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Shader Programming Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

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 cities in Kentucky are hiring for Shader Programming jobs? Cities in Kentucky with the most Shader Programming job openings:
Infographic showing various Shader Programming job openings in Kentucky as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 6% Temporary, and 12% Contract. Highlights an 78% In-person, and 22% Remote job distribution.

Technical Director

Severns Valley Baptist Church

Elizabethtown, KY

$35K/yr

Other

Medical, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Benefits:
  • Health insurance
  • Opportunity for advancement
  • Paid time off



Position Details
Job Title: | Technical Director
Department: | Media | Production
Reports To: | Pastor of Organizational Leadership
Direct Reports: | Lay-led Production Team Leaders (Audio, Lighting, Graphics, Camera, Director, Shader)
Position Type: | Full-time, Non-Exempt
Location: | Severns Valley Baptist Church, Elizabethtown, KY
Role Overview
The Technical Director is responsible for the operational management and hands-on execution of all audiovisual, media production, and IT systems across the Severns Valley campus. This role serves as the primary technical expert on staff, ensuring that every worship service, event, and ministry gathering is supported by reliable, well-maintained technology operated by capable teams.
Reporting to the Pastor of Organizational Leadership, the Technical Director translates the creative and pastoral vision for worship into technical execution. This is both a highly skilled individual contributor role (especially in live audio engineering) and a team development rolebuilding, training, and scheduling the volunteer production teams who make Sunday mornings and special events possible.
Key Responsibilities
Media & Production Operations
  • Venue System Management: Maintain, troubleshoot, and manage AV systems across all campus venues including the Worship Center, Chapel (Upper/Lower), Kids Large Group Room, Students Large Group Room, Preschool Large Group Room, Atrium, and MPR.
  • Staging & Programming: Set up, program, and tear down production elements (sound, lighting, graphics, tracks) for all services and events including Sunday morning, Celebrate Recovery, Senior Adult Gatherings, Wednesday programming, and special events.
  • Equipment Strategy: In coordination with the Pastor of Organizational Leadership, develop equipment replacement plans, coordinate purchases, conduct inventory audits, and manage the disposal of obsolete equipment to maximize stewardship of church resources.
  • Broadcast & Livestream: Oversee Sunday morning broadcast systems including early morning startup (6:00 AM system reboot, programming, and broadcast preparation).
IT Management
  • Serve as first-line IT support for immediate, on-campus technology needs including staff computers, printers, VOIP phone systems, and network SSIDs.
  • Coordinate with third-party network management provider for infrastructure-level issues while handling day-to-day help desk needs that require immediate attention.
  • Maintain technology documentation and coordinate with the Pastor of Organizational Leadership on IT budget items and vendor relationships.
Team Development & Volunteer Leadership
  • Recruit, train, schedule, and provide ongoing development for production volunteers across all technical teams: audio, lighting, graphics, camera, directing, and shader.
  • Create and maintain training resources, documentation, and standard operating procedures for each production role.
  • Develop lay production team leaders who can own their area of responsibility and train new volunteers, moving toward a multiplication model where staff shepherd leaders and leaders shepherd teams.
  • Provide pastoral encouragement and spiritual care to production volunteers in partnership with the Worship & Production Pastor.
Collaboration & Communication
  • Meet regularly with the Worship Pastor to align technical plans with worship vision and service direction.
  • Collaborate with ministry staff to define technical requirements for current and future ministry spaces.
  • Coordinate with the Communications Director on any technical needs related to video production, livestreaming, or content capture.
  • Foster trusting relationships with staff and volunteers that enable effective delegation and shared workload, especially during high-demand seasons.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.
Key Relationships
  • Reports to: Pastor of Organizational Leadership
  • Works closely with: Worship Pastor (service vision and planning), Pastor of Organizational Leadership (budget, IT vendor management, personnel), Property Operations Manager (facilities coordination), Ministry Staff (event technical requirements)
  • Develops: Lay-led Production Team Leaders and volunteers
Qualifications
Characteristics
  • A committed follower of Jesus Christ who affirms the Baptist Faith and Message.
  • Active member (or willing to become a member) of Severns Valley Baptist Church.
  • Exhibits a servants heart and a commitment to serving the ministries and congregation of the church.
  • Self-motivated and able to prioritize tasks independently in a high-demand environment.
  • A team builder who develops others rather than hoarding expertise.
  • Flexible, dependable, and detail-oriented.
Education & Experience
  • Bachelors Degree (or Vocational School equivalent) in Media Communications, Computer Sciences, or related field.
  • 35 years of experience in media production, live audio engineering, or related technical fields.
  • Experience operating equipment such as scissor lifts preferred.
Skills & Competencies
  • Advanced knowledge in live sound mixing and system routing.
  • Advanced knowledge of media equipment and its applications in a church setting.
  • Familiarity with Allen & Heath, Avid, Chroma-Q Vista, and Ross entertainment controllers.
  • Familiarity with reading engineering drawings and diagrams.
  • Proficiency in Google Workspace, Planning Center, and Basecamp.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Problem-solving and troubleshooting aptitude.
Working Conditions
  • Must be able to lift 75 lbs and carry 50 lbs.
  • Comfortable working at heights.
  • Comfortable working in crawl spaces, attics, or behind walls.
  • Early morning Sunday availability (6:00 AM system startup).
  • Flexibility for evening and weekend events as scheduled.
Lay Leadership Development VisionSuccess in this role is measured not only by the quality of Sunday morning production, but by the growth of the people who serve on production teams. Over time, the Technical Director should develop:
  • Audio Team Leaders who can mix mid-week services and events independently.
  • Lighting/Graphics/Camera Leaders who own their station on Sunday mornings and can train new team members.
  • A Production Director (volunteer) who can coordinate the overall technical flow for a service, reducing the need for staff presence at every event.
The goal is a team that is spiritually healthy, technically capable, and structurally sustainablenot dependent on a single person for every technical need.

Revised June 2026