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Shader Programming Jobs in Novato, CA (NOW HIRING)

Navier AI

Full Stack Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Knowledge of WebGL or shader programming (GLSL, WGSL) * Experience integrating ML model inference into production apps * Familiarity with containerization (Docker) and cloud deployment (AWS, GCP, or ...

Navier AI

Full Stack Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Knowledge of WebGL or shader programming (GLSL, WGSL) * Experience integrating ML model inference into production apps * Familiarity with containerization (Docker) and cloud deployment (AWS, GCP, or ...

Parallelz

Principal Graphics Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site +1

$164K - $203K/yr

OpenGL ES, WebGL, WebGPU, Vulkan, Metal, or DirectX, including shader programming, GPU memory and pipeline optimization, and frame/latency budgeting. * Track record of owning complex, multi-component ...

Parallelz

Principal Graphics Engineer

San Francisco, CA · Remote

$143K - $177K/yr

OpenGL ES, WebGL, WebGPU, Vulkan, Metal, or DirectX, including shader programming, GPU memory and pipeline optimization, and frame/latency budgeting. * Track record of owning complex, multi-component ...

Parallelz

Principal Graphics Engineer

San Francisco, CA

$164K - $203K/yr

OpenGL ES, WebGL, WebGPU, Vulkan, Metal, or DirectX, including shader programming, GPU memory and pipeline optimization, and frame/latency budgeting. * Track record of owning complex, multi-component ...

Neuralink

UI Design Engineer

South San Francisco, CA

$125K - $167K/yr

We're looking for an experienced UI Design Engineer to conceptualize, prototype, and ship novel ... shader or a custom property animator, while maintaining an extremely high bar for fluidity and ...

Figma

Software Engineer, Graphics & Media

San Francisco, CA · On-site +1

$164K - $203K/yr

The Pixel Engine team is looking for engineers with domain expertise in Media processing and ... animation primitives, shader-based effects, and video and image import/export support. This ...

Neuralink

UI Design Engineer

South San Francisco, CA · On-site

$135K - $281K/yr

We're looking for an experienced UI Design Engineer to conceptualize, prototype, and ship novel ... shader or a custom property animator, while maintaining an extremely high bar for fluidity and ...

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All JobsShader Programming JobsShader Programming Jobs in Novato, CA

Shader Programming information

See Novato, CA salary details

$16.4K

$54K

$77.5K

How much do shader programming jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for shader programming in Novato, CA is $53,997.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,700.00 and $62,800.00 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 Novato, CA? For Shader Programming jobs in Novato, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Shader Programming jobs in Novato, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Shader Programming jobs in Novato, CA are:
What cities near Novato, CA are hiring for Shader Programming jobs? Cities near Novato, CA with the most Shader Programming job openings:
Shader Programming jobs near you
Infographic showing various Shader Programming job openings in Novato, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% Internship, 67% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 4% Temporary, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 83% In-person, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,997 per year, or $26 per hour.
GPU Programming Expert - Fully Remote | Upto $120/hr

GPU Programming Expert - Fully Remote | Upto $120/hr

Mercor

San Francisco, CA • Remote

$120/hr

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

About the job

Mercor connects elite creative and technical talent with leading AI research labs. Headquartered in San Francisco, our investors include Benchmark, General Catalyst, Peter Thiel, Adam D'Angelo, Larry Summers, and Jack Dorsey.

Position: CUDA Engineering Expert
Type: Contract
Compensation: $80–$120/hour
Location: Remote

Role Responsibilities

  • Analyze and optimize GPU kernels for performance, efficiency, and hardware utilization.
  • Use profiler metrics like L2 cache hit rate, L2 throughput, and occupancy to guide kernel improvements.
  • Review GPU kernel implementations to identify bottlenecks without needing extensive algorithmic background.
  • Write, modify, and reason about C++17, Python, and GPU programming code.
  • Apply CUDA, HIP, and shader programming expertise to improve performance outcomes.
  • Document optimization decisions clearly, noting when specific profiler metrics are useful.

Qualifications

Must-Have

  • Available to work at least 20 hrs/wk.
  • Fluent in core C++ features through C++17.
  • Working knowledge of Python and Git.
  • Fluent in at least one GPU programming model like CUDA, HIP, Slang, HLSL, or GLSL.
  • At least 1 year of professional or graduate-level research experience with GPUs.
  • Strong understanding of GPU profiler performance metrics for kernel optimization.
  • Ability to optimize GPU kernels without deep prior context on every algorithm.

Preferred

  • Experience with CUDA, HIP, CUDA C++ Core Libraries, inline PTX assembly, or tensor core-level optimization.
  • Experience optimizing kernels for NVIDIA Blackwell hardware.
  • Familiarity with NSight Compute.
  • Prior experience with GPU hardware organizations like NVIDIA, AMD, or Qualcomm.
  • Open-source contributions related to GPU kernel optimization.

Application Process (Takes 20–30 mins to complete)

  • Submit your resume or relevant technical background to get started.
  • Qualified applicants may be asked to complete a brief technical assessment or submit additional information.

Resources & Support

  • For details about the interview process and platform information, please check: https://talent.docs.mercor.com/welcome
  • For any help or support, reach out to: support@mercor.com

PS: Our team reviews applications daily. Please complete your AI interview and application steps to be considered for this opportunity.