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Computer Vision Researcher Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Senior Computer Vision Engineer

Santa Clara, CA ยท On-site

$143.90K - $189.70K/yr

Research and implement multi-modal large models (image-text, image-audio, etc.) training, fine ... Design and optimize computer vision models and algorithms (e.g., detection, classification ...

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$29.6K

$111.6K

$162.3K

How much do computer vision researcher jobs pay per year?

As of May 30, 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Computer Vision Researcher, and why are they important?

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 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 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 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:

Senior Computer Vision Engineer

XPENG

Santa Clara, CA โ€ข On-site

$143.90K - $189.70K/yr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

XPENG is a leading smart technology company at the forefront of innovation, integrating advanced AI and autonomous driving technologies into its vehicles, including electric vehicles (EVs), electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, and robotics. With a strong focus on intelligent mobility, XPENG is dedicated to reshaping the future of transportation through cutting-edge R&D in AI, machine learning, and smart connectivity.
We are seeking a talented Computer Vision / Machine Learning Engineer to join our global team. In this role, you will develop and optimize multi-modal models and computer vision systems, driving performance, efficiency, and real-world deployment. The ideal candidate has hands-on experience with multi-modal model training and optimization, a strong foundation in computer vision, and solid C++ engineering skills.
Key Responsibilities
  • Research and implement multi-modal large models (image-text, image-audio, etc.) training, fine-tuning, and inference optimization strategies, continuously improving model performance, efficiency, and generalization ability.
  • Design and optimize computer vision models and algorithms (e.g., detection, classification, segmentation, feature extraction) to support real-world applications.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams (product, engineering, data) to translate research into scalable, reliable, and production-ready solutions.
  • Use C++ to implement and optimize models and systems, including deployment, performance tuning, and integration, ensuring low latency and high throughput.
  • Stay up to date with advances in computer vision and multi-modal AI, and apply new methods to improve model performance and product impact.
  • Contribute to technical discussions, code reviews, and knowledge sharing to improve code quality and engineering best practices.
Minimum Qualifications
  • Master's or Ph.D. in Computer Science or a related field, with strong expertise in computer vision and machine learning.
  • 1-3 years of experience in multi-modal large model training, fine-tuning, and optimization (e.g., CLIP, Flamingo, BLIP, or self-developed multi-modal models), with a deep understanding of multi-modal fusion mechanisms.
  • Strong foundation in computer vision, including object detection, image classification, feature matching, and image enhancement.
  • Strong C++ development skills, with proficiency in STL, multi-threading, memory management, and performance optimization; experience in production-level implementation and deployment is required.
  • Familiar with deep learning frameworks (e.g., PyTorch, TensorFlow) and computer vision libraries (e.g., OpenCV, OpenMMLab).
  • Strong problem-solving ability, self-driven, and passionate about technological innovation; ability to work independently and in a team.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience in edge device algorithm deployment, published papers in top computer vision conferences (CVPR, ICCV, ECCV), or open-source project contributions in related fields.
What do we provide:
  • A fun, supportive and engaging environment.
  • Opportunity to make a significant impact on the transportation revolution by the means of advancing autonomous driving.
  • Opportunity to work on cutting edge technologies with the top talent in the field.
  • Competitive compensation package.
  • Snacks, lunches and fun activities.

The base salary range for this full-time position is $174,720 - $295,680 in addition to bonus, equity and benefits. Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target for new hire salaries for the position across all US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is our policy to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons without regard to race, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status or marital status or any other prescribed category set forth in federal or state regulations.