Camera Image Quality Tuning Engineer

Job Title: Camera Image Quality Tuning Engineer

Job Description

We are seeking a hands-on Image Quality (IQ) and Video Quality (VQ) tuning engineer for our still and video camera product. The role involves owning the end-to-end tuning execution process, including defining quality targets, adapting KPIs and specifications, collecting and analyzing data, and managing a vendor feedback loop with System-on-Chip (SoC) vendors and third-party tuning partners. This position requires operating in a fast-paced environment with evolving requirements and a high standard for image quality.

Responsibilities

• Own tuning deliverables end to end: problem discovery, experimentation, tuning, validation, and sign-off for the imaging pipeline, focusing on aspects such as noise reduction, sharpening/detail, tone mapping/HDR, color and white balance, exposure behavior, low-light tradeoffs, and artifact reduction.
• Plan and execute disciplined data collection and analysis using structured test matrices and repeatable datasets with metadata.
• Perform both objective and subjective evaluations, applying established subjective processes, defining and maintaining KPIs and acceptance criteria, and running A/B comparisons to prevent regressions.
• Evaluate vendor baselines, such as Qualcomm/MediaTek, assess KPI and subjective performance, identify gaps, and drive necessary changes.
• Manage vendor feedback loops by providing precise, actionable defect reports and coordinating requirements and acceptance with partners.
• Evaluate Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS) performance, assessing stability and artifacts, and produce KPI-based recommendations.
• Investigate and reduce motion blur for auto capture, single shot, and multi-frame fusion, identifying blur drivers and managing ghosting vs. blur tradeoffs.
• Work cross-functionally to distinguish hardware-limited issues from tunable issues using raw-to-final pipeline analysis, and communicate constraints and mitigations.
• Produce comprehensive written documentation, including technical notes, experiment summaries, KPI updates, issue reports, and vendor feedback packages.
• Maintain engineering rigor through structured validation, versioning/change tracking, repeatable test workflows, and ownership to closure.

Essential Skills

• 4+ years of hands-on camera IQ tuning experience on real products.
• Proficiency in Qualcomm Spectra and MediaTek tuning ecosystems.
• Strong imaging pipeline and image signal processing knowledge.
• Ability to diagnose and tune image quality issues across still and video applications.
• Experience with objective KPI evaluation and subjective quality evaluation.
• Proven troubleshooting and root-cause analysis capabilities.
• Working knowledge of optics and sensor constraints and their impact on IQ.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including technical documentation and status reporting.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Deep Qualcomm camera tuning workflow/toolchain experience.
• EIS evaluation experience using scenario-based testing and KPIs.
• Multi-frame fusion tuning experience.
• Strong understanding of sensor noise sources and their propagation through the pipeline.
• Ability to use Python, MATLAB, or similar tools for KPI computation, automation, and reporting.
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.
• 3+ years of hands-on experience in mobile camera tuning.
• Proven experience with Qualcomm Snapdragon or MediaTek platforms and camera tuning tools.
• Experience with objective and subjective image quality evaluation.
• Familiarity with image quality metrics and testing methodologies.

Work Environment

The position requires working 4-5 days onsite in the client lab.

This is a Contract position based out of Sunnyvale, CA.

The pay range for this position is $75.00 - $83.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Sunnyvale,CA.

This position is anticipated to close on Mar 13, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.