Senior Software Engineer

Ambarella; Dayton, Northern (OH, KY); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Ambarella is seeking a Senior Software Engineer in Dayton to lead development of AI-enabled video codecs for edge devices. You will work across architecture, hardware, and software teams to optimize codecs for quality, latency, and power efficiency.

The role requires 5–10+ years in video codec or embedded software, strong C/C++, and familiarity with H.264/HEVC/AV1 standards. You will mentor peers and shape next-generation camera products.

Qualifications

• Expert-level C and C++ programming in embedded systems.
• Experience with video codecs and real-time systems.
• Familiarity with H.264/HEVC/AV1 standards.
• Strong debugging and performance optimization skills.
• Ability to lead projects and mentor engineers.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and optimization of real-time video codec algorithms for quality, latency, and hardware efficiency.
• Design reference codec models and performance enhancements.
• Drive hardware/software co-design and silicon architecture modeling.
• Develop advanced diagnostics and verification tools for silicon validation.
• Architect and optimize real-time embedded firmware solutions and rate control components.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical leadership on codec projects.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define future video codec capabilities and requirements.

Skills

C

C++

Embedded software

Video compression standards

Job description

## Senior Software EngineerApply: US Ohio: Full time: Posted Today: JR100383## AI Vision Processors For Edge Applications### *Our solutions make cameras smarter by extracting valuable data from high-resolution video streams.***Job Description****Job Description**Develop advanced software and modeling solutions for AI-enabled camera silicon. This role is responsible for leading the design, development, optimization, and verification of standards-based real-time hardware video codecs. The successful candidate will work closely with architecture, hardware, and software teams to drive innovation in video compression technologies and support next-generation AI camera products.**Key Responsibilities*** Lead the development and optimization of video codec algorithms with a focus on video quality, latency reduction, and hardware efficiency.* Design and implement reference codec models and performance enhancements.* Drive hardware/software co-design efforts and silicon architecture modeling.* Develop advanced diagnostics and verification tools for silicon validation.* Architect and optimize real-time embedded firmware solutions.* Lead software rate control design and optimization activities.* Mentor junior engineers and provide technical leadership on codec development projects.* Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define future video codec capabilities and requirements.**Required Skills*** Expert-level programming skills in C and C++* Strong embedded software development experience* Familiarity with video compression standards (H.264, H.265/HEVC, AV1, or similar)* Experience with codec optimization, performance analysis, and system-level debugging* Ability to lead technical projects and mentor team members* Experience using AI-powered software development tools (e.g., Cursor, Claude, or similar) to improve engineering productivity and code quality.**Location** Dayton (Beavercreek), Ohio**Experience*** 5 to 10+ years of relevant experience in video codec, embedded software, or related engineering fields### About UsCombining technical expertise and a commitment to quality, Ambarella has established itself as the industry standard for excellence in video performance by offering pristine imagery, efficient compression, and low-power operation. For our next phase of growth, we are looking for talented team members to help us deliver our advanced computer vision algorithms to tomorrow’s intelligent video products. Our target applications include autonomous vehicles, intelligent video surveillance, self-flying drones, smart wearable cameras, 360-degree immersive video, and more.