Photoshop Software Development Engineer - C++/GPU imaging

Adobe; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 170,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

Adobe in San Jose is seeking a senior C++ engineer to modernize Photoshop's core architecture, optimize image compositing, and enable GPU-accelerated features that deliver a faster, more capable user experience for millions of creative professionals. You will profile, tune, and implement architectural improvements, work with cross‑functional teams, and contribute to AI‑driven development practices.

A strong background in C++, image processing, and rendering is required; game engine experience is

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or equivalent
• 5+ years of C++ application development
• Experience with image processing and rendering
• Experience with desktop profiling tools
• Hands-on knowledge of Adobe products preferred
• Game engine experience is a plus

Responsibilities

• Build and improve image compositing and display systems in C++ to expand Photoshop performance
• Profile and optimize C++ code for performance
• Plan and deliver architectural improvements for users
• Collaborate with technology and platform teams
• Write and review engineering documents and design specs
• Expand automated quality and performance testing and drive test plans
• Adopt, advocate for, and expand the application of AI tooling in daily development practices

Skills

C++ development

Image processing

Rendering systems

Desktop profiling tools

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or equivalent

Tools

Profiling tools

Game engines

Job description

The Opportunity

Millions of creative professionals depend on Photoshop every day, and we're in the middle of a generational shift in its core architecture. This is a chance to do deep, technically rewarding work with brilliant people. It's work that your teammates and customers will both use and feel.

• Modernize the architecture behind Photoshop's performance, enabling a better user experience and stronger capabilities
• Build out next-generation GPU-accelerated features and modernize existing features
• Collaborate with internal and external partners at the forefront of technology to bring the full power of modern hardware to Photoshop
• Shape architectural and product design decisions across teams to deliver a fast, high-quality product that customers love!

What You'll Do

• Build and improve image compositing and display systems in C++ to expand Photoshop performance and capabilities
• Profile and optimize C++ code to ensure optimal performance
• Plan and deliver architectural improvements that help our users
• Collaborate with technology and platform teams
• Write and review engineering documents and design specs
• Ensure quality in all phases of development, which includes expanding automated quality and performance testing and driving test plans
• Adopt, advocate for, and expand the application of AI tooling in daily development practices

Who you are

• A clear communicator who adapts to different audiences
• A pragmatist who cuts through complexity and moves toward solutions
• A humble teammate who leaves ego at the door and makes the right call for the customer and the team
• An innovator who embraces new approaches and adapts quickly to changing circumstances

What You Need To Succeed

• A bachelor's degree in Computer Science or equivalent experience
• 5+ years developing advanced C++ applications
• An understanding of image processing and rendering systems
• Experience with desktop profiling tools
• Ability to understand and articulate the impact of your work on usersHands‑on knowledge of Adobe products is desired
• Game engine experience is a plus

About Adobe

Adobe empowers everyone to create through innovative platforms and tools that unleash creativity, productivity and personalized customer experiences. Adobe’s industry-leading offerings including Adobe Acrobat Studio, Adobe Express, Adobe Firefly, Creative Cloud, Adobe Experience Platform, Adobe Experience Manager, and GenStudio enable people and businesses to turn ideas into impact, powered by AI and driven by human ingenuity.

Our 30,000+ employees worldwide are creating the future and raising the bar as we drive the next decade of growth. We’re on a mission to hire the very best and believe in creating a company culture where all employees are empowered to make an impact. At Adobe, we believe that great ideas can come from anywhere in the organization. The next big idea could be yours.

Let’s Adobe together

At Adobe, we believe in creating a company culture where all employees are empowered to make an impact. Learn more about Adobe life, including our values and culture, focus on people, purpose and community, Adobe for All, comprehensive benefits programs, the stories we tell, the customers we serve, and how you can help us advance our mission of empowering everyone to create.

Adobe is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on gender, race or color, ethnicity or national origin, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. Learn more.

Adobe aims to make our Careers website and recruiting process accessible to any and all users. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation to navigate our website or complete the application process, email [e-mail].

AI Use Guidelines for Interviews:

Our interviews are designed to reflect your own skills and thinking. The use of AI or recording tools during live interviews is not permitted unless explicitly invited by the interviewer or approved in advance as part of a reasonable accommodation. If these tools are used inappropriately or in a way that misrepresents your work, your application may not move forward in the process.

At Adobe, we empower employees to innovate with AI — and we look for candidates eager to do the same. As part of the hiring experience, we provide clear guidance on where AI is encouraged during the process and where it’s restricted during live interviews. See how we think about AI in the hiring experience.

Expected Pay Range:

Our compensation reflects the cost of labor across several U.S. geographic markets, and we pay differently based on those defined markets. The U.S. pay range for this positionis $139,000 -- $257,550 annually. Paywithin this range varies by work locationand may also depend on job-related knowledge, skills,and experience. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for the job location during the hiring process.

In California, the pay range for this position is $177,900 - $257,550 In New York, the pay range for this position is $177,900 - $257,550 In Washington, the pay range for this position is $161,700 - $234,150

At Adobe, for sales roles starting salaries are expressed as total target compensation (TTC = base + commission), and short-term incentives are in the form of sales commission plans. Non‑sales roles starting salaries are expressed as base salary and short-term incentives are in the form of the Annual Incentive Plan (AIP).

In addition, certain roles may be eligible for long‑term incentives in the form of a new hire equity award.

State‑Specific Notices:

California:

Adobe will consider qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records for employment in accordance with state and local laws and “fair chance” ordinances.

Fair Chance Ordinances

Adobe will consider qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records for employment in accordance with state and local laws and “fair chance” ordinances.

Colorado:

Application Window Notice: If this role is open to hiring in Colorado (as listed on the job posting), the application window will remain open until at least the date and time stated above in Pacific Time, in compliance with Colorado pay transparency regulations. If this role does not have Colorado listed as a hiring location, no specific application window applies, and the posting may close at any time based on hiring needs.

Massachusetts:

Massachusetts Legal Notice: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.