Camera Hardware Engineer, Robot Head

Vision Hardware Engineer

Develop and validate the vision hardware that powers NEO's perception. You will own camera module validation from early prototype bring-up through qualification and mass production. Your work will establish objective image quality standards, define validation methodologies, and ensure camera systems consistently meet demanding performance, reliability, and manufacturing requirements.

Key outcomes include defining and executing comprehensive validation strategies for camera modules, characterizing optical, electrical, and system-level camera performance across robotic operating conditions, developing image quality specifications, validation methodologies, and objective performance metrics, designing calibration procedures and manufacturing test processes for high-volume production, leading camera hardware bring-up from prototype through production qualification, partnering with Computer Vision, Machine Learning, Electrical Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering teams to optimize complete imaging system performance, and collaborating with suppliers to ensure camera modules consistently meet design, quality, and manufacturing requirements.

Key competencies include a deep understanding of camera system architecture, optics, sensors, and image quality evaluation, strong analytical skills with the ability to develop objective validation methodologies and performance metrics, a hands-on engineering mindset with experience debugging, validating, and optimizing complex hardware systems, excellent collaboration across multidisciplinary engineering teams and external suppliers, and a strong ownership mindset with the ability to independently drive complex hardware validation programs.

Minimum requirements include a bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline, 3+ years of experience developing, validating, or characterizing camera and imaging systems, deep understanding of camera technologies including image sensors, optics, lenses, image signal processors (ISP), and complete imaging pipelines, working knowledge of the electrical and mechanical integration of camera modules, experience programming with Python and C/C++, proficiency working in Linux environments, experience using image quality evaluation tools such as Imatest, Image Engineering, MATLAB, or equivalent, strong troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skills, and ability to work full-time onsite in San Carlos, CA.

Preferred skills include experience developing stereo vision or multi-camera systems, experience validating and calibrating imaging systems for high-volume consumer electronics or robotics products, familiarity with camera manufacturing, production testing, and calibration workflows, experience working with computer vision and machine learning frameworks, experience collaborating directly with optical, sensor, and camera module suppliers, and familiarity with production quality methodologies including qualification testing, statistical analysis, and manufacturing process validation.

Compensation range is $175,950 - $225,000, plus equity.

Benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, generous paid time off, company holidays, and parental leave, 401(k) plan with company match (100% on the first 3% of contributions, 50% on the next 2%), flexible spending accounts (FSA) and health savings accounts (HSA) options, commuter benefits (transit and parking), short-term and long-term disability, and life insurance, employee assistance program (EAP) for mental health, financial, and personal support, and onsite snacks and catered lunches.

1X is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, marital status, medical condition, genetic information, disability, military or veteran status, justice system impact, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.