Sr. Member Research Staff, Director Video Standards (San Francisco)

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Join to apply for the Senior Member Research Staff role at Dolby Laboratories

Join the leader in entertainment innovation and help us design the future. At Dolby, science meets art, and high tech means more than computer code. As a member of the Dolby team, you’ll see and hear the results of your work everywhere, from movie theaters to smartphones. We continue to revolutionize how people create, deliver, and enjoy entertainment worldwide. To do that, we need the absolute best talent. We’re big enough to give you all the resources you need, and small enough so you can make a real difference and earn recognition for your work. We offer a collegial culture, challenging projects, and excellent compensation and benefits.

For this high functioning team, the nature of the work benefits from frequent in-office presence, and employees may be expected to work from a company office up to four days per week. While we remain committed to flexibility, this team’s rhythm includes regular in-person connection to support collaboration, learning, and impact.

The Legal Department provides core legal support to all Dolby functions, runs several IP-centric businesses, and leads government relations.

Dolby has long-standing strategic investments in media codec standards and technologies. These standards form a foundation for many of our innovative programs serving the media and entertainment ecosystem. We continue to invest in this space to drive future innovation and deliver cutting-edge technologies that create value across the industry and for audiences worldwide.

We are seeking a highly experienced expert in image and video coding and systems technologies, with a strong record of contributing to and leading international standards development. The ideal candidate will collaborate with global experts to develop advanced technologies, play an influential role in standards bodies, and provide strategic guidance for Dolby’s internal technology initiatives.

This role will emphasize high-level syntax, systems protocols, and extended functionality for coded video streams. Active participation in international standardization organizations and industry consortia is a key component of this position.

Responsibilities

• Develop innovative video coding functionality and signaling technologies to support current and emerging video coding standards. Areas include high-level syntax elements such as parameter sets, VUI (Video Usability Information), and SEI (Supplemental Enhancement Information) for codecs like H.265/HEVC, H.266/VVC, and beyond.
• Design new algorithms and system technologies to support video systems standards, such as encapsulation formats, delivery protocols, multimedia presentation, scene description, and file formats.
• Advance signal processing methods—including both classical and neural network-based approaches—for pre-processing, post-processing, and next-generation video codecs.
• Represent Dolby in global standardization efforts for video and imaging technologies, providing technical leadership and contributing to the company’s industry visibility.

Leadership Expectations

• Demonstrates a strong understanding of the business, industry, and market, and applies this insight to advance Dolby’s strategy. Thinks proactively, plans effectively, and anticipates future trends and the implications of various scenarios.
• Sets and communicates clear strategic direction and vision for the organization. Adapts well to evolving conditions and responds constructively to change, showing openness to new ideas, flexibility in approach, and resilience in the face of challenges.
• Takes ownership of outcomes and fosters accountability across all levels. Shows determination and a strong commitment to achieving strategic goals. Prioritizes the long-term success of the organization over individual or team interests.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated expertise and success in developing video/image coding and systems technologies, including MPEG codecs, high-level syntax, image processing, and related algorithms.
• Recognized leadership and an active professional presence in international image and video technology standards organizations.
• Strong research and innovation background in video/image processing, coding, or related technical fields.
• A consistent record of publications in top-tier technical conferences and/or peer-reviewed journals.
• Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field—or equivalent experience with demonstrated results.
• Proven contributions to technology standardization efforts and willingness to travel internationally for related engagements.

The San Francisco/Bay Area base salary range for this full-time position is $226,000 - 318,000, which can vary if outside this location, plus bonus, benefits, and some roles may also include equity. Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, competencies, experience, market demands, internal parity, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range and perks and benefits for your location during the hiring process.

Dolby will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of San Francisco Police Code, Article 49, and Administrative Code, Article 12

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Dolby is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Our success depends on the combined skills and talents of all our employees. We are committed to making employment decisions without regard to race, religious creed, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, religion, marital status, family status, medical condition, disability, military service, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions or any other classification protected by federal, state, and local laws and ordinances.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Research, Analyst, and Information Technology

• Industries

  Computers and Electronics Manufacturing, Entertainment Providers, and Broadcast Media Production and Distribution

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San Francisco, CA $226,000.00-$318,000.00 1 day ago

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