Embedded Firmware Engineer - Image Signal Processor (ISP)

Apple Inc

Cupertino, CA

JOB DETAILS
SKILLS
Algorithms, Apple, Artificial Intelligence (AI), C Programming Language, C++ Programming Language, Communication Skills, Computer Firmware, Computer Science, Cross-Functional, Debugging Skills, Electrical Engineering, Embedded Software, Embedded Systems, Emulators, FPGA, Hardware Components, Hardware Debugging, Hardware Design, Image Editors, Image Processing, Internet Service Providers, Machine Learning, Memory Hardware, Multithreaded Programming, Performance Tuning/Optimization, Power Management, Product Development, Product Lifecycle, Production Systems, Programming Tools, Prototyping, Realtime Operating System, Signal Processing, Silicon Bringup, System-on-a-Chip (SoC), Test Plan/Schedule, Video Processing
LOCATION
Cupertino, CA
POSTED
30+ days ago

Apples ISP team is seeking an exceptional Embedded Firmware Engineer to drive pioneering camera technologies for Apple products.

You will work on core camera and ISP technologies, including Apples custom image signal processing pipeline and hardware components. In this role, you will help define how Apple develops, tests, and manufactures its products. Our team fosters an environment of product innovation, rapid iteration, and collaboration across multiple functions while providing meaningful autonomy to deliver impactful work.

This is a highly cross-functional product development role where you will partner closely with silicon design, silicon validation, and machine learning algorithm teams. The work spans the full product lifecycle from pre-silicon emulation through silicon bring-up and production. The environment is fast-paced and multifaceted, requiring initiative, technical curiosity, and comfort navigating ambiguity.

  • Develop low-level ISP firmware for sophisticated image processing pipelines running on Apples latest system-on-chip designs.
  • Drive ISP hardware validation, feature bring-up, and camera software stack integration on emulators during pre-silicon development and on silicon during initial bring-up.
  • Identify and resolve system performance challenges including power consumption, memory utilization, latency, and timing jitter.
  • Collaborate with silicon designers to debug hardware-firmware interactions and contribute to architecture decisions that shape future camera capabilities.

Requirements:

  • BS or MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
  • 3+ years of experience developing multi-threaded software within embedded RTOS environments.
  • Strong proficiency in C and C++.
  • 5+ years of embedded firmware development experience.
  • Experience with camera pipelines, image signal processors, or video processing systems.
  • Track record of bringing up firmware on new silicon or hardware platforms.
  • Familiarity with pre-silicon development environments including emulators and FPGA prototypes.
  • Experience with firmware performance tuning, memory optimization, and power management.
  • Proficiency with AI-assisted development tools and workflows.
  • Understanding of low-level hardware interfaces and register-level programming.
  • Ability to debug complex systems using hardware and software tools.
  • Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively across teams.

About the Company

A

Apple Inc

We bring amazing people together to make amazing things happen.

We’re a diverse collection of thinkers and doers, continually reimagining what’s possible to help us all do what we love in new ways. The people who work here have reinvented entire industries with the Mac, iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch, as well as with services, including iTunes, the App Store, Apple Music, and Apple Pay. And the same passion for innovation that goes into our products also applies to our practices — strengthening our commitment to leave the world better than we found it.

About Apple

There’s a place here for every kind of brilliant. Everyone here is an innovator, or an innovator-to-be, no matter what your team or your role. So bring your passion, courage, and original thinking and get ready to share it, because every new product, service, or feature we invent is the result of people working together to make each others’ ideas stronger. Innovation at this level depends on people who represent the variety of the human experience and inspire us with their own fresh perspectives. Together, we’ll do amazing work that can make a difference in people’s lives. Including your own. Learn more about working at Apple.

COMPANY SIZE
10,000 employees or more
INDUSTRY
Computer/IT Services
FOUNDED
1976
WEBSITE
https://www.apple.com/jobs