Technical Lead, Computer Vision

Niantic Spatial; San Francisco (CA); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading geospatial technology company in San Francisco is seeking a Tech Lead for its Applied Computer Vision Algorithms Team. You will play a crucial role in driving the development of 3D reconstruction capabilities and algorithms for high-fidelity mapping. The ideal candidate has over 8 years of experience in Computer Vision and strong proficiency in C/C++ and Python. This role requires technical leadership and offers a hybrid work model with 3 days per week in the office.

Qualifications

• 8+ years in Computer Vision, ML, or relevant field, or 6+ years with PhD.
• Experience in tech leading a team of computer vision engineers.
• Strong graphics knowledge and optimization for GPU in Android/Linux.

Responsibilities

• Translate top-tier research papers into production-grade features.
• Lead the design of 3D reconstruction pipelines and mesh generation.
• Develop and optimize algorithms for high-performance execution.

Skills

C/C++ proficiency

Python proficiency

3D Computer Vision/ML expertise

Structure from Motion (SfM)

Gaussian Splatting rendering techniques

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related field

Master’s or PhD preferred

Job description

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.

As a Tech Lead for the Applied Computer Vision Algorithms Team, you’ll help drive our “Reconstruct”, “Understand” and “Localization” capabilities. the greater team will be responsible for creating the high-fidelity visual and semantic maps—specifically textured, semantic meshes, and Gaussian Splats— as well as localization maps that allow our Large Geospatial Model (LGM) to perceive the world with human-like precision. Closely working with the R&D and product teams your work will bridge the gap between cutting-edge theory and real-world utility, turning complex geospatial data into a persistent sense of space for the next generation of AI and robotics.

Job Responsibilities

• Applied Research & Implementation: Actively translate top-tier research papers (e.g., from CVPR, ECCV, NeurIPS) into production‑grade features within our tech stack.

• Technical Leadership: Lead the design and implementation of 3D reconstruction pipelines, focusing on Structure from Motion (SfM) and high‑fidelity mesh generation as well as 3D gaussian splats.

• Algorithm Optimization: Develop and optimize Gaussian Splatting quality algorithms and general ML code for high‑performance execution on CPU and GPU.

• Production Implementation: Write and maintain high‑performance, shader‑based production code in C++ for Android and Linux environments.

• Technical Strategy & Mentorship: Work with engineering leadership to define the technical roadmap and quarterly objectives for the Applied CV Team; provide high‑level mentorship and code governance to elevate the team’s technical bar.

• Cross‑Functional Collaboration: Partner with the Research and Spatial Solutions teams to turn strategic goals into actionable plans.

• Quality & Benchmarking: Drive decision‑making creating high quality data that allows the accurate spatial grounding of AI queries with structural, semantic and location specific knowledge.

Job Requirements

• Years of Experience: 8+ years of professional experience in Computer Vision, Machine Learning, or a related field (or 6+ years with a PhD in a relevant domain).

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical field; Master’s or PhD preferred.

• Core Technical Skills: Strong proficiency in C/C++ and Python for production‑level software development.

• Specialized Expertise: Proven experience in 3D Computer Vision/ML, specifically with Structure from Motion (SfM), 3D reconstruction, and Gaussian Splatting rendering techniques.

• Hardware Optimization: Demonstrated ability to optimize algorithms for GPUs in Android or Linux environments.

• Graphics Knowledge: Experience with computer graphics and C++ shader‑based implementations.

• Technical Leadership Experience: Previous experience tech leading a team of computer vision engineers in a high‑growth environment.

• Work Location: This position requires 3 days per week in our San Francisco OR Sunnyvale office.