Principal Engineer, Mapping and Localization

PlusAI; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Catered free lunch

Unlimited snacks and beverages

Highly competitive salary and benefits package

401(k) plan

Job summary

An innovative AI-focused company in California seeks a Principal Engineer for its Mapping and Localization team. The role involves designing high-fidelity fusion algorithms using various sensory data to achieve centimeter-level accuracy for autonomous vehicles. The ideal candidate has a Master's or Ph.D. in a related field, over 7 years of experience in robotics, and expertise in Modern C++, as well as a strong foundation in probabilistic robotics and geometry. A competitive salary and benefits including catered meals are offered.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of industry experience in robotics, with at least 4 years in localization or mapping systems.
• Strong theoretical foundation in Kalman Filtering (EKF, UKF), nonlinear optimization, and SLAM.
• Familiarity with CUDA/GPU programming or optimization for ARM‑based embedded platforms.
• Strong foundation in probabilistic robotics including Kalman Filtering, nonlinear optimization, and SLAM.
• Deep understanding of 3D geometry, linear algebra and coordinate transforms (quaternions, SE(3)).
• Familiarity with Eigen, Ceres, PCL, OpenCV, GTSAM.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and evolution of localization architecture.
• Design and implement real-time algorithms for sensor fusion.
• Develop pipelines to generate, maintain, and query High-Definition maps.
• Solve the stale map problem by designing systems for change detection.
• Act as a technical mentor conducting rigorous code reviews.
• Optimize code for embedded compute constraints while preserving safety and accuracy.
• Provide self-diagnosis capabilities for localization and mentor junior engineers.

Skills

Expert-level Modern C++ (14/17/20)

Probabilistic robotics knowledge

3D geometry and linear algebra

Memory management and multi-threading

SLAM

3D geometry

Education

M.S. or Ph.D. in Robotics, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering

Tools

Eigen

Ceres

PCL

OpenCV

GTSAM

Job description

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

• 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.

Your opportunities joining PlusAI

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.