Job Details

Camera Architect

Sunnyvale, California, United States

Hardware

Summary

Posted: May 01, 2025

Role Number: 200602650

Apple Camera Architecture team is seeking an energetic and highly motivated leader to drive future camera hardware requirements and definitions for exciting range of products. The camera architecture team initiates & fosters deep collaboration between all cross functional teams involved to deliver final camera performance and features, from the hardware level through to the user facing applications. The end goal is to successfully tie in highly optimized camera hardware solutions with state of the art software providing market leading imaging experiences.

The ideal candidate is someone who have demonstrated experience in defining and shipping optical and imaging related products, is interested in working in a highly dynamic environment with product designers, AI/algorithm experts, and hardware engineers, to derive camera requirements from use cases, define future roadmap, and push the boundary of technology solution space to arrive at the most optimal solution.

Description

This role requires working closely with camera HW, product HW, algorithm and ISP teams on future Apple imaging solutions. Additional responsibilities include:

• Lead architecture development cross-functionally, solicit and balance inputs from cross-functional teams, provide technical leadership, oversight and down-select recommendations.
• Develop camera design options based on system requirements and constraints.
• Define and perform simulation and analysis to quantify performance of various camera design proposals.
• Design studies to quantitively assess customer impact, this can include visual perception impact and/or computer vision algorithm impacts.
• Derive image space figures of merits and requirements, allocate requirements to related sub-components, accounting for calibration, hardware tolerances, variations, and reliability. Collaborate on factory test and metrology setups.
• Support camera and system design and validation process, failure analysis and triage.
• Drive future camera technology roadmap activities relevant for the product space, derive data based metrics to quantify the impact of any future technologies.
• Provide technical leadership and oversight to guide project development, provide mentorship to other engineers as required.

Minimum Qualifications

• BS in Physics, Engineering, Computer Science, Imaging Science or equivalent

• Familiarity with camera technologies and optical science, knowledge in three or more of the following areas: Geometric and diffractive optics fundamentals, Image quality metrics, validation and metrology techniques for imaging, Image sensor and pixel fundamentals, Camera construction and assembly, Computer vision and machine learning fundamentals, Image processing pipeline, including HDR, image fusion, multi-camera registration, etc.

Preferred Qualifications

• 10+ years of industry experience

• MS, or PhD in Physics, Engineering, Computer Science, Imaging Science or equivalent

• Demonstrated experience of leading imaging system definition through product inceptions to delivery, preferably in the consumer electronics industry.

• Expert in three of the follow camera technologies and optical science areas, familiarity with the rest: Geometric and diffractive optics fundamentals, Image quality metrics, validation and metrology techniques for imaging, Image sensor and pixel fundamentals, Camera construction and assembly, Computer vision and machine learning fundamentals, Image processing pipeline, including HDR, image fusion, multi-camera registration, etc.

• Working knowledge of imaging system simulations and evaluation of simulation results

• Action orientated problem solver

• Strong communication, persuasion and negotiation

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 $175,800 and $312,200, 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. (https://www.apple.com/careers/us/benefits.html)

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 (https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12ScreenRdr.pdf) .

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 (https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12ScreenRdr.pdf) .

Apple will not discriminate or retaliate against applicants who inquire about, disclose, or discuss their compensation.

Apple participates in the E-Verify program in certain locations as required by law.Learn more about the E-Verify program (https://www.apple.com/jobs/pdf/EverifyPosterEnglish.pdf) .

Apple is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to applicants with physical and mental disabilities. Reasonable Accommodation and Drug Free Workplace policy Learn more .

Apple is a drug-free workplace. Reasonable Accommodation and Drug Free Workplace policy Learn more .

Apple will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable law. If you’re applying for a position in San Francisco, review the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance guidelines applicable in your area.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.