At Applied we treat maps not as a static dataset, but as a single integrated, self-healing data flywheel powering Physical AI. Fleets of vehicles collect ground truth from multimodal sensors which feed ingestion pipelines, dynamic change detection algorithms, machine learning models, and real-time onboard localization and map fusion —closing the loop between field data collection and instantaneous autonomy stack updates.
In this full time role on the Maps team, you will solve challenges at the intersection of large-scale distributed systems, continuous data pipelines, and spatial visualization. You’ll be involved in whole life cycle of HD maps from gathering and codifying map requirements, supporting map visualization and editing, enabling large scale simulations, and publishing maps to AV fleets across multiple vehicle types worldwide – from long-haul L4 commercial trucks to L2++ personal cars, to heavy mining rigs, and tactical defense platforms. Our mission is to add intelligence to 1 billion machines.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Manage and operate distributed simulation workflows to support large-scale testing of robotic control, planning, and perception systems in diverse operating scenarios
Architect and build scalable HD mapping workflows integrated directly into autonomy stacks for control and planning across real-world mapping, localization, and simulation challenges
Design and build infrastructure and tools to provide high definition (HD) map creation, ingestion, and lifecycle management for autonomous vehicle and robotics development across all of Applied’s products
Define and own the Dana for Physical AI map storage format to handle heterogeneous features and distributed map data focusing on UIs, data pipelines and storage, CRUD operations, and SDKs
Design and develop a highly-scalable, high-performance real-time geometric query system to support highly performant three-dimensional spatial queries for vehicle dynamics modeling and testing in autonomous robotic platforms
Support tooling to digitize road network geometry, semantic attributes, and related infrastructure from lidar point clouds, high-resolution satellite and aerial imagery, street-level imagery, and other geospatial inputs
Validate map changes against rigorous mapping specifications to ensure high accuracy, completeness, and consistency of map data thru algorithmic and other quality validation checks
Support, triage, troubleshoot, and root cause map-related simulation and onroad disengagement system failures by correlating simulation results, dynamics behavior, and autonomy stack outputs
Collaborate with engineers and customers to gather requirements, plan features, and create roadmaps
Advise customers on the effective use of simulation and mapping tools to evaluate autonomy performance, safety, and system robustness
REQUIREMENTS
BS in in Computer Science, Robotics, Applied Mathematics, or related engineering field
2+ years of experience in HD mapping for autonomous vehicles building software components or sub systems that address real-world mapping and/or localization challenges
3+ years experience in programming & systems including: C++, Python, Go, JavaScript, SQL, Linux, and Git
Engineering Practices: Scalable distributed systems, CI/CD workflows, version control, and cross-team collaboration using Jira and Git-based tooling
A strong working understanding of lane-level geometry at CM precision, routing, and HD (High-Definition) map structures used in autonomous driving
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Experience with Kubernetes, AWS, GCP, and/or Azure
Experience with large-scale data processing using frameworks
Deep hands-on expertise in relevant algorithms or methods, 3D geometry or distributed systems
Deep understanding of sensors used for localization, state of the art industry solutions, and common approaches for production systems
Experience working with point cloud data, 3D visualization environments, or lidar-based annotation tools
Experience using browser-based map editors or web-based 3D tooling
Familiarity with feedback loops between mapping, perception, localization, and planning teams
Familiarity with log-based resimulation tooling and simulation-based map validation
Robotics & Simulation: Robot Operating System (ROS), Unreal Engine, MATLAB, Blender
Autonomy Domain Expertise
Robotic mapping systems, HD maps, and map management pipelines
Simulation-based testing, verification, and validation of autonomous robotic platforms
Autonomous control, motion planning, and perception systems
Experience querying data across global-sized HD maps, including visualization
Don’t meet every single requirement? If you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.
Applied Intuition is an equal opportunity employer and federal contractor or subcontractor. Consequently, the parties agree that, as applicable, they will abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-1.4(a), 41 CFR 60-300.5(a) and 41 CFR 60-741.5(a) and that these laws are incorporated herein by reference. These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities, and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin. These regulations require that covered prime contractors and subcontractors take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status or disability. The parties also agree that, as applicable, they will abide by the requirements of Executive Order 13496 (29 CFR Part 471, Appendix A to Subpart A), relating to the notice of employee rights under federal labor laws.
FOR US-BASED ROLES: Applied Intuition is committed to providing an accessible and inclusive application and interview experience to applicants who are disabled veterans and other applicants with disabilities or medical conditions. Reasonable accommodations are available, requesting an accommodation will not affect your candidacy in any way, and you are not required to disclose the nature of your disability or medical condition in order to make a request. If you require an accommodation please contact careers@applied.co. We will work with you!
