Image Processing Engineer Jobs in La Jolla, CA (NOW HIRING)

San Diego, California, United States Software and Services

iPhone is the most popular camera in the world. The seamless integration of hardware and software has led to features like Memories and Portrait Mode, which deliver experiences that are truly magical. The Camera & Photos team focuses on user‑experience by applying computer vision and image processing through machine learning. We're looking for someone with a real passion for photography, and gets a kick out of shipping amazing product experiences to millions of people. The Camera tuning team is searching for a highly skilled and innovative engineer who will play a key role in tuning and defining still image quality as well as user behavior for Apple camera products.

As a Camera Tuning & Image Quality Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the image quality and user experience of Apple's camera products. The role demands a comprehensive understanding of camera systems and the 3A’s, particularly how their application can enhance or optimize image quality. The ideal candidate will have a robust understanding of various image processing algorithms, new camera technologies, and a working technical understanding of machine learning based approaches. Strong communication and presentation skills are essential for presenting technical findings and recommendations to stakeholders. Your expertise will be instrumental in innovating camera pipeline architectures to deliver best‑in‑class camera experiences for our users.

• Your primary responsibilities will include tuning and tweaking complex camera pipelines and algorithms, performing critical IQ analysis, and driving feature development from conception to completion. Working within our fast‑paced, collaborative team, you will also contribute to cutting‑edge technologies such as Deep Fusion, SmartHDR, Night Mode and Portrait Mode. You will also participate in quality evaluations for new features and algorithms, providing direct feedback to the engineering teams.

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in image quality testing, tuning, or image processing algorithms.
• Strong understanding and hands‑on experience with 3A’s, denoising, sharpening, fusion, and tone‑mapping algorithms.
• Technical familiarity with machine learning and image processing technologies.
• Excellent photography, videography, and cinematography skills.
• Proficiency in at least one of the following: C, C++, Objective‑C, Swift, Python, or shell programming.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with experience in cross‑functional collaboration.
• Bachelor's Degree in Imaging Science, Imaging Technology, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Color Science, or a related field.

• Experience in the research, design, and development of automation tools, metrics, and methodologies to enhance the camera tuning processes.
• Experience with software and hardware on consumer devices and cell phone cameras.
• Experience with iOS/macOS app development.
• Knowledge or research experience in human vision and psychophysics.

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 $115,700 and $203,000, 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.

Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.

Apple is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We seek to promote equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics. Learn more about your EEO rights as an applicant.

At Apple, we believe accessibility is a fundamental human right. You’ll find that idea reflected in everything here — in our culture, our benefits and our digital tools. By welcoming as many perspectives as possible, we help you build a career where you feel like you belong.

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Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.