PlusAI

Builds AI driving systems for commercial trucks

Staff/Senior Staff Engineer - Mapping and Localization

Robotics & Autonomous SystemsConfirmed live in the last 24 hours

Full-timeSanta Clara, CA, USA$200k - $260k /yrHybrid

About the Job

Requirements

M.S. or Ph.D. in Robotics, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
7+ years of industry experience in robotics, with at least 4 years dedicated to production-level localization or mapping systems.
Expert-level Modern C++ (14/17/20) skills, with a deep understanding of memory management, multi-threading, and real-time systems.
Strong theoretical foundation in probabilistic robotics, including Kalman Filtering (EKF, UKF), nonlinear optimization (Ceres, g2o, GTSAM), and SLAM.
Deep understanding of 3D geometry, linear algebra, and coordinate transformations (quaternions, SE(3)).
Familiarity with Eigen, Ceres, PCL, OpenCV, and GTSAM.

Responsibilities

Lead the design and evolution of the localization architecture, making critical build-vs-buy decisions and defining long-term technical roadmaps.
Design and implement robust, real-time algorithms for sensor fusion, visual/LiDAR odometry, and global localization using techniques like Factor Graphs, EKF/UKF, and particle filters.
Develop pipelines to generate, maintain, and query High-Definition (HD) maps.
Work on priors-based localization and semantic map matching.
Design systems for change detection to address stale maps, using fleet data to identify construction zones, lane shifts, or new signage and update the map in near real-time.
Maintain and continuously update large-scale LiDAR-based HD maps to support autonomous driving systems.
Optimize code for embedded compute constraints (latency, memory, and power) without sacrificing safety or accuracy.
Provide self-diagnosis capability for localization.
Act as a technical mentor to senior and junior engineers, conduct rigorous code reviews, and foster a culture of engineering excellence.

Desired Qualifications

Experience shipping localization stacks for deployed autonomous vehicles or mobile robots.
Hands-on experience with LOAM, lego-LOAM, ORB-SLAM, or VINS.
Experience with CUDA/GPU programming or optimization for ARM-based embedded platforms.

Salary Range: 200000 to 260000 (Currency: USD) (Pay period: per-year-salary)

PlusAI is a Physical AI company pioneering AI-based virtual driver software for factory-built autonomous trucks. Headquartered in Silicon Valley with operations in the United States and Europe, Plus was named by Fast Company as one of the World’s Most Innovative Companies. Partners including TRATON GROUP’s Scania, MAN, and International brands, Hyundai Motor Company, Iveco Group, Bosch, and DSV are working with Plus to accelerate the deployment of next-generation autonomous trucks. If you’re ready to make a huge impact and drive the future of autonomy, Plus is looking for talented individuals to join its fast-growing teams.

As a Principal Engineer on our Mapping and Localization team, you will design and implement high-fidelity fusion algorithms that combine LiDAR, Radar, Camera, IMU, and GNSS data with HD Maps to achieve centimeter-level accuracy. You will tackle the hardest edge cases—from GPS-denied tunnels to dynamic construction zones—ensuring our vehicles operate safely in complex L4 ODDs (Operational Design Domains).

Responsibilities:

Lead the design and evolution of our localization architecture, making critical build-vs-buy decisions and defining long-term technical roadmaps.

Design and implement robust, real-time algorithms for sensor fusion, visual/LiDAR odometry, and global localization using techniques like Factor Graphs, EKF/UKF, and particle filters.

Develop pipelines to generate, maintain, and query High-Definition (HD) maps.

Work on "priors-based" localization and semantic map matching.

Solve the "stale map" problem by designing systems for change detection. You will use fleet data to identify construction zones, lane shifts, or new signage and update the map in near real-time. Maintain and continuously update large-scale LiDAR-based HD maps to support autonomous driving systems.

Optimize code for embedded compute constraints (latency, memory, and power) without sacrificing safety or accuracy.

Provide self diagnosis capability for localization

Act as a technical mentor to senior and junior engineers, conducting rigorous code reviews and fostering a culture of engineering excellence.

Required Skills:

M.S. or Ph.D. in Robotics, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.

7+ years of industry experience in robotics, with at least 4 years dedicated to production-level localization or mapping systems.

Expert-level Modern C++ (14/17/20) skills, with a deep understanding of memory management, multi-threading, and real-time systems.

Strong theoretical foundation in probabilistic robotics, including Kalman Filtering (EKF, UKF), nonlinear optimization (Ceres, g2o, GTSAM), and SLAM.

Deep understanding of 3D geometry, linear algebra, and coordinate transformations (quaternions, SE(3)).

Familiarity with Eigen, Ceres, PCL, OpenCV, GTSAM

Preferred Skills:

Experience shipping localization stacks for deployed autonomous vehicles or mobile robots.

Hands-on experience with LOAM, lego-LOAM, ORB-SLAM, or VINS.

Experience with CUDA/GPU programming or optimization for ARM-based embedded platforms.

Your opportunities joining PlusAI

Work, learn and grow in a highly future-oriented, innovative and dynamic field.

Wide range of opportunities for personal and professional development.

Catered free lunch, unlimited snacks and beverages.

Highly competitive salary and benefits package, including 401(k) plan.

About the Company

PlusAI

Builds AI driving systems for commercial trucks

PlusAI develops AI driving software for commercial trucks, working with vehicle manufacturers and logistics partners to automate freight transport. Its SuperDrive system combines sensors, onboard computing, and AI models to understand roads, plan maneuvers, and control a truck within defined operating conditions. Truck manufacturers integrate the software into their vehicles, and PlusAI engineers develop and validate the virtual driver for use on freight routes. It also sells autonomous-driving data and development tools through HyperFoundry, and plans to charge for SuperDrive according to truck usage. PlusAI was founded in 2016 and is headquartered in Santa Clara, California.

Company size: 201-500
Company stage: IPO
Headquarters: Santa Clara, CA
Founded: 2016

Recently Posted Jobs

Explore more opportunities at PlusAI

See more jobs