Imaging Systems Architect, Android XR Ecosystem

Imaging Systems Architect, Android XR Ecosystem

Location:

San Jose, CA, USA;
San Diego, CA, USA.

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or equivalent practical experience.
• 6 years of experience in camera or ISP system architecture.

• Master's degree or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, or a related field (e.g., Optics, Sensors, Audio/DSP).
• Experience in XR (AR/VR), mobile, or wearables ecosystems.
• Experience in image processing, denoising, computer architecture, GenAI, event cameras, and super resolution techniques.
• Knowledge of image sensors, emerging technologies in computer vision, computational photography and AI on the edge.
• Ability to navigate ambiguity and manage consensus across engineering teams (e.g., Core Tech, Platform Software, Hardware NTI).

Be part of a team that pushes boundaries, developing custom silicon solutions that power the future of Google's direct‑to‑consumer products. You'll contribute to the innovation behind products loved by millions worldwide. Your expertise will shape the next generation of hardware experiences, delivering unparalleled performance, efficiency, and integration.

The Android XR Ecosystem team is the engine responsible for accelerating the mass adoption of spatial computing. To win, software and silicon must evolve as one.

As an Imaging Systems Architect, you will define and architect the overall architecture of camera systems across AR/XR products. You will provide thought leadership in architecting the end‑to‑end imaging subsystem, the platform architecture for camera systems, and drive ISP system requirements, addressing topics like camera synchronization, power delivery, and sensor roadmaps for next‑gen AR and XR products. You will ensure all components work together effectively to meet performance, power, and cost goals for all CUJs.

This role involves a deep understanding of the entire imaging pipeline, from sensor to final image/video output for human or AI consumption, and a significant amount of cross‑functional collaboration both internally and externally with silicon vendors, technology partners, and image sensor vendors.

For decades, the computing revolution has reshaped our world driven by breakthroughs in compute, connectivity, mobile, and now AI. Google's XR team is at the forefront of the next major leap – the convergence of AI and XR. This is more than just new devices – it's about reimagining how we interact with the world around us. We're building a future where lightweight XR devices pair with helpful AI to augment human intelligence, offering personalized, conversational, and contextually aware experiences.

The US base salary range for this full‑time position is $174,000-$258,000 plus bonus, equity and benefits. Salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job‑related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

• Architect the complete camera sub‑system, including image sensors, lenses, Image Signal Processor (ISP), end‑to‑end pixel data path and related hardware and software interfaces in collaboration with key cross‑functional stakeholders.
• Define and document system‑level and component‑level requirements (e.g., creating specifications for performance, power consumption, thermal constraints), and features to support various use cases like photography, videography, multi‑modal AI and computer vision.
• Manage the architecture and requirements for the ISP, covering aspects like pipeline features, image quality, throughput, and power efficiency.
• Collaborate on the selection of image sensors and other key components, trade‑off analysis and influencing technology roadmaps.
• Investigate new camera technologies, algorithms, and architectures to drive innovation in future products.

Google is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know by completing our Accommodations for Applicants form.