Software Development Engineer II, Nav Native

Mapbox is the leading real-time location platform for a new generation of location-aware businesses. Mapbox is the only platform that equips organizations with the full set of tools to power the navigation of people, packages, and vehicles everywhere. More than 4 million registered developers have chosen Mapbox because of the platform’s flexibility, security and privacy compliance. Organizations use Mapbox applications, data, SDKs and APIs to create customized and immersive experiences that delight their customers. 

What We Do

The Navigation Native team builds the high-performance C++ engine that serves as the "brain" of our Navigation SDKs. This library runs directly on end-user systems (on-board), powering everything from mobile apps to in-vehicle infotainment systems for partners like BMW and Zeekr.

We solve the fundamental challenges of movement: transforming noisy GPS/IMU data into precise map-matching, managing complex road-network graphs, supporting routes and alternatives, tracking progress along a route, and providing "Electronic Horizon" capabilities for ADAS. Our work happens at the edge, supporting location frequencies up to 10Hz and ensuring a seamless experience even in tunnels or dense urban canyons.

As AI becomes embedded in modern engineering workflows, we value engineers who can thoughtfully integrate AI into design, development, and decision-making. Our interview process will include discussion of how you use AI in your engineering workflow.


What You'll Do

We are looking for smart, fast-learning engineers driven by the challenge of developing core components of the Mapbox navigation ecosystem. As a C++ Developer, you will:

• Build and maintain a unified C++17 library that runs seamlessly across iOS, Android, and low-power automotive embedded hardware.

• Analyze and improve map-matching and dead-reckoning algorithms using real-world data from millions of vehicles.

• Implement route-following features, including high-frequency route progress reporting, deviation detection, and timely instruction delivery.

• Work on road object matching (OpenLR) and live traffic incidents to give drivers a predictive "window" into the road ahead.

• Design predictive caching for routing tiles and manage complex on-board resources like junction views and signposts.

• Integrate and extend the Valhalla routing engine to support offline routing and route refresh controllers.

• Thoughtfully leverage AI tools in your design and development workflow to increase efficiency and code quality.
  

What We Believe are Important Traits for This Role

• Strong proficiency (min 7 years of experience) in C++17 (or later) with a deep understanding of the language specification, memory management, standard library, and multi-threading.

• A passion for writing clean, fast, and portable code that adheres to strict CPU and memory constraints.

• Experience working with complex graph-based structures, data structures, and spatial algorithms.

• Proven experience developing cross-platform code (Linux, mobile, or embedded systems).

• Strong English skills, with the ability to explain complex technical trade-offs to both peers and stakeholders.

Would be a Plus

• Familiarity with navigation concepts (dead reckoning, bearing, Electronic Horizon, or OpenLR).

• Experience working with IMU, OBD-II, or GNSS data.

• Background in computational geometry or safety-critical features (ADAS).

• Experience with or contribution to open source routing engines.

What We Value

In addition to our core values, which are not unique to this position and are necessary for Mapbox leaders:

• We value high-performing creative individuals who dig into problems and opportunities.

• We believe in individuals being their whole selves at work. We commit to this through supportive health care, parental leave, flexibility for the things that come up in life, and innovating on how we think about supporting our people.

• We emphasize an environment of teaching and learning to equip employees with the tools needed to be successful in their function and the company.

• We strongly believe in the value of growing a diverse team and encourage people of all backgrounds, genders, ethnicities, abilities, and sexual orientations to apply.

How we support you

• Hybrid/Remote Options: Enjoy flexibility to work comfortably from home or periodically from an office where applicable.

• Country-Specific Care & Coverage: Private health, dental, and income protection plans tailored to elevate your regional statutory benefits.

• Family-First Support: Family care, maternity and paternity leave policies to support your growing family.

• Lifestyle Spending Account: Contributions to support your health, wellness, and personal growth

• Balance & Brainpower: Mental health support for you and your dependents.

• Rest & Recharge: Paid time away, company holidays, and generous absence policies.

• Time Off to Give Back: Dedicated paid volunteering time in addition to your standard PTO.

By applying for this position, you acknowledge that you have received the Mapbox Non-US Privacy Notice for applicants, which is linked here. Completing this application requires you to provide personal data, such as your name and contact information, which is mandatory for Mapbox to process your application.

We are committed to a fair and equitable hiring process. We do not discriminate against any protected class.

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