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Vulkan Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Qualcomm

GPU Systems Driver Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

As a member of team, you will develop Vulkan/D3D12 driver for prototyping, exploration, and verification of next generation GPU. you will work closely with architect, system, hardware, verification ...

Lancesoft

Engineer, Senior|12519

San Diego, CA · On-site

$110K - $152K/yr

If the candidate does not have these required skills, they will be rejected completely) 1. Vulkan Graphics Programming - Strong experience with Vulkan render pipelines, compute shaders ...

Nvidia

Software Engineer, Linux Graphics

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$164K - $203K/yr

This position involves architecture and development of new features to support Wayland, Vulkan and OpenGL software for our GPUs, as well as enhancements and maintenance of existing features ...

Figure

Sr/Staff Graphics Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$164K - $202K/yr

... Vulkan and OpenGL ES rendering pipelines to achieve smooth, high-framerate output. • Collaborate closely with the Design team and Head of HMI to implement and iterate on UI/UX designs, ensuring ...

Bolt Graphics

GPU Standards Developer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$175K - $250K/yr

Deep understanding of modern GPU APIs such as Vulkan, Metal, DirectX, CUDA, and SYCL * Extensive experience developing GPU graphics and compute applications and writing graphics and compute shaders

Bolt Graphics

GPU Standards Development Lead

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$175K - $250K/yr

Lead the development of a high-performance host-side driver stack layering industry standard graphics and compute APIs such as Vulkan, OpenGL, OpenCL, & SYCL on top of our proprietary API for our ...

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Vulkan information

See California salary details

$51.8K

$140.1K

$177.1K

How much do vulkan jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for vulkan in California is $140,082.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $120,400.00 and $164,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Vulkan position, and why are they important?

To excel in a Vulkan role, you need a strong background in computer graphics programming, C/C++ development, and a deep understanding of 3D rendering pipelines, typically with a degree in computer science or engineering. Experience with the Vulkan graphics API, shader programming (GLSL or SPIR-V), and knowledge of GPU architectures are also important, with certifications in graphics programming considered a plus. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate in multidisciplinary teams are essential soft skills. These competencies ensure the efficient development of high-performance graphics applications and smooth collaboration within technical project teams.

What types of projects do professionals working with Vulkan typically work on?

Professionals skilled in Vulkan often contribute to a variety of projects, such as real-time 3D engines, gaming applications, simulation software, and high-performance visualization tools. They collaborate closely with game designers, graphics artists, and other developers to implement cutting-edge visual effects and optimize rendering efficiency. The role may also involve troubleshooting complex graphical issues and keeping up with advances in GPU technology. These projects are generally fast-paced and require a balance of technical expertise and creative problem-solving, making the work both challenging and rewarding with strong opportunities for growth.

What is a Vulkan?

A Vulkan job typically refers to a position involving the Vulkan graphics and compute API, which is used for high-performance 3D rendering and GPU computation. Professionals in this field often work as graphics programmers, game developers, or software engineers specializing in GPU optimization. They develop or optimize graphics applications, such as video games, simulations, and professional visualization tools, using Vulkan. Knowledge of C++, GPU architectures, and shader programming is usually required.

What are the most commonly searched types of Vulkan jobs in California? The most popular types of Vulkan jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Vulkan jobs in California? For Vulkan jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Vulkan jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Vulkan jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Vulkan jobs? Cities in California with the most Vulkan job openings:
Vulkan jobs near you
Infographic showing various Vulkan job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 96% In-person, and 4% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $140,082 per year, or $67.3 per hour.

Senior System Software Engineer, Vulkan Performance

Nvidia Corporation

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

$143K - $189K/yr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago

Nvidia rating

9.6

Company rating: 9.6 out of 10

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

8th of 242 rated software companies

Job description

As a Vulkan Performance driver engineer, you will have a hand in everything from the game engine down to bare metal! You will be part of a team whose mission it is to achieve the best possible performance, power-efficiency, and latency for the latest games and creative applications. You'll work with some of the brightest minds in the field of computer graphics and high-performance processor design.
What you will be doing:
  • Diagnosing GPU and CPU performance bottlenecks in Vulkan and Proton titles.
  • Identifying changes to API usage to improve performance and communicating via appropriate channels with third-party developers.
  • Implementing driver performance improvements and resolving driver defects.
  • Collaborating with engineers on the team and across NVIDIA.
  • Developing a driver that leads the industry in quality and performance.

What we need to see:
  • Hold a B.S. or higher degree in Computer Science/Engineering or similar field or equivalent experience
  • 5+ years of experience (or equivalent) in graphics software, system programming, or related field.
  • An understanding of graphics fundamentals, experience with operating systems and a solid understanding of computer architecture is required
  • Comfortable with Vulkan, OpenGL or DirectX
  • Strong programming skills in C and C++, familiarity with assembly code
  • Experience in developing highly optimized code

Ways to stand out from the crowd:
  • Strong interest and background in 3D graphics
  • Working experience inside operating system kernels and device drivers
  • Ability to think creatively to debug and solve complex, hard to reproduce problems
  • A strong standout colleague; self-motivated with strong interpersonal skills
  • Ability and flexibility to work and communicate effectively in a multinational, multi-time zone corporate environment

With competitive salaries and a generous benefits package, NVIDIA is widely considered to be one of the technology world's most desirable employers. We have some of the most forward-thinking and talented people in the world working for us and, due to unprecedented growth, our elite engineering teams are rapidly growing. If you're a creative and autonomous engineer with a real passion for technology, we want to hear from you.
Your base salary will be determined based on your location, experience, and the pay of employees in similar positions. The base salary range is 152,000 USD - 241,500 USD for Level 3, and 184,000 USD - 287,500 USD for Level 4.
You will also be eligible for equity and benefits.
Applications for this job will be accepted at least until July 31, 2026.
This posting is for an existing vacancy.
NVIDIA uses AI tools in its recruiting processes.
NVIDIA is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment and proud to be an equal opportunity employer. As we highly value diversity in our current and future employees, we do not discriminate (including in our hiring and promotion practices) on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or any other characteristic protected by law.

What Nvidia employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

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About Nvidia

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

NVIDIA has been transforming computer graphics, PC gaming, and accelerated computing for more than 25 years. It's a unique legacy of innovation that's fueled by great technology--and amazing people. Today, we're tapping into the unlimited potential of AI to define the next era of computing. An era in which our GPU acts as the brains of computers, robots, and self-driving cars that can understand the world. Doing what's never been done before takes vision, innovation, and the world's best talent.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Santa Clara, CA, US

Year founded

1993

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