Senior Localization Engineer

Onward Robotics • Pittsburgh, PA

4d • Onsite

About The Position

As a Senior Localization Engineer in our Robot Software Department, you will work on algorithms and systems used for mapping and localization. An ideal candidate has experience resolving difficult problems encountered in localization applications which can cause uncertainty and mis-localization. As a core team member, you will be responsible for taking the lead on assigned sub-systems, algorithms, and tasks following them from requirements generation through testing and field deployment.

Requirements

• Hands-on experience in SLAM, sensor fusion, localization, and mapping with a proven track record of deploying algorithms in real-world applications.
• C/C++ programming experience
• Proficiency with ROS2 (Robot Operating System 2), including node/package development, deployment, and integration on production robots
• Experience with software configuration management systems (git, SVM, etc.)
• Requirements-driven development
• Results-driven engineering approach, owning algorithms end-to-end from utilization and deployment through structured testing and continuous improvement
• 5+ years of Localization experience
• Experience with geometry-based Computer Vision approaches such as Structure from Motion, Stereo Vision, SLAM, Visual Odometry
• Experience with point cloud-based detection such as free space detection and obstacle detection
• Experience developing and debugging with a modern Linux platform
• Experience with libraries like Ceres, g2o, GTSAM, Cartographer, and algorithms such as EKF/KF
• Industrial experience, including deployment and support of robotic/localization systems in warehouse, distribution center, or manufacturing environments

Nice To Haves

• Extend the capabilities of our SLAM software in the areas multi-robot mapping, visual SLAM, semi-supervised exploration, and life-long mapping.
• Improve localization performance in a variety of dynamic, complex and rapidly-evolving warehouse environments
• Proficiency in C++ with extensive experience designing and optimizing complex software systems; familiarity with Python is a plus.
• 3+ years of experience with GPU programming, such as CUDA or OpenCL
• Familiarity with real-time systems and hardware integration
• Prototyping real-time applications on embedded hardware
• Experience working with autonomous robots
• Experience with commercial software deployment and support
• Algorithm lifecycle development from requirements through QA and field release

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement robust and reliable algorithms for robotic systems, with a strong focus on localization, mapping, and state estimation. This includes exploring novel approaches and optimizing existing ones for performance and accuracy in diverse environments.
• Lead the comprehensive testing, detailed specification, and seamless integration of localization solutions into our robotics platforms. This involves defining test plans, analyzing results, and collaborating closely with hardware and software teams to ensure optimal system performance.
• Work extensively with complex data fusion and scene analysis pipelines, integrating sensor data from various modalities (e.g., LiDAR, cameras, IMUs) to build comprehensive environmental models and enhance robotic perception and navigation capabilities.
• Adhere to software development best practices: peer reviews, testing, version control, bug tracking, and integrated documentation.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior