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Unreal Gigs

Graphics Programmer (The Visual Maestro)

Unreal Gigs, San Francisco, CA, United States

Are you driven by the challenge of creating stunning, high-performance graphics that enhance user experiences? Do you excel at building the visual elements that make games, simulations, and applications not only functional but beautiful? If you're ready to push the boundaries of what's visually possible, our client has the perfect role for you. We're looking for a Graphics Programmer (aka The Visual Maestro) to develop and optimize graphics systems that bring ideas to life through breathtaking visuals and seamless interactions.

As a Graphics Programmer at our client, you'll collaborate with artists, game designers, and engineers to create custom shaders, rendering techniques, and graphical effects that set the bar for visual quality and performance. Your expertise in real-time rendering, optimization, and shader programming will play a key role in delivering visually compelling applications across platforms.

Key Responsibilities:

  1. Develop and Optimize Rendering Systems:
  • Design and implement advanced rendering systems that enable realistic lighting, shading, and visual effects. You'll work with engines like Unity or Unreal, focusing on maximizing visual quality without sacrificing performance.
  • Create and Fine-Tune Shaders and Materials:
    • Develop shaders for various effects, including water, fire, glass, and other dynamic visuals. You'll use GLSL, HLSL, or similar languages to create realistic materials and custom effects.
  • Enhance Graphics Performance and Optimize for Frame Rate:
    • Identify performance bottlenecks, optimize rendering pipelines, and ensure high frame rates on diverse hardware. You'll optimize for mobile, PC, and console platforms, tailoring visuals for smooth, responsive performance.
  • Implement Lighting and Shadowing Techniques:
    • Design lighting models, shadow algorithms, and other techniques to enhance depth and realism. You'll work with techniques like PBR (Physically Based Rendering) and ray tracing to create immersive visual environments.
  • Collaborate with Artists and Designers on Visual Goals:
    • Work closely with art and design teams to understand the creative vision, and translate it into technical solutions. You'll make adjustments to achieve the desired look and feel while maintaining performance.
  • Integrate Graphics with Gameplay and Physics Systems:
    • Ensure that graphics integrate seamlessly with gameplay, physics, and UI systems. You'll synchronize visual elements with user actions and in-game events to create an immersive experience.
  • Stay Updated on Graphics Technology and Techniques:
    • Continuously research new rendering techniques, tools, and graphics hardware. You'll bring fresh ideas to the team, incorporating emerging graphics trends into your work.
    Requirements

    Required Skills:
    • Expertise in Shader Programming: Proficiency with shader languages like GLSL, HLSL, or ShaderLab for developing custom visual effects.
    • Real-Time Rendering Knowledge: Strong understanding of real-time rendering pipelines, lighting models, and visual effects optimization.
    • Programming Skills in C++ and GPU Programming: Proficiency in C++ and experience with GPU programming APIs such as OpenGL, DirectX, or Vulkan.
    • Graphics Engine Experience: Familiarity with graphics engines like Unity, Unreal Engine, or custom engines for real-time applications.
    • Problem-Solving and Optimization Skills: Ability to identify graphics performance issues and implement solutions that maintain quality and efficiency.
    Educational Requirements:
    • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Graphics Programming, Game Development, or a related field. Equivalent experience in graphics programming may be considered.
    • Specialized coursework or certifications in graphics programming, shader development, or rendering techniques are advantageous.
    Experience Requirements:
    • 3+ years of experience in graphics programming, with a focus on games, simulations, or real-time applications.
    • Experience with platform-specific optimization for PC, mobile, or console is beneficial.
    • Familiarity with PBR, ray tracing, or post-processing effects is a plus.
    Benefits
    • Health and Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans with low co-pays and premiums.
    • Paid Time Off: Competitive vacation, sick leave, and 20 paid holidays per year.
    • Work-Life Balance: Flexible work schedules and telecommuting options.
    • Professional Development: Opportunities for training, certification reimbursement, and career advancement programs.
    • Wellness Programs: Access to wellness programs, including gym memberships, health screenings, and mental health resources.
    • Life and Disability Insurance: Life insurance and short-term/long-term disability coverage.
    • Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential counseling and support services for personal and professional challenges.
    • Tuition Reimbursement: Financial assistance for continuing education and professional development.
    • Community Engagement: Opportunities to participate in community service and volunteer activities.
    • Recognition Programs: Employee recognition programs to celebrate achievements and milestones.