Sensor Architect, Level 6

Location: Boulder, United States | Palo Alto, United States | Santa Monica, 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 camera + AI will help people share themselves more authentically and accelerate human progress. We're looking for a Sensor Architect, Level 6, to join our Spectacles team and push the boundaries of AR innovation. As part of the team behind fifth-generation Spectacles powered by Snap OS, you'll architect cutting-edge sensors that enable standalone, see-through AR glasses to transform playing, learning, and working together. Collaborating across optics, computer vision, compute, and AR teams, you'll drive custom silicon development to deliver immersive experiences integrated with Snapchat's visual messaging and Lens Studio's AR platform. In this role, you'll manage key vendor relationships for sensor qualification, influence architectural trade-offs in highly constrained platforms, and lead test methodologies to ensure top-tier performance in imaging, depth mapping, and biometrics. You'll spearhead root cause analysis, foster cross-functional consensus, and balance system-level impacts like power efficiency and form factor to bring AR closer to everyday life. With up to 15% travel, you'll thrive in Snap's fast-paced, creative culture, contributing to products that empower millions to live in the moment and connect authentically. We're seeking a technical leader with 11+ years in CMOS image sensor development (or equivalent advanced degree experience) who excels at independent execution and collaboration. Join Snap's diverse team of innovators in our 'default together' offices (4+ days/week) to shape the future of AR eyewear. Snap is an equal opportunity employer offering competitive pay (Zone A: $229,000-$343,000 base + equity), comprehensive benefits, and a vibrant community that has your back.

What You'll Do

• Manage vendor relationships for custom silicon sensor development and qualification to power next-generation Spectacles AR glasses
• Drive cross-functional collaboration across optics, computer vision, compute, and AR teams to integrate sensors seamlessly into Snap OS
• Influence key architectural decisions for camera and sensor systems, driving consensus on critical trade-offs in highly constrained AR platforms
• Develop comprehensive test methodologies and characterization plans to ensure optimal sensor performance in real-world AR applications
• Lead root cause analysis for sensor performance issues and implement corrective actions to maintain innovation timelines
• Collaborate with Spectacles engineering teams to advance imaging, depth mapping, and biometric sensing for immersive AR experiences
• Analyze system-level impacts and tradeoffs to optimize sensors for battery life, form factor, and computational efficiency in standalone AR glasses
• Prioritize and execute multiple projects under tight deadlines, balancing vendor deliverables with internal AR product goals
• Contribute to the evolution of Spectacles by pushing boundaries in camera technology for playing, learning, and working in AR
• Support AR innovation by integrating sensors with Snapchat's visual messaging and Lens Studio ecosystems

Minimum Qualifications

• 11+ years of post-Bachelor’s experience in optics, physics, electrical engineering, or semiconductor devices with a focus on CMOS image sensor development and qualification
• Master’s degree in a technical field + 10 years of post-grad experience, or PhD in a relevant technical field + 7 years of post-grad experience
• Experience managing vendor relationships for custom silicon sensor development and qualification
• Proven ability to drive cross-functional collaboration across optics, computer vision, and compute teams
• Demonstrated leadership in developing test methodologies and characterization plans for sensor performance
• Track record of leading root cause analysis and implementing corrective actions for sensor issues
• Willingness to travel up to 15% for vendor and project needs
• Ability to work independently while managing internal and external resources in a fast-paced environment

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD or Master’s degree in optics, physics, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, computer science, or related field
• 3+ years of experience in manufacturing, process development, design, and/or program management of image sensors for consumer electronics platforms
• Experience with depth mapping and direct time-of-flight (dTOF) depth measurement systems
• Experience designing pixel and sensor-level logic
• Background in computational imaging, computer vision, and machine learning for image processing

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Deep knowledge of optics and camera systems for imaging, depth mapping, and biometric sensing
• Expertise in CMOS image sensor development and qualification
• Proficiency in basic programming and data analysis tools (e.g., MATLAB, Python)
• Experience in electronic design and digital logic
• Strong vendor and supplier management skills
• Ability to consider system-level impacts and tradeoffs in constrained AR platforms
• Analytical skills for root cause analysis and performance optimization
• Organizational skills to prioritize work and meet multiple deadlines
• Cross-functional collaboration in fast-paced environments
• Independent problem-solving and resource management
• Understanding of AR hardware constraints like power, size, and heat
• Familiarity with computational imaging and computer vision pipelines
• Communication skills to influence architectural decisions and build consensus
• Adaptability to innovate in Snap's creative, camera-first culture
• Experience with consumer electronics sensor integration

Our Benefits

• Paid parental leave to support work-life balance
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Emotional and mental health support programs
• Competitive compensation packages with equity in the form of RSUs
• 401(k) matching and financial wellness resources
• Flexible paid time off and wellness stipends
• Onsite perks including meals, fitness facilities, and social events
• Professional development opportunities in AR and camera technology
• Inclusive culture with employee resource groups and diversity initiatives

Compensation

$229,000-$343,000 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.