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Vulkan Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Sr/Staff Graphics Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$150K - $275K/yr

Implement and optimize 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 ...

Sr/Staff Graphics Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$150K - $275K/yr

Implement and optimize 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 ...

Sr Software Engineer

San Mateo, CA

$139K - $183K/yr

Experience with GPU programming (HLSL, Vulkan, CUDA) with proven skills in profiling, debugging, and optimizations across CPU and GPU. * AI/ML modeling and training experience * Embedded system ...

Neural Graphics Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$164K - $203K/yr

... Vulkan, OpenGL, DirectX), shader programming (Slang, HLSL, GLSL), or compiler development Company : NVIDIA is a computing platform company operating at the intersection of graphics, HPC, and AI.

Senior Tools Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$112K - $154K/yr

Deep knowledge of graphics programming, including shaders and graphics APIs (DirectX, OpenGL, Vulkan). * Solid mathematical skills, particularly in linear algebra and geometry. * Experience with ...

Showing results 21-40

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:
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.

Sr/Staff Graphics Engineer

Figure

San Jose, CA • On-site

$150K - $275K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

Figure is an AI robotics company developing autonomous general-purpose humanoid robots. The goal of the company is to ship humanoid robots with human level intelligence. Its robots are engineered to perform a variety of tasks in the home and commercial markets. Figure is headquartered in San Jose, CA.
We are looking for a Senior/Staff Graphics Software Engineer to join the Platform Software team and own the graphics stack powering our robot's displays. You will build the rendering engine and UI framework that brings Figure's humanoid to life - crafting fluid, expressive interfaces that make every human-robot interaction feel natural and engaging. You will work closely with the Head of HMI to translate creative vision into pixel-perfect, high-performance reality on embedded hardware.
Responsibilities:
  • Design, implement, and optimize the graphics rendering stack for robot head displays, from low-level GPU pipeline to high-level UI components.
  • Build and maintain Qt/QML-based applications targeting embedded Linux systems with strict CPU, GPU, and memory constraints.
  • Develop and tune shaders for real-time vector graphics, animations, and visual effects.
  • Implement and optimize 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 fidelity and responsiveness.
  • Profile and optimize rendering performance on resource-constrained embedded hardware, targeting consistent frame rates with minimal power draw.
  • Integrate graphics components into the broader Robot Platform software stack, working with middleware and embedded systems engineers.
  • Establish best practices for graphics development, testing, and CI integration within the platform team

Requirements:
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Computer Graphics, or a related field.
  • At least 7 years of industry experience in graphics or UI engineering.
  • Expert-level proficiency in Qt and QML, including custom rendering and performance optimization.
  • Deep hands-on experience with Vulkan and OpenGL ES - including shader authoring (GLSL/SPIR-V) and render pipeline design.
  • Strong experience with vector graphics rendering and animation..
  • Proven track record developing on embedded or resource-constrained systems (limited RAM, GPU, thermal envelope).
  • Solid C++ skills and familiarity with Linux userspace development.
  • Strong cross-functional communication skills - comfortable working directly with designers and translating visual specs into technical implementations.

Bonus Qualifications:
  • Hands-on experience with game engines such as Unreal Engine or Unity.
  • Experience with scene graph architectures or retained-mode rendering frameworks.
  • Experience with SVG or other vector graphics formats and their GPU-accelerated rendering.
  • Knowledge of display hardware interfaces (MIPI DSI, HDMI) and display driver integration on embedded Linux.
  • Experience with EGLFS/DRM/KMS display backends.
  • Background in HMI or human-robot interaction design.

The US base salary range for this full-time position is between $150,000 - $275,000 annually.
The pay offered for this position may vary based on several individual factors, including job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package may also include additional components/benefits depending on the specific role. This information will be shared if an employment offer is extended.