Staff Autonomy Engineer - Localization (Robotics)

TL;DR

Staff Autonomy Engineer (Localization): Architect and lead development of production-grade multimodal localization stack integrating cameras, LiDAR, radar, GNSS, and IMU for centimeter-level accuracy in autonomous vehicles with an accent on state estimation frameworks and sensor fusion. Focus on designing Factor Graphs or sliding-window optimization, implementing uncertainty estimation and FDIR mechanisms, and driving cross-functional system integration with perception and planning modules.

Location: Ann Arbor, MI

Salary: $195,000 - $230,000 USD

Company

hirify.global develops and deploys autonomous vehicles powered by Multi-Policy Decision Making technology to create safer, greener urban mobility.

What you will do

• Architect and lead multimodal localization stack for high availability and accuracy.
• Design state estimation frameworks like Factor Graphs or GTSAM/Ceres for real-time performance.
• Own localization safety strategy with uncertainty estimation and FDIR mechanisms.
• Drive roadmaps for VIO, wheel odometry, and map-based localization techniques.
• Lead system integration, defining interfaces with perception, behavior, and prediction modules.
• Establish evaluation metrics for pose accuracy and reliability across ODDs.
• Mentor engineers and conduct design/code reviews.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or Master’s in Robotics, CS, EE or related with strong state estimation math.
• 10+ years industry experience in localization/state estimation for AVs/robots, 5+ in lead/staff/principal role.
• Expertise in probabilistic robotics, Factor Graphs, Kalman filtering.
• Advanced sensor fusion: cameras, LiDAR (ICP/NDT), radar, IMU, GNSS.
• Mastery of modern C++ (14/17/20) in Linux for real-time systems.
• Experience in safety-critical system architecture and technical leadership.

Nice to have

• 12+ years experience across full product lifecycle.
• SLAM for diverse environments.
• Deep learning localization or neural state estimation.
• Vehicle dynamics and wheel odometry.
• Patents or top-tier publications (ICRA, IROS, RSS).

Culture & Benefits

• Comprehensive healthcare: medical, dental, vision, life, disability; HSA/FSA accounts.
• Rich 401(k) with immediate vested match.
• Generous paid parental leave and phased return.
• Flexible vacation plus company holidays.
• Total Wellness Program.
• Moderate travel (11-25%).