Principal Engineer, Mapping and Localization

PlusAI, Inc.; Santa Clara (CA); Hybrid; USD 190,000 - 235,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Catered free lunch

Unlimited snacks and beverages

401(k) plan

Job summary

PlusAI, Inc. is seeking a Principal Engineer for Mapping and Localization to lead high‑fidelity sensor fusion and HD map pipelines for autonomous trucks.

You will shape the localization architecture, tackle GPS-denied scenarios, and drive real‑time performance on embedded compute while ensuring safety and precision. Join a fast‑growing team backed by industry partnerships and a strong focus on edge-case robustness, continuous improvement, and technical mentorship across senior and junior

Qualifications

• MS or PhD in Robotics, CS, EE or a related field.
• 7+ years in robotics with at least 4 years in production-level localization or mapping.
• Expert-level Modern C++ (14/17/20) with memory management, multi-threading, and real-time systems.
• Strong foundation in probabilistic robotics, Kalman Filtering, nonlinear optimization, and SLAM.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and evolution of localization architecture and define long-term technical roadmaps.
• Design and implement robust, real-time algorithms for sensor fusion, visual/LiDAR odometry, and global localization.
• Develop pipelines to generate, maintain, and query High‑Definition maps.
• Work on priors-based localization and semantic map matching.
• Solve the stale map problem by designing systems for change detection using fleet data.
• Optimize code for embedded compute constraints while preserving safety and accuracy.
• Provide self-diagnosis capability for localization.
• Mentor senior and junior engineers through code reviews and engineering excellence.

Skills

C++ Expert

Real-time Systems

Probabilistic Robotics

SLAM / Localization

Education

MS/PhD in Robotics

Tools

Eigen

Ceres

PCL

OpenCV

GTSAM

Job description

Research and Development · Mapping and Localization

Principal Engineer, Mapping and Localization

PlusAI is a Physical AI company pioneering AI-based virtual driver software for factory-built autonomous trucks. Headquartered in Silicon Valley with operations in the United States and Europe, Plus was named by Fast Company as one of the World’s Most Innovative Companies. Partners including TRATON GROUP’s Scania, MAN, and International brands, Hyundai Motor Company, Iveco Group, Bosch, and DSV are working with Plus to accelerate the deployment of next‑generation autonomous trucks. If you’re ready to make a huge impact and drive the future of autonomy, Plus is looking for talented individuals to join its fast-growing teams.

As a Principal Engineer on our Mapping and Localization team, you will design and implement high-fidelity fusion algorithms that combine LiDAR, Radar, Camera, IMU, and GNSS data with HD Maps to achieve centimeter‑level accuracy. You will tackle the hardest edge cases—from GPS-denied tunnels to dynamic construction zones—ensuring our vehicles operate safely in complex L4 ODDs (Operational Design Domains).

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and evolution of our localization architecture, making critical build‑vs‑buy decisions and defining long‑term technical roadmaps.
• Design and implement robust, real‑time algorithms for sensor fusion, visual/LiDAR odometry, and global localization using techniques like Factor Graphs, EKF/UKF, and particle filters.
• Develop pipelines to generate, maintain, and query High‑Definition (HD) maps.
• Work on "priors-based" localization and semantic map matching.
• Solve the "stale map" problem by designing systems for change detection. You will use fleet data to identify construction zones, lane shifts, or new signage and update the map in near real‑time. Maintain and continuously update large‑scale LiDAR‑based HD maps to support autonomous driving systems.
• Optimize code for embedded compute constraints (latency, memory, and power) without sacrificing safety or accuracy.
• Provide self diagnosis capability for localization
• Act as a technical mentor to senior and junior engineers, conducting rigorous code reviews and fostering a culture of engineering excellence.

Required Skills

• M.S. or Ph.D. in Robotics, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• 7+ years of industry experience in robotics, with at least 4 years dedicated to production‑level localization or mapping systems.
• Expert‑level Modern C++ (14/17/20) skills, with a deep understanding of memory management, multi‑threading, and real‑time systems.
• Strong theoretical foundation in probabilistic robotics, including Kalman Filtering (EKF, UKF), nonlinear optimization (Ceres, g2o, GTSAM), and SLAM.
• Deep understanding of 3D geometry, linear algebra, and coordinate transformations (quaternions, SE(3)).
• Familiarity with Eigen, Ceres, PCL, OpenCV, GTSAM

Preferred Skills

• Experience shipping localization stacks for deployed autonomous vehicles or mobile robots.
• Hands‑on experience with LOAM, lego‑LOAM, ORB‑SLAM, or VINS.
• Experience with CUDA/GPU programming or optimization for ARM‑based embedded platforms.

Work, learn and grow in a highly future‑oriented, innovative and dynamic field.

Wide range of opportunities for personal and professional development.

Catered free lunch, unlimited snacks and beverages.

Highly competitive salary and benefits package, including 401(k) plan.