Senior C++ Software Engineer - Map Navigation

Garmin Ltd.; Olathe (KS); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Garmin International in the United States is seeking a Senior C++ Software Engineer - Map Navigation to work at its U.S. headquarters in the Greater Kansas City area OR in Cary, NC.

You will help improve map search performance across embedded devices from wearables to cycling computers, focusing on memory optimization and high-performance systems. This role centers on C++, performance engineering, and reliable quality, with opportunities to tackle challenges in next-generation search

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.
• Ability to decompose requirements into well-defined tasks while balancing quality and complexity.
• Strong problem-solving skills and algorithmic reasoning.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop next-generation search systems and high-performance runtime architectures in C++.
• Improve mapsearch performance, data efficiency, and accuracy across embedded devices.
• Design modular software systems for scalable platform evolution.
• Evaluate technologies for future-facing search and embedded capabilities.
• Lead project planning and provide technical input on architecture and innovation.
• Mentor junior engineers and collaborate with cross-functional teams.

Skills

C++ (C++14+)

Systems-level software

Search algorithms

Performance optimization

Memory efficiency

Leadership experience

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/EE/CE/SE/Math/Physics

Tools

C#

SQL

Python

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 contributorin the design and development of next-generation search systems and high-performance runtime architectures in C++


• Own and drive solutions that improve mapsearch performance,data efficiency, and accuracy of results across embeddedand resource-constraineddevices


• Design and review architecturally soundsoftware systemsusing modular components to enable scalable platform evolution


• Evaluateemergingtechnologiesand methodologiesas they apply tofuture-facing search and embedded system capabilities


• Participate in project leadership and/or program planning including providing technical input to productdirection, 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-worldusage scenarios in dynamic environments


• May serve as a Lead Software Engineer for complexor cross-functionalsoftware developmentefforts


• Provide technical direction and contribute to system-level tradeoffs involving performance, memoryefficiency, scalability, and user experience

Basic Qualifications

• Experience designing or working with search algorithms and large-scale structured datasets


• Proficiencyin C++(C++14 or newerpreferred)


• Strong background in systems-level, embedded,or performance-critical software development


• Demonstrated ability todecompose functional requirements into well-defined tasks while balancing quality,quantityand complexity in work output


• Strong problem-solving skills, including the ability to research and applyappropriate algorithmicsolutions


• Proven experience designingscalable, high-performancesoftware systems thatsolve 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 technologiesand software designs


• Strong communicationskills and the ability to articulate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.


• Bachelor ofScienceinComputer Science, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Math or Physics or another relevant engineering/technical fieldANDa minimum of 5 years relevant experienceORan equivalent combination of education and relevant experience


• Excellent academics (cumulative GPA greater than or equal to 3.0as a general rule)

Desired Qualifications

• Familiarity with data compression, tiling, indexing, or spatial datasystems


• Experienceoptimizingsearch performance or large-scale data access patternsin constrained or high-performance systems


• Previousexperience inembedded, wearable, fitness,automotive, or other resource-constrainedenvironments


• Superior academics (cumulative GPA greater than or equal to 3.5)


• Proficiencywriting software in C#, SQL or Pythonfor 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