Apple

Real-Time Computer Vision Architect

Apple$160K — $200K *
Consumer Technology
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • BS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field with 10+ years of experience.
  • Ability to operate in multi-functional teams covering various engineering domains.
  • Experience in developing and refining computer vision algorithms and ISP pipelines.
  • Proficiency in optimizing algorithms for embedded platforms including power and memory constraints.
  • Strong understanding of perception sensing technologies and their trade-offs.
  • Depth of expertise in computer vision specialties such as SLAM and human representation.

Responsibilities

  • Lead co-design of algorithms and systems in computer vision.
  • Collaborate with firmware, OS, and feature teams to ensure alignment of goals.
  • Drive optimization of CV algorithms while considering real-time constraints.
  • Evaluate and articulate trade-offs between different sensing technologies.
  • Develop feature-level architectures from broad product requirements.
  • Manage multi-functional efforts and directly interface with Apple leadership.
  • Tuning ISP performance for seamless algorithm and hardware integration.

Benefits

  • Collaborative and innovative work environment.
  • Opportunity to influence cutting-edge technology across multiple Apple products.
  • Access to advanced resources and tools for professional growth.
  • Potential for cross-disciplinary collaboration with top experts in various fields.
  • Engagement in state-of-the-art engineering and applied research.
Full 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 in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or other relevant fields with a minimum of 10 years relevant, proven experience.

Validated ability to work in a highly multi-functional environment at the intersection of Computer Vision, Embedded Systems, ISP, Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Optical Science, Human Factors or similar.

Proven track record in developing and improving CV perception algorithms and ISP pipelines.

Demonstrated experience in optimizing computer vision algorithms for performance, power, and memory on embedded platforms. Familiarity with firmware integration, operating system constraints, power and memory constraints, and low-level software development for image signal processing (ISP) in real-time applications.

Strong understanding of perception sensing technologies including color and monochrome cameras, depth sensors, and IMUs. Ability to understand and articulate trade-offs between multiple sensing solutions and their impact on both high-level algorithms and low-level system performance.

Depth of expertise in one or more computer vision specialty areas relevant to this role. These areas may include SLAM, tracking, classification, calibration, PnP-based pose estimation, scene understanding, human representation, and image enhancement.

Preferred Qualifications

Breadth of knowledge in some areas of computer vision including either classical methods or ML. These areas may include SLAM, tracking, classification, calibration, PnP-based pose estimation, scene understanding, human representation, and image enhancement.

Experience in translating ambiguous, high-level product goals into detailed feature-level architectures and system requirements. Proven ability to derive defensible end-to-end requirements at the system level and decompose them into module/component-specific requirements that include firmware, ISP, and OS constraints.

Strong leadership skills to drive large multi-functional efforts, resolve conflicts, and present results to the highest levels of Apple leadership. Demonstrated ability to bridge the gap between high-level algorithm design and low-level system optimization-including the challenges of optimizing ISP performance under tight power and latency constraints.

Experience in optimizing and fine-tuning ISP pipelines, including tasks like noise reduction, color correction, demosaicing, and dynamic range enhancement.

Ideal candidates will also have exposure to modern innovative techniques including vision transformers, foundation models, and vision-language models, with a focus on integrating these methods into resource-constrained environments.

Proficiency in debugging and optimizing performance at the firmware or OS level, with specific expertise in tuning ISP performance to ensure tight integration between hardware capabilities and algorithmic performance.

About Apple

Apple is a corporation that designs, manufactures, and markets mobile communication and media devices, personal computers, portable digital music players, and sells a variety of related software, services, peripherals, networking solutions, and third-party digital content and applications. Apple provides many products and services, including iPhone; iPad; iPod; Mac; Apple TV; a portfolio of consumer and professional software applications; the iOS and OS X operating systems; iCloud; and accessories, service, and support offerings. It sells its products worldwide through its retail stores, online stores, direct sales force and third-party cellular network carriers, wholesalers, retailers, and value-added resellers to the consumer and also sells third-party iPhone, iPad, Mac and iPod compatible products, including application software and accessories through its online and retail stores. Introduced in 1984, the Macintosh was the first widely sold personal computer with a graphical user interface (GUI). That feature and others such as an improved floppy drive design and a low-cost hard drive that made data retrieval faster helped Apple cultivate a reputation for innovation. Apple was named as the most admired company in the United States in 2008 and in the world from 2008 to 2012 by the Fortune magazine. The company was founded by Steven Paul Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Gerald Wayne on April 1, 1976, and is headquartered in Cupertino, California.

Apple Careers

Join Apple, a place where extraordinary people gather to do their best work. Our ever-expanding global team is at the forefront of innovation and leadership in the tech industry. At Apple, we're not just building products—we're crafting the kind of wonder that revolutionizes entire industries. It's the diversity of our people and their ideas that inspires the innovation that runs through everything we do, from amazing technology to industry-leading environmental efforts. Work You’ll Do Embark on a journey with Apple’s market-leading team to help some of the world’s most influential companies navigate their path to digital mastery with cutting-edge technology and services. Transform industries and touch lives with your unique ideas at Apple. Here, you’ll lead through a unique position at the intersection of technology, creativity, and robust industry expertise. Collaborate with a global team of professionals who are at the top of their game in technology and design. Apple isn’t just a company, it’s a community of innovators and passionate thinkers. Introducing the Apple Innovation and Leadership Initiative We are building a market-leading team to drive our efforts in delivering groundbreaking solutions and services. At Apple, job opportunities are abundant, offering you the chance to explore diverse roles from engineering to marketing, all designed to empower your career growth. Do Innovative Work Join the largest group of creative and technical experts in the world—professionals dedicated to redefining what’s possible through technology and innovation. Deliver targeted solutions through a depth and breadth of expertise that’s unmatched, driving forward our commitment to excellence and leadership in every project we undertake. Be Part of a Great Team Engage in a wide range of projects utilizing Apple’s technology and resources. Harness the unparalleled capabilities, global scale, and joint solution development that only Apple can offer. Future-Proof Your Career Advance your career with limitless opportunities at Apple. Go as far as your ambition takes you with unmatched training, development, and certification support. Explore Discover how Apple is leading the way in tech innovation: [With iOS] Businesses can streamline operations and enhance customer interactions... READ MORE Smart home technology integration that sets the standard for convenience and security... READ MORE The Apple Experience Our combined service capabilities, global scale, and joint solution development help clients overcome challenges and lead transformation in their industries. Clients worldwide look to Apple for new strategies and solutions that drive growth and innovation in the digital era. Stay Connected Join Our Team Search open positions that match your skills and interests. We look for passionate, curious, creative, and solution-driven team players. Whether you’re seeking a professional role, an internship, or a leadership position, Apple offers a variety of employment opportunities. SEARCH APPLE JOBS Keep Up to Date Stay ahead with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights you can put to use today—all from the people who work here. READ CAREERS BLOG Job Alert Emails Personalize your subscription to receive job alerts, latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. See what exciting and rewarding opportunities await at Apple, a company committed to diversity, innovation, and leadership. Explore job opportunities, employment benefits, and the culture of growth and innovation at Apple. Prepare your resume, hone your interview skills, and ready yourself for a career at one of the most prestigious companies in the world. Join us in pushing the boundaries of what is possible.
Learn more about Apple
Size
154,000 employees
Market Cap
$2,074.3 billion
Industry
Net Income
$63.9 billion
Founded
1976
5 Year Trend
+11.5%
Revenue
$294.1 billion
NASDAQ

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at Apple

More Consumer Technology Jobs

Find similar Real-Time Computer Vision Architect jobs: