Sr. Image Quality Tuning Engineer

Samsara Samsara · Enterprise · TW1 · Hardware Engineering

This role focuses on optimizing the Image Signal Processing (ISP) pipeline for automotive cameras, ensuring image stability and clarity. The engineer will tune ISP blocks, develop Python/MATLAB scripts for metric extraction, manage tuning tools, perform regression analysis, and automate report generation. The role requires experience shipping imaging products and collaborating with cross-functional teams.

What you'd actually do

  1. ISP Tuning & Optimization: Assist the Lead Architect in tuning key ISP blocks (Auto Exposure, Noise Reduction, Sharpening, and Color Mapping) for both RGB and RGBIR sensors. Optimize Auto-Exposure (AE) weighting and shutter-speed priorities to minimize motion blur and "jello effect" during vehicle vibration.
  2. Stabilization & EIS Tuning: Actively tune Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS) and gyro-sensor integration to maintain video fluidity and frame-to-frame consistency under various road surface conditions.
  3. Automation Development: Develop Python/MATLAB scripts to extract objective metrics (MTF, SNR, Dynamic Range) from massive field-drive datasets.
  4. Tuning Toolchain Management: Build and maintain internal tools to visualize ISP parameter changes, ensuring that tuning "drops" are documented and version-controlled. Include visualization for stabilization performance and motion-vector consistency to ensure tuning "drops" are documented.
  5. Regression Analysis (Dynamic & Static): Own the "Version-to-Version" IQ database. Ensure that fixing a DMS issue doesn't accidentally degrade stabilization or license plate clarity during high-speed driving.

Skills

Required

  • 6+ years in Image Quality or ISP Tuning
  • Experience with major SoC tuning tools (e.g., Ambarella, Novatek, Sony, or Qualcomm)
  • Hands-on experience tuning AE for motion-blur mitigation or EIS for video stabilization
  • Proficiency in Python (OpenCV, NumPy) for image processing, specifically for temporal analysis and frame-to-frame metric extraction
  • Understanding of how lens/sensor interactions and mechanical tolerances affect tuning limits
  • Experience shipping automotive or high-end imaging products from "bring-up" to mass production
  • Proven record navigating tradeoffs between design, manufacturability, schedule, and cost
  • BS or MS degree in Electrical Engineering or related technical field
  • Ability to travel up to 25% when necessary
  • Strong ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams and drive independent work
  • Good written and verbal communication skills in English

What the JD emphasized

  • Must have shipped automotive or high-end imaging products from "bring-up" to mass production.