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Computer Vision Researcher Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Junior Computer Vision Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$100K - $200K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Job Summary * - To research and develop scalable computer vision and machine learning solutions to a hard problem * - To investigate and solve exciting and difficult challenges of the real-world ...

Computer Vision AI & ML Engineer

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$127K - $149K/yr

This role combines applied research with hands-on engineering and offers the opportunity to ... Background in computer vision tasks such as detection, depth estimation, segmentation, tracking, or ...

Computer Vision AI & ML Engineer

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$127K - $149K/yr

This role combines applied research with hands-on engineering and offers the opportunity to ... Background in computer vision tasks such as detection, depth estimation, segmentation, tracking, or ...

Computer Vision AI & ML Engineer

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$127K - $149K/yr

This role combines applied research with hands-on engineering and offers the opportunity to ... Background in computer vision tasks such as detection, depth estimation, segmentation, tracking, or ...

Computer Vision AI & ML Engineer

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$127K - $150K/yr

... research insights into practical prototypes. • Collaborate with robotics, systems, and simulation ... computer vision tasks such as detection, depth estimation, segmentation, tracking, or 3D scene ...

Showing results 41-60

Computer Vision Researcher information

See California salary details

$29.6K

$111.6K

$162.3K

How much do computer vision researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for computer vision researcher in California is $111,621.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,100.00 and $152,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a computer vision researcher do?

A Computer Vision Researcher develops algorithms and models that enable computers to interpret and understand visual information from the world, such as images and videos. They work on tasks like object detection, image segmentation, and facial recognition, often using techniques from machine learning and artificial intelligence. Their work is applied in fields such as autonomous vehicles, medical imaging, robotics, and augmented reality. Computer Vision Researchers typically conduct experiments, publish scientific papers, and collaborate with engineers to implement their findings in real-world applications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a computer vision researcher?

To thrive as a Computer Vision Researcher, you need a strong background in mathematics, machine learning, image processing, and typically a graduate degree in computer science or a related field. Experience with deep learning frameworks (such as TensorFlow or PyTorch), programming languages (like Python or C++), and familiarity with relevant research publications are highly valued. Creativity, problem-solving abilities, and strong communication skills help researchers innovate and effectively share findings. These competencies are vital for advancing technology, developing novel algorithms, and collaborating within multidisciplinary teams.

What are some common challenges faced by computer vision researchers when transitioning from theoretical research to practical applications?

Computer Vision Researchers often encounter challenges when moving from theoretical models to real-world deployment, such as dealing with noisy or incomplete data, ensuring scalability, and optimizing models for real-time performance. Collaborative work with software engineers and domain experts is crucial to address these issues and to adapt state-of-the-art algorithms for production environments. Additionally, staying updated with rapidly evolving tools and frameworks is essential for successfully bridging the gap between research and application.

What is the difference between Computer Vision Researcher vs Machine Learning Engineer?

AspectComputer Vision ResearcherMachine Learning Engineer
Required CredentialsMaster's or PhD in Computer Science, AI, or related fieldsBachelor's or Master's in Computer Science, Data Science, or related fields
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, academia, R&D departmentsTech companies, startups, product teams
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutions, AI-focused companiesTechnology firms, software companies, AI product development
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

While both roles involve AI and machine learning, a Computer Vision Researcher primarily focuses on developing algorithms for visual data analysis and often works in research settings. In contrast, a Machine Learning Engineer applies machine learning techniques to build scalable AI products and solutions in industry environments.

What are popular job titles related to Computer Vision Researcher jobs in California?

For Computer Vision Researcher jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Computer Vision Researcher jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Computer Vision Researcher jobs in California are:

Infographic showing various Computer Vision Researcher job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,621 per year, or $53.7 per hour.

Computer Vision & Machine Learning Engineer

Apple

Sunnyvale, CA

$150K - $277K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Re-posted 10 days ago


Apple rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 677 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 30 rated technology retailers


Job description

Apple is where individual imaginations gather together, committing to the values that lead to great work. Every new product we build or service we create is the result of us making each other's ideas stronger. That happens because every one of us shares a belief that we can make something wonderful and share it with the world, changing lives for the better. It's the diversity of our people and their thinking that inspires the innovation that runs through everything we do. When we bring everybody in, we can do the best work of our lives. Here, you'll do more than join something - you'll add something!
We are a team of computer vision and machine learning engineers building real-time perception systems, motion synthesis, and human understanding technologies for current and future Apple products. The VCV org is a centralized applied research and engineering organization responsible for developing real-time on-device Computer Vision and Machine Perception technologies across Apple products. We are looking for engineers with expertise in deep learning-focused computer vision for human understanding, motion synthesis, visual recognition, biometric algorithms, and 3D perception systems.
In this role, you will help design, build, and ship core perception technologies, motion synthesis systems, and human understanding algorithms used by millions of users across Apple's ecosystem.
Description
You will work on cutting-edge computer vision and machine learning problems, developing algorithms and systems that enable natural human-computer interaction. This includes human perception, motion synthesis, biometric recognition, 3D vision, and performance-critical real-time systems.
You will be responsible for developing and optimizing computer vision and machine learning algorithms for human understanding, including pose estimation, gesture recognition, facial analysis, and behavioral modeling. You will build motion synthesis systems and algorithms for realistic human motion generation and animation, design and implement biometric algorithms for secure authentication and identification systems, and create real-time 3D perception and tracking systems for spatial computing and AR/VR applications. As a member of a fast-paced team, you have the unique and rewarding opportunity to shape upcoming products that will delight and inspire millions of people every day.
Preferred Qualifications
PhD, or equivalent practical experience, in Computer Science, Machine Learning, Computer Vision, or a related technical field
Demonstrated expertise in deep learning, with either: A publication record in relevant conferences (e.g., NeurIPS, ICML, ICLR, CVPR, ICCV, ECCV, COLM, etc), or a strong track record of applying deep learning techniques to real-world products
Experience with foundation models (language or multimodal) including training, fine-tuning, and deployment
Experience applying foundation models to build autonomous or semi-autonomous agents, including planning, task decomposition, and multi-step reasoning
Experience with multimodal pretraining, vision-language models, video-language models, and multimodal alignment
Experience with large-scale distributed training and model parallelism
Strong communication skills and ability to present research findings to both technical and non-technical audiences
Minimum Qualifications
Master's or equivalent practical experience, in Computer Science, Computer Vision, Machine Learning, or related technical field
Experience in deep learning with demonstrated work in at least one area of multimodal systems (e.g. vision, language, video, etc.)
Proficiency in Python and in a modern deep learning framework such as PyTorch or JAX
Experience with rapid prototyping, reproduction, and validation of research ideas
Strong mathematical foundations in machine learning, computer vision, or related fields
Experience with foundation model architectures and training methodologies
Experience working effectively in a multi-functional, collaborative environment
Pay & Benefits
At Apple, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base pay range for this role is between $150,400 and $277,600, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.
Apple employees also have the opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through participation in Apple's discretionary employee stock programs. Apple employees are eligible for discretionary restricted stock unit awards, and can purchase Apple stock at a discount if voluntarily participating in Apple's Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You'll also receive benefits including: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, a range of discounted products and free services, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Apple, reimbursement for certain educational expenses - including tuition. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation. Learn more about Apple Benefits
Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.

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About Apple

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Imagine what you could do here! At Apple, new ideas have a way of becoming extraordinary products, services, and customer experiences very quickly. Bring passion and dedication to your job and there's no telling what you could accomplish. Dynamic, intelligent people and inspiring, innovative technologies are the norm here. The people who work here have reinvented entire industries with all Apple Hardware products. The same real passion for innovation that goes into our products also applies to our practices strengthening our dedication to leave the world better than we found it.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Cupertino, CA, US

Year founded

1976