The Principal Rendering Engineer will optimize rendering systems, develop graphics solutions, collaborate with technical artists, and create shaders to enhance visual quality for an open-world video game.
Summary:
We are seeking a Principal Rendering Engineer to drive the technical excellence of our rendering systems. Join our world-class team developing a cutting-edge open-world video game that pushes the boundaries of visual fidelity and gameplay immersion.
Core Responsibilities:
- Be responsible for optimizing and improving rendering infrastructure systems, including texture streaming, virtual texturing, GPU, and shader compilation.
- Collaborate with technical artists to establish a performant kit of materials and techniques to meet visual requirements.
- Develop scalable graphics solutions to maximize visual fidelity across a range of targets, from current-gen consoles to cutting-edge PCs and emerging hardware.
- Drive the development of tools associated with rendering features, ensuring they are user-friendly and meet the needs of our artists.
- Optimize our skin cache for GPU performance and memory to support rendering many characters on screen.
- Stay up-to-date on current techniques, research, graphics data, and hardware advancements to inform the development of forward-thinking rendering systems.
- Define and enforce technical specifications for asset and scene construction in collaboration with the art and design teams.
- Author new shaders and effects to enhance visual quality.
Core Qualifications:
- Strong proficiency in C++ and multi-threaded programming techniques.
- In-depth real-time rendering experience in the games industry or related computer graphics fields.
- Expertise in GPU architecture and performance characteristics, with extensive use of GPU profiling tools (e.g., PIX, Razor).
- Experience with Unreal Engine 4 or 5.
- Thorough knowledge and practical application of 3D math, rendering algorithms, and data structures.
- Deep knowledge of at least one graphics API (e.g., DirectX 11/12, OpenGL, Vulkan, Metal).
- Demonstrated skills in performance and memory optimization across various platforms.
- Experience shipping AAA video games.
- A proven track record of creating clean, efficient, and well-tested code.
Plus If...
- Experience with emerging rendering technologies, such as ray tracing or machine-learning-based graphics solutions.
- Contributions to published research or participation in industry conferences related to computer graphics.
- Familiarity with mGPU solutions and cutting-edge PC hardware optimization techniques.
Description
- Full-time job with benefits.
- Role is on-site in Santa Monica, CA.
The base pay range for this position is $170,000 to $230,000 per year. Actual compensation is based on market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. We also offer a competitive package of benefits including vacation time, sick time, company holidays, parental leave, medical/dental/vision insurance, life insurance, disability insurance, and 401(k) match to regular full-time employees. Certain roles may also be eligible for bonus and equity.
Absurd Ventures Santa Monica, California, USA Office
Santa Monica, California, United States
Similar Jobs
eCommerce • Gaming
As a Principal Software Engineer, you'll lead technical efforts, mentor teams, and develop gaming solutions within the Unreal Ecosystem, focusing on performance, tooling, and the delivery of engaging player experiences.
Top Skills:
C++Unreal Engine
Artificial Intelligence • Hardware • Information Technology • Security • Software • Cybersecurity • Big Data Analytics
The Engineering Process Administrator will oversee engineering and R&D processes related to security controls, documentation, and compliance while collaborating with various departments to maintain standards and reporting.
Top Skills:
Google ToolsMS OfficePdf Tools
Artificial Intelligence • Hardware • Information Technology • Security • Software • Cybersecurity • Big Data Analytics
The Senior System Test & Automation Engineer will design and implement tests for wireless communication systems, troubleshoot failures, and work with R&D teams to enhance production testing processes.
Top Skills:
C++Embedded FirmwareEmbedded LinuxPythonScriptingTcp/Ip Networking
What you need to know about the Los Angeles Tech Scene
Los Angeles is a global leader in entertainment, so it’s no surprise that many of the biggest players in streaming, digital media and game development call the city home. But the city boasts plenty of non-entertainment innovation as well, with tech companies spanning verticals like AI, fintech, e-commerce and biotech. With major universities like Caltech, UCLA, USC and the nearby UC Irvine, the city has a steady supply of top-flight tech and engineering talent — not counting the graduates flocking to Los Angeles from across the world to enjoy its beaches, culture and year-round temperate climate.
Key Facts About Los Angeles Tech
- Number of Tech Workers: 375,800; 5.5% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
- Major Tech Employers: Snap, Netflix, SpaceX, Disney, Google
- Key Industries: Artificial intelligence, adtech, media, software, game development
- Funding Landscape: $11.6 billion in venture capital funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
- Notable Investors: Strong Ventures, Fifth Wall, Upfront Ventures, Mucker Capital, Kittyhawk Ventures
- Research Centers and Universities: California Institute of Technology, UCLA, University of Southern California, UC Irvine, Pepperdine, California Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, Center for Quantum Science and Engineering
