Principal Camera Sensors Engineer

Qualcomm

Quick summary

Work type: On-site
Location: San Diego, CA
Salary: $211,900–$317,900 / yr
Posted: 46 days ago
Closes: Oct 20, 2026
Nearby: 99+ roles within 25 mi

Market check

Salary context

Above market

How this pay compares to similar roles

Similar $199k

This role $265k

$127k most similar roles pay here $338k

This role pays more than 92% of similar roles. Most pay $162,000–$235,750 — the shaded band above. At the midpoint, this role pays about $265k versus about $199k for comparable roles.

Based on 240 similar postings.

Employer

About Qualcomm

Qualcomm is a leading American semiconductor and telecommunications company based in San Diego, CA.

Qualcomm currently has 555 open roles on FindRole.

Listed pay typically runs $154,000–$231,000 across 398 roles with salary data.

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At a glance

TL;DR · Principal Camera Sensors Engineer

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The Qualcomm Camera System Engineering team seeks a Principal Engineer to lead the integration of industry-leading ISP and imaging systems with external image sensor vendors. This role involves deep expertise in CMOS image sensor development, including system definition, design, manufacturing, and characterization, alongside broad knowledge of lens optics and camera module integration. Day-to-day responsibilities include analyzing vendor roadmaps, driving their alignment with Qualcomm’s imaging strategies, and collaborating with ecosystem partners to innovate imaging technologies. The ideal candidate will have a master's or PhD in Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related fields, along with extensive experience in CMOS image sensor development and technical leadership roles. Key skills encompass camera hardware design, ISP integration, and the ability to translate customer needs into strategic plans. This role is pivotal in shaping future imaging technologies across mobile, automotive, XR, IoT, and compute domains.

Skills

CMOS_Image_Sensor_Development ISP_Integration Camera_Systems_Design Lens_Optics Image_Processing_Algorithms Technical_Leadership Collaboration_with_Vendors Ecosystem_Partnerships Roadmap_Analysis Influence_and_Negotiation Documentation_Writing Power_Optimization Modeling_and_Simulation

What you'll do

Leads the research and development of complex camera systems and image signal processors.
Analyzes sensor roadmaps to predict industry trends and develop internal strategies.
Influences external vendors' future roadmaps to align with Qualcomm's imaging system design.
Collaborates with ecosystem partners to develop innovative imaging technologies and features.
Translates customer needs into long-term technical tasks and plans for camera systems.

What we're looking for

Master's degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field.
10+ years of CMOS Image Sensor development experience.
4+ years in a technical leadership role with direct reports.
Extensive knowledge of lens optics and camera module integration.
Experience integrating CMOS image sensors with backend ISP.
Proven ability to collaborate with external vendors and ecosystem partners.

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