Architect Jobs in San Diego, CA
Architect jobs in San Diego concentrate along the downtown waterfront, Little Italy, and the emerging East Village district, with strong hiring across civic infrastructure, mixed-use residential, and defense-adjacent facilities work. Firms and agencies active in the market right now include Qualcomm, ServiceNow, and Northrop Grumman. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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The Apple Camera Architecture team is seeking an energetic and highly motivated leader to drive future camera hardware requirements and definitions for exciting range of products. The camera architecture team initiates and fosters deep collaboration between all cross functional teams involved to deliver final camera performance and features, from the hardware level to user facing applications. The end goal is to successfully tie in highly optimized camera hardware solutions with state-of-the-art software providing market leading imaging experiences.
The ideal candidate is someone who can perform detailed system analysis and tradeoff evaluations, derive camera and camera system requirements from use cases, and characterize and simulate optical systems to aid the design and validation process.
Description
As a Camera Architect you will be working closely with camera HW, product HW, algorithm and SW teams on future Apple imaging solutions.","responsibilities":"Develop camera design options based on system requirements and constraints. Perform design studies for imaging system proposals, mapping to system requirements and performance goals.
Perform and coordinate optical and camera simulation outputs to quantify proposals and designs.
Develop image quality metrics and requirements and validate with computer vision algorithms and user studies.
Allocate requirements to related sub-components, accounting for calibration, hardware tolerances, variations, and reliability. Develop figures of merits, collaborate on factory test and metrology setups.
Support camera and system design and validation process, failure analysis and triage.
Preferred Qualifications
MS, or PhD in Physics, Engineering, Computer Science, Imaging Science or equivalent
Experience in three of the follow camera technologies and optical science areas: optics, camera calibration, computer vision, image quality metrics, image sensor and pixel fundamentals, image processing pipeline
Experience defining camera metrics and specifications through product goals, user studies and image/data analysis
Understanding of important camera metrics and common design tradeoffs to achieve required goals
Ability to communicate and collaborate with cross-functional partners to recommend solutions and influence product decisions at leadership level
Minimum Qualifications
BS in Physics, Engineering, Computer Science, Imaging Science or equivalent and a minimum 3 years of relevant experience.
Familiarity with camera technologies and optical science, knowledge in two or more of the following areas: optics, camera calibration, computer vision, image quality metrics, image sensor and pixel fundamentals, image processing pipeline
Pay & Benefits
At Apple, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base pay range for this role is between $142,300 and $214,300, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.
Apple employees also have the opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through participation in Apple's discretionary employee stock programs. Apple employees are eligible for discretionary restricted stock unit awards, and can purchase Apple stock at a discount if voluntarily participating in Apple's Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You'll also receive benefits including: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, a range of discounted products and free services, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Apple, reimbursement for certain educational expenses - including tuition. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation. Learn more about Apple Benefits
Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.
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Find Architect JobsArchitect Job Market in San Diego
Who's Hiring
- Qualcomm46

- ServiceNow46

- Northrop Grumman46

- Amazon34

- Booz Allen Hamilton34

Top Industries Hiring
- Electronics & Hardware
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals
Architect Jobs in San Diego: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get an architect job in San Diego?
Focus your search on the firms and agencies clustered downtown, in Mission Valley, and around the Chula Vista and Carlsbad corridors, where civic, military, and mixed-use residential projects drive consistent hiring. Experience with California Environmental Quality Act review processes and familiarity with San Diego's coastal development regulations gives candidates a visible edge. Portfolios showing civic or hospitality work tend to resonate with local hiring managers.
Which companies hire architects in San Diego?
Employers hiring architects in San Diego right now include Qualcomm, ServiceNow, and Northrop Grumman, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. San Diego's market is a mix of mid-size regional design firms, large general contractors with in-house design teams, and public agencies managing long-horizon infrastructure and military installation projects.
Are there remote architect jobs in San Diego?
Yes, though with limits: hands-on design and construction administration roles require regular site presence, while schematic design, documentation, and project coordination work can often run remotely. About 94% of architect openings tied to San Diego are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, with hybrid schedules most common at firms handling large commercial or government contracts.
How can I get an architect job in San Diego with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path in San Diego is through firms that carry a steady pipeline of public and civic work, where junior staff cycle through permitting support, redlines, and code research before moving into design lead roles. Local community college districts, the Port of San Diego, and regional planning agencies sometimes post intern or entry-level draftsperson positions that transition into full architect roles over time. A portfolio demonstrating any CADD, Revit, or BIM proficiency stands out.
Which industries hire the most architects in San Diego?
The sectors hiring the most architects in San Diego are Electronics & Hardware and Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. San Diego's position as a hub for defense infrastructure, life sciences campus construction, and coastal hospitality development keeps demand across those sectors unusually consistent compared with other California markets.
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