Software Engineer C++, Level 4

Location: New York, 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, pioneering the future of augmented reality through our innovative Spectacles AR glasses. We empower people to live in the moment, express themselves creatively, and connect in the real world with Snap OS-powered fifth-generation Spectacles. As a Software Engineer C++, Level 4 on the Spectacles team in New York, NY, you'll dive into the cutting edge of standalone, see-through AR hardware, crafting software that transforms everyday interactions into magical, immersive experiences. Join our creative culture where bold ideas in camera technology and AR innovation bring people closer together. In this role, you'll architect client-side solutions that seamlessly blend application design with powerful developer tools, enabling creators to push the limits of AR on Spectacles. You'll implement robust developer-facing APIs and maintain high-performance C++ software optimized for our compute-constrained embedded environment. Collaborating with world-class teams in computer vision, machine learning, graphics, and hardware, you'll enhance Snap OS to deliver fluid, real-time AR overlays powered by advanced camera systems. We're seeking engineers passionate about AR who thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. With strong C++ proficiency on Linux platforms and a knack for API design, you'll work globally to redefine wearable AR. At Snap, our 'Default Together' policy fosters dynamic in-person collaboration 4+ days a week, fueling our diverse, innovative culture. Base salary ranges from $133,000-$235,000 annually depending on zone (CA, WA, NYC: Zone A; others B/C), plus equity. Snap is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion.

What You'll Do

• Develop client-side solutions that integrate application design with developer tools for Spectacles AR experiences
• Design and implement developer-facing APIs and tools to enable innovative AR content creation on Spectacles
• Build and maintain high-performance software for Snap OS running on standalone AR glasses
• Optimize C++ code for compute-constrained embedded environments in Spectacles hardware
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams in software engineering, computer vision, machine learning, and graphics to advance Snap OS capabilities
• Work closely with global Snap hardware and software teams to push AR innovation boundaries
• Integrate camera-first technologies to enhance real-world AR interactions via Spectacles
• Contribute to envelope-pushing AR experiences that blend digital overlays with physical environments
• Debug and profile performance-critical systems for low-latency AR rendering
• Support developer ecosystem by creating robust tools for Spectacles AR content deployment

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in a relevant technical field such as computer science or equivalent years of practical work experience
• 2+ years of post-Bachelor’s software development experience; or Master’s degree in a technical field + 1+ year of post-grad software development experience; or PhD in a relevant technical field
• Proficiency in programming C and C++ on Linux-based platforms
• Strong knowledge of C++ and API design
• Experience developing software in compute-constrained embedded environments
• Ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams including software engineering, computer vision, machine learning, and graphics
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience writing developer-facing APIs
• Experience building IDEs and developer tooling
• Experience working with high-performance embedded systems
• Background in AR hardware or wearable technology
• Familiarity with real-time graphics rendering or computer vision pipelines

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Expertise in C++ programming
• Linux-based systems development
• API design and implementation
• Embedded systems optimization
• Real-time software engineering
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Strong problem-solving in constrained environments
• Computer vision integration
• Graphics programming fundamentals
• Agile development methodologies
• Clear technical communication
• Interpersonal relationship building
• Passion for AR and camera technologies
• Performance profiling and debugging
• Developer tooling experience

Our Benefits

• Paid parental leave
• 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 fitness centers and catered meals at Snap offices
• Professional development opportunities and learning stipends

Compensation

$157,000-$235,000 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.