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Vulkan Programmer Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Unitytech

Senior Software Engineer

Bellevue, WA · On-site +1

$146K - $219K/yr

We are looking for a Senior Software Engineer to join a new team delivering Unity platform support ... Familiarity with real time 3D rendering techniques and graphics APIs including WebGPU and/or Vulkan

Unity Enterprise

Senior Software Engineer

Bellevue, WA · On-site

$146K - $219K/yr

We are looking for a Senior Software Engineer to join a new team delivering Unity platform support ... and/or Vulkan * A methodical approach to researching and developing innovative optimization ...

Adobe

Photoshop Developer, GPU/Imaging

Seattle, WA

Experience with one or more graphics APIs, such as Metal, DirectX, Vulkan, or WebGPU * Experience ... built to grow engineers into this work, not just hire people who've already done it. Equal ...

Unity Technologies

Senior Software Engineer

Bellevue, WA · On-site

$146K - $219K/yr

We are looking for a Senior Software Engineer to join a new team delivering Unity platform support ... Familiarity with real time 3D rendering techniques and graphics APIs including WebGPU and/or Vulkan

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All JobsVulkan Programmer JobsVulkan Programmer Jobs in Seattle, WA

Vulkan Programmer information

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How much do vulkan programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for vulkan programmer in Seattle, WA is $59.49, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50.05 and $71.11 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 are popular job titles related to Vulkan Programmer jobs in Seattle, WA?

For Vulkan Programmer jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Vulkan Programmer jobs in Seattle, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Vulkan Programmer jobs in Seattle, WA are:

Vulkan Programmer jobs near you

Principal Game Engine Team Lead, Platform

Redmond, WA • On-site

Worldscape Technology Inc.
See more jobs at Worldscape Technology Inc.external

$160K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

Worldscape is a cutting-edge platform designed to unify distributed data, sensors, and intelligent agents across cloud, on-prem, and edge environments. By combining geospatial intelligence, physics-based 3D simulation, and reward-driven AI, Worldscape enables organizations to build immersive digital twins for predictive modeling, scenario planning, and adaptive decision-making. With a zero-trust security framework, seamless integration with legacy systems, and robust developer tools, Worldscape empowers rapid deployment of agentic applications that drive resilience and efficiency in sectors like logistics, telecom, defense, and infrastructure. 
Key Attributes:
  • Innovation Mindset: Passion for pushing the boundaries of real-time physics in interactive simulation. 
  • Leadership & Mentorship: Ability to guide developers, set technical direction for an area, and enforce best practices.
  • Problem-Solving: Creative and analytical approach to complex simulation challenges.
  • Communication: Clear articulation of technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders. 
Responsibilities:
  • Run a team that owns the physics architecture: Define data models, simulation loops, solver strategies, and integration points across engine and simulation systems.
  • Deliver core physics features: Collision detection (broad‑phase/narrow‑phase), entity controllers, vehicle dynamics with an emphasis on orbital mechanics, particles/fluid mechanics (with an emphasis on atmospheric dynamics).
  • Integrate with simulation logic (gameplay) & animation: Build physics‑driven interactions, authoring tools, and runtime hooks (e.g., inverse kinematics, state machines, event systems).
  • Performance ownership: Profile, optimize, and budget frame time and memory across platforms; lead multi-threading/Job System/SIMD efforts; evaluate GPU compute opportunities.
  • Stability & robustness: Establish test suites, golden scenarios, and verification and validation practices; reduce edge‑case instability (stacking, tunneling, jitter, constraint drift).
  • Tooling & workflow: Build/debug tools, visualizers, probes, and authoring pipelines that accelerate designer iteration and QA efficiency.
  • Cross‑functional leadership: Partner with back-end, AI, data pipeline, and platform teams; communicate constraints/trade‑offs; align milestones with production.
  • Mentorship & standards: Guide engineers via code reviews, design docs, and coding standards; cultivate a high bar for craft, documentation, and reproducibility.
  • Quality & live support: Own crash triage and regression control for physics; support content changes post‑launch without destabilizing the simulation.
  • Design, implement, and optimize real-time rendering pipelines (e.g., forward, deferred, ray tracing).
  • Develop and maintain shaders using HLSL, GLSL, ShaderLab, or Shader Graph.
  • Responsible for graphics API Integration work with low-level APIs like DirectX 11/12, Vulkan, Metal, or OpenGL ES.
  • Guide junior and mid-level engineers, conduct code reviews, and enforce best practices across studio teams.
  • Take responsibility for major subsystems (e.g., lighting, post-processing, material systems).
  • Work closely with artists, designers, and other engineers to align visual goals with technical feasibility.
  • Help technical artists create efficient content workflows and troubleshoot visual issues.
  • Translate deep technical topics into actionable insights for studio and platform teams and leadership. 
Professional Qualifications:
  • Education: BS/MS in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Physics, Mathematics (or equivalent practical experience).
  • Experience:10+ years in real‑time/game physics engineering; 2+ shipped titles with substantial physics ownership (AA/AAA preferred).
  • Programming: Expert C++ (modern standards), data‑oriented design, memory management, profiling/debugging (VTune, PIX, Nsight, RenderDoc, etc.).
  • Rigid‑body dynamics,collision detection (GJK, SAT, continuous collision detection/time of impact), integration schemes (semi‑implicit Euler, RK, constraint solvers).
  • Numerical stability, error control, and performance trade‑offs under real‑time constraints.
  • Engine Integration: Experience integrating physics with animation (animation blending, IK), gameplay systems, and rendering pipelines.
  • Performance: Multi-threading/job systems, SIMD/vectorization, cache‑friendly data structures, frame/memory budgeting across platforms.
  • Collaboration: Proven ability to lead cross‑disciplinary efforts and communicate complex technical topics clearly. 
Preferred Qualifications:
  • 15+ years’ experience in Modern Game Engines & Middleware: Unreal Engine (Chaos), Unity (DOTS/Physics), Havok, Bullet, PhysX; custom engine experience strongly preferred.
  • 10+ years’ experience in Advanced Simulation: Fracture systems, granular materials, vehicle tire models, buoyancy/aero effects; GPU compute (CUDA, compute shaders).
  • Experience with existing physics models and systems integration.
  • Networking: Deterministic simulation strategies, rollback/prediction, server authority models, cross‑platform latency mitigation.
  • Console/Platform: Shipping experience on Xbox, PlayStation, Switch, and PC; familiarity with platform TRCs/TCRs and performance certification.
  • Tooling & Scripting: Python/C#/Lua for tools and editor extensions; in‑engine visualization/debugging overlays.
  • Optimization Expertise: Broad‑phase structures (sweep-and-prune, BVH), island building, sleeping strategies, CCD tunneling avoidance; job scheduling and affinity tuning.
  • Content Pipelines: Collaboration with design/tech art to create authoring guidelines for physics assets; LOD strategies for physics complexity. 
Final compensation will be determined based on factors such as experience, skills, and qualifications. In addition to base salary, this role may be eligible for performance-based bonuses and equity awards. 
Why Worldscape? 
There is nothing more important to Worldscape than our culture. It is the fundamental means by which we will succeed as an organization. Talent, ability, drive, experience, knowledge cannot be maximized without first embracing the culture we espouse and will live every single day.  Worldscape offers great benefits, opportunities for continued growth, and the ability to directly affect change in our organization and be part of a high-growth startup at a pivotal stage. 

What we offer: 
- Competitive salary and meaningful equity 
- Attractive benefits package  
- Flexible time off policy 
- Medical, Dental and Vision insurance 
- HSA health insurance options 
- 401k plan 
- Basic and Voluntary Life Insurance
- Fast paced environment with flexibility and ownership
 
Worldscape is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, gender identity or expression, marital status, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, race, religion, pregnancy, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances.

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.