Embedded Engineer, C++

Location: Vienna, United States

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 at heart, believing that the lens presents the greatest opportunity to improve how people live, communicate, and connect in the real world. We're the creators of Snapchat, Lens Studio, and Spectacles—our fifth-generation AR glasses powered by Snap OS that blend digital creativity with physical presence. The Spectacles team is pioneering standalone, see-through AR eyewear to make playing, learning, and working more immersive and fun. Join us as an Embedded Engineer, C++ on the Spectacles team, where you'll architect cutting-edge software that powers AR experiences through advanced camera tech and web-powered innovation in a creative, collaborative culture. In this role, you'll lead the design and implementation of embedded C++ software for both prototypes and shipping consumer products, with a focus on integrating the Webengine for dynamic web experiences in next-gen Spectacles. You'll optimize for ARM architecture, ensuring real-time performance in power-constrained AR glasses, while triaging issues and collaborating on design/code reviews to deliver reliable, innovative solutions. Your work will directly enhance how users interact with Snapchat Lenses and AR content in the physical world, pushing the boundaries of what's possible with see-through displays and camera-driven computing. We're seeking engineers passionate about AR innovation, camera technology, and Snap's mission to empower self-expression. With strong C++ skills, embedded expertise, and a knack for debugging complex systems, you'll thrive in our 'Default Together' environment—working 4+ days a week in-office to spark ideas and build culture faster. Snap Inc offers competitive benefits, equity, and a diverse team committed to equal opportunity. If you're ready to shape the future of AR glasses, apply today!

What You'll Do

• Lead or contribute to the design, architecture, and implementation of embedded software for prototype and consumer AR products like Spectacles
• Implement, design, and integrate the Webengine powering immersive web experiences on next-generation Spectacles
• Develop low-level C++ code optimized for ARM-based embedded systems in AR glasses
• Collaborate on innovative camera and sensor integrations to enhance real-world AR interactions
• Participate in rigorous design reviews and code reviews with peers and stakeholders to deliver robust solutions
• Triage and debug complex product or system issues, analyzing logs and sources to track and resolve them efficiently
• Optimize software for real-time performance in standalone, see-through AR glasses running Snap OS
• Integrate graphics pipelines and Web APIs to enable seamless AR content rendering via Snapchat Lenses
• Document designs, architectures, and implementations to support team scalability and knowledge sharing
• Work cross-functionally with hardware, AR, and product teams to push boundaries of AR innovation
• Contribute to shipping high-quality consumer products that empower creative expression through AR

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a relevant technical field or equivalent practical experience
• 2+ years of experience in embedded software development, specifically with ARM architecture
• Proficiency in C++ programming, including modern features like RAII and advanced memory management
• Demonstrated experience with source control systems, bug tracking tools, and design documentation practices
• Strong ability to triage, debug, and resolve product or system issues through root cause analysis
• Experience participating in design and code reviews to ensure reliable, high-quality solutions
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for collaborating with cross-functional teams

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Computer Science or a related field
• Expertise in Graphics APIs such as WebGL, WebGPU, and OpenGL
• Hands-on experience with major Webengines including Chromium, WebKit, or Gecko
• Knowledge of web specifications, standards, JavaScript, and WebXR
• Experience contributing to open-source projects in embedded or AR domains
• Familiarity with AR hardware development or camera-based technologies

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Embedded C++ development on ARM platforms
• Modern C++ features (RAII, smart pointers, memory management)
• Webengine integration (Chromium, WebKit experience preferred)
• Graphics programming (WebGL, WebGPU, OpenGL)
• Real-time debugging and triage in resource-constrained environments
• Source control (e.g., Git) and bug tracking tools
• Design documentation and architecture diagramming
• Code review and peer collaboration processes
• Analytical problem-solving for system-level issues
• Strong written and verbal communication
• Cross-functional teamwork in fast-paced AR/hardware settings
• Understanding of AR/WebXR standards and JavaScript
• Performance optimization for battery-powered wearables
• Familiarity with camera pipelines and sensor fusion
• Agile development methodologies
• Open-source contribution experience

Our Benefits

• Paid parental leave to support family needs
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Emotional and mental health support programs
• Competitive compensation packages with equity in Snap's long-term success
• Flexible PTO and wellness initiatives for work-life balance
• Professional development opportunities in AR and camera technologies
• Collaborative office environment under our 'Default Together' policy (4+ days/week in-office)
• Snacks, meals, and perks fostering creative culture
• Diverse, inclusive community with equal opportunity employment

"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.