ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Shader Programming Jobs in Novato, CA (NOW HIRING)

HP IQ

Senior Digital Product Designer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$170K - $250K/yr

We value collaboration across disciplines-from software engineering to hardware design-and we're ... Advanced understanding of motion graphics, animation principles, and shader design * Experience ...

Figma

Software Engineer - Graphics & Media

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$164K - $203K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

HP IQ

Senior Digital Product Designer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$170K - $250K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

We're assembling a diverse, world-class team-engineers, designers, researchers, and product minds ... Advanced understanding of motion graphics, animation principles, and shader design * Experience ...

previous page

Showing results 21-24

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 Aug 18, 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?

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 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 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 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 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% Internship, 68% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 5% Temporary, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 79% In-person, and 21% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,997 per year, or $26 per hour.

Senior Digital Product Designer

HP IQ

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$170K - $250K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

About The Role

The IQ Design team is dedicated to creating simple, delightful, and transformative user experiences. We're passionate about developing innovative yet familiar interfaces that feel like natural extensions of the human experience. We value collaboration across disciplines-from software engineering to hardware design-and we're excited to work with designers who see technology as a tool to help people tackle real-world problems.

As a Senior Digital Product Designer, you'll imagine, design, prototype, and ship compelling new AI experiences. The ideal candidate brings intense curiosity, a dedication to craft, a willingness to learn, and an openness to sharing and evolving ideas. You love experimenting, engaging deeply in the design process, and iterating continuously on concepts until they feel "just right" (and even then, you keep exploring ways to improve). At HP IQ, you'll have the opportunity to develop features and products that people love using every day.

What You Might Do

  • Explore, design, and ship new experiences powered by AI
  • Collaborate with fellow designers and engineers to refine and improve existing experiences
  • Work closely with cross-functional teams (AI/ML, hardware, software, web, etc.)
  • Invent and prototype innovative methods of human-computer interaction
  • Contribute directly to the evolution of future products

Essential Qualifications

  • 7+ years of experience designing, prototyping, and shipping digital products
  • Fluency in digital product design tools (e.g., Figma, Sketch)
  • Experience prototyping with tools such as Figma, Origami, ProtoPie, or Play
  • Excellent communication and storytelling skills
  • Strong foundation in user-centered design principles, visual design, and typography
  • Comfortable working with ambiguity and exploring undefined spaces

Preferred Skills

  • Strong familiarity with modern mobile, desktop, and web platforms and their interaction patterns
  • Deep experience creating high-fidelity prototypes with tools like Origami Studio, SwiftUI, or web technologies (WebGL, React, JavaScript)
  • Advanced understanding of motion graphics, animation principles, and shader design
  • Experience building design systems, reusable components, iconography, and typographic systems
  • Hands-on experimentation with AI technologies such as LLMs, Stable Diffusion, Midjourney, or ComfyUI
  • Experience designing conversational or agentic software experiences
  • Interest or experience in  tinkering, physical prototyping, interactive objects, or bridging digital and physical experiences

We request that you submit a presentation (Keynote, PDF, or Figma preferred) featuring 1-2 examples of your work, along with any passion projects that you feel represent you as a designer. We'd love to understand how you approach product design decisions - from crafting the overall experience and aesthetics to navigating trade-offs on the path to shipping.

Salary: $170,000- $250,000

Apply