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Shader Programming Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Strong OpenGL Computer Shader Language or CUDA and general stream programming concept experience * Experience with Nvidia GPU programming * Solid understanding and experience with OpenGL 2D/3D ...

Linux Software development through full product life-cycle Strong OpenGL Computer Shader Language or CUDA and general stream programming concept experience Experience with Nvidia GPU programming ...

Strong OpenGL Computer Shader Language or CUDA and general stream programming concept experience * Experience with Nvidia GPU programming * Solid understanding and experience with OpenGL 2D/3D ...

Linux • Software development through full product life-cycle • Strong OpenGL Computer Shader Language or CUDA and general stream programming concept experience • Experience with Nvidia GPU ...

C++ Developer (QT) - 3 Openings

Saint Paul, MN · On-site

$49.50 - $66.75/hr

Linux • Software development through full product life-cycle • Strong OpenGL Computer Shader Language or CUDA and general stream programming concept experience • Experience with Nvidia GPU ...

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 Minnesota look for? The top searched job categories for Shader Programming jobs in Minnesota are:
Infographic showing various Shader Programming job openings in Minnesota as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, 1% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution.
Software Engineer

Software Engineer

Epitec

Little Canada, MN • On-site

$80/hr

Contractor

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

  • Location: Little Canada, Minnesota
  • Type: Contract
  • Job #102745

Job Title: Software Engineer
Contract Duration: 1 year, possible extension
Contract Type: W2
Location: Little Canada, MN
Work Arrangement: Onsite
Pay Rate: $80 per hour
Summary
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.
Primary Duties And Responsibilities
  • 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. These algorithms include real-time 3D location tracking, real-time 3D anatomical model creation and intracardiac signal visualization.
  • 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/firmware 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 firmware 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 Skills
  • Bachelors or Masters in discipline such as Computer Science.
  • 6+ years of software development or equivalent
  • Experience with creating and managing requirements and translating them into effective architectures and software design
  • An understanding of requirements for, and experience in medical device development
  • Excellent documentation skills in a highly regulated development environment
  • Excellent Object-Oriented Design C++ and Qt Programming Experiences
  • Operating Systems: Linux
  • Software development through full product life cycle
  • Strong OpenGL Computer Shader Language or CUDA and general stream programming concept experience
  • Experience with Nvidia GPU programming
  • Solid understanding and experience with OpenGL 2D/3D Texture Mapping technique
  • Excellent knowledge and experience in computational geometry algorithms

Preferred
  • GUI development experience: Qt/QML