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Shader Programming Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

AGBO

Rendering Engineer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$136K - $168K/yr

... shader languages (HLSL, GLSL, or WGSL), with demonstrated ability to write high-performance ... technical concepts for non-engineering stakeholders in a fast-moving, creative production ...

AGBO

Rendering Engineer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

Proficiency in C++ and shader languages (HLSL, GLSL, or WGSL), with demonstrated ability to write ... non-engineering stakeholders in a fast-moving, creative production environment Additional ...

AGBO

Rendering Engineer

Raleigh, NC

Proficiency in C++ and shader languages (HLSL, GLSL, or WGSL), with demonstrated ability to write ... non-engineering stakeholders in a fast-moving, creative production environment Additional ...

AGBO Films LLC

Rendering Engineer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

Proficiency in C++ and shader languages (HLSL, GLSL, or WGSL), with demonstrated ability to write ... non-engineering stakeholders in a fast-moving, creative production environment Additional ...

Epic Games

Principal Environment Artist

Cary, NC · On-site

Working closely with Art Direction, Technical Art, Design, Engineering, and Production, you will ... Experience with procedural environment creation, advanced material systems, shader workflows ...

Epic Games

Principal Technical VFX Artist

Cary, NC · On-site

$117K - $140K/yr

Collaborate with Tech Art and Engineering to define performance budgets and hit them without ... Shader authoring experience (HLSL or Material Editor) * Scripting experience - Python, Blueprint ...

All JobsShader Programming JobsShader Programming Jobs in Raleigh, NC

Shader Programming information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$13.6K

$44.7K

$64.2K

How much do shader programming jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for shader programming in Raleigh, NC is $44,707.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,300.00 and $52,000.00 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 Raleigh, NC?

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

What job categories do people searching Shader Programming jobs in Raleigh, NC look for?

The top searched job categories for Shader Programming jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

Shader Programming jobs near you
Infographic showing various Shader Programming job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 81% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,707 per year, or $21.5 per hour.

Rendering Engineer

AGBO

Raleigh, NC • On-site

$136K - $168K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 4 hours ago

Job description

Job Summary:
AGBO is an artist-led independent studio shaping the future of film and television. They are seeking a Rendering Engineer to push the visual boundaries of real-time technology in interactive experiences, working alongside world-class creators to deliver cinematic visual fidelity across platforms.
Responsibilities:
• Architect and own the rendering pipeline for real-time interactive experiences, designing systems that deliver cinematic visual fidelity at performance targets across target platforms
• Research, prototype, and implement advanced rendering techniques — including global illumination, ray tracing, physically-based shading, post-processing, and VFX integration — translating cutting-edge academic and industry work into shippable features
• Collaborate closely with Art and Technical Art teams to define material workflows, lighting standards, and asset pipelines that maximize visual quality within hardware constraints
• Profile, debug, and optimize GPU and CPU rendering performance, identifying bottlenecks and driving solutions that maintain high frame rates without sacrificing visual quality
• Contribute to engine-level tooling and editor workflows, building or extending rendering tools that empower artists and designers to iterate faster and with greater creative freedom
• Partner with cross-functional leads in engineering, production, and creative to scope rendering features, communicate technical tradeoffs, and align on priorities across the project lifecycle
• Stay ahead of the curve by evaluating emerging APIs, hardware capabilities (e.g., DirectX 12 Ultimate, Vulkan, Metal), and platform-specific rendering features, advocating for their adoption where they serve project goals
• Perform all other duties as assigned
Qualifications:
Required:
• 5-8 years of professional experience in real-time rendering engineering within games, interactive entertainment, or a related field, with a strong portfolio of shipped titles or interactive experiences
• Deep expertise in graphics APIs (Vulkan, DirectX 12, Metal, or OpenGL) and a solid command of at least one major real-time engine such as Unreal Engine 5, including experience working at the engine/renderer level
• Proficiency in C++ and shader languages (HLSL, GLSL, or WGSL), with demonstrated ability to write high-performance, maintainable, production-grade rendering code
• Proven experience with advanced rendering techniques — physically-based rendering, deferred rendering, temporal anti-aliasing, screen-space effects, and/or ray tracing — and the ability to architect these systems from the ground up
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with a track record of working effectively in multidisciplinary teams and translating complex technical concepts for non-engineering stakeholders in a fast-moving, creative production environment
• Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.
Company:
AGBO creates intellectual property universes spanning film, TV, audio, and interactive experiences. Founded in 2017, the company is headquartered in Los Angeles, USA, with a team of 11-50 employees. The company is currently Early Stage.
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About AGBO

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Arts, entertainment, and recreation

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Los Angeles, CA, US

Year founded

2020

Social media

Twitter

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