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Video Codec Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Nuro

Software Engineer, Video Streaming

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$160K - $240K/yr

Understanding of video codec such as VP8, VP9, H264/265 etc. * Comfortable with GPU programming At Nuro, your base pay is one part of your total compensation package. For this position, the ...

Qualcomm

Visual Tech Systems Project Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$148K - $222K/yr

We are seeking experienced system engineers for our cutting-edge efforts in areas related to image processing, video codec architecture/design and computer vision. Successful candidates will be part ...

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All JobsVideo Codec JobsVideo Codec Jobs in California

Video Codec information

See California salary details

$24.7K

$73.6K

$158.4K

How much do video codec jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for video codec in California is $73,649.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,400.00 and $93,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are video codecs?

Video codecs are software or hardware tools that compress and decompress digital video files. They reduce the size of video files for storage or transmission by removing redundant data, making it easier and faster to stream or download videos. Common video codecs include H.264, H.265 (HEVC), VP9, and AV1. The choice of codec can affect video quality, compatibility, and file size.

What do video codecs do?

Video codecs are software or hardware tools used by video professionals to compress and decompress digital video files, enabling efficient storage and transmission. They help reduce file size while maintaining video quality, which is essential for streaming, editing, and playback environments.

What is the difference between Video Codec vs Video Editor?

AspectVideo CodecVideo Editor
Required CredentialsKnowledge of codecs, technical certifications (e.g., CCNA, Adobe certifications)Video editing software proficiency, creative skills, possibly certifications in editing (e.g., Adobe Certified Expert)
Work EnvironmentTechnical, often in post-production or streaming settingsCreative, in editing suites or on-location
Industry UsageUsed by video streaming, broadcasting, and production companiesUsed by film, TV, advertising, and online content creators

Video Codec and Video Editor roles overlap in the video production industry but focus on different aspects. Video codecs are technical tools used to compress and decompress video data, essential for efficient storage and transmission. Video editors, on the other hand, focus on assembling and enhancing video footage to create the final product. Understanding codecs is crucial for editors to optimize video quality and compatibility, but their primary responsibilities differ significantly.

What jobs can you do with digital media?

A video codec specialist or digital media professional can work in roles such as video editing, post-production, multimedia design, or content encoding. These jobs often require knowledge of video compression, codecs, and editing software, and may involve working in media production environments or digital content creation.

What kind of jobs in media bring in $150,000 a year?

In media, senior roles such as video directors, producers, or technical leads in video production and post-production can earn $150,000 or more annually. These positions often require extensive experience, advanced skills in editing and visual effects, and familiarity with industry-standard tools like Adobe Premiere or DaVinci Resolve.

What kind of jobs can you get as a video editor?

A video editor can work in various roles such as film and television editor, online content creator, or corporate video producer. These jobs typically require proficiency with editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro and may involve working in studios, media companies, or freelance settings.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Video Codec Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Video Codec Engineer, you need strong programming skills (especially in C/C++), a deep understanding of video compression algorithms, and a relevant degree in computer science or electrical engineering. Familiarity with industry standards like H.264, H.265 (HEVC), or AV1, as well as experience with multimedia frameworks and debugging tools, is typically required. Analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are crucial soft skills that enable success in this technical and collaborative environment. These competencies are essential for developing efficient, high-quality video solutions that meet modern streaming and broadcasting demands.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in video codec development and optimization?

Professionals in video codec development often encounter challenges such as balancing compression efficiency with computational complexity, ensuring compatibility across diverse hardware and software environments, and keeping up with rapidly evolving standards. Additionally, debugging and optimizing codecs for real-time applications, like streaming or conferencing, requires close collaboration with cross-functional teams including hardware engineers and software developers. Staying updated on the latest advancements and performance benchmarks is crucial for success in this fast-paced field.
What are popular job titles related to Video Codec jobs in California? For Video Codec jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Video Codec jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Video Codec jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Video Codec jobs? Cities in California with the most Video Codec job openings:
Video Codec jobs near you
Infographic showing various Video Codec job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $73,649 per year, or $35.4 per hour.
Software Engineer, Computer Vision - Video AI

Software Engineer, Computer Vision - Video AI

Meta

Menlo Park, CA

$183K/yr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

Meta rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 43 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

122nd of 188 rated software companies

Job description

At Meta, we're developing innovative products that enable people to connect with loved ones and push the boundaries of computing platforms. As an AI Software engineer in Video, you'll have the opportunity to work on a wide range of products, including Messenger, Video, Groups, News Feed, Search, AR/VR, and GenAI, building advanced video solutions that drive billions of interactions per day. You'll help create new features, improve existing products, and develop immersive video experiences that bring people closer together. By joining our team, you'll be part of creating products used by billions of people worldwide, solving complex technical problems, and shaping the future of online connection and community.
Software Engineer, Computer Vision - Video AI Responsibilities:
  • Research, develop, and troubleshoot real time communication systems, related to video and audio codecs, cameras, displays, and microphones
  • Work closely with cross-functional teams to understand features, operation, and specify enhancements
  • Designing AI/ML-based compression algorithms to reduce the platform's compute footprint, while improving end-user experience
  • Optimize and improve video codec efficiency, encode rate control, processing speed, video pre/post-processing, and error resilience
  • Debug and diagnose quality of end-to-end video experience on lossy networks in real-time communication scenarios
  • Define the video optimization roadmap for both low-end and high-end networks and devices
  • Lead the definition and implementation of the media processing pipeline
  • Continuously improve the efficiency of the automated test tooling by leveraging the internal automated test infrastructure

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, relevant technical field, or equivalent practical experience
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or relevant technical field
  • 5+ years software development experience in industry settings or PhD with 2+ years of experience
  • 3+ years of experience in computer vision, video/image codecs, video/image processing or a relevant domain
  • Experience in neural video/image compression and AI research
  • Experience with computer vision, video/image codecs, or video/image processing
  • Experience in C/C++ multithreaded programming
  • Experience leading large or complex projects, defined goals and delivered milestones by leading teams

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Leveraging AI-based enhancement tools that complement standard video-codecs (AV1)
  • Knowledge of multimedia stack, including containers, codecs, and AV synchronization
  • Experience developing algorithms to improve video quality for calling and video conferencing
  • Using ML-based quality metrics and metadata for large-scale quality evaluation
  • Experience with state-of-the-art video codecs e.g. H.264/AVC, HEVC, AV1, AV2
  • benchmarking of traditional and novel audio/video processing use cases
  • Full end-to-end neural-compression techniques at scale, for FoA verticals (Calling, VOD etc.)
  • Experience designing power-efficient software for mobile or embedded systems
  • Experience with computer vision, video/image codecs, or video/image processing
  • Industry experience in Video-on-Demand, RTC, or videos at scale

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.
$183,997/year to $257,000/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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