
Director of Localization
Forterra
full-time
Posted on:
Location Type: Remote
Location: Virginia • United 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