Senior Research Engineer, Video Compression

Senior Research Engineer, Video Compression

About Ofinno:
Ofinno is a leading research and development lab headquartered in Reston, Virginia, specializing in advancing communication and media standards. Our team’s innovative work has led to significant contributions to technologies such as 5G cellular, Wi-Fi, and media compression. Ofinno holds strategic partnerships and licensing agreements with several of the world’s leading technology companies that use such technologies. At Ofinno, we foster an environment of collaboration and excellence, where researchers can focus on delivering breakthroughs that shape the future of technology.

Position Overview: 
As a Senior Research Engineer in the Advanced Media Lab, you will conduct advanced research and development in video compression with a focus on video coding standardization. You will take ownership of key technical topics from idea to prototype to evidence, helping translate research into standards-ready proposals and patentable inventions. This role is hands-on and implementation-heavy, working closely with internal teammates and external partners to deliver reproducible results and measurable impact. 

Key Responsibilities: 
As a Senior Research Engineer in video compression, you will: 

• Conduct advanced research in video compression, with a focus on video coding standardization. 

• Collaborate within the team to remove blockers, integrate tool interactions, and improve shared infrastructure (e.g., testing pipelines, scripts, datasets, and configurations). 

• Communicate research findings and technical insights to clients, partners, and industry audiences, representing the company’s expertise in video compression. 

• Drive standards contributions by authoring technical proposals, defending results, and working with delegates/partners to align test conditions, baselines, and conclusions. 

• Invent and develop patentable solutions that improve compression efficiency and/or complexity, and support the full IP process- from invention disclosure through filing.  

• Mentor and support junior teammates through code reviews, interview participation, technical discussions, and onboarding to evaluation methodology and best practices. 

Qualifications: 
Minimum: 

• M.S. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field with 6+ years of relevant research and/or product experience in video compression, respectively.  

• Solid understanding of at least one modern video coding standard, including HEVC/H.265, VP9, VVC/H.266, AV1, AV2, or ECM. 

• Proven ability in video codec software implementation: strong C/C++ development skills for codec research prototypes and/or production software. 

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to represent the company in standards meetings and industry events. 

• Track record of technical impact through peer-reviewed publications, patents, and/or standards contributions. 

Preferred: 

• Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field with 2+ years of relevant research and/or product experience in video compression, respectively.  
  Prior delegate or active contributor experience in video coding standardization bodies, including JVET, MPEG, or AOM. 

• Hands-on experience in one or more video coding tool areas, including intra prediction, inter prediction, transform/quantization, in-loop filtering, and high-level syntax. 

• Familiarity with the patent filing process and collaborating with patent attorneys. 

What else you should know 
Our people are our business. We know you have to see it to believe it, but here are some of the perks you can count on: 

• 401(K) matching -- We help you plan and save for retirement with a 401(K) matching program that’s available on day one.  
• Free healthcare plans -- Ofinno covers full premiums for you are your family on select healthcare plans, including employer HSA contributions if applicable. 
• Free Food -- Our kitchen is always fully stocked, including lunch, protein bars, fruit, sodas, coffee, and tea.  
• Unlimited Paid Time Off -- Our lives are enriched by family time, vacations, and personal time. We offer unlimited paid time off and sick leave.  
• On-campus gym -- Unwind, reduce stress and feel great – even when you’re at work. 
• Other benefits, too long to list -- Please discuss with our great People Ops team about additional benefits offered. 

What Now?  
What are you waiting for? We hope you will click on the link and forward your credentials to us today.  All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.