Sr. Calibration, Mapping & Localization Engineer

42dot; Sunnyvale (CA); On-site; USD 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

42dot is seeking an expert to own the calibration, mapping, and localization stack for a multi-vehicle‑class fleet, including passenger cars, robotaxis, buses, and trucks. You will ensure the foundation on which perception and planning models rely.

This founding team role shapes calibration tooling, drift-detection pipelines, and roadmaps, balancing accuracy, latency, and reliability for fleet-scale deployment across simulation and on-road tests.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in Computer Science, Robotics, EE, Mathematics, or related field.
• Strong background in calibration, SLAM, and localization methods.
• Experience leading projects from concept to deployment.
• Proficiency in C++ and Python.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement sensor calibration systems for factory and in-field use.
• Build and maintain mapping pipelines, including map creation, versioning, and drift detection.
• Develop and improve localization algorithms, including sensor fusion, odometry, and SLAM.
• Define accuracy, latency, and reliability requirements for outputs consumed by downstream teams.
• Build tooling to validate calibration and localization quality at fleet scale.
• Diagnose and resolve calibration and localization failures from on-road and simulation testing.

Skills

Sensor calibration

SLAM & localization

Multi-sensor fusion

C++/Python

Software architecture

Education

Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in Computer Science, Robotics, EE, Mathematics

Tools

Kalman filters

Factor graphs

Optimization-based fusion

Job description

We are looking for the best

About Us

42dot is a mobility AI company committed to solving mobility challenges with software and AI. As the Global Software Center of Hyundai Motor Group, 42dot pioneers the future of mobility by advancing the development of software-defined vehicles.

We develop safety-first, user-centric software-defined vehicle technologies that deliver the latest performance through continuous updates like smartphones. By advancing software and AI technology, 42dot envisions a world where everything is connected and moves autonomously through a self-managing urban transportation operating system.

About the Role

ML-first does not mean ML-only: every model this team ships depends on a vehicle that knows precisely where its sensors are, where it is in the world, and how confident it can be in both. This role owns that foundation, building the calibration, mapping, and localization stack that every perception and planning model is built on top of, across a multi-vehicle-class fleet spanning passenger vehicles, robotaxis, buses, and trucks.

Founding Team Opportunity

Most autonomy programs set their calibration and localization architecture years ago and are now stuck maintaining it. This team is establishing its framework now, and an early hire will help shape:

• Sensor calibration methodology and tooling, both online and offline
• Mapping strategy, representation, and drift-detection pipelines
• Localization architecture and the technical roadmap as the fleet scales

Responsibilities

• Design and implement sensor calibration systems (camera, LiDAR, radar, IMU) for factory and in-field use
• Build and maintain mapping pipelines, including map creation, versioning, and drift detection
• Develop and improve localization algorithms, including sensor fusion, odometry, and SLAM
• Define accuracy, latency, and reliability requirements for outputs consumed by downstream teams
• Build tooling to validate calibration and localization quality at fleet scale
• Diagnose and resolve calibration and localization failures from on-road and simulation testing

Qualifications

• A demonstrated ability to take difficult technical problems from ambiguity to successful deployment
• Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in Computer Science, Robotics, EE, Mathematics, or related field
• 5+ years of experience in sensor calibration, SLAM, mapping, localization, or multi-sensor fusion
• Strong grasp of estimation theory, including Kalman filters, factor graphs, or optimization-based fusion
• Strong software engineering skills in C++ and/or Python, with a track record of leading projects from concept through deployment

Preferred Qualifications

• Autonomous driving or robotics background across multiple vehicle classes
• Experience with HD map creation and maintenance pipelines at scale
• Experience with LiDAR, camera, or radar extrinsic calibration in production vehicles
• Familiarity with functional safety requirements such as ISO 26262

Interview Process

• Application Review - Coding Test - 1st interview - 2nd interview - Offer Negotiation - Hiring
• The screening procedures may vary depending on the position, schedule, or other circumstances.
  You will be individually notified of the screening schedule and results via the email address provided in your application.

Compensation

• $200,000 - $300,000

Additional Information

• In accordance with fair hiring practices, do not include any personal information unrelated to your job qualifications (e.g., Social Security Number, family relations, marital status, age, photo, physical condition, place of birth, etc.) in your resume.
• All documents must be submitted in PDF format and under 30MB in size.
• We strongly encourage applications from U.S. veterans and candidates eligible for employment preference under applicable laws.
• Qualified individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
• 42dot does not accept unsolicited resumes and will not pay fees for any such submissions. Equal Opportunity Statement
• 42dot is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.