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Computer Vision Researcher Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 Sep 9, 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 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.

Senior Applied Researcher & Lead - 3D Reconstruction & Deep Learning

Palo Alto, CA • On-site, Remote

Geomagical Labs
Software Development • 1 - 10 employees

$180K - $250K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

Geomagical Labs is a 3D R&D Lab, in partnership with IKEA. We create magical mixed-reality experiences for hundreds of millions of users, using computer vision, neural networks, graphics, and computational photography. Last year we launched IKEA Kreativ, and we're excited for what's next!

We have an opening in our lab for a senior computer vision researcher, with 3D Reconstruction and Deep Learning expertise, to develop and improve the underlying algorithms powering our consumer products. We are looking for highly-motivated, creative, applied researchers with entrepreneurial drive, that are excited about building novel technologies and shipping them all the way to the hands of millions of customers!

Requirements

  • Ph.D. and 3+ years of experience, or Master's and 6+ years of experience, focused on 3D Computer Vision and Deep Learning.
  • Experience building Deep Learning models for 3D Vision tasks, like Depth Estimation, Room Layout Estimation, Inverse Rendering, Pose Estimation or 3D Scene Understanding.
  • Familiarity with modern methods for Novel View synthesis, like NeRFs/Gaussian Splats and Diffusion models.
  • Familiarity with classical methods for 3D Reconstruction: SfM/SLAM, Multi-view Stereo, RGB-D Fusion.
  • Expertise in ML frameworks and libraries, e.g. PyTorch.
  • Highly productive in Python. Ability to architect and implement complex systems at the micro and macro level.
  • Experience in developing technologies that got integrated into products, as well as post-launch performance tracking and shipping improvements.
  • Entrepreneurial: Adventurous, self-driven, comfortable under uncertainty, with a desire to make systems work end-to-end.
  • Innovative: with a track record of patents and/or first-authored publications at leading workshops or conferences such as CVPR, ECCV/ICCV, SIGGRAPH, ISMAR, NeurIPS etc.
  • [Bonus] Familiarity with Computer Graphics and Computational Photography.
  • [Bonus] Comfortable with C++.

Benefits

  • Join a mission-driven R&D lab, strategically backed by an influential global brand.
  • Work in a dynamic team of computer vision, AI, computational photography, AR, graphics, and design professionals, and successful serial entrepreneurs.
  • Opportunity to publish novel and relevant research.
  • Fully remote work available to people living in the USA or Canada.
  • Headquartered in downtown Palo Alto, California --- an easy walk from restaurants, coffee shops and Caltrain commuter rail.
  • The USA base salary for this full-time position ranges from $180,000 to $250,000 determined by location, role, skill, and experience level.
  • Geomagical Labs offers a comprehensive set of benefits, and for qualifying roles, substantial incentive grants, vesting annually.