Senior Computer Vision Architect

Summary

The Video Computer Vision and Video Engineering teams are centralized applied research and engineering organizations responsible for developing real-time on-device Computer Vision, Machine Perception, and Image Quality technologies for Apple products. We balance research and product development to deliver Apple quality, state-of-the-art experiences. We innovate across the full stack and partner with hardware and software teams to influence SW architecture, sensors, silicon, and PD/ID roadmaps that bring our vision to life.

Description

The Architecture team within our organization is responsible for bringing together computer vision algorithms, firmware, and low-level software teams to drive some of the most exciting programs across many Apple products! We do this by enabling the co-design of computer vision algorithms and systems through a deep understanding of the complexities and trade-offs between algorithm performance, imaging pipeline, system resources, and real-time constraints. To be successful in this role, you not only have to be an excellent engineer, but also a phenomenal collaborator—comfortable communicating with a wide range of experts and leaders across many different domains, from firmware and OS to feature and experience. Are you ready to be a part of the next big thing at Apple?

Responsibilities

Lead cross-functional initiatives that turn computer vision research into production-ready features.
Make architecture decisions that balance algorithm performance against imaging pipeline, system resources, and real-time constraints.
Find creative solutions within system constraints that unlock new perception capabilities and maximize user value.
Partner with hardware, software, and machine learning teams to influence their roadmaps.
Present technical recommendations and results to senior and executive Apple leadership.
Mentor engineers and provide technical direction across algorithm design, ISP, and embedded systems.
Assess emerging techniques such as vision transformers, foundation models, and vision-language models for use in resource-constrained products.

Minimum Qualifications

BS degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field, coupled with a minimum of 20 years of relevant, proven experience.
Proven track record of leading cross-functional initiatives that have successfully transformed state-of-the-art computer vision research into production-ready features.
Deep product mindset focused on architecting technical solutions that solve real business problems and deliver high customer value.
Deep understanding of multi-modal perception systems, sensor fusion, and diverse imaging technologies is crucial.
Depth of expertise in one or more computer vision specialty areas that this role assesses for. These areas may include SLAM, tracking, classification, calibration, PnP-based pose estimation, scene understanding, human representation, and image enhancement.
Strong leadership skills to drive large cross-functional efforts, resolve conflicts, and present results to the highest levels of Apple leadership. This includes demonstrating the ability to bridge the gap between high-level algorithm design and low-level system optimization, particularly in the challenging environment of optimizing image signal processing (ISP) performance under tight power and latency constraints.

Preferred Qualifications

Proven track record of designing custom silicon, sensors, or optics.
Ideal candidates will have exposure to modern, innovative techniques such as vision transformers, foundation models, and vision-language models, with a strong focus on integrating these methods into resource-constrained environments.
Experience leading real-time computer vision projects (e.g., SLAM, tracking, classification, calibration, PnP-based pose estimation, scene understanding, human representation, and image enhancement) or low-level software development for ISP organizations.

Pay & Benefits — Sunnyvale, California, United States

At Apple, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base pay range for this role is between $216,200 and $394,000, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.

Apple employees also have the opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through participation in Apple’s discretionary employee stock programs. Apple employees are eligible for discretionary restricted stock unit awards, and can purchase Apple stock at a discount if voluntarily participating in Apple’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You’ll also receive benefits including: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, a range of discounted products and free services, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Apple, reimbursement for certain educational expenses — including tuition. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation. Learn more about Apple Benefits

Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.

Application Deadline

Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.