Senior C++ Software Engineer - Map Navigation

Garmin; Olathe (KS); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Garmin Benefits

Job summary

Garmin is seeking a Senior C++ Software Engineer - Map Navigation to advance map search performance across embedded devices from wearables to cycling computers, based at Garmin's U.S. headquarters in the Greater Kansas City area or in Cary, NC.

You will design high‑performance search systems, optimize memory use, and collaborate with cross‑functional teams to deliver responsive map experiences in demanding outdoor environments, mentoring others and influencing product direction.

Qualifications

• Design or work with search algorithms and large-scale datasets.
• Proficiency in C++14+ and embedded/performance-critical software.
• BS in Computer Science or related field with 5+ years of experience.
• Strong problem-solving and communication skills.
• Experience leading complex software projects.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a senior contributor in design and development of next‑generation search systems in C++.
• Own and drive map search performance improvements for embedded devices.
• Design and review architecturally sound software systems for scalable platform evolution.
• Mentor and provide guidance to less experienced Software Engineers.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to integrate map search across Garmin products.

Skills

C++

Search algorithms

Embedded systems

Performance optimization

Leadership

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science or related field

5+ years relevant experience

Job description

Overview

We are seeking a full-time Senior C++ Software Engineer - Map Navigation at Garmin's U.S. headquarters in the Greater Kansas City area OR in our Cary, NC office to help improve map search performance and capability across millions of embedded devices from wearables to cycling computers.

In this role, you will work on core systems that enable map search to be highly efficient and exceptionally responsive at runtime across constrained environments. This is a system and innovation focused role centered on C++, performance engineering, and reliable quality. You will tackle challenges in next‑generation search capability, memory optimization, and high-performance systems that directly influence real‑world user experience in demanding outdoor conditions.

Your work will directly impact the responsiveness and usability of map search experiences across our ecosystem.

Essential Functions

• Serve as a senior individual contributor in the design and development of next‑generation search systems and high‑performance runtime architectures in C++
• Own and drive solutions that improve map search performance, data efficiency, and accuracy of results across embedded and resource‑constrained devices
• Design and review architecturally sound software systems using modular components to enable scalable platform evolution
• Evaluate emerging technologies and methodologies as they apply to future‑facing search and embedded system capabilities
• Participate in project leadership and/or program planning including providing technical input to product direction, architecture, and innovation initiatives
• Mentor and provide guidance to less experienced Software Engineers
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to integrate map search capabilities across Garmin products and ensure solutions meet real‑world usage scenarios in dynamic environments
• May serve as a Lead Software Engineer for complex or cross‑functional software development efforts
• Provide technical direction and contribute to system‑level tradeoffs involving performance, memory efficiency, scalability, and user experience

Basic Qualifications

• Experience designing or working with search algorithms and large‑scale structured datasets
• Proficiency in C++ (C++14 or newer preferred)
• Strong background in systems‑level, embedded, or performance‑critical software development
• Demonstrated ability to decompose functional requirements into well‑defined tasks while balancing quality, quantity and complexity in work output
• Strong problem‑solving skills, including the ability to research and apply appropriate algorithmic solutions
• Proven experience designing scalable, high‑performance software systems that solve complex technical challenges
• Demonstrated ability serving as a lead software engineer for a complex software project
• Demonstrated capability to offer peer technical assessments in areas of expertise, new technologies and software designs
• Strong communication skills and the ability to articulate complex technical concepts to non‑technical stakeholders.
• Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Math or Physics or another relevant engineering/technical fieldAND a minimum of 5 years relevant experience OR an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience
• Excellent academics (cumulative GPA greater than or equal to 3.0 as a general rule)

Desired Qualifications

• Familiarity with data compression, tiling, indexing, or spatial data systems
• Experience optimizing search performance or large‑scale data access patterns in constrained or high‑performance systems
• Previous experience in embedded, wearable, fitness, automotive, or other resource‑constrained environments
• Superior academics (cumulative GPA greater than or equal to 3.5)
• Proficiency writing software in C#, SQL or Python for tooling and automation

Garmin International is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran’s status, age or disability.

This position is eligible for Garmin's benefit program. Details can be found here: Garmin Benefits