Senior Embedded Processor Architect

Location: Eindhoven, 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 technology will transform how people connect and experience the world. Our Spectacles team is pioneering standalone, see-through AR glasses powered by Snap OS, blending real-time AI, sensor fusion, and immersive visuals to make playing, learning, and working more magical. Join our Eindhoven team as a Senior Embedded Processor Architect, where you'll architect cutting-edge AI processors that power next-gen Spectacles, enabling seamless Edge AI for camera-driven AR experiences that bring people closer in the real world. In this leadership role, you'll define processor cores and compute fabrics optimized for ultra-low-power, real-time workloads in AR glasses. Collaborating with world-class experts in hardware, machine learning, image sensors, and AR, you'll co-design neural frameworks, drive hardware-aware training, and build unified pipelines for sensor fusion and neural inference. You'll explore innovations like super-resolution imaging, event-based sensors, and SPAD technologies, using advanced simulators to balance latency, power, and performance—ensuring Spectacles deliver fluid, always-on AR magic. Our creative culture thrives on diverse thinkers who push boundaries. You'll mentor juniors, shape Snap's Edge AI roadmap, and contribute to products that empower authentic expression through AR. With 8+ years in processor architecture and AI accelerators, plus expertise in ML frameworks and performance modeling, you'll help redefine wearable compute. Snap offers 'default together' collaboration (4+ days/week in-office), inclusive benefits, and a mission-driven environment. Be part of the AR revolution—apply now!

What You'll Do

• Lead the architecture and design of advanced AI processor cores enabling real-time Edge AI and sensor fusion for next-generation Spectacles AR glasses
• Architect processor cores and compute fabrics optimized for real-time Edge AI, sensor processing, and AR workloads
• Co-design neural training and inference frameworks with ML researchers to maximize hardware utilization, efficiency, and adaptability
• Drive hardware-aware training strategies for dynamic, resource-efficient AI models tailored to ultra-low-power embedded platforms
• Develop architectural models, simulators, and performance analysis tools to evaluate trade-offs in latency, power, and area
• Collaborate with sensor, vision, and ML teams to build unified processing pipelines combining neural inference and sensor fusion
• Explore optimizations for imaging workloads, including super-resolution, temporal fusion, and neural signal processing for camera-based AR
• Evaluate emerging sensor technologies such as event-based imaging and SPAD to drive compute innovations in Spectacles
• Mentor junior architects and contribute to Snap’s long-term Edge AI hardware roadmap for AR innovation
• Work from our Eindhoven office, partnering with global hardware, ML, and AR experts to push camera technology boundaries

Minimum Qualifications

• MSc or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience
• 8+ years of experience in processor architecture, AI accelerators, or embedded compute systems (PhD research counts toward experience)
• Demonstrated track record of designing or specifying AI-centric processor architectures or specialized compute units
• Proficiency in AI frameworks such as PyTorch or TensorFlow, with deep understanding of their computational backends
• Experience with performance modeling tools such as SystemC, Gem5, or equivalent simulation frameworks
• Strong foundation in computer architecture, including pipeline design, memory systems, and low-power optimization
• Hands-on experience in hardware/software co-design for real-time embedded systems

Preferred Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with Edge AI or vision-centric SoCs for AR or wearable devices
• Exposure to sensor fusion, neural image processing, or event-based vision pipelines
• Knowledge of low-level compiler toolchains such as MLIR for AI model optimization
• Proven leadership in cross-disciplinary architectural efforts bridging ML, vision, and hardware teams
• Familiarity with emerging sensor technologies like event-based imaging or SPAD systems

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Deep expertise in computer architecture and processor core design
• Pipeline and memory system architecture for embedded systems
• Machine learning training and optimization techniques
• Hardware-aware model design including quantization, pruning, and distillation
• Co-design of neural networks and hardware for low-power real-time performance
• Imaging and sensor processing pipelines
• Performance modeling and simulation (SystemC, Gem5)
• Hardware/software co-design frameworks
• Analytical problem-solving for complex trade-offs
• Cross-functional collaboration with hardware, software, and ML teams
• Understanding of AI frameworks (PyTorch, TensorFlow) backends
• Low-power optimization for Edge AI devices
• Sensor fusion and neural signal processing
• Mentoring and leadership in technical teams
• Innovation in AR and camera technology applications

Our Benefits

• Paid parental leave to support family growth
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Emotional and mental health support programs
• Competitive compensation packages with equity to share in Snap’s success
• Flexible paid time off and wellness stipends
• Professional development opportunities in AR and AI innovation
• On-site perks including meals, fitness facilities, and creative collaboration spaces
• Relocation support for Eindhoven office roles

"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.