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Shader Programming Jobs in Dallas, TX (NOW HIRING)

Spectral MD Inc

Software Engineer

Dallas, TX · On-site

NET/C++, shader languages (HLSL, GLSL) in complex Windows desktop applications * Experience with multi-threaded programming and async execution models * Experience with 3D point clouds, meshes, and ...

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Shader Programming information

See Dallas, TX salary details

$13.8K

$45.5K

$65.3K

How much do shader programming jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for shader programming in Dallas, TX is $45,496.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,100.00 and $52,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 are popular job titles related to Shader Programming jobs in Dallas, TX? For Shader Programming jobs in Dallas, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Shader Programming jobs in Dallas, TX look for? The top searched job categories for Shader Programming jobs in Dallas, TX are:
Shader Programming jobs near you
Infographic showing various Shader Programming job openings in Dallas, TX as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% Internship, 71% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 4% Temporary, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 78% In-person, and 22% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,496 per year, or $21.9 per hour.
Software Engineer

Software Engineer

Spectral MD Inc

Dallas, TX • On-site

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

Position Summary:

Spectral AI, Inc. (Spectral) is seeking a software engineer to join our growing design and development team. The position is based in Dallas, Texas, with hybrid work flexibility in accordance with the Spectral Employee Handbook guidelines. This position will assist in the integration of computer vision algorithms into our Windows-based DeepView AI software. This role focuses on bridging advanced GPU-based reconstruction and segmentation algorithms with a clinical production software system, ensuring performance, stability, and regulatory readiness.

The software engineer will work closely with Data Science, Algorithm, and UI/UX teams to integrate 2D/3D segmentation, point cloud reconstruction, mesh generation, and visualization into a cohesive, multi-threaded GPU-accelerated workflow.

Key Responsibilities:

3D Reconstruction & Visualization Integration

  • Point cloud reconstruction pipelines
  • Mesh generation and texturing workflows
  • OpenGL-based visualization components

Windows Software & C# Integration

  • Integrate GPU-accelerated algorithms into an existing Windows OS–based C# application
  • Coordinate C# application logic with native GPU components (CUDA / TensorRT / OpenGL / Open3D)
  • Support MVVM-based architecture, async workflows, and UI responsiveness

GPU & Multi-Threaded System Design

  • Work with multi-threaded execution models:
  • Background CPU threads for capture, processing, and data management
  • GPU streams for segmentation, reconstruction, and visualization
  • Handle GPU initialization, warm-up, memory allocation, synchronization, and data transfer
  • Coordinate CUDA ↔ OpenGL interoperability for real-time visualization

Required Qualifications

  • Solid understanding of 3D math (matrices, vectors, quaternions, transformations), Graphics pipelines, GPU architecture
  • Hands-on experience with one or more graphics APIs: OpenGL, Direct3D, Vulkan or Metal
  • Experience integrating OpenGL/Vulkan with C# via OpenTK, Silk.NET, SharpGL, or custom interop
  • Understanding of: OpenGL context creation and lifecycle and WGL / platform-specific context management
  • Familiarity C#/.NET/C++, shader languages (HLSL, GLSL) in complex Windows desktop applications
  • Experience with multi-threaded programming and async execution models
  • Experience with 3D point clouds, meshes, and visualization
  • Familiarity with ray tracing or projection of 2D masks into 3D space
  • Understanding of mesh texturing, smoothing, and artifact handling is a plus

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience in medical device software development
  • Familiarity with regulated software environments (FDA, IEC 62304, ISO 13485)
  • Solid understanding of medical imaging or computational geometry pipelines
  • Experience working alongside Data Science / Algorithm teams
  • Familiarity with CUDA and Open3D
  • Experience handling GPU memory transfer, synchronization, and performance optimization
  • Exposure to Qt/C++ or cross-platform UI frameworks (future platform migration is a plus)
  • Background in computer vision, photogrammetry, or 3D reconstruction

Required Education and Experience:

  • Bachelor’s degree or above in Computer Science, software engineering, Electrical/Computer Engineering, or a related field.
  • 3–5 years of proven experience working with 3D graphics, computational geometry, or imaging pipelines involving point clouds, meshes, or segmentation workflows
  • Demonstrated proficiency in technical writing, producing accurate, comprehensive, and well-structured documentation for software.

Soft Skills

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
  • Detail-oriented, strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to prepare quality software documentation suitable for regulatory review.
  • Ability to collaborate across functional teams such as engineering, QA/RA, hardware, and clinical teams.
  • Comfortable managing multiple concurrent security tasks.

Physical Requirements:

  • Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

Off-hours support:

Occasional support during off-hours for security events or release deadlines.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Spectral AI, Inc. is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, disability, gender identity, results of genetic testing, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.