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Shader Programming Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Qt/QML. * Strong OpenGL Computer Shader Language or CUDA and general stream programming concept experience. * Solid understanding and experience with OpenGL 2D/3D Texture Mapping technique.

Qt/QML. * Strong OpenGL Computer Shader Language or CUDA and general stream programming concept experience. * Solid understanding and experience with OpenGL 2D/3D Texture Mapping technique.

Staff Software Engineer

Saint Paul, MN · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

Qt/QML. * Strong OpenGL Computer Shader Language or CUDA and general stream programming concept experience. * Solid understanding and experience with OpenGL 2D/3D Texture Mapping technique.

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 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 are popular job titles related to Shader Programming jobs in Minnesota?

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

Infographic showing various Shader Programming job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% Internship, 74% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 4% Temporary, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 83% In-person, and 17% Remote job distribution.

Staff Software Engineer

Abbott

Saint Paul, MN

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted yesterday


Abbott rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 138 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

178th of 540 rated manufacturers


Job description

Abbott is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. Our portfolio of life-changing technologies spans the spectrum of healthcare, with leading businesses and products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic medicines. Our 115,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries.JOB DESCRIPTION:

Working at Abbott

At Abbott, you can do work that matters, grow, and learn, care for yourself and your family, be your true self, and live a full life. You'll also have access to:

  • Career development with an international company where you can grow the career you dream of.
  • Employees can qualify forfree medical coverage in ourHealth Investment Plan (HIP) PPOmedical plan in the next calendar year.
  • An excellent retirement savings plan with a high employer contribution
  • Tuition reimbursement, the Freedom 2 Save student debt program, and FreeU education benefit - an affordable and convenient path to getting a bachelor's degree.
  • A company recognized as a great place to work in dozens of countries worldwide and named one of the most admired companies in the world by Fortune.
  • A company that is recognized as one of the best big companies to work for as well as the best place to work for diversity, working mothers, female executives, and scientists.

The Opportunity

This position works out of our Tech Center in St. Paul/Little Canada, MN in the EP division.

In Abbott's Electrophysiology (EP) business, we're advancing the treatment of heart disease through breakthrough medical technologies in atrial fibrillation, allowing people to restore their health and get on with their lives.

As the Staff Software Engineer, you will be expected to be a critical contributor to building compelling products within Abbott's Electrophysiology Division. The individual will participate in the development and deployment of system and software architecture to support our development programs. Design, develop, and document software applications embedded in diagnostic and interventional cardiology devices. Participate in all phases of the software lifecycle, including concept development, requirements, design, implementation, and testing.
What You'll Work On

  • Apply solid software design skills to develop medical devices to meet specific performance requirements and deliver on goals according to product development quality system. These activities include developing requirements specifications, design, implementation and testing of software and embedded software algorithms or/and general Linux applications and GUIs.
  • As a team member, contribute significantly to completion of various project activities, from definition, identifying software functional requirements, implementation, code reviews, and final release according to medical device development processes.
  • Create and implement software/test plans/protocols and generate test reports to ensure software design meets the specifications and quality system requirements.
  • Work closely with cross-function team, including design reviews with QA, RA, test engineers, hardware engineers to ensure the software design meets the product requirements, including safety, reliability and serviceability. Be creative and innovative in the product development process.
  • Make, recommend or justify critical technical decisions in product design. The decision should be based on broad investigation and testing.
  • Document and transfer developed solutions to manufacturing team for mass production and provide technical support and sustaining development in launch phase.


Required Qualifications

  • B.S. or M.S (Preferred) in discipline such as Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Computer Systems Engineering, Software Engineering.
  • 10+ years of software engineering design.
  • 2-3 years providing technical leadership and mentorship.
  • Experience with creating and managing requirements and translating them into effective architectures and software design.
  • An understanding of requirements for medical devices, and experience in medical device development.
  • Excellent documentation skills (highly regulated development environment)
  • Excellent Object-Oriented Design with modern C++.
  • GUI development experience: Qt/QML.
  • Strong OpenGL Computer Shader Language or CUDA and general stream programming concept experience.
  • Solid understanding and experience with OpenGL 2D/3D Texture Mapping technique.
  • Operating Systems: Linux.
  • Software development through full product life-cycle.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Medical device development experience and IEC60601-1, IEC62304 and related IEC standard familiarity preferred.
  • Development/Process Tools: MS Visual Studio, Jira, Perforce.
  • Experience developing robust software applications that address Cyber Security concerns.
  • Experience with distributed embedded systems.
  • Other programming languages such as Python, XML, XSL, HTML and communication protocols (TCP/IP, UPnP, Web Services, SOAP, CAN).
  • Direct supervisory experience.

Apply Now

Learn more about our health and wellness benefits, which provide the security to help you and your family live full lives: www.abbottbenefits.com

Follow your career aspirations to Abbott for diverse opportunities with a company that can help you build your future and live your best life. Abbott is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to employee diversity.

Connect with us at www.abbott.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Abbott, and on Twitter @AbbottNews.

The base pay for this position is

$99,300.00 - $198,700.00

In specific locations, the pay range may vary from the range posted.

JOB FAMILY:Product DevelopmentDIVISION:EP ElectrophysiologyLOCATION:United States > Minnesota > St. Paul > Tech Center : One St Jude Medical DriveADDITIONAL LOCATIONS:WORK SHIFT:StandardTRAVEL:Yes, 5 % of the TimeMEDICAL SURVEILLANCE:NoSIGNIFICANT WORK ACTIVITIES:Continuous sitting for prolonged periods (more than 2 consecutive hours in an 8 hour day), Continuous standing for prolonged periods (more than 2 consecutive hours in an 8 hour day)Abbott is an Equal Opportunity Employer of Minorities/Women/Individuals with Disabilities/Protected Veterans.EEO is the Law link - English: http://webstorage.abbott.com/common/External/EEO_English.pdfEEO is the Law link - Espanol: http://webstorage.abbott.com/common/External/EEO_Spanish.pdf

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