Technical Lead C++ Engineer - Maps Platform

Garmin Ltd.; Olathe (KS); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Garmin Benefits

Job summary

Garmin Ltd. in the U.S.

headquarters (Greater Kansas City area) seeks a full‑time Technical Lead C++ Engineer for Maps Platform to improve how map data is delivered, stored and rendered across embedded devices. You will lead or contribute as a technical leader on complex spatial data systems, mentor engineers, and collaborate with cross‑functional teams to drive performance, memory efficiency and scalable architecture.

Qualifications

• Experience with complex data systems, file formats, or large‑scale datasets.
• Proficiency in C++ (C++14+).
• Background in embedded or performance‑critical software development.
• Ability to break down requirements into well‑defined tasks.
• Proven capability to design scalable, high‑performance software systems.
• Experience leading complex software projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and development of next‑gen spatial data systems and high‑performance runtime architectures in C++.
• Own solutions to improve map rendering, data efficiency, and installation speed across embedded devices.
• Design and review modular software architectures for scalable evolution.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to integrate map platform capabilities.
• Mentor less experienced engineers and provide technical input to product direction.

Skills

C++ proficiency

Systems-level development

Mentoring

Communication

Architectural design

Algorithms

Lead software engineer

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science or related field

Job description

Overview

We are seeking a full‑time Technical Lead C++ Engineer – Maps Platform at Garmin’s U.S. headquarters in the Greater Kansas City area to help improve how map data is delivered, stored, and rendered across millions of embedded devices from wearables to cycling computers. In this role, you will work on core systems that enable maps to be highly efficient to distribute, fast to install and exceptionally responsive at runtime across constrained environments. This is a system‑ and innovation‑focused role centered on C++, performance engineering, and scalable data architecture. You will tackle challenges in next‑generation data representation, memory optimization, and high‑performance multithreaded systems that directly influence real‑world user experience in demanding outdoor conditions.

Your work will directly impact the responsiveness and usability of map experiences across our ecosystem. You will be responsible for being a key technical contributor and/or Lead Software Engineer in major product and/or application development projects or software development for significant new applications of known technology.

Essential Functions

• Serve as a technical leader in the design and development of next‑generation spatial data systems and high‑performance runtime architectures in C++.
• Own and drive solutions that improve map rendering performance, data efficiency, and installation speed 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 mapping 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 platform 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 trade‑offs involving performance, memory efficiency, scalability, and user experience.

Basic Qualifications

• Experience designing or working with complex data systems, file formats, or 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’s Degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Math, Physics or related field AND a minimum of 9 years relevant experience OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Excellent academics (cumulative GPA greater than or equal to 3.0 as a general rule).

Desired Qualifications

• Outstanding academics (cumulative GPA greater than or equal to 3.5).
• Experience with map rendering, GIS, or geospatial data systems.
• Familiarity with data compression, tiling, indexing, or spatial data systems.
• Experience optimizing rendering 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.