Senior Computer Vision Engineer (Localization)

Niantic Spatial, Inc.; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Niantic Spatial, Inc. is seeking a seasoned Computer Vision Engineer to design and develop production-grade systems that power the Visual Positioning System (VPS). The ideal candidate will have over 5 years of experience in this field, with expertise in Python and/or C++. They will lead technical projects, optimize algorithms, and collaborate across teams to create advanced computer vision solutions. The job requires in-office presence three days a week and offers a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of geospatial AI technology.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience developing and shipping algorithms for image processing.
• Expert-level proficiency in Python and/or C++.
• Proven track record in designing solutions for Structure from Motion.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain production-grade computer vision systems.
• Refine and scale algorithms for the VPS system.
• Optimize ML and CV code for efficiency in cloud and mobile environments.
• Lead technical design reviews and mentor junior engineers.
• Collaborate with Product, Research, and Operations teams.

Skills

Computer Vision

Algorithm Development

Python

C++

Deep Learning

Structure from Motion

Education

BS, MS, or PhD in Computer Science or related

Tools

PyTorch

JAX

Git

Job description

Overview

At Niantic Spatial, we’re building the future of geospatial AI. Powered by a proprietary database of over 30 billion posed images and a groundbreaking third-generation digital map, our mission is to develop spatial intelligence that helps both humans and machines better understand, navigate, and engage with the physical world. Our high-fidelity mapping technology unlocks a new dimension of interaction—laying the foundation for AI to truly comprehend and operate within real-world environments. Join us as we build a living model of the world that people and machines can talk to.

Responsibilities

• System Architecture: Design, develop, and maintain production-grade computer vision systems that power Niantic Spatial’s VPS (Visual Positioning System) and 3D mapping pipelines.
• Algorithmic Innovation: Refine and scale algorithms for our VPS system including SfM (Structure from Motion), efficient feature and descriptor extraction to have the best possible accuracy and recall. Move algorithms from research concepts to hardened production code that can scale for our map of the world.
• Performance Engineering: Optimize complex ML and CV code for maximum efficiency in cloud and mobile environments, ensuring low latency and high-performance execution on GPU/CPU.
• Benchmarking & Evaluation: Create and own the tools and frameworks used to evaluate the quality of our spatial grounding and 3D maps against ground-truth data.
• Technical Leadership: Lead technical design reviews, mentor junior engineers, and serve as a team anchor for resolving complex technical disagreements within the mapping stack.
• Cross-Functional Delivery: Collaborate with Product, Research, and Operations teams to ensure that state-of-the-art computer vision solutions translate into delightful user experiences.

Requirements

• Education: BS, MS, or PhD in Computer Science, Robotics, Computer Vision, or a related technical field (or equivalent professional experience).
• Years of Experience: 5+ years of experience developing and shipping algorithms for image processing, computer vision, or 3D reconstruction.
• Coding Proficiency: Expert-level proficiency in Python and/or C++.
• Domain Expertise: Proven track record in designing solutions for Structure from Motion (SfM), VPS or 3D mapping.
• Frameworks & Tools: Deep experience with Deep Learning frameworks (PyTorch or JAX) and version control (Git).
• Required in-office days: 3 days per week

Plus If

• Experience in planning and leading technical projects from inception to production.
• Significant contributions to open-source CV libraries (OpenCV, COLMAP, etc.).
• Experience with CUDA or shader programming for performance optimization.

Privacy & Equal Opportunity

I understand that by submitting my job application, the information I provide as part of that application will be used in accordance with Niantic Spatial’s Privacy Notice for Job Applicants and Candidates. If required by law, by submitting my job application I consent to the processing of my information as described in that Notice, including processing information I voluntarily disclose to Niantic Spatial, such as health or medical information, race or ethnicity data, and sexual orientation data and, in limited circumstances sharing information with third parties such as references and other third parties that assist in the hiring process.

Niantic Spatial is an equal opportunity employer. Individuals seeking employment at Niantic Spatial are considered without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, creed, age, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical conditions), marital status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, or any other protected category under applicable laws. Niantic Spatial will also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in accordance with applicable laws. Please contact your recruiter if you want to request an accommodation for the job application or interview process.