated risk taking that redefine industry standards.

Skills and Qualifications

  • 16+ years of experience with a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science/Engineering, or 14+ years of experience with a Master's Degree, or 12+ years of experience with a Ph.D.
  • 12+ years of experience in GPU or graphics architecture, with deep expertise across multiple domains such as GPU performance analysis, memory system design, shader/texture architecture, and ray tracing.
  • Proven success defining and driving GPU architecture strategies that balance performance, power, and area (PPA) tradeoffs.
  • Deep expertise in GPU modeling methodologies-including performance simulation, microarchitectural analysis, and correlation to silicon.
  • Demonstrated technical leadership in driving new GPU feature development (e.g., AI/ML acceleration, ray tracing, or advanced rendering pipelines.
  • Strong knowledge of GPU programming models and workloads (graphics, compute, and AI inference) to translate workload characteristics into architectural innovation.
  • Demonstrated ability to build and grow cross-functional engineering teams while influencing technical roadmaps and business strategy.
  • Excellent communication and collaboration skills; ability to engage with executives, internal and external industry partners, and technical peers, and guide diverse teams through ambiguity.

Our Team

The GPU Architect team delivers whole system architecture-level design for Samsung's current and next-generation mobile GPUs. Our work spans a wide range of disciplines-from early-stage architectural exploration and research in graphics and machine learning, to shaping the GPU innovation roadmap, defining new features, building models, and delivering microarchitecture design and programming. Our Xclipse GPU is the first mobile GPU with ray tracing technology that enables console-level graphics for Samsung Galaxy smartphones.

Joining our team means collaborating with talented engineers from diverse technical backgrounds across a global organization. Here you'll contribute to the roadmap for next-generation technologies, broaden your expertise, and solve impactful challenges in a supportive environment that values collaboration, continuous learning, and growth.

Total Rewards

At Samsung - SARC/ACL, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base pay range for this role is between $221,700 and $364,800. Your actualbase pay will depend on variables that may includeyour educationskills, qualifications, experience, and worklocation.

Samsung employees have access to benefits including: medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k), onsite lunch, employee purchase program, tuition assistance (after 6 months), paid time off, student loan program, wellness incentives, and many more. In addition, regular full-time employees (salaried or hourly) are eligible for MBO bonus compensation, based on company, division, and individual performance.

Additionally, this role might be eligible to participate in long term incentive plan and relocation.

This is an exempt position, which is not eligible for overtime pay under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

U.S. Export Control

This position requires the ability to access information subject to U.S. export control restrictions. Applicants must have the ability to access export-controlled information or be eligible to receive a government authorization to access export-controlled information.

Trade Secrets

By submitting an application, you [applicant] agree[s] not to disclose to Samsung, or induce Samsung to use, any confidential or proprietary information (including trade secrets) belonging to any current or previous employer or other person or entity.

#SARC #ACL

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* Samsung Electronics America, Inc. and its subsidiaries are committed to employing a diverse workforce, and provide Equal Employment Opportunity for all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, status as a qualified individual with a disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.


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