Forterra

Director of Localization

Forterra

full-time

Posted on:

Location Type: Remote

Location: VirginiaUnited States

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Salary

💰 $180,000 - $300,000 per year

Job Level

Tech Stack

About the role

  • Own the technical vision and roadmap for localization and state estimation across Forterra’s autonomous systems
  • Architect and guide the development of GNSS/INS-based localization systems using advanced state estimation and sensor fusion techniques
  • Drive algorithmic choices for Kalman filtering, non-linear optimization, sensor calibration, and error modeling
  • Ensure localization solutions are robust, scalable, and performant across diverse vehicle platforms and operating environments
  • Build, mentor, and lead a team of state estimation and localization engineers
  • Provide technical guidance, code and design reviews, and career development for team members
  • Set clear goals, priorities, and success metrics for the localization team
  • Partner closely with autonomy, perception, hardware, and vehicle integration teams to define system requirements and interfaces
  • Collaborate with testing and operations teams to validate localization performance in simulation, data playback, and on-vehicle testing
  • Oversee testing and evaluation of localization software in simulation, log replay, and real-world vehicle deployments

Requirements

  • B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in Engineering or a related field
  • 8+ years of relevant experience in state estimation, localization, or navigation systems
  • 3+ years of experience leading or mentoring engineers (formal or informal)
  • Deep expertise in Kalman filtering (EKF, UKF, etc.) and real-time state estimation techniques (led product development)
  • Strong background in non-linear optimization (e.g., gradient descent, Levenberg-Marquardt)
  • Strong foundation in linear algebra and computational mathematics
  • Hands-on experience with GNSS/IMU/INS systems, sensor fusion, calibration, and error modeling
  • Proficiency in C++ (some Python, Matlab)
Benefits
  • Premium Healthcare Benefits: Three plan options, including an HSA-eligible plan, with Forterra covering 80% of the plan premium for you and your dependents.
  • Basic Life/AD&D, short and long-term disability insurance plans 100% covered by Forterra, plus the option to purchase additional life insurance for you and your dependents.
  • Extremely generous company holiday calendar including a winter break in December.
  • Competitive paid time off (PTO) offering 20 days accrued per year.
  • A minimum of 7 weeks fully paid parental leave for birth/adoption.
  • A $9k annual tuition reimbursement or professional development stipend.
  • Fully stocked beverage refrigerators with all the Celsius your little heart desires.
  • 401(k) retirement savings plan, including traditional, Roth 401(k), and after-tax deferral with company match up to 4%.
Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills & Tools
state estimationlocalization systemsKalman filteringnon-linear optimizationsensor fusionsensor calibrationerror modelinglinear algebracomputational mathematicsC++
Soft Skills
leadershipmentoringtechnical guidancecollaborationgoal settingprioritizationcommunication
Certifications
B.S. in EngineeringM.S. in EngineeringPh.D. in Engineering