Staff Software Engineer, Map Fusion

Socket.dev; Mountain View (CA); Hybrid; USD 189,000 - 303,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Equity compensation

Benefits

Job summary

Aurora is seeking a Staff Software Engineer for the Map Fusion team to architect, design, and lead real-time map updates for autonomous driving. You will build onboard algorithms that adapt maps as scenes change, balancing safety and performance under embedded constraints.

You will mentor engineers and collaborate with Motion Planning, Localization, Perception, and Fleet Intelligence to ensure end-to-end map integration and a strong safety case for fusion methods.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience architecting high-performance C++ in resource-constrained environments.
• Strong Python for prototyping and testing spatial algorithms.
• Deep understanding of 3D geometry, coordinate transforms, and large-scale mapping data.
• Demonstrated track record leading complex technical projects and mentoring engineers.

Responsibilities

• Architect and lead the map content update algorithms for dynamic scenes.
• Define real-time, low-latency compute architectures for on-the-fly map updates from sensor data.
• Collaborate with leadership and principal engineers across Motion Planning, Localization, Perception, and Fleet Intelligence.
• Mentor engineers, conduct design and code reviews, and uphold engineering excellence.

Skills

C++

Python

3D geometry

Graph theory

Machine learning basics

Leadership

Job description

Who we are

Aurora’s mission is to deliver the benefits of self-driving technology safely, quickly, and broadly.

The Aurora Driver will create a new era in mobility and logistics, one that will bring a safer, more efficient, and more accessible future to everyone.

At Aurora, you will tackle massively complex problems alongside other passionate, intelligent individuals, growing as an expert while expanding your knowledge. For the latest news from Aurora, visit aurora.tech or follow us on LinkedIn.

Aurora hires talented people with diverse backgrounds who are ready to help build a transportation ecosystem that will make our roads safer, get crucial goods where they need to go, and make mobility more efficient and accessible for all. We’re searching for a Staff Software Engineer to join our Map Fusion team to architect, design, and lead the development of algorithms that allow our vehicles to detect and respond to dynamic environmental changes like construction and emergency vehicles in real-time. This is an exciting opportunity to drive the technical roadmap at the intersection of classical geometric algorithms and modern machine learning to solve high-stakes, real-world safety challenges.

In this role, you will

• Architect and lead the technical roadmap for onboard algorithms that update map content dynamically in response to changing scenes (e.g., construction zones, active emergency scenes, and manual traffic directors).

• Define the architecture for real-time, low-latency compute solutions that update maps from sensor data on-the-fly under strict embedded performance and safety constraints.

• Partner closely with leadership and principal engineers in Motion Planning, Localization, Perception, and Fleet Intelligence to align on interfaces and ensure seamless, end-to-end map integration.

• Spearhead the safety case formulation for modern machine learning and classical fusion methods, ensuring rigorous safety and deterministic performance standards are met.

• Oversee the development of graph-centric and geometric algorithms to generate highly accurate local geometry of lane lines and drivable surfaces.

• Provide technical mentorship, conduct rigorous design and code reviews, and foster a culture of engineering excellence within the Map Fusion team.

Required Qualifications

• Extensive professional experience architecting, writing, and optimizing high-performance, production-grade C++ in resource-constrained environments.

• Strong proficiency in Python for rapid prototyping, framework development, and testing of complex spatial algorithms.

• Deep, intuitive understanding of 3D geometric reasoning, coordinate transforms, and handling of complex spatial/mapping data at scale.

• Strong mastery of graph theory, network optimization, and practical application of complex search algorithms.

• Demonstrated track record of leading complex technical projects from concept to production, aligning multiple stakeholders, and mentoring other engineers.

Desirable Qualifications (this section is optional)

• Deep expertise in Deep Learning architectures (particularly for spatial, temporal, or sensor data) and deploying them safely on real-world systems.

• Mastery of Bayesian Inference, Kalman filtering, or state-estimation techniques for probabilistic reasoning.

• Deep background in Spline Manipulation and geometric curves for path, trajectory, and surface modeling.

• Prior experience in the autonomous vehicle industry, safety-critical robotics, or high-performance edge computing

The base salary range for this position is $189,000 -$303,000 [per year OR per hour]. Aurora’s pay ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Within the range, the successful candidate’s starting base pay will be determined based on factors including job-related skills, experience, qualifications, relevant education or training, and market conditions. These ranges may be modified in the future. The successful candidate will also be eligible for an annual bonus, equity compensation, and benefits.

Working at AuroraAt Aurora, we bring together extraordinarily talented and experienced people united by the strength of our values. We operate with integrity, set outrageous goals, and build a culture where we win together — all without any jerks.

We believe in-person work increases collaboration, empathy and our ability to lead effectively. As a result, we operate in a hybrid work environment where Aurorans are in office at least 3 days per week.

Our Careers page provides insight into what it is like to work at Aurora, and you can find all the latest updates in our Newsroom.

Our commitment to safety

At the core of everything we do is our commitment to safety. Building best-in-class self-driving technology will take time, and we believe that each employee at Aurora has a role in contributing to safety, every step of the way. Aurora expects commitment to our safety policies from every employee, and seeks candidates who take an active responsibility, can contribute to building an atmosphere of trust, and invest in the organization’s long-term success by prioritizing working safely, no matter what.

Our commitment to inclusion

Aurora considers candidates without regard to their race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy status, parent or caregiver status, ancestry, political affiliation, veteran and/or military status, physical or mental disability, or any other status protected by federal or state law. Aurora considers qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state, and local law. We are also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at [e-mail].

For California applicants, information collected and processed as part of your application and any job applications you choose to submit is subject to Aurora’s California Employment Privacy Policy.