Principal Research Engineer, Video Compression

Principal 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 Principal Research Engineer in the Advanced Media Lab, you will provide technical leadership in video compression with a focus on video coding standardization. You will define and drive high-impact technical directions from research framing to prototyping and rigorous evidence, translating innovations into standards-ready proposals and patentable inventions. This role is hands-on and implementation-oriented, partnering closely with internal stakeholders and external collaborators to deliver reproducible results and measurable impact.

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

• Conduct advanced research in video compression, with a focus on video coding standardization.
• Lead and coordinate technical initiatives across the team to remove blockers, manage tool interactions, and strengthen 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 develop team capabilities through technical coaching, code reviews, and raising the bar on evaluation methodology and best practices.

Qualifications:
Minimum:

• Ph.D. or M.S. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field with 10+ years of relevant research and/or product experience in video compression.
• Prior delegate or active contributor experience in video coding standardization bodies, including JVET, MPEG, or AOM.
• Deep expertise in video compression with a proven record of technical leadership and sustained impact (e.g., standards contributions, patents, publications).
• Solid understanding of at least one modern video coding standard, including HEVC/H.265, VP9, VVC/H.266, AV1, AV2, or ECM.
• Proven ability to set technical direction, make sound architectural decisions, and drive execution through measurable outcomes.
• Strong video codec software implementation skills: excellent C/C++ development capability 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:

• Hands-on experience in multiple video coding tool areas, including intra prediction, inter prediction, transform/quantization, in-loop filtering, and high-level syntax.
• Demonstrated leadership in high-level syntax and normative text contribution for video coding standards.
• Familiarity with the patent filing process and collaborating with patent attorneys.
• Leadership experience in video coding standardization bodies (e.g., JVET, MPEG, or AOM), including roles such as CE/EE/AHG/WG Chair, Editor, or Software Coordinator.

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.