Senior Computer Vision Architect

Socket.dev; Sunnyvale (CA); On-site; USD 250,000 - 350,000; Full time

Job summary

Apple's Video Computer Vision and Video Engineering teams in Sunnyvale seek a senior architect to drive real‑time on‑device CV, perception, and ISP optimization. You will bridge firmware, low‑level software, and algorithm design to deliver production‑ready features across devices.

The role requires leading cross‑functional programs, deep multi‑modal sensing knowledge, and the ability to balance performance, latency, and power.

Qualifications

• BS degree in Computer Science or Electrical Engineering plus 20+ years of relevant experience.
• Leads cross-functional initiatives turning CV research into production features.
• Bridges algorithm design with low-level system optimization for ISP/IMU constraints.
• Deep understanding of multi-modal perception, sensor fusion, imaging tech, and latency/power tradeoffs.
• Expertise in CV areas such as SLAM, tracking, calibration, PnP pose estimation, scene understanding.

Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional initiatives transforming state-of-the-art CV research into production-ready features.
• Collaborate with firmware, OS, and feature teams to optimize ISP performance under power and latency constraints.

Skills

Cross-functional leadership

Architectural design

Real-time systems

Multi-modal perception

Algorithms / CV

Image quality ISP optimization

Education

BS degree in Computer Science or Electrical Engineering

Job description

The Video Computer Vision and Video Engineering teams are centralized applied research and engineering organizations responsible for developing real-time on-device Computer Vision, Machine Perception, and Image Quality technologies for Apple products. We balance research and product development to deliver Apple quality, state-of-the-art experiences. We innovate across the full stack and partner with hardware and software teams to influence SW architecture, sensors, silicon, and PD/ID roadmaps that bring our vision to life.

Description

The Architecture team within our organization is responsible for bringing together computer vision algorithms, firmware, and low-level software teams to drive some of the most exciting programs across many Apple products! We do this by enabling the co-design of computer vision algorithms and systems through a deep understanding of the complexities and trade-offs between algorithm performance, imaging pipeline, system resources, and real-time constraints. To be successful in this role, you not only have to be an excellent engineer, but also a phenomenal collaborator—comfortable communicating with a wide range of experts and leaders across many different domains, from firmware and OS to feature and experience. Are you ready to be a part of the next big thing at Apple?

Minimum Qualifications

• BS degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field, coupled with a minimum of 20 years of relevant, proven experience.
• Proven track record of leading cross-functional initiatives that have successfully transformed state-of-the‑art computer vision research into production‑ready features.
• Deep product mindset focused on architecting technical solutions that solve real business problems and deliver high customer value.
• Deep understanding of multi‑modal perception systems, sensor fusion, and diverse imaging technologies is crucial.
• Depth of expertise in one or more computer vision specialty areas that this role assesses for. These areas may include SLAM, tracking, classification, calibration, PnP‑based pose estimation, scene understanding, human representation, and image enhancement.
• Strong leadership skills to drive large cross‑functional efforts, resolve conflicts, and present results to the highest levels of Apple leadership. This includes demonstrating the ability to bridge the gap between high‑level algorithm design and low‑level system optimization, particularly in the challenging environment of optimizing image signal processing (ISP) performance under tight power and latency constraints.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proven track record of designing custom silicon, sensors, or optics.
• Ideal candidates will have exposure to modern, innovative techniques such as vision transformers, foundation models, and vision‑language models, with a strong focus on integrating these methods into resource‑constrained environments.
• Experience leading real‑time computer vision projects (e.g., SLAM, tracking, classification, calibration, PnP‑based pose estimation, scene understanding, human representation, and image enhancement) or low‑level software development for ISP organizations.