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Shader Programming Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Sunblink

UI/UX Specialist

Boulder, CO · On-site +1

$97K - $121K/yr

Shader/VFX authoring for UI (glows, distortions, dissolve/transition effects, Shader Graph node work) * Tools programming (has built custom Unity editor tools to speed up UI iteration for a team)

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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?

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 Colorado?

For Shader Programming jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Shader Programming jobs in Colorado look for?

The top searched job categories for Shader Programming jobs in Colorado are:

What cities in Colorado are hiring for Shader Programming jobs?

Cities in Colorado with the most Shader Programming job openings:

Shader Programming jobs near you
Infographic showing various Shader Programming job openings in Colorado 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.

UI/UX Specialist

Sunblink

Boulder, CO • On-site, Remote

$97K - $121K/yr

Contractor

Posted 13 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Own the end-to-end UX/UI vision, from high-level art direction, mood, and tone down to final polish in Unity

  • Design and implement UI systems such as HUD, menus, onboarding, and settings with a focus on usability and feel

  • Craft micro-interactions, transitions, screen shake, particle timing, and sound/haptic sync to enhance game feel

Job description

UX/UI Specialist

This is a ~30 hour/week contract position.

Generate beautiful, soulful art direction via mockups and moodboards, then implement UI with exceptional usability, juice, and gamefeel.


Core Responsibilities
  • Own the end-to-end UX/UI vision, from high-level art direction, mood, and tone down to final polish in Unity
  • Design and implement UI systems: HUD, menus, onboarding, settings, with equal weight on usability and feel and a judiciousness of design
  • Craft "game feel": micro-interactions, transitions, easing curves, screen shake, particle timing, and sound/haptic sync that make interactions feel alive
  • Build and maintain a cohesive visual design system (typography, color, iconography, spacing, motion language) and keep it consistent across iterations
  • Prototype and iterate rapidly and independently; take a one-line brief or a rough sketch and turn it into a shippable, polished result with minimal oversight
  • Collaborate tightly with engineering and design on a small team of 3-5 folks
  • Balance accessibility (colorblind modes, readability, input-method parity across controller/KBM/touch) against aesthetic ambition
  • Build reusable UI components/prototyping tools so other team members can extend the system without breaking its integrity
Required Experience
  • Shipped at least one commercial game with visible, personal ownership over UX/UI
  • A portfolio showing both design thinking and actual in-engine implementation - not just Figma comps (we are looking for people who can create beautiful, intentional works of art, not just functional interfaces)
  • Solid grasp of animation/motion principles (easing, timing, anticipation, follow-through) applied to interface and feedback design
  • Comfortable in Figma/Adobe XD (or similar) for high-fidelity mockups, and able to translate those faithfully into engine without losing intent
  • Real understanding of "juice" and feedback-loop design: why small delays, overshoots, and particle bursts make actions feel satisfying
  • Demonstrated self-direction: has taken ambiguous creative direction and driven it to a finished, polished state without heavy supervision
  • Strong fundamentals in typography, color theory, layout, and visual hierarchy
  • Experience coordinating visual polish with audio and haptic feedback
Bonus Experience
  • Strong hands-on Unity skills: UGUI and/or UI Toolkit, Animator/Timeline, basic Shader Graph, and enough C# to implement and iterate on UI logic themselves
  • Shader/VFX authoring for UI (glows, distortions, dissolve/transition effects, Shader Graph node work)
  • Tools programming (has built custom Unity editor tools to speed up UI iteration for a team)
  • Accessibility specialization (colorblind-safe palettes, subtitle/caption systems, adaptive UI scaling)
  • UX research chops - user testing, session recordings, analytics-informed iteration
  • Motion graphics background (After Effects) used to prototype transitions before engine implementation
  • A shipped title specifically praised for its UI/UX polish
Hours & Expectations

This is a 3 - 6 month initial contract with opportunities for extension depending on project status and work compatibility. We expect 30-40 hours a week most weeks.

Help Enrich Our World

We encourage underrepresented applicants to apply even if you do not meet 100% of the qualifications.

Transparency in AI Usage

If you're using ChatGPT or other AI to write your cover letter, please disclose it with a brief initial sentence (and whether you are or aren't, please let us know your favorite pop culture creature then, too). We consider transparency in AI usage important. (We used it to help with this req, for instance!)

Employment Type: CONTRACTOR

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