Embedded Software Engineer, Cellular, Level 5

Location: Los Angeles, Canada | San Diego, 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 that believes AR technology will transform how people connect, create, and experience the world. Our Spectacles team is pioneering fifth-generation standalone AR glasses powered by Snap OS, blending see-through displays with advanced cellular connectivity to enable seamless real-world augmentation. As an Embedded Software Engineer, Cellular, Level 5, on the Spectacles team, you'll drive the wireless foundation that powers immersive AR experiences—from live sharing moments with friends via Snapchat to collaborative learning and creative play. Join our innovative culture where bold ideas meet cutting-edge camera and AR tech to redefine human connection. In this role, you'll architect and optimize cellular modem software for Spectacles, ensuring rock-solid call quality, blazing-fast data, and intelligent power management that keeps users immersed without interruption. You'll dive deep into Radio Interface Layer (RIL) development, simulate real-world scenarios to uncover performance gaps, and squash bugs from factory floors to global user deployments. Collaborating with AR engineers, hardware experts, and our OS team, you'll enhance Snap OS to deliver low-latency connectivity that makes AR feel magical, whether capturing ephemeral moments or building shared realities. We're seeking a seasoned engineer with 6+ years crafting embedded C/C++ solutions, a passion for wireless protocols, and the creativity to innovate at Snap's scale. Our 'Default Together' policy fosters dynamic in-person collaboration 4+ days a week, fueling our vibrant, diverse culture. Snap is an equal opportunity employer offering competitive pay (Zone A: $209,000-$313,000 base + equity), comprehensive benefits, and the chance to shape the future of AR wearables. If you're ready to embed cellular excellence into the next era of Spectacles, apply now!

What You'll Do

• Design, develop, test, deploy, maintain, and enhance embedded software for Spectacles AR glasses focusing on cellular connectivity
• Develop modem software and verify feature functionalities including call quality, data throughput, thermal/power management, and seamless connectivity
• Identify and resolve modem software performance gaps through system requirements analysis, design review, implementation debugging, and real-world scenario simulation
• Debug, analyze, and fix modem issues reported from factory testing, carrier certification, and end-user field deployments
• Collaborate with hardware, AR, and OS teams to integrate cellular features that enhance real-time AR experiences in Spectacles
• Optimize wireless connectivity to support low-latency AR interactions, live sharing, and immersive camera-based communication
• Contribute to Snap OS enhancements that power standalone, see-through AR glasses for playing, learning, and working
• Analyze user experience data to improve cellular performance in dynamic, real-world environments
• Work cross-functionally to ensure Spectacles meet carrier certifications and deliver reliable connectivity for global users
• Prototype and iterate on cellular features to push the boundaries of AR innovation and camera technology

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent
• 6+ years of experience with software development in C or C++
• Strong proficiency in data structures and algorithms
• Experience designing, developing, testing, and deploying embedded software solutions
• Demonstrated ability to debug and analyze complex software issues
• Understanding of operating system concepts including heap, stack, threads, mutex, memory management, and scheduling
• Experience with real-time systems or device software development

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Cellular software development, particularly Radio Interface Layer (RIL)
• Knowledge of WLAN, Bluetooth, or other wireless protocols
• Familiarity with network protocols such as TCP/UDP/IP
• Experience supporting cellular carrier certification processes
• Background in modem software development and performance optimization
• Prior work on AR hardware, wearables, or camera-enabled devices

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Expertise in C/C++ programming for embedded systems
• Strong software design and architecture skills
• Advanced debugging and root cause analysis
• Embedded software testing and validation
• Modem and cellular protocol knowledge
• Wireless connectivity optimization (cellular, WLAN, BT)
• Real-time operating systems proficiency
• Performance profiling and bottleneck resolution
• Network protocols (TCP/UDP/IP)
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Problem-solving in ambiguous environments
• Data-driven decision making
• Agile development methodologies
• Experience with AR or wearable hardware integration
• Carrier certification processes
• Thermal and power management in devices
• Simulation and emulation tools

Our Benefits

• Paid parental leave
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Emotional and mental health support programs
• Competitive compensation packages with equity (RSUs)
• Flexible paid time off and wellness programs
• Professional development opportunities in AR and emerging tech
• Onsite perks including meals, fitness facilities, and creative spaces
• 401(k) matching and financial planning resources
• Community volunteer time and social impact initiatives

Compensation

$209,000-$313,000 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.