Camera Systems Engineer

Location: Boulder, United States | Los Angeles, Canada | Palo Alto, Canada

Department: Spectacles

Employment Type: Full time

About Snap Inc

Snap Inc is a technology company. We believe the camera presents the greatest opportunity to improve the way people live and communicate. Snap contributes to human progress by empowering people to express themselves, live in the moment, learn about the world, and have fun together.

About the Role

Snap Inc is a camera company believing that the camera is the greatest opportunity to improve the way people live and communicate. We empower people to express themselves, live in the moment, learn about the world, and have fun together through Snapchat, Lens Studio, and our AR glasses, Spectacles. The Spectacles team is pioneering fifth-generation standalone, see-through AR glasses powered by Snap OS, revolutionizing play, learning, and work in the real world. Join our creative culture as a Camera Systems Engineer on the Spectacles team, where you'll drive cutting-edge camera innovations for immersive AR experiences that bring people closer together. In this role, you'll lead cross-functional projects to develop next-generation camera hardware tailored for Spectacles' AR capabilities, from sensor selection and lens design to full integration based on user research. You'll define engineering requirements, testing plans, and qualification strategies across development stages, collaborating with firmware, software, and supplier teams to ensure seamless performance in high-volume production. Drive DFM, manage risks, conduct failure analysis, and prototype new use cases, including eye tracking and computational imaging, to push the boundaries of AR innovation. We're seeking a passionate engineer with deep expertise in camera systems to thrive in our fast-paced, collaborative environment. With up to 15% international travel, you'll work hands-on at supplier sites and in our offices 4+ days a week under our 'Default Together' policy, fostering dynamic creativity. Snap Inc is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, offering comprehensive benefits, equity, and a chance to shape the future of AR eyewear.

What You'll Do

• Lead cross-functional sensing projects including hardware and software development, new use-case prototyping, user studies, and performance verification
• Develop next-generation camera hardware for Spectacles based on user research and AR product integration requirements, including sensor selection and lens development
• Define and document camera subcomponent and module engineering requirements
• Define testing and qualification plans for components and camera modules from concept to production
• Develop product-level test procedures in support of AR use cases
• Collaborate with camera firmware and software engineers to develop testing and calibration solutions
• Drive DFM with suppliers, manage technical and commercial risks, and support failure analysis
• Evaluate and debug camera hardware at module and product levels with supporting simulations
• Review process plans, propose and drive DOEs, and integrate corrective actions into designs
• Travel to supplier facilities for product development and production bring-up (up to 15% international travel)

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in optical engineering, physics, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or related field
• 3+ years of experience in designing, testing, or development of high-volume camera modules
• Knowledge of standard miniature camera module assembly processes, including wafer-level optics
• Knowledge of the image signal processing pipeline
• Familiarity with common applications of computer vision and computational imaging
• Experience with eye tracking systems
• Ability to work independently and manage internal and external resources

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD or MS degree in optical engineering, physics, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or related field
• Expertise in near-infrared illumination systems and sensors
• Experience leading complex cross-functional technical projects without predefined requirements
• Experience with compact camera image sensors, lenses, manufacturing, testing, and working with component and module suppliers

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Expertise in mechanical design of injection-molded components
• Electrical design of high-speed circuits
• Design and fabrication of plastic optics
• Consumer electronics process development
• Image signal processing pipeline knowledge
• Computer vision and computational imaging applications
• Eye tracking systems experience
• Wafer-level optics and miniature camera assembly
• DFM and supplier management
• Failure analysis and reliability testing
• DOE design and process optimization
• Hardware debugging and simulation
• Cross-functional project leadership
• User research integration
• AR hardware prototyping
• Independent resource management
• Technical risk assessment

Our Benefits

• Paid parental leave
• Comprehensive medical coverage
• Emotional and mental health support programs
• Compensation packages with equity in the form of RSUs
• Competitive base salary based on pay zones (Zone A: $157,000-$235,000; Zone B: $149,000-$223,000; Zone C: $133,000-$200,000)
• "Default Together" policy with 4+ days per week in office for dynamic collaboration
• Opportunities to innovate in AR glasses and camera technology at Snap Inc
• Inclusive culture supporting diverse backgrounds and creative expression

Compensation

$157,000-$235,000 annually

This position is eligible for equity in the form of RSUs.

"Default Together" Policy: At Snap Inc, we practice a "default together" approach and expect team members to work in an office 4+ days per week.

Snap is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.