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Vulkan Programmer Jobs in Massachusetts (NOW HIRING)

Vulkan Programmer information

What is a Vulkan programmer?

Vulkan Programmers are software developers who specialize in using the Vulkan graphics and compute API to create high-performance graphics applications, such as video games, simulations, and visualization tools. They are skilled in low-level programming, optimizing rendering pipelines, and managing resources for efficient GPU usage. Vulkan Programmers often work closely with game engines or custom graphics frameworks to achieve advanced visual effects and real-time performance. Their expertise is crucial for applications that require cross-platform compatibility and maximum control over graphics hardware.

What are some common challenges Vulkan programmers face when integrating Vulkan into existing projects?

Vulkan Programmers often encounter challenges such as managing the explicit nature of Vulkan’s API, which requires detailed handling of memory management and synchronization. Integrating Vulkan into legacy codebases can reveal compatibility issues and a steep learning curve, particularly when transitioning from more abstract graphics APIs like OpenGL or DirectX. Additionally, debugging and performance optimization can be more complex due to Vulkan’s low-level access to hardware, requiring robust tooling and a deep understanding of graphics pipelines. Collaborating closely with other developers and technical artists is essential to ensure seamless integration and optimal performance.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Vulkan programmer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Vulkan Programmer, you need a solid understanding of computer graphics, C/C++ programming, and low-level GPU architecture, often supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with the Vulkan API, graphics debugging tools like RenderDoc, and shader languages such as GLSL or HLSL is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective collaboration skills help set candidates apart in this role. These skills ensure efficient development of high-performance graphics applications and successful teamwork in demanding technical environments.

What cities in Massachusetts are hiring for Vulkan Programmer jobs?

Cities in Massachusetts with the most Vulkan Programmer job openings:

GPU HW Research Engineer (San Diego/Boxborough)

Boxborough, MA • On-site

Qualcomm
Technology, Communication and Media • 10K+ employees

$161K - $242K/yr

Other

Re-posted 26 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Collaborate with other GPU architects to design new hardware features and enhance existing GPU architectures for accelerating GPGPU, ML, and AI workloads.

  • Develop architectural solutions for diverse platforms, including mobile, WoS, and data center GPUs.

  • Work closely with software teams, hardware design teams, standardization bodies, and internal/external partners to deliver cutting‑edge solutions.


Qualcomm rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

48th of 247 rated software companies


Job description

Company

Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.

Job Area

Engineering Group > GPU ASICS Engineering

General Summary

Qualcomm’s GPU Research Team is seeking innovative GPU architects to advance state‑of‑the‑art capabilities in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and General‑Purpose GPU (GPGPU) computing. This is a unique opportunity to design next‑generation GPU architectures that power everything from mobile devices to Windows on Snapdragon (WoS) compute platforms and large‑scale data center GPUs.

What You’ll Do
  • Collaborate with other GPU architects to design new hardware features and enhance existing GPU architectures for accelerating GPGPU, ML, and AI workloads.
  • Develop architectural solutions for diverse platforms, including mobile, WoS, and data center GPUs.
  • Work closely with software teams, hardware design teams, standardization bodies, and internal/external partners to deliver cutting‑edge solutions.
  • Participate in open‑source GPGPU/ML/AI projects and contribute to industry‑leading initiatives.
  • Influence the evolution of GPU capabilities for advanced use cases such as large language models (LLMs) and large vision models (LVMs).
Required Skills
  • Strong understanding of GPU architectures, programming models, and application domains.
  • Proficiency with APIs such as OpenCL, CUDA, Vulkan, or Direct3D 12.
  • Experience with hardware design flow and basic knowledge of Verilog (or VHDL).
  • Exposure to hardware simulation/emulation tools and waveform analysis.
  • Basic understanding of GPU memory and cache design hierarchy.
  • Solid programming skills in C/C++.
  • Familiarity with Python is a strong plus.
Preferred Skills
  • Hands‑on experience in development, debugging, and optimization of CUDA and OpenCL kernels, as well as GPU compute shaders.
  • Deep understanding of quantization techniques and data types for large language models (LLMs) and large vision models (LVMs).
  • Experience designing GPU hardware features for ML/AI acceleration.
  • Experience with open‑source projects such as llama.cpp, vLLM, or similar frameworks is a big plus.
Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field and 4+ years of Software Engineering, Hardware Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related work experience.
  • Master’s degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field and 3+ years of Software Engineering, Hardware Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related work experience.
  • PhD in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field and 2+ years of Software Engineering, Hardware Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related work experience.
Pay Range

$161,800.00 - $242,600.00

EEO Statement

Qualcomm is an equal opportunity employer. If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation during the application/hiring process, Qualcomm is committed to providing an accessible process. Qualcomm is also committed to making our workplace accessible for individuals with disabilities. Qualcomm is an equal opportunity employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or any other protected classification.

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What Qualcomm employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


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About Qualcomm

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Qualcomm is enabling a world where everyone and everything can be intelligently connected. You interact with products and technologies made possible by Qualcomm every day, including 5G-enabled smartphones that double as pro-level cameras and gaming devices, smarter vehicles and cities, and the technology behind the smart, connected factories that manufactured your latest purchase. Our powerful connectivity solutions keep you connected—even in remote areas. Qualcomm 5G and AI innovations are the power behind the connected intelligent edge. You’ll find our technologies behind and inside the innovations that deliver significant value across multiple industries and to billions of people every day.

Industry

Technology, communication and media

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

San Diego, CA, US

Year founded

1985