Technical Lead, Camera IQ Assessment and Design

Meta Careers; Burlingame (CA); On-site; USD 173,000 - 245,000; Full time

Job summary

Meta Reality Labs in Burlingame, CA seeks a Technical Lead to drive camera IQ assessment and optical design for AR/VR wearables. You will define roadmaps, influence subsystems, and collaborate with HW, ISP, and firmware teams to turn IQ requirements into hardware and algorithms.

You will prototype tools, set test methodologies, perform trade-off analyses on form factor, power, and image quality, and guide engineers across camera hardware and perceptual quality to deliver high-fidelity wearable

Qualifications

• Minimum 8+ years in camera image quality assessment or optical/design roles.
• Experience defining IQ evaluation frameworks with objective metrics (MTF, SNR, dynamic range).
• Proven track record collaborating across hardware, algorithms, and perception teams.

Responsibilities

• Define and own the technical roadmap for camera IQ assessment methodologies across AR/VR wearables.
• Influence camera subsystems design, including lens selection and sensor evaluation.
• Create and improve tools, metrics, and workflows for camera tuning.
• Collaborate with HW, ISP, firmware, and perception teams to translate IQ requirements into specs.
• Lead trade-off analyses for form factor, power, and image quality constraints.
• Establish lab tests and evaluation methods for camera modules in wearables.

Skills

Camera IQ assessment

Optical design

Hardware integration

Cross-functional leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Image Processing, Color Science

Tools

Camera module integration

ISP tuning tools

Job description

Meta Reality Labs is seeking a Technical Lead to drive camera image quality assessment and optical system design for next-generation AI glasses, including AR, VR headsets, and smart glasses. This role involves driving enhancements through advanced camera technology development, optimizing and tuning camera imaging pipelines, and conducting thorough image quality evaluations. You will work at the intersection of AI-powered algorithms, image signal processing, and perceptual quality to shape the visual fidelity and enhancements of wearable devices used by millions of people worldwide.Technical Lead, Camera IQ Assessment and Design Responsibilities:Define and own the technical roadmap for camera image quality assessment methodologies across AI Glasses, VR, AR, and mixed reality wearable platformsInfluence the overall design and characterization of camera subsystems, including lens selection, sensor evaluation, and optical system integration for wearable devicesCreate and improve tools, metrics, and workflows for the camera tuning processCollaborate with HW, Algo, ISP, firmware, and perception engineering teams to translate IQ requirements into hardware and algorithm specificationsDrive camera system trade-off analyses across form factor, power, thermal, and image quality constraints unique to wearables and AR/VR devicesEstablish test methodologies and lab infrastructure for objective and subjective image quality evaluation of camera modules in wearable form factorsProvide technical guidance to other engineers across camera hardware, ISP tuning, and perceptual quality domainsPartner with product and research teams to define camera quality targets aligned with user experience goals for immersive and passthrough video applicationsRepresent camera IQ requirements in cross-functional design reviews, influencing system architecture decisions at the organizational levelIdentify and resolve systemic image quality issues across the camera pipeline, from photon capture through final rendered output in AR/VR contextsMinimum Qualifications:Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Image Processing, Color Science, or a related field8+ years of experience in camera image quality assessment, optical system design, or camera hardware engineering for consumer electronics or wearable devicesExperience defining and executing IQ evaluation frameworks using objective metrics such as MTF, SNR, dynamic range, color error, and distortion characterizationExperience with camera module integration, lens and sensor selection, and optical system trade-off analysis in constrained form factor environmentsExperience setting technical direction across cross-functional teams spanning algorithms, image signal processing, and hardware engineeringProven track record to enhance product development processes through technology and tooling improvementsDemonstrated experience working effectively with a broad range of colleagues and partners to drive impactPreferred Qualifications:Interest in photography and camera image qualityM.S. or Ph.D. in image processing, color science, electrical engineering, computer science, or a related fieldExperience with image processing techniques, ISP blocks, and computational photography or AI-based algorithms for mobile camera productsA proven track record of collaborating effectively across functionsIn-depth experience in image quality metricsFamiliarity with human perception and statistical analysis, or relevant research experienceAbout Meta:Meta builds technologies that help people connect, find communities, and grow businesses. When Facebook launched in 2004, it changed the way people connect. Apps like Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp further empowered billions around the world. Now, Meta is moving beyond 2D screens toward immersive experiences like augmented and virtual reality to help build the next evolution in social technology. People who choose to build their careers by building with us at Meta help shape a future that will take us beyond what digital connection makes possible today—beyond the constraints of screens, the limits of distance, and even the rules of physics.Meta is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, sexual stereotypes, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local law. Meta participates in the E-Verify program in certain locations, as required by law. Please note that Meta may leverage artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies in connection with applications for employment.Meta is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities in our recruiting process. If you need any assistance or accommodations due to a disability, please let us know at [e-mail].$173,000/year to $245,000/year + bonus + equity + benefitsIndividual compensation is determined by skills, qualifications, experience, and location. Compensation details listed in this posting reflect the base hourly rate, monthly rate, or annual salary only, and do not include bonus, equity or sales incentives, if applicable. In addition to base compensation, Meta offers benefits. Learn more about benefits at Meta.