Research Engineer Intern (Mapping & Localization)

PlusAI; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 26,174 - 89,544; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Catered free lunch

Unlimited snacks and beverages

401(k) plan

Opportunities for personal and professional development

Job summary

PlusAI is offering a Summer Internship focused on LiDAR Algorithm Development in Santa Clara, California. You will contribute to designing an automated Map Change Detection Pipeline, ensuring our autonomous vehicles' precision. We're looking for students with an MS or PhD in relevant fields and strong technical skills in LiDAR and robotics.

The internship offers competitive compensation ranging from $19 to $65 per hour, alongside benefits such as catered lunches, snacks, and professional development opportunities.

Qualifications

• Proven project involvement in LiDAR-based localization and mapping within autonomous vehicles or robotics.
• Deep understanding of integrating various sensors like LiDAR, GPS, IMU, and camera data.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize LiDAR-based localization and mapping algorithms.
• Refine map generation algorithms for localization precision.
• Enhance the LiDAR map interface functionality.
• Merge LiDAR data with other sensory inputs for real-time solutions.
• Take on more complex projects within the team.

Skills

LiDAR-based localization

C++

ROS

Sensor Fusion

Communication

Education

MS or PhD in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Robotics

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.

Our Localization & Mapping team is responsible for ensuring our autonomous vehicles always know precisely where they are and what the world around them looks like. High‑definition (HD) LiDAR maps are the foundation of this safety, but the real world changes constantly—roads get repaved, construction zones appear overnight, and new buildings reshape the horizon.

As a Summer Intern, you will contribute to the design and implementation of an automated, end‑to‑end Map Change Detection Pipeline. Your mission will be to process incoming data from our active testing fleet, compare it against our base HD maps, and isolate permanent structural changes from daily clutter (like parked cars or pedestrians). This pipeline will directly drive our automated map‑updating engine, keeping our fleet safe and scalable.

Responsibilities

• LiDAR Algorithm Development: Design, develop, and optimize cutting‑edge LiDAR‑based localization and mapping algorithms to enhance the autonomy of vehicles.
• Map Support: Refine both online and offline map generation algorithms to improve and sustain localization precision.
• Map Interface Enhancement: Advance the functionality and user experience of the LiDAR map interface, focusing on robust management of various map versions.
• Sensor Fusion Development: Skillfully merge LiDAR data with other sensory inputs (e.g., GPS, IMU, cameras) to devise integrated, real‑time mapping and localization solutions.
• Continue to grow within the team, taking on more complex projects and pushing the boundaries of autonomous vehicle technology.

Required Skills

• Education: MS or PhD in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, or a related discipline.
• Technical Experience: Proven project involvement in LiDAR‑based localization and mapping within autonomous vehicles or robotics.
• Sensor Fusion Expertise: Deep understanding of integrating various sensors like LiDAR, GPS, IMU, and camera data.
• Software Proficiency: Solid experience in C++ and ROS.
• Communication: Exceptional ability to communicate complex technical details effectively across multidisciplinary teams, concepts to non‑technical team members.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with Gaussian splatting/NeRF is a plus.
• Experience with deep learning techniques applied to localization and mapping is a plus.

Compensation

$19 - $65 an hour. Our internship hourly rates are a standard pay determined based on the position and your location, year in school, degree, and experience.

Benefits

• 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.