Embedded ISP Engineer

Apple Inc.; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 142,300 - 263,300; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Medical & dental coverage

Tuition reimbursement

Relocation assistance

Employee discounts

Job summary

Apple Inc. is seeking a firmware engineer to advance camera technologies within its iconic products. You will develop, test, and maintain firmware for camera systems, including ISP pipelines, sensors, and power management, in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities cover building drivers, validating platforms, and optimizing performance of embedded systems. Eligible for discretionary bonuses and relocation benefits as part of a comprehensive compensation package.

Qualifications

• BS degree and at least 3 years of relevant industry experience.
• Hands-on embedded software development experience.
• Proficiency in C/C++ and multi-threaded software in embedded RTOS.

Responsibilities

• Develop low-level device drivers for image processing pipelines in embedded systems.
• Integrate camera sensors and power management units; validate platform hardware.
• Diagnose performance and memory bottlenecks to ensure stability.
• Design and implement camera features for embedded Apple devices.
• Support hardware validation and factory testing with firmware solutions.

Skills

Embedded software

C/C++

RTOS multi-threading

Education

Bachelor's degree (BS)

Job description

Apple’s Camera Firmware team is seeking an outstanding firmware engineer to help drive innovative technologies for Apple’s iconic products! As part of this dynamic team, you will work on core camera technologies, including Apple's custom Image Signal Processing (ISP) pipeline, hardware components, and machine learning techniques, all while contributing to the future of photography and videography. You’ll play a key role in crafting how Apple develops, tests, and manufactures its products. Our close-knit team champions an environment of rapid product iteration, innovation, and collaboration across functional teams, offering you autonomy to make a significant impact on our products.

Description

In this role, you will develop, maintain, and troubleshoot firmware for Apple’s camera systems.

• Developing Low‑Level Device Drivers: Build drivers for advanced image processing pipelines in embedded systems, working with the latest SoC blocks and chipsets used in Apple products.
• Platform Validation and Development: Integrate and configure camera sensors and power management units for Apple products.
• Diagnosing and Troubleshooting Platform Issues: Identify and resolve performance and memory usage bottlenecks in embedded systems to ensure efficient functionality and stability.
• Designing and Implementing Camera Features: Build camera functionalities for embedded systems in Apple products, working multi‑functionally to define features, communication protocols, and clear implementation specifications.
• Supporting Hardware Validation and Factory Testing: Contribute to hardware validation, offering firmware support during factory testing and implementing features to aid in hardware diagnostics and testing.

This is a highly collaborative product development role, requiring close coordination with teams such as Silicon Design, QA, and Machine Learning. The fast‑paced, dynamic environment is ideal for a proactive, determined individual.

Minimum Qualifications

• BS and a minimum of 3 years relevant industry experience
• Hands‑on experience in embedded software development
• Proficiency in C/C++
• Proficiency in development of multi‑thread software within embedded RTOS system

Preferred Qualifications

• Deep expertise and hands‑on experience with ARM‑based SoCs.
• Strong background in image and video signal processing, including ISP and machine learning algorithms.
• Proven ability to optimize system performance and improve the efficiency of embedded systems.
• Exceptional problem‑solving skills with a keen attention to detail.
• Previous experience in camera systems or related fields is a plus.

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.

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.

At Apple, we believe accessibility is a fundamental human right. You’ll find that idea reflected in everything here — in our culture, our benefits and our digital tools. By welcoming as many perspectives as possible, we help you build a career where you feel like you belong.

Learn about accessibility in Apple’s workplace.

Learn about reasonable accommodations for job applicants.

Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.