1

Video Compression Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

... in Electrical Engineering (EE), Computer Science (CS), or related discipline 12 yrs or more ... Encoding, Transcoding Video Compression and Distribution - Headend: Encoders and Decoders ...

Sr Software Engineer

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$139K - $183K/yr

Expertise with video compression standards (e.g. AV1, VVC, VP9, H.265, H.264) * Knowledge of multi-threaded programming and debugging using C and C++ * Proficient with a wide range of development ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Video Compression Engineer information

See California salary details

$30.1K

$87.1K

$137.7K

How much do video compression engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for video compression engineer in California is $87,147.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,100.00 and $107,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Video Compression Engineer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Video Compression Engineer, you need a strong background in video codec theory, signal processing, and programming languages such as C/C++ or Python, often paired with a degree in computer science, electrical engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard tools like FFmpeg, x264/x265 libraries, and potentially certifications in video engineering can be highly valuable. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate technical concepts within multidisciplinary teams are important soft skills. Mastering these qualifications ensures efficient delivery of high-quality video content, seamless collaboration across teams, and innovation in evolving media technologies.

What are some typical daily responsibilities of a Video Compression Engineer?

A Video Compression Engineer typically spends their day developing, optimizing, and testing video codecs and compression algorithms to ensure efficient streaming and storage. They analyze video quality metrics, resolve encoding issues, and collaborate closely with software developers, QA teams, and product managers to integrate solutions into larger platforms. Staying up-to-date with the latest compression standards and participating in code reviews are also common tasks. This hands-on, collaborative environment allows engineers to see the direct impact of their work on user experience and product performance.

What is a Video Compression Engineer job?

A Video Compression Engineer specializes in optimizing video encoding, compression algorithms, and streaming technologies to efficiently reduce file sizes while maintaining quality. They work with codecs like H.264, HEVC, AV1, and VP9 to improve video delivery across various platforms. Their role involves algorithm development, performance tuning, and ensuring compatibility with different playback devices and network conditions.

What are popular job titles related to Video Compression Engineer jobs in California? For Video Compression Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Video Compression Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Video Compression Engineer jobs in California are:
Infographic showing various Video Compression Engineer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% Internship, 90% Full Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,147 per year, or $41.9 per hour.
Video Codec Machine Learning Engineer, Audio & Media Technologies

Video Codec Machine Learning Engineer, Audio & Media Technologies

Apple

San Diego, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago


Apple rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 670 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th 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 boundaries? 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 generation 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 mission, 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, Camera, 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.
Minimum Qualifications
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++ or Python, complemented by experience in ML frameworks such as PyTorch or TensorFlow.
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.

What Apple employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Apple logo

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