Tech Lead Manager, Localization, Mapping, and Calibration

Do you love building the systems that help robots understand and navigate the world around them? At Cobot, we’re developing the core technologies that make human-robot collaboration seamless — and we’re looking for a Tech Lead Manager, Localization, Calibration, and Mapping to help drive that vision forward.

In this role, you’ll lead the design and development of the algorithms that give our robots spatial awareness — from sensor calibration and localization to mapping and SLAM. You’ll guide a talented team of engineers, collaborate closely with perception, navigation, and hardware teams, and ensure our systems are robust, precise, and production-ready. Along the way, you’ll shape how Cobot’s robots see, move, and adapt in dynamic, real-world environments.

This is a unique opportunity to lead at the intersection of cutting-edge robotics and real-world deployment. If you’re excited to push the boundaries of localization and mapping while mentoring a world-class engineering team, we’d love for you to join us.

This role is located at our Santa Clara, CA headquarters.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and grow a team of engineers working on Cobot’s localization, calibration, mapping algorithms.

• Closely collaborate with the other teams (planning, behavior, perception) and functions (hardware, operations) for efficient and reliable implementation of the said systems across our sites and stack.

• Solid foundation in localization and mapping (e.g., SLAM, sensor fusion, or visual-inertial odometry, factor graphs).

• Design and develop algorithms and methods for Cobot’s sensor calibration (vision and inertial) needs.

• Design and develop sensor based localization and mapping solutions to help with accurate positioning and navigation.

• Design, develop, integrate onboard/offboard SLAM techniques for both structured and unstructured environments.

• Guide and mentor autonomy engineers.

• Review and refine technical requirements and translate them into high-level design & plans to support the development.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or a related technical field.

• 5+ years of experience working within engineering teams.

• Managerial experience in a professional environment.

• Proficiency in C++ and Python, with a readiness to learn new languages or technologies.

• Expert in localization, mapping, calibration, state estimation techniques

• Experience implementing production-grade, high-reliability software on a robot or similar autonomous system.

• Willing to occasionally travel.

• Must have and maintain US work authorization.

• Highly motivated teammate with excellent oral and written communication skills.

• Enjoy working in a fast paced, collaborative and dynamic start-up environment as part of a small team.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 8+ years of engineering experience.

• Advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or Electrical Engineering or similar field.

• Proficiency with fusion and state estimation techniques.

• Proficiency with graph based slam, loop closure.

• Familiar with sensor models.

The base salary range for this position is $215,000 - $245,000 plus equity and comprehensive benefits. Our salary ranges are determined by role and experience level. The range reflects the minimum and maximum target for new hire salaries for the position in the noted geographic area. Within the range, individual pay is determined by additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

Cobot is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to legally protected characteristics.

To all recruitment agencies: Cobot does not accept agency resumes. Please do not forward resumes to our employees. Cobot is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.