Principal AI Researcher, Sight Lab

Via Licensing Corporation; Sunnyvale (CA); On-site; USD 251,000 - 351,000; Full time

Job summary

Dolby is seeking a senior research leader in image and video processing to shape the future of imaging technologies. You will lead hands-on research at the intersection of classical image processing and AI, developing next‑generation sensors, camera signal processing, and 3D modeling.

You will mentor a team of researchers, align roadmaps with global initiatives, and partner with product groups to translate breakthroughs into products with global impact.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. with 8+ years of corporate research experience.
• Publications and patents in image sensors, camera signal processing.
• Proficiency in C/C++ and Python with hands-on prototyping.

Responsibilities

• Lead cutting-edge research at the intersection of image processing and AI methods.
• Mentor researchers in image processing, computer vision, graphics, and content enhancement.
• Define research roadmaps and translate breakthroughs into real-world products.

Skills

Image processing

Computer vision

AI/ML research

C/C++

Python

Team leadership

Education

PhD

Tools

GPU/CPU architectures

Embedded systems

SoC platforms

Job description

Join the leader in entertainment innovation and help us design the future. At Dolby, science meets art, and high tech means more than computer code. As a member of the Dolby team, you’ll see and hear the results of your work everywhere, from movie theaters to smartphones. We continue to revolutionize how people create, deliver, and enjoy entertainment worldwide. To do that, we need the absolute best talent. We’re big enough to give you all the resources you need, and small enough so you can make a real difference and earn recognition for your work. We offer a collegial culture, challenging projects, and excellent compensation and benefits, not to mention a Flex Work approach that is truly flexible to support where, when, and how you do your best work.

The Advanced Technology Group (ATG) is the research division of the company. ATG’s mission is to look ahead, deliver insights, and innovate technological solutions that will fuel Dolby’s continued growth. Our researchers have a broad range of expertise related to computer science and electrical engineering, such as AI/ML, algorithms, digital signal processing, audio engineering, image processing, computer vision, data science & analytics, distributed systems, cloud, edge & mobile computing, computer networking, and IoT.

What You’ll Do

As a senior research leader in image and video processing, you will shape the future of Dolby’s imaging technologies by focusing on three core areas:

Cutting-Edge Research

• Lead hands-on research at the intersection of classical image processing and modern AI methods.
• Invent and advance next-generation image/video capture technologies (sensors, camera signal processing, 3D spatial capture).
• Drive projects that enhance image delivery, analysis, rendering, and content creation technologies.
• Collaborate with global research teams to set research directions and fuel Dolby’s licensing and cloud businesses.

Mentorship & Team Development

• Guide and mentor a high-performing team of researchers in image processing, computer vision, graphics, and content enhancement.
• Foster an innovative, transparent, and results-oriented research culture.
• Develop and nurture junior researchers into independent contributors and future leaders.

Technology Strategy & Collaboration

• Define research roadmaps in partnership with ATG leaders and align resources to global initiatives.
• Work closely with Dolby’s Business Groups to translate research breakthroughs into real-world products.
• Influence Dolby’s long-term technology strategy through collaboration with product managers, program managers, and engineering teams worldwide.

* * *

What You Bring

• Ph.D. + 8+ years of corporate research experience in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, or Computer Science.
• Proven expertise and publication record in image sensors, lenses, camera signal processing, spectral/3D modeling, geometry, and calibration.
• Deep knowledge of AI and machine learning, including:
  • Network architectures, deployment modes, data augmentation, and performance analysis.
  • Generative models (diffusion, autoregressive, autoencoders).
  • Self-supervised and contrastive learning.
  • Applications in vision, audio, or multimodal domains (e.g., source separation, segmentation, synthesis, captioning, language models).
• Experience with GPU/CPU architectures, embedded systems, and SoC platforms for ML/AI deployment.
• Strong record of innovation, patents, and publications in top conferences (NeurIPS, ICLR, ICML, CVPR, etc.).
• Skilled in C/C++ and Python with hands‑on research and prototyping experience.
• Proven ability to manage, mentor, and inspire research teams.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills with a passion for turning research into products with global impact.

The San Francisco/Bay Area base salary range for this full-time position is $250,900-$350,500, which can vary if outside this location, plus bonus, benefits, profit sharing and equity compensation. Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, competencies, experience, market demands, internal parity, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range and perks and benefits for your location during the hiring process.

Dolby will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of San Francisco Police Code, Article 49, and Administrative Code, Article 12

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Dolby is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Our success depends on the combined skills and talents of all our employees. We are committed to making employment decisions without regard to race, religious creed, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, religion, marital status, family status, medical condition, disability, military service, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions or any other classification protected by federal, state, and local laws and ordinances.