Principal Engineer, Mapping and Localization
PlusAI · Santa Clara, CA
Extracted from the posting
Principal engineer on the Mapping and Localization team building sensor fusion of LiDAR, radar, camera, IMU, and GNSS with HD maps for centimeter-level accuracy. Work includes factor-graph and filter-based localization, change detection for stale maps, and LiDAR map maintenance. Stack is modern C++ with Ceres, GTSAM, Eigen, PCL, and OpenCV.
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.
Compensation: USD 200,000 – 240,000 per year salary
