Video Codec Algorithm Engineer - Multimedia Lab

ByteDance; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 207,000 - 368,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

401(k) match

Paid parental leave

Short-term disability

Long-term disability

Life insurance

Wellbeing benefits

10 paid holidays per year

10 paid sick days per year

Paid Personal Time

Job summary

ByteDance's Multimedia Lab in San Diego focuses on core R&D for multimedia including video and image codecs, AI-powered codecs, and scalable solutions. The role centers on designing and optimizing cutting-edge algorithms, improving codec performance, and contributing to international standardization efforts.

You will work on live streaming, transcoding, and end-to-end compression systems, collaborating across teams to align technical solutions with product needs.

Qualifications

• MS or PhD in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• In-depth knowledge of video coding standards (e.g., HEVC/H.265, AV1, H.266/VVC), reference softwares (e.g., ECM, x265, VVEnc) or AI-based codec systems
• Strong programming, debugging, and optimization skills in C/C++ or other general‑purpose programming languages

Responsibilities

• Design and develop cutting‑edge algorithms to maximize compression efficiency
• Optimize codec performance through low-level and system-level enhancements
• Push the boundaries of state‑of‑the‑art video coding technologies to deliver superior visual quality
• Conduct research and development on AI-powered codecs, including end‑to‑end image/video compression systems

Skills

C/C++ programming

Video coding

Algorithms optimization

Multithreading

Education

MS or PhD in CS/EE or related field

Tools

x265

VVEnc

ECM

Job description

Responsibilities

As part of a technology-driven company, our Multimedia Lab focuses on core R&D for multimedia content such as audio, video, point clouds, and meshes.

We are contributors to international standardization efforts and have built comprehensive capabilities across algorithm design, system implementation, and hardware-software co-optimization.

Our work centers on key areas such as content generation, analysis, compression, processing, transmission, and interaction. We consistently deliver high-quality, practical, and scalable solutions that support diverse business innovations. Alongside our commitment to efficient and reliable technology delivery, we invest heavily in foundational research—exploring fundamental algorithms, large models, and next-generation standards to build sustainable, forward-looking technical competitiveness.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop cutting‑edge algorithms to maximize compression efficiency
• Optimize codec performance through low-level and system-level enhancements
• Push the boundaries of state‑of‑the‑art video coding technologies to deliver superior visual quality
• Conduct research and development on AI-powered codecs, including end‑to‑end image/video compression systems

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• MS or PhD in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field
• In-depth knowledge of video coding standards (e.g., HEVC/H.265, AV1, H.266/VVC), reference softwares (e.g., , ECM, x265, VVEnc) or AI-based codec systems
• Strong programming, debugging, and optimization skills in C/C++ or other general‑purpose programming languages

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in developing video applications such as live streaming, video conferencing, or offline transcoding
• Hands‑on experience with software codec development
• Background in international standardization efforts
• Familiarity with SIMD/NEON optimization and multi‑threaded programming
• Strong understanding of business needs and the ability to align technical solutions with product and market goals

About Us

Founded in 2012, ByteDance's mission is to inspire creativity and enrich life. With a suite of more than a dozen products, including TikTok, Lemon8, CapCut and Pico as well as platforms specific to the China market, including Toutiao, Douyin, and Xigua, ByteDance has made it easier and more fun for people to connect with, consume, and create content.

Why Join ByteDance

Inspiring creativity is at the core of ByteDance's mission. Our innovative products are built to help people authentically express themselves, discover and connect – and our global, diverse teams make that possible. Together, we create value for our communities, inspire creativity and enrich life - a mission we work towards every day.

As ByteDancers, we strive to do great things with great people. We lead with curiosity, humility, and a desire to make impact in a rapidly growing tech company. By constantly iterating and fostering an \"Always Day 1\" mindset, we achieve meaningful breakthroughs for ourselves, our Company, and our users. When we create and grow together, the possibilities are limitless. Join us.

Diversity & Inclusion

ByteDance is committed to creating an inclusive space where employees are valued for their skills, experiences, and unique perspectives. Our platform connects people from across the globe and so does our workplace. At ByteDance, our mission is to inspire creativity and enrich life. To achieve that goal, we are committed to celebrating our diverse voices and to creating an environment that reflects the many communities we reach. We are passionate about this and hope you are too.

Reasonable Accommodation

ByteDance is committed to providing reasonable accommodations in our recruitment processes for candidates with disabilities, pregnancy, sincerely held religious beliefs or other reasons protected by applicable laws. If you need assistance or a reasonable accommodation, please reach out to us at https://tinyurl.com/RA-request

Job Information

【For Pay Transparency】Compensation Description (Annually)

The base salary range for this position in the selected city is $207480 - $368220 annually.

Compensation may vary outside of this range depending on a number of factors, including a candidate’s qualifications, skills, competencies and experience, and location. Base pay is one part of the Total Package that is provided to compensate and recognize employees for their work, and this role may be eligible for additional discretionary bonuses/incentives, and restricted stock units.

Benefits may vary depending on the nature of employment and the country work location. Employees have day one access to medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) savings plan with company match, paid parental leave, short-term and long-term disability coverage, life insurance, wellbeing benefits, among others. Employees also receive 10 paid holidays per year, 10 paid sick days per year and 17 days of Paid Personal Time (prorated upon hire with increasing accruals by tenure).

The Company reserves the right to modify or change these benefits programs at any time, with or without notice.

For Los Angeles County (unincorporated) Candidates:

Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with all federal, state, and local laws including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act. Our company believes that criminal history may have a direct, adverse and negative relationship on the following job duties, potentially resulting in the withdrawal of the conditional offer of employment:

• Interacting and occasionally having unsupervised contact with internal/external clients and/or colleagues;
• Appropriately handling and managing confidential information including proprietary and trade secret information and access to information technology systems; and
• Exercising sound judgment.