
Senior Autonomous Vehicle Engineer - Image Processing
Summary
NVIDIA is seeking a senior expert in image processing and image quality tuning for Autonomous Vehicle perception systems, requiring 10+ years of experience in computer vision, real-time processing, and embedded/edge GPU computing using C++/CUDA.
About the role
We are seeking an expert in image processing and image quality tuning for Autonomous Vehicle perception. The candidate needs to have experience in computer vision, real-time image processing, and sensor integration in the context of automotive or robotics applications.
What you will be doing:
Develop image processing algorithms and Optimize pipelines for real-time processing within hardware constraints and power budgets.
Solve challenges related to noise reduction, color correction, sharpening, white-balancing, HDR, and low-light performance.
Develop and apply methods for measuring and benchmarking image quality metrics.
Troubleshoot and resolve image quality issues in complex driving and lighting scenarios.
Ensure real-time processing and efficient execution(Perf tunning) for high-throughput camera data streams on embedded or edge computing platforms.
Developing unit tests, documentation for features, evaluating quality and proposing corrective actions.
Deliver efficient product code in C++, making use of high algorithmic parallelism offered by GPGPU programming (CUDA). Follow quality and safety standards such as defined by MISRA
What we need to see:
BS/MS or higher in computer engineering, computer science or related fields (or equivalent experience)
10+ years of experience
Excellent C and C++ programming skills
With Excellent Image processing techniques(e.g noise reduction, color correction, features extraction, image quality enhancement, etc.)
Familiarity with multi-sensor data integration and sensor fusion techniques
With good Understanding the end to end image processing chain
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; able to debug complex systems and work in a dynamic environment
Deep understanding of automotive image quality standards and hands-on experience with relevant testing tools.
Advanced knowledge of image quality metrics, measurement, and enhancement for both visible and challenging conditions (low-light, adverse weather).
Proven understanding of programming and debugging techniques, especially for parallel and distributed architectures.
Great communication and analytical skills.
Ways to stand out from the crowd:
Background with sensor fusion (integrating data from LiDAR, RADAR with cameras).
Familiarity with Object detection Alogrithms
Familiarity with open standard graphics and compute Khronos Interfaces (Vulkan SC, OpenGL SC, ect.)
Understanding of GPU architectures (CUDA cores, Tensor Cores, memory hierarchies)
Understanding of functional safety (ISO26262) in automotive contexts.
What you'll do
Requirements
Nice to have
Role overview
Tech stack analysis
Salary estimate
NVIDIA is consistently ranked among the highest-paying employers in Silicon Valley. For a Senior IC engineer with 10+ years in a specialized AV/embedded domain in Santa Clara, CA, total comp typically ranges $180K–$280K+ base salary. Including RSUs (often substantial at NVIDIA), total compensation could exceed $400K–$600K. This estimate aligns with publicly available NVIDIA SWE/hardware engineer compensation data on Levels.fyi and LinkedIn Salary for Santa Clara-based senior roles as of early 2026.
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Sign up free →NVIDIA is the world's leading designer of GPUs and AI computing platforms. Its chips power everything from gaming and data centers to autonomous vehicles and scientific research. With a market cap exceeding $2 trillion, NVIDIA's CUDA platform and AI accelerators have become the backbone of the global AI revolution.