Roku · 2 weeks ago
Senior Software Engineer, Video Encoding
San Jose, CA
Full-time
Hybrid
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
$285K/yr - $345K/yr
8+ years expRoku is the #1 TV streaming platform in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, aiming to power every television in the world. As a Video Encoding Engineer, you will build, optimize, and maintain high-performance video processing workflows to ensure the delivery of high-quality streaming experiences across all Roku devices.
AdvertisingAdvertising PlatformsConsumer ElectronicsDigital EntertainmentDigital MediaHardwareMedia and EntertainmentSoftwareVideo Streaming
Responsibilities
Design, build, optimize, and maintain FFmpeg-based encoding pipelines for both VOD and Live workflows, operating at scale in cloud environments such as AWS or GCP
Develop, refine, and validate encoding presets for modern codecs, including H.264, HEVC, and AV1, ensuring optimal quality-to-bitrate performance
Implement advanced encoding strategies such as multi-pass workflows, CRF tuning, per-title optimizations, and quality-targeted encoding
Benchmark and evaluate video quality using VMAF and other objective metrics to drive continuous improvements in efficiency and viewing experience
Build and maintain adaptive streaming packaging workflows, including HLS, DASH, and CMAF, ensuring broad device compatibility and reliable playback
Profile and optimize system performance by identifying and eliminating bottlenecks across compute, storage, and I/O layers
Write, review, and improve code, assessing architectural tradeoffs to deliver secure, high-performance, and highly concurrent video infrastructure services
Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, product, and platform teams to support and advance company-wide video service initiatives
Qualification
Required
5+ years of solid programming experience and passionate about writing high-quality and well-architected code
Expert-level knowledge of FFmpeg or Gstreamer and their related toolchains (filters, flags, debugging, custom builds)
Experience with hardware-based encoder/decoder libraries (NVENC, Vulkan)
Strong understanding of compression theory, codec internals, GOP structures, bitrate control, etc
Experience with container formats: MP4, TS, fragmented MP4, ISOBMFF
Familiarity with HLS/DASH, CMAF, adaptive bitrate design, DRM, and SCTE 35
A track record working with applied AI-based video enhancement and compression algorithms (Super Resolution, Denoising, Artifact Removal)
Hands-on experience with cloud compute (AWS Lambda/ECS/Batch, GCP, Kubernetes, or similar)
Ability to handle periodic on-call duty as well as out-of-band requests; strong written and verbal communication skills
Bachelor's degree in computer science plus 8 years of experience or equivalent
Preferred
Master's degree preferred
Benefits
Health insurance
Equity awards
Life insurance
Disability benefits
Parental leave
Wellness benefits
Paid time off
Healthcare (medical, dental, and vision)
Life
Accident
Disability
Commuter
Retirement options (401(k)/pension)
Company
Roku
Roku develops video streaming devices that provide users access to Internet-streamed video or audio services.
1001-5000 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Roku has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (120)
2024 (166)
2023 (81)
2022 (279)
2021 (195)
2020 (107)
Funding
Current Stage
Public CompanyTotal Funding
$212.01MKey Investors
News CorpFidelityGlobespan Capital Partners
2017-09-28IPO
2015-11-09Series H· $45.5M
2015-11-01Secondary Market
Leadership Team
Preston Smalley
VP of Viewer Product
T
Thomas Dodson
Vice President of Platform Operations
Recent News
2026-01-08
Company data provided by crunchbase