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Camera Architect Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Meta

Camera Architect

Sunnyvale, CA

$173K/yr

As a Camera Architect you will define and own the end-to-end imaging architecture of camera subsystems -- single-camera or multi-camera -- for Meta's AR and VR product lines, serving photography ...

Meta

Camera Architect

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

As a Camera Architect you will define and own the end-to-end imaging architecture of camera subsystems - single-camera or multi-camera - for Meta's AR a.

Nvidia

Senior Architect, Camera ISP

Santa Clara, CA

As Senior Architect, Camera ISP, you will have the opportunity to push the boundaries of camera imaging technologies for both human and machine vision systems. Join us to build the next-generation ...

Qualcomm

AI/ML Camera Lead Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$108K - $143K/yr

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 ...

Qualcomm

Camera Systems Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$137K - $143K/yr

... architecture, or embedded systems. • 2+ years of experience in Image Signal Processing design, development, implementation, and verification. • 2+ years of experience in camera hardware or ...

Apple

Camera System Integration Engineer

Cupertino, CA

$150K - $225K/yr

... camera system architecture, including optical components, system integration, image/depth sensor and image signal processing Knowledge of failure analysis techniques including optical microscopy ...

Apple

Camera Simulation Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

Description As a Modeling & Simulation Engineer on the Camera & Depth Architecture team, you will design, develop, and maintain high-throughput simulation frameworks to generate large volumes of ...

Socket.dev

Camera Simulation Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$150 - $210/hr

Description As a Modeling & Simulation Engineer on the Camera & Depth Architecture team, you will design, develop, and maintain high-throughput simulation frameworks to generate large volumes of ...

Qualcomm

Staff Camera Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

Architect and implement drivers for advanced imaging hardware (ISP). * Contribute to the design of camera systems optimized for power, memory, and silicon area while maximizing imaging performance.

Apple

Camera Simulation Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

Description As a Modeling & Simulation Engineer on the Camera & Depth Architecture team, you will design, develop, and maintain high-throughput simulation frameworks to generate large volumes of ...

Apple Inc.

Camera Simulation Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$185 - $325/hr

Description As a Modeling & Simulation Engineer on the Camera & Depth Architecture team, you will design, develop, and maintain high-throughput simulation frameworks to generate large volumes of ...

Apple

Camera Simulation Engineer

Cupertino, CA

$184K - $324K/yr

Description As a Modeling & Simulation Engineer on the Camera & Depth Architecture team, you will design, develop, and maintain high-throughput simulation frameworks to generate large volumes of ...

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Camera Architect information

What is a camera architect?

Camera Architects are professionals who design and develop the architecture of camera systems, typically for devices such as smartphones, tablets, or other digital imaging products. They are responsible for specifying the hardware and software components required to capture, process, and output images or videos at high quality. Their work involves collaborating with cross-functional teams to optimize camera modules, image signal processors, sensors, and related algorithms. Camera Architects also stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in imaging technology to ensure their designs meet industry standards and consumer expectations.

What are some common challenges faced by camera architects when integrating new camera technologies into consumer devices?

Camera Architects often encounter challenges related to balancing image quality, power consumption, and hardware limitations when integrating new camera technologies into consumer devices. They must collaborate closely with hardware, software, and product teams to optimize camera modules within tight design constraints and ensure compatibility with other device components. Keeping up with rapid advancements in sensor technology and image processing algorithms also requires continuous learning and adaptation. Effective communication and problem-solving skills are essential to address cross-functional issues and deliver high-performance camera solutions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a camera architect, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Camera Architect, you need a strong background in image processing, sensor technology, optics, and hardware-software integration, typically supported by a degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or a related field. Experience with technical tools such as MATLAB, Python, C/C++, and camera simulation or calibration systems, as well as knowledge of industry standards, is vital. Creative problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective cross-functional communication are critical soft skills in this position. These capabilities ensure innovative camera solutions, robust system performance, and successful collaboration across multidisciplinary teams.

What is the difference between Camera Architect vs Camera Technician?

AspectCamera ArchitectCamera Technician
CredentialsRelevant degrees in film, media, or engineering; certifications in camera systemsTechnical training or certifications in camera equipment and maintenance
Work EnvironmentDesigning camera systems, planning setups, collaborating with production teamsInstalling, repairing, and maintaining camera equipment on set or in studios
Industry UsageUsed in pre-production, system design, and technical planningHands-on equipment operation and troubleshooting during filming

The main difference is that a Camera Architect focuses on designing and planning camera systems, while a Camera Technician handles the installation, maintenance, and operation of camera equipment during production. Both roles require technical knowledge, but the Architect is more involved in system design, whereas the Technician is hands-on with equipment.

What are popular job titles related to Camera Architect jobs in California?

For Camera Architect jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Camera Architect jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Camera Architect jobs in California are:

Camera Architect jobs near you

Camera Architect

Meta

Sunnyvale, CA

$173K/yr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

Meta rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

139th of 246 rated software companies

Job description

As a Camera Architect you will define and own the end-to-end imaging architecture of camera subsystems — single-camera or multi-camera — for Meta's AR and VR product lines, serving photography, computer vision, and contextual-AI feature pipelines. Working alongside dedicated sensor, lens, and module design teams, you will drive the foundational HW trade-off decisions about how these elements come together into a coherent imaging solution — defining camera-level requirements, performance targets, and the system-level choices (focus/stabilization strategy, spatial layout, calibration approach, power budgets, imaging KPIs) that shape how individual components integrate to deliver product features. You will maintain a strong line-of-sight to the end-to-end imaging and AI-feature pipelines so that architecture decisions directly enable day-0 commitments for both capture quality and on-device intelligence.
Camera Architect Responsibilities:
  • Define and defend the camera subsystem architecture — whether a single camera or a multi-camera system — driving how sensors, lenses, actuators, and modules integrate into a coherent imaging solution. This includes focus strategy (fixed-focus vs. AF), image stabilization approach (OIS, EIS-friendly design, hybrid), camera placement geometry, and calibration methodology. The architecture must serve photography use cases
  • computer vision workloads and contextual-AI features
  • Distill a broad, often competing set of requirements — from product, system, software, and feature teams — into the smallest option space the team can realistically execute - finding the minimal camera system that satisfies the feature set while resisting HW complexity beyond what the features actually require
  • Drive sensor-level and imaging-performance trade studies (resolution, pixel size, sensitivity/SNR, dynamic range, frame rate, power, size, cost
  • fixed-focus depth-of-field vs. AF complexity
  • rolling vs. global shutter
  • Define the metrics and figures of merit that connect product features and user experiences to underlying camera HW performance. Establish quantitative linkage between feature KPIs (e.g., photo quality, video stabilization, ML model accuracy, tracking robustness, passthrough latency) and camera HW specs (MTF, SNR, dynamic range, frame sync, motion blur, FoV), and build the data-driven case for recommended camera selections and generational improvements
  • Translate product features across those workload classes into component- and module-level HW specifications — optical performance, module thermal envelope, power budget, data rates, interfaces, multi-camera synchronization/timestamping, and calibration tolerances that support factory-scale manufacturing
  • Partner with silicon architecture teams on ISP and sensor-companion-chip requirements, influencing HW/FW partitioning decisions that affect camera subsystem performance, power, and feature enablement (3A, actuator control, frame timing, AI pre-processing)
  • Communicate technical details, risks, and pathways to success across a product stack and with cross-functional teams
  • Ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 10%

Minimum Qualifications:
  • MS or PhD in Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related discipline (or BS + equivalent depth of experience)
  • 8+ years in camera/imaging system architecture or design, with direct ownership of HW specification, trade-off analysis, and architecture decisions at the camera-system level
  • Experience architecting complete imaging systems from first-principles physics, optics, and sensor science — making defensible trade-offs and reasoning to the theoretical upper bound of what is achievable, even without deep specialization in any one component technology
  • Experience driving architecture-level trade-offs across image sensor technology (CMOS, BSI/stacked, global shutter, HDR) and camera module design (lens, AF/OIS actuator systems, packaging, active alignment) in partnership with specialist teams
  • Experience building the quantitative, data-driven case for camera architecture decisions — defining metrics and figures of merit that link camera HW performance to feature quality across photography, computer vision and AI/ML

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Working understanding of signal processing and computational photography principles — enough to identify where HW innovation hits diminishing returns and SW/algorithm optimization is more cost-effective
  • Experience modeling camera image quality end-to-end from hardware modules through ISP and S/W pipelines to analyze key performance indicators and inform architectural decisions based on trade-offs
  • Experience co-defining camera HW requirements with ISP, ML/AI and CV teams
  • Experience with product managers and industrial design teams in translating product vision into requirements through multiple product cycles
  • Track record of proactively shaping product roadmaps through technical foresight and analysis into actionable recommendations for leadership
  • Experience influencing key partners, internal and external, on roadmap and technology development

About Meta:
Meta builds technologies that help people connect, find communities, and grow businesses. When Facebook launched in 2004, it changed the way people connect. Apps like Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp further empowered billions around the world. Now, Meta is moving beyond 2D screens toward immersive experiences like augmented and virtual reality to help build the next evolution in social technology. People who choose to build their careers by building with us at Meta help shape a future that will take us beyond what digital connection makes possible today—beyond the constraints of screens, the limits of distance, and even the rules of physics.
Meta is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, sexual stereotypes, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local law. Meta participates in the E-Verify program in certain locations, as required by law. Please note that Meta may leverage artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies in connection with applications for employment.
Meta is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities in our recruiting process. If you need any assistance or accommodations due to a disability, please let us know at accommodations-ext@meta.com.
$173,000/year to $245,000/year + bonus + equity + benefits
Individual compensation is determined by skills, qualifications, experience, and location. Compensation details listed in this posting reflect the base hourly rate, monthly rate, or annual salary only, and do not include bonus, equity or sales incentives, if applicable. In addition to base compensation, Meta offers benefits. Learn more about benefits at Meta.

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