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Shader Programming Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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 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:
Infographic showing various Shader Programming job openings in Illinois as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution.
Quality Control Color Shader 1st M-R 8:30am-5pm & Fri 7am-3:30pm

Quality Control Color Shader 1st M-R 8:30am-5pm & Fri 7am-3:30pm

Hentzen Coatings, Inc.

Batavia, IL • On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Quality Control Color Shader
(Batavia, IL Plant)
Schedule: 1st Shift - Monday-Thursday (8:30AM-5:30PM), Friday (7:00AM-3:30PM)
Pay Range: $20.00 - $25.00 per hour (based on experience and qualifications)
Since 1923, Hentzen Coatings, Inc. has remained an independent, privately held company dedicated to excellence in the development and manufacture of advanced coatings. Our commitment to innovation, quality, and service has earned us recognition as a trusted partner and technology leader in the aerospace, defense, and industrial markets. With nearly a century of experience, we've mastered the art of custom-engineering coatings to meet the unique and demanding requirements of our customers. This innovation comes to life in our state-of-the-art facilities, where talented teams collaborate to solve complex challenges and deliver cutting-edge solutions.
Position Summary
The Quality Control Color Shader is responsible for performing all operations required to adjust wet properties and to tint a wide variety of liquid coatings in accordance with formula specifications.
Successful candidates must achieve acceptable scores on both the color matching and math assessments.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
  • Determine the type and amount of color and gloss additives required to match product to physical standards.
  • Use a spectrophotometer (X-Rite) to obtain color values against stored standards and interpret results.
  • Create test panels primarily by hand spraying and inspect panels visually for both color and appearance.
  • Collaborate with chemists and supervisors in determining procedures and additives to use on out-of-spec products and update formulas for better color come off in future batches.
  • Enter final quality results in data management program. Use historical data in database to tint and adjust batches.
  • Perform QC lab technician responsibilities such as viscosity, solids, weight per gallon.
  • Physically add tints, flatteners, and other additives directly to tanks.
  • As part of the housekeeping procedures, the employee may be involved with the disposal of hazardous waste. The initial training of how to properly dispose of hazardous waste will be performed by the Environmental and Safety department or the department supervisor. Annual training of the same will be performed by the EHS department.
  • Comply with all quality, safety, and work rules and regulations.
  • Clean up equipment and properly store equipment.
  • Perform other miscellaneous duties as assigned by the Supervisor or Manager.

Qualification Requirements
  • Preferred education level: Associate's or two-year college degree or equivalent.
  • Preferred experience level: Three or more years of experience in batch creation, wet testing, color matching, and paint characteristics in a manufacturing setting.
  • Preferred analytical skills: Understand and analyze performance metrics such as FRC (hits/batch), cycle time and on time delivery to drive QC process improvements.
  • Ability to manipulate QC data in Excel and Access databases.
  • Excellent color vision.
  • Excellent math skills including metric to standard conversions.
  • Superb written and verbal communication skills.
  • Excellent computer skills (Microsoft Office - Word, Excel, Outlook), ERP system and other office machinery.
  • Superb written and verbal communication skills.
  • Willing to work in a team environment and contribute to group goals.
  • Excellent team building and communications skills.
  • Ability to receive and provide instructions in a positive manner.
  • Must be detail oriented with the ability to multi-task.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements
Physical Demands
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to talk and/or hear, stand, and/or walk, use hands to finger, handle or touch objects or controls, and move from place to place. The employee is regularly required to sit, balance, stoop, and occasionally reach above shoulders. The employee occasionally must use foot/feet to operate machinery, climb, or balance and reach above the shoulders.
The employee may regularly lift and/or move up to 65 lbs. and occasionally up to 100 lbs. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
Work Environment
The employee will normally be working in a well-ventilated, heated production area and may be working near moving mechanical parts. The employee may occasionally be exposed to fumes and/or airborne particles in the production area. The employee may be required to work outside in all weather conditions.
The noise level in the work environment is usually loud while working in proximity to production equipment. While working in the office environment, the noise level is moderate.
Personal Protection Equipment is required during various processes in the production area. Safety shoes, glasses, and flame-retardant uniforms are required in the production area. Respirators and ear plugs may be required when performing certain production activities
Benefits
  • Competitive benefits package.
  • Generous PTO policy
  • 401(k) Employer Match: We match employee contributions up to 8% of eligible compensation.
  • Profit Sharing: Discretionary annual contribution based on company performance.
  • Employee referral bonus program
  • Monthly employee food trucks
  • ...and much more!

At Hentzen, you'll find more than a job-you'll discover an opportunity to learn, grow, and make an impact. If you're ready to join a company known for its heritage of innovation and dedication to its people, we invite you to explore a rewarding career with us.
Please send your resume to:
Hentzen Coatings, Inc.
Attn: Human Resources
6937 W. Mill Road
Milwaukee, WI 53218
or
APPLY ONLINE AT:
Hentzen Career Center
Hentzen Coatings, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities.
www.hentzen.com
All candidates are subject to post-offer testing: including a job-related pre-employment physical, drug screen, and background check.
M-F: 1st Shift
M-Thurs. 8:30am-5:00pm & Fri. 7am-3:30pm
Required
    Preferred
      Job Industries
      • Other