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Localization Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Navigation Lead

Arlington, VA · On-site

$180K - $300K/yr

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 ...

... localization, security, and privacy requirements * Perform structured exploratory and scenario ... developer-focused products * Experience working closely with product to assess delivery risk and ...

Extensive experience in vehicle localization technologies \n \n \n \n \n \n This Robotics Engineer is fully remote, but will require approximately 30% of the time on global travel according to the ...

Chief Engineer

Arlington, VA · Hybrid

$233K - $320K/yr

Who You Are: * BS in engineering or related technical field with 15+ years' experience ... Proven understanding of motion planning, constraint optimization, perception, localization, mapping ...

... with localization and mapping technologies Experience with motor control systems and sensor ... engineering/technical, medical, professional and executive disciplines and industry demands, we ...

QA Product Engineer II - ArcGIS Hub

Vienna, VA · On-site

$79.66K - $133.12K/yr

Intermediate understanding of accessibility (WCAG) and internationalization/localization (i18n/l10n ... developer-focused products * Experience working closely with product to assess delivery risk and ...

Robotics Engineer

Mclean, VA · On-site

$99K - $225K/yr

... localization and path planning for navigation * 2+ years of experience leading robotic software ... Bachelor's degree in Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a ...

Robotics Engineer

Mclean, VA · On-site

$99K - $225K/yr

Robotics Engineer The Opportunity: Conduct the research, development, integration, deployment, and ... localization and path planning for navigation * 2+ years of experience leading robotic software ...

Robotics Engineer The Opportunity: Conduct the research, development, integration, deployment, and ... localization and path planning for navigation * 2+ years of experience leading robotic software ...

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Localization Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$59K

$110.7K

$201.3K

How much do localization engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for localization engineer in Virginia is $110,674.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,800.00 and $131,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Localization Engineer do?

A Localization Engineer is responsible for preparing, managing, and optimizing content for translation and localization. They work with tools like CAT (Computer-Assisted Translation) software, scripts, and automation to ensure content is accurately adapted for different languages and regions. Their role includes file preparation, bug fixing, integration of localized assets, and troubleshooting technical issues in the localization process. They collaborate with linguists, project managers, and developers to streamline workflows and ensure a smooth translation process.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Localization Engineer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Localization Engineer, you need a strong background in computer science, programming (such as Python, Java, or C++), and familiarity with globalization and localization processes. Experience with translation management systems (TMS), CAT tools, version control systems, and possibly certifications like SDL Trados or Agile methodologies is highly valued. Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and cross-cultural communication skills help you excel when collaborating with global teams. These qualifications are critical for ensuring software and content are accurately adapted for diverse international markets while maintaining functionality and quality.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a Localization Engineer?

As a Localization Engineer, your daily tasks often include analyzing and preparing files for translation, maintaining localization workflows, troubleshooting technical issues related to software internationalization, and collaborating with translators, developers, and project managers. You may also be responsible for automating processes to improve efficiency and ensuring that localized products meet quality standards in various languages. Regular communication with cross-functional teams is crucial to resolve technical challenges and align on project goals. This role is both technical and collaborative, offering variety and requiring continual learning as new tools and platforms emerge.
What are the most commonly searched types of Localization Engineer jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Localization Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
Infographic showing various Localization Engineer job openings in Virginia as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 64% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 20% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $110,674 per year, or $53.2 per hour.

Navigation Lead

Forterra

Arlington, VA • On-site

$180K - $300K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

About Forterra
At Forterra, we are unleashing autonomy at scale to transform the battlefield. Our mission is to build the foundational platforms that enable an intelligent ecosystem to coordinate, adapt, and execute with speed and precision even in the uncertainty and disruption of modern conflict. In an era marked by rapid technological change and evolving threats, we design for flexibility, survivability, and operational dominance.
Forterra delivers weapons, sensors, and battlefield effects through integrated autonomous networks reaching operational areas faster, safer, and without placing human lives at risk. Our systems operate with distributed control, dynamic routing, and real-time responsiveness, enabling sustained advantage across complex mission environments.
About the role
Forterra is seeking a Navigation Lead to lead the design, development, and deployment of robust localization systems for autonomous vehicles operating in complex, real-world environments. This role will own the technical direction and execution of GNSS/INS-based localization and state estimation, while building and leading a high-performing engineering team.
The ideal candidate combines deep hands-on expertise in state estimation and sensor fusion with proven experience leading engineers, setting technical vision, and delivering production-ready autonomy software.
What you'll do
  • Technical Leadership & Strategy
    • 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
  • Team Leadership & Execution
    • 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
    • Balance hands-on technical contribution with delegation and coaching
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration
    • Partner closely with autonomy, perception, hardware, and vehicle integration teams to define system requirements and interfaces
    • Translate product and vehicle requirements into executable technical plans
    • Collaborate with testing and operations teams to validate localization performance in simulation, data playback, and on-vehicle testing
  • Validation & Deployment
    • Oversee testing and evaluation of localization software in simulation, log replay, and real-world vehicle deployments
    • Support on-site vehicle testing as needed to debug and improve system performance
    • Ensure localization systems meet reliability, safety, and performance targets for production use

Minimum Qualifications
  • 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)
  • Proven ability to design and deliver complex, production-quality software systems

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience developing localization and navigation systems for autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles
  • Experience across multiple vehicle types (e.g., large trucks, off-road vehicles, skid steers) (aerospace is also OK, but prefer ground vehicles)
  • Familiarity with industry-standard navigation software, GNSS hardware, and tooling
  • Experience scaling algorithms from research to real-world deployment
  • Strong communication skills and comfort working across hardware and software teams

US Salary Range
$180,000 - $300,000
Location
On-site in Clarksburg, MD or Arlington, VA
The salary range for this role is an estimate and is based on a wide variety of compensation factors. The salary offered to candidates will vary based on a variety of factors including (but not limited to) relevant work experience, education, specialized training, critical expertise, training, and more. Equity in Forterra is included in most of our full-time, high-demand roles and is therefore considered part of Forterra's overall compensation package. In addition to base salary and equity, Forterra offers competitive benefits for full-time employees including:
  • 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%.

Your recruiter will be able to share more information about our salary and benefits offering during the hiring process.
CLEARANCE ELIGIBILITY - This position may require eligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance. For more information about U.S. Security Clearances: click here.
Forterra is an equal-opportunity employer, providing and promoting equal employment opportunity in all personnel practices. Forterrans are unique, talented individuals who are united through a shared passion to deliver autonomous systems that enable national resilience and a robust supply chain.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any factor, including veteran and disability status, and criminal history, in accordance with applicable local, state, and federal laws.
Forterra is also committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. Please let your recruiter know if you need an accommodation at any point during the interview process.
To see Forterra's candidate data privacy policy, please visit Forterra Legal | Job Applicant Privacy Notice.