Software Engineer - Video Algorithm Systems (L4)

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 dedicated to delivering an unparalleled viewing experience, ensuring high video quality for our members no matter the content (from a 4K HDR documentary like Our Planet at home to Stranger Things over a cellular network on a commute), the location, or the device.

As Netflix expands its live streaming, this role involves maintaining our standard of excellence for live streams and events—be it BTS concerts, an Alex Honnold climb, or the WBC—while simultaneously tackling the added engineering complexity of real-time streaming and low latency.

To meet these challenges and make every bit of our video streams count, we must constantly improve our video encoding and processing algorithms. This requires evaluating the latest technologies and workflows in a way that is scalable, quality-focused, and latency-efficient.

We are seeking a Software Engineer in Video Algorithm Systems to help solve these complex engineering problems and drive strategic research in the field.
 

The Role:

As a Software Engineer in Video Algorithm Systems:

• Algorithm and Workflow Development: Design and prototype advanced encoding algorithms and software workflows focused on enhancing video quality and/or reducing bandwidth consumption for our video streams.

• Live Video Focus: Engage directly with the live domain, concentrating on live encoding orchestration, real-time quality analysis, and supporting the newest live events released on Netflix.

• Impactful Technical Challenges: Tackle complex video encoding problems, ensuring that Netflix videos are best-in-class quality while simultaneously meeting the low-latency demands of live streaming.

• Research and Innovation: Pursue research into next-generation image and video coding technologies and the latest encoding tools. This includes opportunities to collaborate with academic research groups and present work at research conferences.

About You:

You are a Software Engineer who:

• Can handle ambiguity of niche challenges and thrives in a fast-paced environment 

• Demonstrates strong technical curiosity and a drive to deepen technical expertise.

• Works effectively with cross functional teams 

• Has a strong distributed systems expertise and experience designing, building, and operating systems at scale

• Has a background in video algorithms or media processing

• Experience building new products from the ground up with strong system design fundamentals and extensible architectures

• Is excited to apply your expertise to a product that touches millions of lives everyday

Preferred Qualifications:

• Expertise in optimizing software performance.

• Strong knowledge of video streaming and encoding principles, including codec standards (e.g., H.264/AVC, HEVC, AV1) and professional tools like Media Live and Ateme.

• Experience in image and video quality assessment.

Minimum qualifications:

• Experience with large-scale distributed systems and cloud-computing 

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

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

• Strong Java or C++ experience with solid software design fundamentals

• Background in Media Processing and knowledge on Video Foundations

Bonus points:

• Experience with software performance optimization 

• An understanding of video compression and encoding, including tools such as Media Live, Ateme and codec standards such as H.264/AVC, HEVC and AV1.

• Involvement in open-source multimedia projects (such as ffmpeg, x264, avisynth, webm)

• Experience with image and video quality assessment 

To learn more about our team, check out the following articles:

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

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

https://medium.com/netflix-techblog/high-quality-video-encoding-at-scale-d159db052746

https://medium.com/netflix-techblog/per-title-encode-optimization-7e99442b62a2

https://medium.com/netflix-techblog/more-efficient-mobile-encodes-for-netflix-downloads-625d7b082909

https://medium.com/netflix-techblog/optimized-shot-based-encodes-now-streaming-4b9464204830

https://medium.com/netflix-techblog/the-end-of-video-coding-40cf10e711a2

https://medium.com/netflix-techblog/performance-comparison-of-video-coding-standards-an-adaptive-streaming-perspective-d45d0183ca95

https://medium.com/netflix-techblog/vmaf-the-journey-continues-44b51ee9ed12

Generally, our compensation structure consists solely of an annual salary; we do not have bonuses. You choose each year how much of your compensation you want in salary versus stock options. To determine your personal top of market compensation, we rely on market indicators and consider your specific job family, background, skills, and experience to determine your compensation in the market range. The range for this role is $250,000.00 - $413,000.00. This compensation range will vary based on location.

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.