Staff Software Engineer – Localization (Lidar Odometry & Pose Graph Optimization

Overview

Staff Software Engineer – Localization (Lidar Odometry & Pose Graph Optimization) at Gatik. We are seeking a staff software engineer with deep expertise in localization for autonomous systems, especially in Lidar Odometry and Pose Graph Optimization. You will design, implement, and optimize high-performance, real-time localization algorithms that enable robust and accurate navigation of autonomous vehicles. This role is onsite 5 days per week at our Mountain View, CA office.

What you'll do

• Design and develop high-performance localization modules using Lidar-based odometry and pose graph optimization techniques.
• Architect robust and scalable systems for real-time state estimation on autonomous platforms.
• Contribute to the full software lifecycle: design, implementation, testing, deployment, and maintenance.
• Collaborate closely with mapping, perception, and control teams to integrate localization into the broader autonomy stack.
• Drive algorithmic innovation in SLAM, loop closure detection, outlier rejection, and sensor fusion.
• Optimize code for efficiency, robustness, and real-time performance on embedded and edge compute systems.
• Provide technical leadership, mentorship, and code reviews to elevate the team\'s engineering quality.
• Stay current with the latest research in localization and SLAM and evaluate opportunities to apply new techniques.

What we\'re looking for

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• 6+ years of total experience and 3+ years of hands-on experience working with Lidar Odometry and Pose Graph Optimization in real-world applications.
• Expert proficiency in modern C++ (C++14/17/20) and strong software engineering fundamentals (design patterns, concurrency, memory management).
• Strong understanding of SLAM, factor graphs, optimization frameworks (e.g., g2o, Ceres, GTSAM).
• Experience with 3D point cloud processing, ICP, scan matching, and Lidar SLAM pipelines.
• Familiarity with ROS/ROS2 and real-time robotics software development.

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience working on autonomous vehicles, robotics platforms, or drone systems.
• Knowledge of sensor fusion techniques combining IMU, GPS, Lidar, and camera.
• Familiarity with Linux-based development, CI/CD pipelines, and performance profiling.
• Publications or open-source contributions in localization or SLAM.

Salary

Salary Range: $200,000 - $260,000

About Gatik

Gatik, the leader in autonomous middle-mile logistics, is revolutionizing the B2B supply chain with its autonomous transportation-as-a-service (ATaaS) solution and prioritizing safe, consistent deliveries while streamlining freight movement by reducing congestion. The company focuses on short-haul, B2B logistics for Fortune 500 retailers and in 2021 launched the world’s first fully driverless commercial transportation service with Walmart. Gatik\'s Class 3-7 autonomous trucks are commercially deployed across major markets, including Texas, Arkansas, and Ontario, Canada, driving innovation in freight transportation.

The company\'s proprietary Level 4 autonomous technology, Gatik Carrier, is custom-built to transport freight safely and efficiently between pick-up and drop-off locations on the middle mile. With robust capabilities in both highway and urban environments, Gatik Carrier serves as an all-encompassing solution that integrates advanced software and hardware powering the fleet, facilitating effortless integration into customers\' logistics operations.

Taking care of our team

At Gatik, we connect people of extraordinary talent and experience to an opportunity to create a more resilient supply chain and contribute to our environment’s sustainability. We are diverse in our backgrounds and perspectives yet united by a bold vision and shared commitment to our values. Our culture emphasizes the importance of collaboration, respect and agility.

We at Gatik strive to create a diverse and inclusive environment where everyone feels they have opportunities to succeed and grow because we know that together we can do great things. We are committed to an inclusive and diverse team. We do not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, national origin, religion, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, marital status or any legally protected status.

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