Staff Systems Engineer

About the Role

Workplace and Schedule

• The position is based in the San Francisco office.
• The schedule is hybrid with at least three days in the office per week.

Systems and Camera Responsibilities

• Define camera architecture with product, camera design, and perception teams.
• Define image sensor and lens specifications and refine camera software for ISP tuning.
• Evaluate and select CMOS image sensors based on dynamic range, SNR, and power consumption.
• Define lens and assembly specifications, source lens parts, and support MTF testing and stray-light analysis.
• Match sensors and lenses for field-of-view optimization and support protective cover glass design and sourcing.
• Develop and execute testing protocols for sensor performance and image quality in laboratory and real-world scenarios.
• Lead camera integration into test vehicles and evaluate vibration, motion blur, tunnels, sunset, and glare.
• Analyze field-returned data to identify, reproduce, and debug image-quality issues and software regressions.
• Collaborate on auto-exposure and auto-white balance tuning and validate camera driver performance.

Required Qualifications

• Deep understanding of lens design fundamentals, f-number, focal length, and optical aberrations.
• Hands-on experience with image sensors, ISPs, image tuning, and 3A algorithms.
• Expertise with industrial and automotive CMOS image sensors, related technologies, and sensor vendors.
• Good understanding of GMSL, MIPI, and CSI sensor interfaces.
• Proficiency in C, MATLAB, Python, Imatest, or a similar tool for data analysis and image-quality evaluation.
• Ability to read schematics and use IR meters, lux meters, and light boxes.
• Experience automating image characterization and performing ISP tuning.
• MS or PhD in science or engineering with 8–10 years of relevant experience.

Compensation

• The compensation range is $185,000 to $240,000.
• The package includes equity and a company-wide bonus plan.

Benefits and Perks

• Benefits may include medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents in the United States.
• The company offers FSA and DCFSA accounts, a 401(k) with 3% company matching, unlimited PTO, and catered lunches in the San Francisco office.

About Hayden AI