Embedded Engineer, Operating System

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 that believes AR innovation enhances how people live, communicate, and connect in the real world. Our Spectacles team is pioneering fifth-generation standalone AR glasses powered by Snap OS, integrating seamlessly with Snapchat's visual messaging and Lens Studio's augmented reality platform. We're seeking an Embedded Engineer, Operating System to join the Spectacles team in Snap Labs, where you'll architect cutting-edge embedded software that brings playful, immersive AR experiences to life through advanced camera technology and real-time processing. In this role, you'll lead the design and implementation of embedded software across kernel, drivers, and system layers, optimizing for Spectacles' see-through AR capabilities. You'll tackle challenges in memory management, camera pipelines, audio, and security to deliver performant, energy-efficient solutions that power on-device AR for learning, working, and fun. Collaborating with AR innovators and hardware experts, you'll debug complex issues, conduct rigorous code and design reviews, and integrate BSPs to ship reliable consumer products that redefine human connection. Snap's creative culture thrives on diverse voices and bold ideas, fueled by our 'Default Together' policy for 4+ days weekly in-office collaboration. If you're passionate about embedded systems, camera-first tech, and pushing AR boundaries, join us to contribute to products used by millions daily. Snap is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, offering comprehensive benefits like paid parental leave, medical coverage, mental health support, and equity in our success.

What You'll Do

• Lead or participate in the design, architecture, and implementation of embedded software for Snap OS in prototype and shipping Spectacles AR glasses
• Design and implement software components across all system layers, including kernel, synchronization primitives, resource allocators, memory management, and security
• Develop low-level drivers for I/O systems, persistence, camera pipelines, and audio subsystems optimized for real-time AR experiences
• Optimize embedded systems for energy efficiency and high performance in standalone, see-through AR glasses
• Participate in design reviews and code reviews with peers and stakeholders to ensure reliable, innovative solutions
• Triage, debug, and resolve product or system issues by analyzing root causes in camera and AR contexts
• Integrate Board Support Packages (BSP) and manage dependencies for Spectacles hardware platforms
• Collaborate with AR, camera, and hardware teams to push boundaries of on-device AR innovation
• Contribute to operating system architecture for seamless integration with Snapchat's visual messaging and Lens Studio ecosystems
• Document designs and processes to support rapid iteration in Snap's creative culture

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in a relevant technical field such as computer science or electrical engineering or equivalent years of experience
• 3+ years of experience with embedded software development and ARM architecture
• Proficiency programming in C or C++
• Experience in one or more of the following areas: BSP/Board Support Package, Operating Systems, Linux Embedded OS (AOSP, Yocto, Buildroot), Build systems (Cmake, Autotools, GNU make, Ninja)
• Familiarity with computer system architecture, microprocessor, and microcontroller fundamentals (caches, buses, memory controllers, DMA, etc.)
• Strong analytical and software debugging skills
• Ability to read schematics and component data sheets

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in a relevant field such as computer science or electrical engineering
• Experience creating performant and energy efficient solutions for AR wearables
• Knowledge of camera systems, audio processing, and real-time AR rendering in embedded environments
• Prior work on consumer AR glasses or camera-first hardware products
• Experience with security implementations in embedded systems

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Embedded software development in C/C++
• ARM architecture expertise
• Operating Systems architecture (Linux Embedded OS like AOSP, Yocto, Buildroot)
• BSP/Board Support Package creation and integration
• Build systems (CMake, Autotools, GNU Make, Ninja)
• Computer system fundamentals (caches, buses, memory controllers, DMA)
• Kernel development and synchronization primitives
• Memory management and resource allocators
• Security implementations in embedded systems
• I/O systems, camera, and audio drivers
• Software debugging and triage
• Schematic reading and component data sheets
• Source control and bug tracking
• Design documentation
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Analytical problem-solving
• Dependency management
• Performance and energy optimization for AR wearables

Our Benefits

• Paid parental leave
• Comprehensive medical coverage
• Emotional and mental health support programs
• Compensation packages that let you share in Snap’s long-term success
• Dynamic collaboration in a 'Default Together' office environment (4+ days per week)
• Opportunities to innovate in AR glasses and camera technology
• Inclusive culture celebrating diverse backgrounds and creative expression
• Support for disabilities or special needs with accommodations

"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.