Job Details

Camera Tuning & Image Quality Engineer

San Francisco Bay Area, California, United States

Software and Services

Summary

Posted: Aug 20, 2025

Role Number: 200617211-3401

iPhone is the most popular camera in the world, with billions of photos taken every year, and we're looking for someone with a real passion for photography to help make them shine. The seamless integration of software and hardware has led to features like Night Mode, Live Photos, Apple ProRAW, SmartHDR, and Portrait Mode, which deliver magical experiences that surprise and delight our customers. The Camera SW Image Quality team is seeking a highly skilled and innovative engineer who will play a key role in tuning and defining still image quality as well as camera feature experiences. You will be working side-by-side with the world-class engineers who build exceptional camera systems spanning the universe of Apple devices.

Description

As a Camera Tuning & Image Quality Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the image quality and user experience of Apple's camera products. Your primary responsibilities will include tuning and tweaking complex camera pipelines and algorithms, performing critical IQ analysis, and driving feature development from conception to completion. The role demands a comprehensive understanding of camera systems and the 3A’s, particularly how their application can enhance or optimize image quality. The ideal candidate will have a robust understanding of various image processing algorithms, new camera technologies, and a working technical understanding of machine learning based approaches. Strong communication and presentation skills are essential for presenting technical findings and recommendations to stakeholders. Your expertise will be instrumental in innovating camera pipeline architectures to deliver best-in-class camera experiences for our users.
Working within our fast-paced, collaborative team, you will contribute to cutting-edge technologies such as Deep Fusion, SmartHDR, Night Mode, and Portrait Mode. You will also participate in quality evaluations for new features and algorithms, providing direct feedback to the engineering teams.

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in image quality testing, tuning, or image processing algorithms.

• Strong understanding and hands-on experience with 3A’s, denoising, sharpening, fusion, and tone-mapping algorithms.

• Technical familiarity with machine learning and image processing technologies.

• Excellent photography, videography, and cinematography skills.

• Proficiency in at least one of the following: C, C++, Objective-C, Swift, Python, or shell programming.

• Bachelor's Degree in Imaging Science, Imaging Technology, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Color Science, or a related field.

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with experience in cross-functional collaboration.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in the research, design, and development of automation tools, metrics, and methodologies to enhance the camera tuning processes.

• Experience with software and hardware on consumer devices and cell phone cameras.

• Experience with iOS/macOS app development.

• Knowledge or research experience in human vision and psychophysics.

Pay & Benefits

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 $121,300 and $213,700, 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. (https://www.apple.com/careers/us/benefits.html)

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

Apple is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We seek to promote equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics.Learn more about your EEO rights as an applicant (https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12ScreenRdr.pdf) .

Apple is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We seek to promote equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics.Learn more about your EEO rights as an applicant (https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12ScreenRdr.pdf) .

Apple will not discriminate or retaliate against applicants who inquire about, disclose, or discuss their compensation.

Apple participates in the E-Verify program in certain locations as required by law.Learn more about the E-Verify program (https://www.apple.com/jobs/pdf/EverifyPosterEnglish.pdf) .

Apple is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to applicants with physical and mental disabilities. Reasonable Accommodation and Drug Free Workplace policy Learn more .

Apple is a drug-free workplace. Reasonable Accommodation and Drug Free Workplace policy Learn more .

Apple will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable law. If you’re applying for a position in San Francisco, review the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance guidelines applicable in your area.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.