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Video Codec Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Design and develop video codec components for PlayStation SDKs and cloud gaming platforms. * Own end-to-end delivery of features, including design, implementation, and validation. * Perform system ...

Leverages advanced video and computer vision engineering knowledge and experience, along with AI/ML hardware acceleration expertise, to research and develop complex video codec, computer vision, and ...

Leverages advanced video and computer vision engineering knowledge and experience, along with AI/ML hardware acceleration expertise, to research and develop complex video codec, computer vision, and ...

Video Machine Learning Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$139.50 - $258.10/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

Experience with video codec and compression techniques, including familiarity with standards such as H.264, H.265/HEVC, AV1, or VVC. * Knowledge of ML‑based image and video codecs, including neural ...

Showing results 21-40

Video Codec information

See California salary details

$24.7K

$73.6K

$158.4K

How much do video codec jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 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 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 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 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:

Infographic showing various Video Codec job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $73,649 per year, or $35.4 per hour.

Video Codec Machine Learning Engineer, Audio & Media Technologies

Apple

San Diego, CA

$142K - $263K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Re-posted 23 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

Imagine the possibilities that await you here! At Apple, bold ideas rapidly transform
into groundbreaking products, services, and customer experiences that shape the
world. Are you someone who brings passion, dedication, and a drive to push bound-
aries? If so, we want to hear from you. We are seeking exceptional talent to join us in
defining the future of video. Our team is at the forefront of crafting the next genera-
tion video codec that will redefine the industry landscape and set new standards for
how the world experiences video. This is your opportunity to make a lasting impact
on both Apple's ecosystem and the broader industry as a whole. Driven by this mis-
sion, our team develops cutting-edge video coding, processing, machine learning,
and systems engineering technologies that power intelligent and immersive video
experiences across Apple's iconic products and platforms, including Photos, Cam-
era, Spotlight, FaceTime, AirPlay, Sidecar, and Apple TV. You will collaborate with a
team of highly driven and talented specialists, working together to turn visionary
codec innovations into transformative technologies that reach and inspire millions of
people every day.
Description
This position is ideal for a highly self-motivated and visionary individual with a deep passion for pushing the boundaries of video coding, machine learning, and AI-driven video technologies.","responsibilities":"Leading and Inspiring a Technical Team: Guiding a team of talented specialists in researching and developing novel video codecs, with a strong emphasis on machine learning and AI-powered approaches, tailored to Apple's unique and innovative use cases.
Shaping the Future of Industry Standards: Spearheading efforts to contribute groundbreaking algorithms and ML-driven innovations to the next generation of video coding standards, positioning Apple at the forefront of the industry.
Driving Cross-functional Collaboration: Partnering closely with software and hardware teams to define, architect, and implement cutting-edge video coding and machine learning algorithms, bringing them to life across Apple's iconic products and platforms.
Advancing ML and Generative Video Technologies: Exploring and applying the latest advancements in deep learning, neural video compression, generative AI, and computer vision to unlock new possibilities in video coding and processing.
Preferred Qualifications
Machine Learning and AI Fluency: Strong understanding and practical experience in applying machine learning, deep learning, and generative AI techniques to video and image processing, coding, and computer vision challenges. Experience with ML-based codec design, neural video compression, or AI-powered video enhancement is highly valued
Visionary and Innovative Mindset: Passion for staying at the cutting edge of machine learning, generative video technologies, and computer vision, with the ability to translate emerging research into real-world product impact
Leadership and Collaboration: Proven experience in leading teams and driving complex projects from concept to completion, with strong written and verbal communication skills to effectively influence and inspire across cross-functional teams.
Minimum Qualifications
A Ph.D degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Science is required.
Deep Expertise in Video and Image Coding: Comprehensive mastery of video and image coding principles, algorithms, and techniques, with a strong foundation in both classical and ML-driven approaches.
Proficiency in Video Coding Standards: In-depth hands-on experience with industry-leading video coding standards, including H.264/AVC, H.265/HEVC,
AV1, H.266/VVC, and the emerging AV2, with a keen interest in how machine learning is revolutionizing these standards.
Strong Software Engineering Skills: Excellent software design, development,
and debugging skills with proficiency in C/C++, complemented by experience in
ML frameworks such as PyTorch or TensorFlow.
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 $142,300 and $263,300, 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