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Shader Programming Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

YO AI Labs

CUDA Developer - Remote

Chicago, IL · Remote

$60 - $100/hr

You will apply your expertise in CUDA, C++, and GPU programming to analyze, optimize, and improve ... Develop shader logic using GLSL and WebGPU . * Document optimization processes, findings, and ...

New

Realtimevfx

Graphic Programmer (Shader/VFX)

Chicago, IL · On-site

$90 - $130/hr

[HIRING] Hey everyone We're looking for a Graphic Programmer to join a Ukrainian hyper-casual mobile game studio, 300M+ downloads. Product -- hyper-casual mobile games where every visual detail ...

YO AI Labs

CUDA Software Engineer - Remote

Chicago, IL · Remote

$60 - $100/hr

You will apply your expertise in CUDA, C++, and GPU programming to analyze, optimize, and improve ... Develop shader logic using GLSL and WebGPU . * Document optimization processes, findings, and ...

New

YO AI Labs

CUDA Engineering Expert - Remote

Chicago, IL · Remote

$60 - $100/hr

You will apply your expertise in CUDA, C++, and GPU programming to analyze, optimize, and improve ... Develop shader logic using GLSL and WebGPU . * Document optimization processes, findings, and ...

New

NxT Level

Technical Artist

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$130K - $156K/yr

Work with engineering and art teams to develop custom shaders from scratch * Work across several ... Solid experience working with shader, materials and vfx in an industry standard or proprietary game ...

NxT Level

Technical Artist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$130K - $156K/yr

Work with engineering and art teams to develop custom shaders from scratch * Work across several ... Solid experience working with shader, materials and vfx in an industry standard or proprietary game ...

All JobsShader Programming JobsShader Programming Jobs in Illinois

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 Illinois?

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

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

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

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Shader Programming jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Shader Programming job openings:

Shader Programming jobs near you
Infographic showing various Shader Programming job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution.

CUDA Engineer - Kernel Optimization - AI Trainer

Mercor

Chicago, IL • On-site, Remote

$144K/yr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

About the job

Mercor connects elite creative and technical talent with leading AI research labs. Headquartered in San Francisco, our investors include Benchmark, General Catalyst, Peter Thiel, Adam D'Angelo, Larry Summers, and Jack Dorsey.

Position: CUDA Engineering Expert
Type: Contract
Compensation: $500/hour
Location: Remote

Role Responsibilities

  • Analyze and optimize GPU kernels for performance, efficiency, and hardware utilization.
  • Use profiler metrics like L2 cache hit rate and occupancy to guide kernel improvements.
  • Review GPU kernel implementations and identify bottlenecks without deep algorithmic background.
  • Write and modify C++17, Python, and GPU programming code.
  • Apply expertise in CUDA, HIP, and shader programming to improve performance.
  • Document optimization decisions clearly, focusing on profiler metrics' utility.

Qualifications

Must-Have

  • Available to work at least 20 hrs/wk.
  • Fluent in core C++ features through C++17.
  • Working knowledge of Python and Git.
  • Fluent in one GPU programming model like CUDA or HIP.
  • 1+ year of professional or research experience with GPUs.
  • Strong understanding of GPU profiler performance metrics.

Preferred

  • Experience with CUDA, HIP, and CUDA C++ Core Libraries.
  • Experience optimizing kernels for NVIDIA Blackwell hardware.
  • Familiarity with NSight Compute.
  • Prior experience with NVIDIA, AMD, or Qualcomm.
  • Open-source contributions related to GPU kernel optimization.

Application Process (Takes 20–30 mins to complete)

  • Submit your resume or relevant technical background.
  • Qualified applicants may complete a brief technical assessment or submit additional information.

Resources & Support

  • For details about the interview process and platform information, please check: https://talent.docs.mercor.com/welcome
  • For any help or support, reach out to: support@mercor.com

PS: Our team reviews applications daily. Please complete your AI interview and application steps to be considered for this opportunity.


#hiringmercor