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Assistant Camera Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

The staff camera image quality engineer would be a highly competent hardware engineer, as well as ... accommodations to assist you in the search and application process, please email us at ...

Camera Firmware Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$99K - $149K/yr

Engineering Group, Engineering Group > Camera Engineering General Summary: As a leading technology ... Principal Duties & Responsibilities: • Applies ASIC knowledge to assist and support the defining ...

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 ...

Camera Firmware Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$99.40 - $149.20/hr

Engineering Group > Camera Engineering General Summary: As a leading technology innovator, Qualcomm ... Applies ASIC knowledge to assist and support the defining, modeling, designing (digital and/or ...

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 ...

AI/ML Camera 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 ...

AI/ML Camera 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 ...

The camera will record your hands, the objects you use, and the surrounding work area. The videos ... These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions ...

The camera will record your hands, the objects you use, and the surrounding work area. The videos ... These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions ...

The camera will record your hands, the objects you use, and the surrounding work area. The videos ... These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions ...

The camera will record your hands, the objects you use, and the surrounding work area. The videos ... These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions ...

Showing results 21-40

Assistant Camera information

See California salary details

$7

$17

$38

How much do assistant camera jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 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 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 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 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 an assistant camera earn?

An assistant camera typically earns between $30,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the production budget. Entry-level assistants may start at lower wages, while experienced professionals working on major projects can earn higher salaries and overtime pay.

How to become an assistant camera?

To become an assistant camera, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and should gain experience through film school, technical training, or entry-level positions in film production. Developing skills in camera equipment, understanding lighting, and familiarity with industry-standard tools like follow focus and matte boxes are important. Internships or apprenticeships can provide practical experience and networking opportunities in the industry.

What is the salary of an assistant camera?

The salary of an assistant camera varies depending on experience, location, and the production budget, but typically ranges from $30,000 to $70,000 per year. Entry-level assistants may earn lower wages, while experienced professionals working on major productions can earn higher salaries and benefits.

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:

Infographic showing various Assistant Camera job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,844 per year, or $17.7 per hour.

Principal Camera Sensors Engineer

Qualcomm

San Diego, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago


Qualcomm rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

48th of 245 rated software companies


Job description

Company:
Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.
Job Area:
Engineering Group, Engineering Group > Camera Engineering
General Summary:
Qualcomm Camera System Engineering team is looking for a Principal Engineer to coordinate with major external image sensor vendors to facilitate internal development of industry-leading ISP and imaging system. The candidate is expected to demonstrate strong understanding of all aspects of CMOS image sensor development, including system level definition, component design, manufacturing, and characterization. Broad knowledge of lens optics and camera module integration is also needed. 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.
Preferred Skills:
• Master's degree or PhD in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field.
• 10+ years of experience in CMOS Image Sensor development.
• 4+ years in a technical leadership role with direct reports.
• 3+ years of work experience in a role requiring interaction with executive leadership (e.g., Vice President level and above).
• 3+ years of work experience in integrating CMOS image sensors with backend ISP.
• 2+ years of experience in camera hardware or systems design and optimization.
• 2+ years of working with operating budgets and/or project financials.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities:
• Leverages expert Camera Engineering knowledge to research, design, develop, verify, debug, implement, and/or validate highly complex camera systems, HW or FW tasks (including Camera Image Signal Processor, 3A, Image Quality, Features, and Tuning Tools), algorithms, features, logic design, modeling, design verification, and power optimization.
• Collection and analysis of sensor/module roadmaps to predict industrial trends and develop internal strategies to support new imaging technologies.
• Partner with external vendors to influence and drive their future roadmaps to align with Qualcomm imaging system design.
• Collaborate with eco-system partners, including CMOS image sensor vendors and camera module integrators to develop innovative imaging technologies and end-to-end features.
• Translates customer needs and requirements into long-term tasks and plans.
• Acts as a technical lead and facilitates collaboration across organizations to design, develop, and optimize camera systems, hardware, and/or software.
• Writes detailed technical documentation and feature descriptions for highly complex Camera projects to guide users and/or customers to implement output; reviews technical documentation for experienced engineers.
Level of Responsibility:
• Provides supervision to direct reports.
• Decision-making is significant in nature and affects work beyond immediate work group.
• Requires verbal and written communication skills to convey complex information. May require negotiation, influence, tact, etc., involving both internal and external parties.
• Has a great degree of influence over key organizational decisions.
• Tasks often require multiple steps which can be performed in various orders; extensive planning, problem-solving, and prioritization must occur to complete the tasks effectively.
Minimum Qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field and 8+ 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 7+ 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 6+ 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:
$211,900.00 - $317,900.00
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.

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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