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Assistant Camera Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Qualcomm

Camera DE Lead Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$108K - $143K/yr

As a Qualcomm Camera Engineer you will work on ideas that touch our daily life - creating everlasting connected memories and assist in building innovative devices through human and computer vision ...

Teledyne FLIR LLC

Camera Test Technician

Goleta, CA · On-site

$39K - $52K/yr

Job Summary: Camera Test Technician: Utilizes production tooling, computers, and specialized ... Analytical Problem-Solving skills required to assist with test failure analysis and troubleshoot ...

Teledyne

Camera Test Technician

Goleta, CA

$39K - $52K/yr

Job Summary: Camera Test Technician: Utilizes production tooling, computers, and specialized ... Analytical Problem-Solving skills required to assist with test failure analysis and troubleshoot ...

Lockheed Martin

Infrared Camera Systems Engineer

Goleta, CA · On-site

$139K - $145K/yr

... Assist senior engineers in planning, monitoring task progress, tracking schedules, budgets and ... generation IR camera products. Why Join Us Do you want to be part of a company culture that ...

Rylo

Senior Camera Image Quality Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$104K - $141K/yr

Rylo is a powerful camera that captures everything around you and creates exceptionally smooth ... These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions ...

Rylo

Senior Camera Image Quality Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$104K - $141K/yr

Rylo is a powerful camera that captures everything around you and creates exceptionally smooth ... These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions ...

Gn

Senior Camera Design Engineer

San Jose, CA

$120K - $190K/yr

The Jabra team in Cupertino is seeking a Senior Camera Design Engineer. This position will be a key ... Our integrated headset and communications solutions assist professionals in all types of businesses ...

GN Group

Senior Camera Design Engineer

San Jose, CA

$120K - $190K/yr

The Jabra team in Cupertino is seeking a Senior Camera Design Engineer. This position will be a key ... Our integrated headset and communications solutions assist professionals in all types of businesses ...

Jabra

Senior Camera Design Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$120K - $190K/yr

The Jabra team in Cupertino is seeking a Senior Camera Design Engineer. This position will be a key ... Our integrated headset and communications solutions assist professionals in all types of businesses ...

Sinclair Broadcast Group

PBTV Tech Assistant

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$41K - $42K/yr

You will assist with client tech support, daily inventory management, cleaning, and maintaining ... Build camera systems and camera chains, handheld camera systems, camera jib rig and jib camera ...

Digital Remedy

PBTV Tech Assistant

Santa Monica, CA

$42K - $49K/yr

You will assist with client tech support, daily inventory management, cleaning, and maintaining ... Build camera systems and camera chains, handheld camera systems, camera jib rig and jib camera ...

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All JobsCamera JobsAssistant Camera JobsAssistant Camera Jobs in California

Assistant Camera information

See California salary details

$7

$17

$38

How much do assistant camera jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for assistant camera in California is $17.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $9.89 and $19.54 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

High-paying jobs that can pay around $2,000 a day often include specialized roles such as senior-level consultants, surgeons, or experienced film industry professionals like assistant camera operators working on major productions. These roles typically require advanced skills, significant experience, and sometimes certifications or licensing. Compensation varies based on industry, location, and project scope.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Assistant Camera, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Assistant Camera, you need a solid understanding of camera systems, focus pulling, and lens management, often supported by on-set experience or formal film education. Familiarity with industry-standard cameras such as ARRI, RED, and Sony, as well as accessories like wireless follow focus systems, is typically required. Attention to detail, strong communication, and efficient teamwork are crucial soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure smooth technical operations and seamless collaboration, which are vital for maintaining production quality and meeting tight shooting schedules.

What does a camera assistant do?

A camera assistant supports the camera department by setting up and maintaining equipment, pulling focus, and managing camera accessories during filming. They ensure the camera operates smoothly and may handle tasks like loading film or digital media and maintaining camera reports. Strong technical skills and knowledge of camera gear are essential for this role.

What are the primary responsibilities of an Assistant Camera on set, and how do they typically collaborate with other crew members?

As an Assistant Camera (AC), your main tasks include maintaining and organizing camera equipment, pulling focus, marking actors’ positions, and ensuring the camera remains clean and functional. You’ll work closely with the Director of Photography (DP), camera operators, and other camera department members to achieve the visual goals of the production. Collaboration is key—ACs often coordinate with the lighting and grip teams to ensure smooth camera movement and optimal shot setup. This role is fast-paced and requires excellent attention to detail, as well as the ability to troubleshoot technical issues quickly during filming.

What jobs make $10,000 a month without a degree?

For an Assistant Camera or similar film production roles, earning $10,000 a month typically requires extensive experience, high-profile projects, or working in major markets. Most entry-level positions pay less, but specialized roles such as freelance cinematographers, camera operators, or those with advanced technical skills in high-budget productions can reach or exceed this income level without a formal degree.

What does an Assistant Camera do?

An Assistant Camera, often referred to as a 1st or 2nd AC, is responsible for supporting the camera department on a film or television set. Their primary duties include maintaining and setting up camera equipment, pulling focus, marking actors' positions, and ensuring the camera runs smoothly during shoots. They work closely with the Director of Photography and Camera Operator to achieve the desired visual style. Additionally, Assistant Cameras manage lenses, batteries, and memory cards, and help troubleshoot technical issues on set.

What is the difference between Assistant Camera vs Camera Operator?

AspectAssistant CameraCamera Operator
CredentialsOften requires technical training or certification in camera equipmentTypically has experience with camera operation, sometimes formal training
Work EnvironmentSupports camera department, handles equipment setup and maintenanceOperates camera during filming, responsible for shot composition
Industry UsageCommonly found in film, TV, and commercial productionsPrimarily responsible for capturing footage on set

The Assistant Camera works closely with the Camera Operator, providing technical support and equipment management, while the Camera Operator focuses on capturing the scenes. Both roles are essential in the camera department but differ in responsibilities and experience requirements.

How much does a camera assistant get paid?

A camera assistant's salary varies depending on experience, location, and the production budget, but typically ranges from $30,000 to $70,000 annually. Entry-level assistants may earn lower wages, while experienced professionals working on major productions can earn higher pay, often supplemented by overtime and per diems.
What are the most commonly searched types of Camera jobs in California? The most popular types of Camera jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Assistant Camera jobs? Cities in California with the most Assistant Camera job openings:
Assistant Camera jobs near you
Infographic showing various Assistant Camera job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 41% Physical, and 59% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,844 per year, or $17.7 per hour.
Camera DE Lead Engineer

Camera DE Lead Engineer

Qualcomm

San Diego, CA • On-site

$108K - $143K/yr

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago

Qualcomm rating

9.6

Company rating: 9.6 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 190 rated software companies

Job description

Company:
Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.
Job Area:
Engineering Group, Engineering Group > Camera Engineering
General Summary:
As a leading technology innovator, Qualcomm pushes the boundaries of what's possible to enable next-generation experiences and drives digital transformation to help create a smarter, connected future for all. As a Qualcomm Camera Engineer you will work on ideas that touch our daily life - creating everlasting connected memories and assist in building innovative devices through human and computer vision technologies in the Mobile, Automotive, XR, IoT & Compute space. You will have limitless opportunities to learn, grow and lead the world of Imaging. Team is hiring across levels.
Camera / ISP Hardware Design
  • Collaborate with system and camera architects to define and implement micro-architectures for image and video processing pipelines
  • Design, implement, and own ASIC IP blocks, from architecture through RTL delivery
  • Develop high-quality RTL (Verilog/SystemVerilog or VHDL) for camera, ISP, computer vision, and multimedia hardware
  • Run synthesis and review results to ensure performance, power, and area (PPA) goals are met
  • Perform and review CDC, low-power, timing, and design rule checks
  • Work closely with design verification and physical design teams to support test planning, debug, and design closure
  • Create and maintain micro-architecture and design documentation

GenAI for Hardware Design
  • Oversee the design and delivery of an internal benchmark suite for LLMs used in hardware design and GenAI-assisted workflows, with clearly defined KPIs and regression tracking
  • Oversee the design and delivery of agentic AI solutions for hardware design, enabling AI-driven assistance across RTL development, review, debug, and verification workflows
  • Identify, prototype, and drive measurably impactful GenAI research directions for hardware and chip design
  • Guide GenAI concepts from R&D into internal deployment, ensuring technical rigor and practical value
  • Serve as a technical leader by coaching team members, setting clear expectations, and contributing directly to technical execution

Required Skills
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field
  • Strong hands-on experience with ASIC RTL design
  • Proficiency in Verilog/SystemVerilog or VHDL
  • Solid understanding of ASIC design flows, including synthesis, timing, CDC, and low-power analysis
  • Experience with camera/ISP, image processing, video, multimedia, computer vision, or DSP hardware
  • Proficiency in Python (and/or C++/Java) for tooling, automation, and GenAI evaluation workflows
  • Practical experience with LLMs, embedding models, or agentic AI systems applied to engineering workflows
  • Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams

Preferred Skills
  • Experience with SystemC or hardware modeling
  • Prior ASIC implementation of camera or image processing IP
  • Experience defining or maintaining benchmarking and evaluation frameworks for ML/LLM systems
  • Familiarity with agentic AI frameworks or tools used for code generation, review, or analysis
  • Scripting experience (Python, TCL, Perl, shell) supporting RTL or GenAI flows

Minimum Qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field and 6+ years of Software Engineering, Hardware Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related work experience.
OR
Master's degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field and 5+ years of Software Engineering, Hardware Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related work experience.
OR
PhD in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field and 4+ years of Software Engineering, Hardware Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related work experience.
Qualcomm is an equal opportunity employer. If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation during the application/hiring process, rest assured that Qualcomm is committed to providing an accessible process. You may e-mail disability-accomodations@qualcomm.com or call Qualcomm's toll-free number found here. Upon request, Qualcomm will provide reasonable accommodations to support individuals with disabilities to be able participate in the hiring process. Qualcomm is also committed to making our workplace accessible for individuals with disabilities. (Keep in mind that this email address is used to provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. We will not respond here to requests for updates on applications or resume inquiries).
To all Staffing and Recruiting Agencies: Our Careers Site is only for individuals seeking a job at Qualcomm. Staffing and recruiting agencies and individuals being represented by an agency are not authorized to use this site or to submit profiles, applications or resumes, and any such submissions will be considered unsolicited. Qualcomm does not accept unsolicited resumes or applications from agencies. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, Qualcomm employees or any other company location. Qualcomm is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes/applications.
EEO Employer: Qualcomm is an equal opportunity employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or any other protected classification.
Qualcomm expects its employees to abide by all applicable policies and procedures, including but not limited to security and other requirements regarding protection of Company confidential information and other confidential and/or proprietary information, to the extent those requirements are permissible under applicable law.
Pay range and Other Compensation & Benefits:
$179,000.00 - $268,400.00
The above pay scale reflects the broad, minimum to maximum, pay scale for this job code for the location for which it has been posted. Even more importantly, please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Qualcomm. We also offer a competitive annual discretionary bonus program and opportunity for annual RSU grants (employees on sales-incentive plans are not eligible for our annual bonus). In addition, our highly competitive benefits package is designed to support your success at work, at home, and at play. Your recruiter will be happy to discuss all that Qualcomm has to offer - and you can review more details about our US benefits at this link.
If you would like more information about this role, please contact Qualcomm Careers.
Qualcomm logo

About Qualcomm

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Qualcomm is enabling a world where everyone and everything can be intelligently connected. You interact with products and technologies made possible by Qualcomm every day, including 5G-enabled smartphones that double as pro-level cameras and gaming devices, smarter vehicles and cities, and the technology behind the smart, connected factories that manufactured your latest purchase. Our powerful connectivity solutions keep you connected—even in remote areas. Qualcomm 5G and AI innovations are the power behind the connected intelligent edge. You’ll find our technologies behind and inside the innovations that deliver significant value across multiple industries and to billions of people every day.

Industry

Technology, communication and media

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

San Diego, CA, US

Year founded

1985

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