Localization Architect - Robotics & Drones F/M/D
Localization Architect - Robotics & Drones
We are Aptiv - a global technology company with 200,000 specialists in 48 countries. We develop innovative software and build the hardware to bring autonomous driving cars, advanced driver-assistance systems, connected vehicles and smart cities to life in a way that only we can. We work in partnership with almost all car manufacturers. Our sensors, systems and software can already be found in almost all passenger cars today.
We are building a new Robotics business at Aptiv, focused on Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) and Drones for warehouse, industrial, and adjacent markets. As a Robotics Localization Architect, you will be the technical authority for localization and state estimation across our platforms—owning how robots understand where they are, how they move, and how reliably that estimate can be trusted under real-world conditions.
You will define and evolve scalable localization architectures that span sensors, algorithms, compute platforms, and system interfaces, enabling robust autonomy across diverse environments and robot form factors. You will work closely with perception, planning, safety, hardware, and product teams to turn research-grade localization into production-ready, certifiable systems.
Key Responsibilities:
Localization Architecture & System Design
Own the end-to-end localization and state estimation architecture for AMR and drone platforms.
Define and standardize localization approaches across platforms, including combinations of:
2D/3D SLAM
Radar-based localization
Visual SLAM / Visual-Inertial Odometry (VSLAM / VIO)
Wheel odometry, IMU fusion, GNSS (where applicable)
Map-based localization and re-localization strategies
Design multi-sensor fusion architectures (EKF/UKF/FGO) to provide accurate, drift-resilient pose estimates across operating modes.
Specify how localization integrates with perception, planning, control, safety, and fleet systems via clear ROS APIs and message contracts.
Define system-level performance targets for localization (accuracy, latency, update rate, convergence time, fault detection).
Partition localization functionality across onboard compute (SoCs, MCUs, accelerators) and offboard edge/cloud services, when appropriate.
Technical Leadership & Algorithm Strategy
Lead localization design reviews and technical trade studies (e.g., Radar vs vision, map-based vs map-lite, onboard vs offboard compute).
Guide algorithm selection and tuning for different environments (warehouses, factories, GPS-denied spaces).
Provide hands-on technical direction to teams implementing SLAM, odometry, sensor fusion, and map management.
Establish best practices for localization robustness, including:
Failure detection and confidence metrics
Degraded modes and fallback strategies
Online calibration and drift monitoring
Mentor engineers on localization algorithms, estimation theory, numerical stability, and production-quality implementation.
Safety, Reliability & Operational Robustness
Architect localization systems that support safety requirements and predictable failure behavior.
Define localization-related safety concepts such as:
Localization health monitoring
Pose uncertainty propagation to planning and control
Safe reaction strategies when localization confidence degrades
Collaborate with safety engineering on hazard analyses, FMEAs, and safety cases related to loss or corruption of localization.
Drive architectural strategies for:
Redundancy and diversity (sensor and algorithmic)
Observability and diagnostics
Field reliability and long-duration autonomy
Simulation, Validation & Tooling
Define how simulation and recorded data replay support localization development and validation.
Specify simulation needs for testing:
Sensor noise models
Environmental variation
Degenerate cases (feature-poor areas, dynamic scenes)
Shape localization validation strategies, regression testing, and performance benchmarking.
Evaluate and integrate open-source localization frameworks and third-party SDKs, ensuring scalability, maintainability, and license compliance.
Customer & Partner & Program Engagement
Translate customer and operational requirements into localization performance targets and architectural decisions.
Support PoCs, demos, and early deployments by guiding localization setup, tuning, and debugging in real environments.
Influence technical roadmaps and build-vs-buy decisions related to SLAM, mapping, sensors, and compute platforms.
Engage with ecosystem partners (sensor vendors, SLAM providers, ROS communities) to align technology direction with platform goals.
Basic Qualifications:
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Robotics, Computer Science, Electrical/Computer Engineering, or equivalent practical experience.
8+ years of experience in software development, with specialization in localization, SLAM, or state estimation.
Proven experience deploying localization systems on robots (AMRs, AGVs, drones, or similar vehicle platforms).
Strong theoretical and practical understanding of:
Probabilistic state estimation
Sensor fusion (IMU, wheel odometry, LiDAR, vision, GNSS)
2D and 3D SLAM pipelines
Hands-on experience with ROS / ROS 2, including message design, lifecycle nodes, parameters, and tooling.
Experience working with real-time constraints, synchronization, and time-sensitive data pipelines.
Strong Linux systems knowledge and experience with middleware (DDS or similar).
Ability to produce clear architecture documents, data flows, algorithm explanations, and interface definitions.
Excellent communication skills and ability to explain complex localization concepts to cross-functional audiences.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience with localization in industrial or commercial environments (warehousing, logistics, manufacturing).
Familiarity with functional safety standards relevant to mobile robots (IEC 61508, ISO 13849, ISO 3691-4, ISO 10218).
Experience with heterogeneous compute platforms (NVIDIA, Qualcomm, TI, Renesas) and acceleration of perception/localization pipelines.
Hands-on experience with simulation tools such as Gazebo, Isaac Sim, or custom data playback frameworks.
Experience handling challenging localization conditions:
Feature-sparse or repetitive environments
Dynamic scenes with moving objects
Long-term map maintenance and change detection
Exposure to cloud or fleet-level localization concepts (map distribution, versioning, fleet-wide updates).
Background in start-up or incubation environments with high ambiguity and fast iteration.
Experience debugging numerical stability, sensor timing, and real-world estimator failures.
Familiarity with cybersecurity considerations related to sensor data and localization integrity.
Aptiv Benefits:
In addition to an attractive compensation package, Aptiv offers 30 days of vacation and overtime compensation
A secure, permanent employment relationship awaits you with the opportunity to continually develop internally; also in an international environment
Access to internal and external training, coaching and certifications allows you to continue your education
We particularly recognize innovation and excellence
A very international, collegial environment and collaboration with technical experts at eye level awaits you
You have the opportunity to get involved in CSR activities
At Aptiv you have the opportunity to actively shape the future of mobility in partnership with almost all global OEMs using state-of-the-art technology (e.g. e-mobility and autonomous driving).
Why join us?
You can grow at Aptiv. Aptiv provides an inclusive work environment where all individuals can grow and develop, regardless of gender, ethnicity or beliefs
You can have an impact. Safety is a core Aptiv value; we want a safer world for us and our children, one with: Zero fatalities, Zero injuries, Zero accidents
Apply today, and together let’s change tomorrow!
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Aptiv is an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.
