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State Estimation Localization Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$170K - $261K/yr

Our solutions enable robust state estimation for the purposes of real-time localization, static and dynamic sensor calibration, as well as onboard and offboard high-fidelity map creation at scale.

Our solutions enable robust state estimation for the purposes of real-time localization, static and dynamic sensor calibration, as well as onboard and offboard high-fidelity map creation at scale.

NY · On-site

Take ownership of one or more core areas of the localization stack (LiDAR-inertial-GNSS state estimation, 3D mapping and map maintenance, or sensor calibration) and drive it to production reliability ...

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State Estimation Localization information

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How much do state estimation localization jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for state estimation localization in the United States is $46.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40.14 and $50.72 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is state estimation localization?

State estimation localization is the process of determining the position and orientation (state) of a robot or autonomous system within its environment, often in real time. This process uses data from various sensors, such as GPS, cameras, IMUs, and lidars, and combines them through algorithms like Kalman filters or particle filters to estimate the most probable location. Accurate state estimation is essential for navigation, mapping, and decision-making in robotics and autonomous vehicles. It often involves dealing with uncertainties and sensor errors to provide a reliable estimate of the system’s state.

How does a state estimation localization engineer typically collaborate with other engineering teams during a project?

State Estimation Localization engineers often work closely with robotics, perception, and software engineering teams to ensure accurate positioning and navigation of autonomous systems. Collaboration involves integrating sensor data, refining algorithms, and troubleshooting issues that arise during development and testing. Regular cross-team meetings and code reviews are common, allowing engineers to align on requirements, share progress, and quickly address integration challenges. Effective communication and a solid understanding of related disciplines are essential for success in this collaborative environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a state estimation localization engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a State Estimation Localization Engineer, you need a solid background in robotics, control theory, and sensor fusion, often supported by a degree in electrical engineering, computer science, or a related field. Proficiency with tools such as ROS (Robot Operating System), MATLAB, C++, and experience with algorithms like Kalman filters and SLAM are typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are critical soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure accurate system localization, robust navigation, and reliable performance of autonomous systems in dynamic environments.
Infographic showing various State Estimation Localization job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,184 per year, or $46.2 per hour.

Senior State Estimation Engineer - Localization

Sunnyvale, CA • On-site

General Motors
Transportation Equipment Manufacturing • 10K+ employees

$170K - $261K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 4 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


General Motors rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 311 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Job Description

At General Motors, our product teams are redefining mobility. Through a human-centered design process, we create vehicles and experiences that are designed not just to be seen, but to be felt. We're turning today's impossible into tomorrow's standard -from breakthrough hardware and battery systems to intuitive design, intelligent software, and next-generation safety and entertainment features.

Every day, our products move millions of peopleas we aim to makedriving safer, smarter, and more connected, shaping the future of transportation on a global scale.

Description:

As a Senior State Estimation Engineer within the SEAM Embodied AI organization, you will be a senior individual contributor driving cutting-edge sensor calibration and state estimation solutions that directly impact autonomous driving performance. Your role is pivotal in designing, architecting, and deploying advanced systems for purposes including pinpointing the vehicle's location in the world, and calibrating parameters of all sensors to ensure they optimally support many other vehicle subsystems. You'll lead critical technical initiatives, collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, mentor engineers across the organization, and significantly shape the future of onboard autonomous driving capabilities.

About the Organization:

The SEAM Embodied AI team is at the forefront of developing groundbreaking sensor fusion systems powering fully autonomous vehicles. We leverage modern approaches that are both practical and theoretically sound, supported with top quality code and rigorous testing. Our solutions enable robust state estimation for the purposes of real-time localization, static and dynamic sensor calibration, as well as onboard and offboard high-fidelity map creation at scale. Join a collaborative and innovative team redefining autonomy through state-of-the-art methodology, delivering solutions that move beyond current technological boundaries.

What You'll Do:

  • Drive the design, development, and deployment of advanced solutions for state estimation, localization, sensor calibration and more.

  • Lead and architect complex projects, from conception through validation to onboard implementation, emphasizing scalability, robustness, and safety-critical operation.

  • Drive innovation in vehicle motion estimation, determination of vehicle pose in global maps, multi-sensor self-calibration in unstructured environments, state estimation architectures, and fault tolerance strategies suited for real-time onboard deployment.

  • Provide technical mentorship and thought leadership, elevating engineering practices, and fostering innovation across teams.

  • Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary engineering groups, ensuring seamless integration of localization, sensor alignment, and other capabilities into autonomous vehicle systems.

  • Influence technical roadmaps, shaping strategic priorities aligned with company objectives and product milestones.

Your Skills & Abilities:

  • Master's or Ph.D. in Robotics, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field.

  • 5+ years of extensive experience developing and deploying advanced state estimation and/or sensor calibration systems, particularly in real-time onboard applications.

  • Proven track record as a technical leader and expert in state estimation, localization and/or sensor calibration, operating on a wide variety of sensor inputs to perform robustly within safety-critical systems.

  • Strong software engineering proficiency, particularly in C++ and Python, alongside extensive hands-on experience with development, integration, and testing tools.

  • Excellent communication, collaboration, and mentoring abilities, comfortable influencing technical strategy and guiding engineering excellence across the organization.

Bonus:

  • AV/ADAS experience is a big plus


Hybrid:This role is categorized ashybrid. This means the successful candidate is expected to report to the assigned office three times per week, at minimum.

Compensation: The compensation information is a good faith estimate only. It is based on what a successful applicant might be paidin accordance withapplicable state laws. The compensation may not berepresentative for positionslocatedoutside of the California Bay Area.

  • The salary range for this role is $170,600.00 to $261,300.00. The actual base salary a successful candidate will be offered within this range will vary based on factors relevant to the position.

  • Bonus Potential: An incentivepayprogram offers payouts based on company performance, job level, and individual performance.

Benefits:

  • Benefits: GM offers a variety of health and wellbeing benefit programs.Benefit options include medical, dental, vision, Health Savings Account, Flexible Spending Accounts, retirement savings plan, sickness and accident benefits, life insurance, paid vacation & holidays, tuitionassistanceprograms, employeeassistanceprogram, GM vehicle discounts and more.

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We encourage interested candidates to review the key responsibilities and qualifications for each role and apply for any positions that match their skills and capabilities. Applicants in the recruitment process may be required, where applicable, to successfully complete a role-related assessment(s) and/or a pre-employment screening prior to beginning employment. To learn more, visit How we Hire.

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About General Motors

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

General Motors is a company with global scale and capabilities, headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, with employees around the world. The company employs over 165,000 people, serves six continents, operates across 22 time zones, and has a diverse workforce speaking 75 languages1. GM’s vision is to drive the world forward by pioneering innovations that move and connect people to what matters. The company is working towards an all-electric future with its new Ultium Platform and is pushing transportation options beyond our wildest imaginations with autonomous vehicles. GM is also committed to becoming the most inclusive company in the world.

Industry

Transportation equipment manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Detroit, MI, US

Year founded

1908