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Video Playback Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Senior iOS Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$148K/yr

... like Video Playback and hybrid mobile strategies. Responsibilities : • Own and drive the ... iOS engineers across multiple product teams and within Mobile Core, including onboarding and ...

Senior iOS Engineer, Twitch

San Francisco, CA · Hybrid

$164K/yr

In this role, you will directly contribute to creating and refining core features, such as Video Playback, while architecting strategic solutions for internal developers Twitch is evolving its mobile ...

Senior iOS Engineer, Twitch

San Francisco, CA · Hybrid

$164K/yr

In this role, you will directly contribute to creating and refining core features, such as Video Playback, while architecting strategic solutions for internal developers Twitch is evolving its mobile ...

Founding Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$97K - $129K/yr

They are seeking a Founding Engineer to engage in full stack web development, improve AI inference ... video playback, edit quality, snappiness) • Experience in video, graphics, and GPU intensive ...

Senior iOS Engineer, Twitch

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$164K/yr

In this role, you will directly contribute to creating and refining core features, such as Video Playback, while architecting strategic solutions for internal developers. Twitch is evolving its ...

Senior iOS Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$193K - $261K/yr

In this role, you will directly contribute to creating and refining core features, such as Video Playback, while architecting strategic solutions for internal developers. Twitch is evolving its ...

Senior iOS Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$193K - $261K/yr

In this role, you will directly contribute to creating and refining core features, such as Video Playback, while architecting strategic solutions for internal developers. Twitch is evolving its ...

We are seeking a Distinguished Software Engineer to define and drive the technical architecture for ... Experience with video playback technologies including HLS/DASH, SSAI, and streaming monetization.

We are seeking a Distinguished Software Engineer to define and drive the technical architecture for ... Experience with video playback technologies including HLS/DASH, SSAI, and streaming monetization.

We are seeking a Distinguished Software Engineer to define and drive the technical architecture for ... Experience with video playback technologies including HLS/DASH, SSAI, and streaming monetization.

We are seeking a Distinguished Software Engineer to define and drive the technical architecture for ... Experience with video playback technologies including HLS/DASH, SSAI, and streaming monetization.

We are seeking a Distinguished Software Engineer to define and drive the technical architecture for ... Experience with video playback technologies including HLS/DASH, SSAI, and streaming monetization.

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Video Playback Engineer information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a video playback engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Video Playback Engineer, you need expertise in video codecs, streaming protocols, and a solid background in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with tools such as FFmpeg, HLS/DASH streaming, and media playback libraries, as well as experience with video delivery platforms, is common. Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective communication are critical soft skills for collaborating across engineering and product teams. These skills ensure the reliable, high-quality video experiences users expect and enable efficient troubleshooting and innovation in a rapidly evolving media landscape.

What is a video playback engineer?

A Video Playback Engineer is a technology professional who specializes in the development, optimization, and maintenance of video streaming and playback systems. They work on ensuring seamless delivery of video content across various platforms and devices, addressing issues like buffering, latency, and compatibility. Their responsibilities often include working with video codecs, streaming protocols, content delivery networks (CDNs), and player technologies to provide high-quality viewing experiences. Video Playback Engineers may also collaborate with software developers, QA teams, and content providers to troubleshoot and enhance video performance.

What are some common challenges faced by video playback engineers, and how can applicants prepare to address them?

Video Playback Engineers often encounter challenges related to ensuring smooth streaming across a wide range of devices and network conditions. Applicants should be prepared to troubleshoot compatibility issues, optimize video quality and latency, and implement adaptive bitrate streaming techniques. Staying current with evolving video codecs and industry standards is also crucial. Collaboration with front-end developers, QA teams, and content delivery network providers is common, so strong communication and problem-solving skills are important for success in this role.

What is the difference between Video Playback Engineer vs Video Software Engineer?

AspectVideo Playback EngineerVideo Software Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related; experience with multimedia frameworksBachelor's or higher in Computer Science or Software Engineering; programming skills in C++, Python
Work EnvironmentMedia companies, streaming platforms, multimedia device manufacturersSoftware development firms, tech companies, multimedia application developers
Employer & Industry UsageFocus on optimizing video playback, decoding, and renderingDeveloping multimedia software, codecs, and applications

While both roles involve multimedia and video technologies, Video Playback Engineers specialize in ensuring smooth video playback and decoding, often working closely with hardware and media frameworks. Video Software Engineers develop broader multimedia applications and codecs, focusing on software development across various platforms. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify career paths and job expectations in the multimedia industry.

How much does a video playback engineer make?

A video playback engineer's salary typically ranges from $70,000 to $120,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Professionals with skills in multimedia software, hardware troubleshooting, and real-time video processing tend to earn higher wages.

What are popular job titles related to Video Playback Engineer jobs in California?

For Video Playback Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Video Playback Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Video Playback Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Video Playback Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Video Playback Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Video Playback Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 62% Full Time, and 38% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Senior System Software Engineer - Video

Nvidia

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

$143K - $189K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago


Nvidia rating

9.6

Company rating: 9.6 out of 10

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 244 rated software companies


Job description

NVIDIA has been redefining computer graphics, PC gaming, and accelerated computing for more than 25 years. It's a unique legacy of innovation that's fueled by great technology-and amazing people. Doing what's never been done before takes vision, innovation, and the world's best talent. As an NVIDIAN, you'll be immersed in a diverse, supportive environment where everyone is inspired to do their best work. The video software team is seeking someone highly motivated and passionate about system software development. Come join our team and see how you can make a lasting impact.

What you'll be doing:

  • As part of our team you will be contributing to our video system software stack and get opportunities to work on groundbreaking projects that include ultra-low latency cloud gaming, video broadcasting, videoconferencing, and low power video playback.

  • Learn about our graphics processing units (GPUs) and video hardware accelerators, and how to harness their full power to build world-class solutions.

  • Contribute to the Windows device driver (WDDM) that forms the core of all video acceleration. Its highly optimized capture and encode pipeline powers GeForce NOW. All video playback from browsers and applications runs through our video driver. It is also responsible for protecting premium video content with a groundbreaking digital rights management (DRM) scheme.

  • Collaborate with multiple teams across our company, as well as our partners and customers. Own features through the whole lifecycle from requirements and design all the way to production.

What we need to see:

  • Bachelors in Electrical Engineering or Computer Science (or equivalent experience). Master's degree or higher preferred.

  • 8+ years of meaningful software development experience. Outstanding engineers with less experience will be considered.

  • Proficiency in C/C++ with strong software development, optimization, and debugging skills is a requirement.

  • Dedicated, fast to take action, and proactive with excellent analytical skills. Ability to think creatively to debug and tackle complex, hard to reproduce problems.

  • Any prior experience with Windows or Linux driver development is very helpful. Knowledge of operating system internals and device driver models (WDDM) is a strong plus.

  • Other ways to stand out include knowledge and work experience with Microsoft MFT, DirectShow, DirectX, and DXVA, video processing and modern video compression standards, such as H.264, HEVC, VP9, and AV1.

With competitive salaries and a generous benefits package, we are widely considered to be one of the technology world's most desirable employers. We have some of the most forward-thinking and hardworking people in the world working for us and, due to unprecedented growth, our exclusive engineering teams are rapidly growing. If you're a creative and autonomous engineer with a real passion for technology, we want to hear from you.

Your base salary will be determined based on your location, experience, and the pay of employees in similar positions. The base salary range is 184,000 USD - 287,500 USD for Level 4, and 224,000 USD - 356,500 USD for Level 5.

You will also be eligible for equity and benefits.

Applications for this job will be accepted at least until May 1, 2026.

This posting is for an existing vacancy.

NVIDIA uses AI tools in its recruiting processes.

NVIDIA is committed to fostering a diverse work environment and proud to be an equal opportunity employer. As we highly value diversity in our current and future employees, we do not discriminate (including in our hiring and promotion practices) on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or any other characteristic protected by law.

What Nvidia employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Nvidia logo

About Nvidia

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

NVIDIA has been transforming computer graphics, PC gaming, and accelerated computing for more than 25 years. It's a unique legacy of innovation that's fueled by great technology--and amazing people. Today, we're tapping into the unlimited potential of AI to define the next era of computing. An era in which our GPU acts as the brains of computers, robots, and self-driving cars that can understand the world. Doing what's never been done before takes vision, innovation, and the world's best talent.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Santa Clara, CA, US

Year founded

1993