Senior Camera Actuator Control Engineer

In this role as an actuator Control Systems expert, you will lead the development and implementation of camera actuator firmware and control systems. You will be responsible for defining calibration strategies and enhancing performance, ensuring industry-leading Auto Focus (AF)/Optical Image Stabilization (OIS)/Variable Aperture (VA) capabilities. Your expertise will be critical in troubleshooting control system failures and mitigating power, noise, vibration, thermal, stable and performance issues. You will collaborate with hardware, module, reliability, software and production teams to integrate and advance actuator technologies.

Google's mission is to organize the world's information and make it universally accessible and useful. Our Devices & Services team combines the best of Google AI, Software, and Hardware to create radically helpful experiences for users. We research, design, and develop new technologies and hardware to make our user's interaction with computing faster, seamless, and more powerful. Whether finding new ways to capture and sense the world around us, advancing form factors, or improving interaction methods, the Devices & Services team is making people's lives better through technology.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and integration of camera actuator control systems and firmware, collaborating with cross-functional teams and external partners.
• Drive actuator AF/OIS/VA failure analysis and implement corrective actions to resolve the electromechanical issues.
• Develop automated frameworks for measurement and data analysis using Python to enhance validation efficiency.
• Define and execute camera actuator calibration strategies, compensation algorithms, and performance troubleshooting.
• Collaborate with technology partners to advance actuator control designs and road map implementations.

Minimum qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, or a specialized field (e.g., Optics, Sensors, Audio/DSP, etc.), or equivalent practical experience.
• 4 years of experience in camera actuator control, firmware development, or system validation.
• Experience with Voice Coil Motor (VCM) driving and sensing technologies, including linear or Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) driving methods, Hall/Tunnel Magnetoresistance (TMR) sensors, and I2C protocol.
• Experience with linear and nonlinear control system design utilizing integrated driver Integrated Circuits (ICs).
• Experience with various VCM architectures, such as spring-type, ball-type, and guide-type AF/OIS mechanisms.

Preferred qualifications:

• Master's degree or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
• 2 years of experience in a leadership role without direct reports or 1 year of experience in a people management or team leader role.
• Experience in AF/OIS/VA technology stacks, including driver ICs, control algorithms, and production line yield optimization.
• Experience in measurement and optimizing settling time, frequency response (FRA), linearity, or OIS suppression ratio.
• Ability to communicate in English fluently to interact with the global stakeholders.