Senior Level Second Assistant Camera Jobs
Senior level second assistant camera jobs place experienced professionals in charge of technical workflows, departmental coordination, and the on-set execution that keeps productions running precisely. Openings concentrate in Technology & Software, Electronics & Hardware, and Manufacturing, with a mix of on-site and 20% remote or hybrid opportunities, and employers like Apple, HP, and NVIDIA hiring at this level now.
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SUMMARY
Apple is where individual imaginations gather together, committing to the values that lead to great work. Every new product we build, service we create, or Apple Store experience we deliver is the result of us making each other’s ideas stronger. That happens because every one of us shares a belief that we can make something wonderful and share it with the world, changing lives for the better. It’s the diversity of our people and their thinking that inspires the innovation that runs through everything we do. When we bring everybody in, we can do the best work of our lives. Here, you’ll do more than join something — you’ll add something.
DESCRIPTION
The Camera Hardware Engineering group is responsible for all research, design, development, test and qualification of camera hardware for Apple products. The team is looking for a Camera Optical Engineer to develop and support custom lens design and development.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in Optical Science, Optical Engineering, Physics, Mathematics or related field with relevant industry experience.
- Experience in lens design fundamentals, metrology, and/or integration.
- Experience using an optical software package (examples may include: ZEMAX, CODE V, FRED, LightTool, etc.).
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Master's or PhD and a minimum of 10 years relevant industry experience.
- Experience in lens design tolerance and stray light analysis.
- Experience in lens characterization methodology and instrumentation.
- Ability to perform comprehensive optical and image quality characterization of the lens and the camera module.
- Must be high energy multi-tasker resourceful problem solver ability to work within tight deadlines.
- Working knowledge of optomechanics is a plus.
- Ability to travel internationally 10% - 15% per year.
COMPENSATION
- The base pay range for this role is between $184,700 and $324,800, 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.
Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.
Apple is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We seek to promote equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics.
At Apple, we believe accessibility is a fundamental human right. You’ll find that idea reflected in everything here — in our culture, our benefits and our digital tools. By welcoming as many perspectives as possible, we help you build a career where you feel like you belong.
Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.
SUMMARY
Apple is where individual imaginations gather together, committing to the values that lead to great work. Every new product we build, service we create, or Apple Store experience we deliver is the result of us making each other’s ideas stronger. That happens because every one of us shares a belief that we can make something wonderful and share it with the world, changing lives for the better. It’s the diversity of our people and their thinking that inspires the innovation that runs through everything we do. When we bring everybody in, we can do the best work of our lives. Here, you’ll do more than join something — you’ll add something.
DESCRIPTION
The Camera Hardware Engineering group is responsible for all research, design, development, test and qualification of camera hardware for Apple products. The team is looking for a Camera Optical Engineer to develop and support custom lens design and development.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in Optical Science, Optical Engineering, Physics, Mathematics or related field with relevant industry experience.
- Experience in lens design fundamentals, metrology, and/or integration.
- Experience using an optical software package (examples may include: ZEMAX, CODE V, FRED, LightTool, etc.).
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Master's or PhD and a minimum of 10 years relevant industry experience.
- Experience in lens design tolerance and stray light analysis.
- Experience in lens characterization methodology and instrumentation.
- Ability to perform comprehensive optical and image quality characterization of the lens and the camera module.
- Must be high energy multi-tasker resourceful problem solver ability to work within tight deadlines.
- Working knowledge of optomechanics is a plus.
- Ability to travel internationally 10% - 15% per year.
COMPENSATION
- The base pay range for this role is between $184,700 and $324,800, 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.
Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.
Apple is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We seek to promote equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics.
At Apple, we believe accessibility is a fundamental human right. You’ll find that idea reflected in everything here — in our culture, our benefits and our digital tools. By welcoming as many perspectives as possible, we help you build a career where you feel like you belong.
Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.
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Senior Level Second Assistant Camera Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a senior level second assistant camera job?
Employers at this level look for candidates who can own the camera department's organizational systems without supervision, mentor assistants, and anticipate logistical problems before they affect the shoot. A deep portfolio of complex productions, fluency with current digital workflows, and demonstrated leadership on set give candidates the clearest edge. Relationships built through years of on-set work often open doors before a posting does.
Which companies hire senior level second assistant cameras?
Companies hiring senior level second assistant cameras right now include Apple, HP, and NVIDIA, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Hiring at this level tends to come from established production companies, major studios, and commercial production houses that run high-volume or high-complexity projects requiring experienced camera department leadership.
Are there remote senior level second assistant camera jobs?
Yes, though most second assistant camera work is inherently on-site, some roles in production coordination, equipment management, or hybrid production environments do offer flexibility. About 20% of senior level second assistant camera openings are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting the growing range of production contexts that include digital and distributed workflows at this experience level.
What makes a second assistant camera role senior level?
Senior level second assistant camera roles go beyond executing tasks to owning the camera department's operational foundation. That means managing complex equipment logs and lens reports with minimal oversight, mentoring junior assistants, coordinating across departments under pressure, and troubleshooting technical issues independently on fast-moving sets. The expectation is that you stabilize the department rather than waiting for direction.
Which industries hire the most senior level second assistant cameras?
Senior Level second assistant camera roles concentrate in Technology & Software, Electronics & Hardware, and Manufacturing, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. These sectors drive demand because they sustain the highest production volume and consistently require experienced camera department professionals who can handle the technical and logistical complexity of large-scale or ongoing productions.