Pedestrian Dead Reckoning (PDR) System Engineer

C40 Cities; Cape Town; Remote; ZAR 400,000 - 600,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading navigation company for the visually impaired seeks a Pedestrian Dead Reckoning (PDR) System Engineer in Cape Town. The role involves refining pedestrian motion models, optimizing algorithms and integrating innovative localization technologies into their navigation systems. Candidates should have strong MATLAB skills and a relevant STEM background.

Qualifications

• Strong experience in MATLAB or similar programming languages.
• Understanding of PDR, motion modelling, and algorithms.
• STEM background required.

Responsibilities

• Improve sensor fusion techniques and develop map matching algorithms.
• Optimize motion modelling and step detection.
• Research next-generation localization technologies.

Skills

MATLAB

sensor fusion

motion modelling

algorithm development

data analysis

Education

degree in Computer Science, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics

Job description

Pedestrian Dead Reckoning (PDR) System Engineer

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Waymap is the world’s leading navigation company for the visually impaired, revolutionizing indoor and outdoor navigation through cutting-edge sensor fusion, AI, and deep-tech solutions. Our smartphone-based navigation system enables seamless, GPS-free positioning, empowering greater independence and accessibility for users worldwide.

As we scale rapidly to meet growing demand, we are seeking a Pedestrian Dead Reckoning (PDR) System Engineer to improve the accuracy and robustness of our MATLAB-based PDR and map-matching systems. You will also contribute to forward-looking innovations, helping shape the future of Waymap’s navigation technology.

Role

As a PDR System Engineer, you will be part of our cutting-edge R&D team, refining and optimizing pedestrian motion models, map matching, and sensor fusion algorithms. Your work will directly impact the precision and reliability of our navigation systems across indoor and outdoor environments.

This is a high-impact, problem-solving role ideal for someone with experience in MATLAB, navigation systems, sensor fusion, and motion modelling, who is also eager to explore emerging localization technologies (for example based on computer vision/SLAM).

Even if you don’t meet all the specific criteria listed below, we’d still love to hear from you if you can draw on similar experience in a closely related area!

Key Responsibilities

• Improve sensor fusion techniques, integrating IMU (accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer, barometer), GPS, and other data sources.
• Develop and refine map matching algorithms to align PDR trajectories with real-world maps.
• Optimize motion modelling, step detection, and stride estimation for more accurate pedestrian tracking.
• Work with Android and iOS development teams to integrate real-time PDR and map-matching enhancements into mobile applications.
• Debug, test, and refine algorithms to ensure scalability, robustness, and accuracy.
• Forward-looking R&D: Research and prototype next-generation localization technologies, such as AI-driven positioning, ultra-wideband (UWB), and computer vision-based mapping.
• Stay updated on emerging sensor-based navigation and localization technologies.

Requirements

Must-Have:

Strong experience in MATLAB or other programming languages, algorithm development, prototyping, and data analysis.

An ability to write performant and efficient code
Understanding of pedestrian dead reckoning (PDR), motion modelling, and sensor fusion.
Experience working with inertial data and other sensor-based navigation techniques.
Familiarity with map matching techniques (e.g., probabilistic methods, Hidden Markov Models, particle filters, graph-based approaches).
Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to analyse and optimize algorithms.
STEM background (degree in Computer Science, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, or a related field).

Nice-to-Have:

PhD degree with applied research background

Experience in C for algorithm optimization and mobile application integration.
Knowledge of SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) or other sensor-based localization techniques.
Familiarity with vision-based localization or radio based positioning techniques (BLE, UWB, etc.).
Experience with AI/ML for improving localization accuracy.

Remote-first with occasional travel to London office
Work on world-changing technology with a real-world impact
Collaborate with top-tier engineers, developers, and navigation experts
Fast-growing deep-tech start-up

Apply Now – Send your CV and a short cover letter explaining why you’re a great fit for this role.

About the job

Contract Type: FULL_TIME

Focus: Infrastructure

Workplace Type: Remote

Experience Level: Associate

Location: Cape Town

Contract Type: FULL_TIME

Specialism: Technology & Digital

Focus: Infrastructure

Industry: IT

Salary: Negotiable

Workplace Type: Remote

Experience Level: Associate

Location: Cape Town

FULL_TIME

Job Reference: Y5BZ36-3FB23129

Date posted: 26 May 2025

Consultant: Eloise Ladouceur

cape-town technology-and-digital/infrastructure 2025-05-26 2025-07-25 it Cape Town Western Cape ZA ZA Robert Walters https://www.robertwaltersafrica.com https://www.robertwaltersafrica.com/content/dam/robert-walters/global/images/logos/web-logos/square-logo.png true