Senior Software Engineer, Video Algorithms (L5)

At Netflix, our mission is to entertain the world. Together, we are writing the next episode - pushing the boundaries of storytelling, global fandom and making the unimaginable a reality. We are a dream team obsessed with the uncomfortable excitement of discovering what happens when you merge creativity, intuition and cutting-edge technology. Come be a part of what’s next.

The Challenge:
At Netflix, we are passionate about delivering the best viewing experience to our members. Video encoding and processing is a crucial part of our streaming pipeline. The interoperability of upstream encoding and the downstream decoding capabilities on millions of devices enables us to deliver Netflix experience to our members worldwide. We are looking for a seasoned Software Engineer with deep video processing expertise to join our Video Algorithms team, to build out the best-in-class video encoding solutions across business domains: Live, Ads, and VOD.

About you:

You are a self-driven Software Engineer who thrives in a fast-paced environment. You proactively address needs of the team, and collaborate well with our engineering and business partners. You have excellent software development skills and a strong background in video compression and processing algorithms. You constantly strive to improve yourself and the team, and are excited about delivering impact to hundreds of millions of Netflix members worldwide.

The role:

As a Software Engineer responsible in Video Algorithms, you will:

• Perform in-codec experimentation, and build PoCs to support the team’s encoding innovation initiatives. Examples include: scalable video coding, robust encoding and error protection, low-latency encoding, perception-driven encoding optimization.

• Work with internal partners such as the streaming pipeline, device teams, streaming algorithms, and external partners such as encoder vendors, SOC manufacturers and OEMs to take prototypes into production.

• Build experimentation systems on top of existing media platforms, using paved path languages such as C/C++, Python and Java, and run large experiments to benchmark a solution in terms of rate-quality tradeoff, latency, system performance, etc.

• Work on productizing your solutions using paved path tools.

Minimum qualifications:

• 5+ years experience in multimedia software development, with excellent debugging and problem solving skills.

• MS in Computer Science/Electrical Engineering or equivalent or extensive experience. PhD a plus.

• In-depth knowledge of video coding standards (AV1, AV2, AVC, HEVC).

• Rich hands-on experience with open-source/proprietary encoder/decoder codebases, such as libaom, SVT-AV1, dav1d, libx264, libx265.

• General understanding of video codecs ecosystems, such as TV/mobile/PC SOC/OEM support for different codecs.

• Fluent coding capability in C/C++, and ability to write systems code in Python or Java.

• Good communication skills and collaborative spirit to work with partners.

• Curious to learn, and capable of picking up new skills quickly.

Bonus points:

• Familiarity with media packaging, transport protocols such as CMAF, DASH, LL-HLS, RTMP and SRT.

• Low-level performance optimization capability: SIMD, Assembly, etc.

• Experience with/contribution to open-source projects.

• Familiarity with video quality metrics.

• Knowledge in image and signal processing techniques such as image scaling, deinterlacing, frame rate conversion, artifact detection etc.

Learn more about our team & our LIVE initiative:

https://netflixtechblog.com/av1-now-powering-30-of-netflix-streaming-02f592242d80

https://netflixtechblog.com/av1-scale-film-grain-synthesis-the-awakening-ee09cfdff40b

https://netflixtechblog.com/hdr10-now-streaming-on-netflix-c9ab1f4bd72b

https://netflixtechblog.com/rebuilding-netflix-video-processing-pipeline-with-microservices-4e5e6310e359

https://netflixtechblog.com/all-of-netflixs-hdr-video-streaming-is-now-dynamically-optimized-e9e0cb15f2ba

https://netflixtechblog.com/for-your-eyes-only-improving-netflix-video-quality-with-neural-networks-5b8d032da09c

https://netflixtechblog.com/behind-the-streams-live-at-netflix-part-1-d23f917c2f40

https://netflixtechblog.com/netflix-live-origin-41f1b0ad5371

Netflix provides comprehensive benefits including Health Plans, Mental Health support, a 401(k) Retirement Plan with employer match, Stock Option Program, Disability Programs, Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts, Family-forming benefits, and Life and Serious Injury Benefits. We also offer paid leave of absence programs. Full-time hourly employees accrue 35 days annually for paid time off to be used for vacation, holidays, and sick paid time off. Full-time salaried employees are immediately entitled to flexible time off. See more details about our Benefits here.

Netflix is a unique culture and environment. Learn more here.

Inclusion is a Netflix value and we strive to host a meaningful interview experience for all candidates. If you want an accommodation/adjustment for a disability or any other reason during the hiring process, please send a request to your recruiting partner.

We are an equal-opportunity employer and celebrate diversity, recognizing that diversity builds stronger teams. We approach diversity and inclusion seriously and thoughtfully. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, ancestry, national origin, caste, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, age, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic makeup, marital status, or military service.

Job is open for no less than 7 days and will be removed when the position is filled.