Camera Engineering Technical Lead

Title: Camera Engineering Technical Lead 

Location: Sunnyvale, CA

Type: Full Time 

Job Summary

Apollo Autonomous Driving USA LLC (a subsidiary of Baidu) is looking for an autonomous driving system architect. The team's charter is to design state-of-the-art heterogeneous computing systems and various sensors (LiDAR, Radar, Camera, Navigation system, etc.) to meet the stringent targets of cost, performance, and functional safety. The person will be involved in all design phases of autonomous driving systems, from concept, architecture, design, simulations, validation, product development & deployment, and customer support. The camera engineering technical lead is fully responsible for the design and specification of cameras in autonomous driving platforms. Candidates must have a very strong background and track record in camera system architecture and design, sensor systems development, validation, calibration, and working in a dynamic environment.

What You’ll Do:

• Work with a world-class talented group of hardware engineers and scientists to design and implement cutting-edge autonomous driving technologies platform.
• Lead the architecture and development of advanced camera modules and imaging systems.
• Select and evaluate CMOS image sensors, lenses, and optical components.
• Define electrical and mechanical interfaces for camera integration.
• Oversee hardware prototyping, bring-up, and validation. Work with the team to bring up the system and troubleshoot/diagnose issues.
• Drive the development of custom camera boards or systems-on-module as needed.
• Collaborate with vendors and partners to source and evaluate new technologies.
• Image Processing, ISP Tuning, etc.
• Design and implement image processing pipelines including noise reduction, HDR, de-mosaicking, tone mapping, white balance, auto-exposure, and auto-focus.
• Optimize ISP parameters for various lighting conditions, use cases, and product requirements.
• Develop and integrate custom algorithms for image quality enhancement, color calibration, and distortion correction.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Serve as the imaging technical lead in cross-functional meetings and product development cycles. Interface with product managers, software engineers, mechanical engineers, and industrial designers to ensure camera system meets product goals. Contribute to roadmap planning and imaging strategy for future products.
• Work with automotive industry solution and component providers to deliver a commercial product for autonomous driving market. Have the passion to dive deep into the state-of-the-art autonomous driving system technologies.
• Oversee the resolution of highly complex autonomous driving HW system development to meet perception, localization, prediction, PnC, simulation, etc. requirements, and ensure resolutions fit within Plan of Record and roadmap.

What We Look For:

• MS/Ph.D. in EE or related field.
• 10+ years of work experience with camera system development.
• Deep knowledge of imaging system components: sensors, lenses, IR filters, VCSELs, etc.
• Strong experience with image signal processors (ISPs) and tuning tools (e.g., Qualcomm, Sony, OmniVision, Intel, ARM-based ISPs, etc.).
• Proficient in programming languages such as C/C++, Python, and MATLAB.
• Familiarity with embedded system development and real-time constraints.
• Proven track record in delivering production-quality camera systems in consumer electronics, automotive, or similar fields.
• Knowledge of camera system interface: MIPI, USB, parallel, I2C, SERDES.
• Strong knowledge of imaging devices, optics.
• Experience with automotive camera system is a big plus.
• Experience with computational photography and computer vision.
• Familiarity with machine learning techniques for image enhancement.
• Knowledge of camera calibration, stereo vision, or depth sensing (ToF, structured light, etc.).
• Experience with lab equipment such as light boxes, integrating spheres, and optical benches.
• Strong publication record or patents in imaging or optics.
• Experience working with automotive platform architecture or similar field architecture.
• Proven experience developing strategic system architecture plans and conducting technology, trends, standards, and products research.
• Solid track record in prioritizing and executing tasks when under extreme pressure.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to collect information and identify fundamental patterns/trends in data. This includes the ability to gather, integrate, and interpret information from several sources.
• Good communication to convey information clearly and accurately, as well as choosing the most effective method of delivery (e.g., email, phone, face-to-face).
• Great project management skills for purposes of planning and decision-making. This includes developing and communicating objectives, timelines, assignments, and goals.
• Attention to detail and engineering excellence in previous work, passion for autonomous driving technology development, and ability to work in a rapidly changing environment and to learn new technologies.
• Experience and ability to provide guidance and leadership to junior team members is a plus. This includes the ability to provide development experiences, advice, and teaching to prepare team members for effective job performance.
• Excellent teamwork and communication skills.

Culture fit:

• Mission Alignment: If you want to be part of Apollo Autonomous Driving USA to accomplish our audacious mission, we will provide you with the best possible platform to do that.
• Self-directed: We work best with people that are driven, motivated, and aspire to greatness.
• Innovation and Creativity: The ability to produce breakthrough ideas, be a visionary, manage innovation, see multiple futures, have broad interests and knowledge, and gain support to translate new ideas into solutions.
• Hungry to Learn: We are eager to see you lead the team in learning new skills and growing.
• Team Orientation: We work in small, fast-moving teams. We don't believe in lone wolves. We watch out for each other and go after big goals together as a team.