Staff Geospatial Data Science Engineer

Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies

$120K — $150K *
Transportation
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree in a quantitative field with a focus on computational statistics or data mining.
  • 8+ years of experience in large-scale data processing and predictive systems.
  • Expertise in data mining techniques such as regression, clustering, and decision trees.
  • Experience with geospatial data and advanced spatial queries in PostGIS.
  • Proficient in programming languages like Python, SQL, and shell scripting.
  • Strong foundation in statistical testing and validation methodologies.

Responsibilities

  • Design and optimize scalable geospatial data pipelines for vehicle sensor data.
  • Apply statistical modeling to identify real-world changes affecting map accuracy.
  • Develop algorithms for map matching and trajectory smoothing from probe data.
  • Lead the design of spatial data systems for low-latency performance and efficient indexing.
  • Collaborate with software engineers and teams to integrate mapping capabilities into vehicles.
  • Stay updated on advancements in big data, machine learning, and automated mapping.

Benefits

  • Eligibility for annual performance bonuses and equity participation.
  • Comprehensive benefits tailored to local markets.
  • Access to the Global Benefits Site for more information.
Full Job Description
Role Summary

RV Tech is seeking a Geospatial Data Science Engineer to pioneer the data layer powering our next-generation software-defined electric vehicles. In this senior role, you will be responsible for transforming massive, high-frequency streams of vehicle sensor observations into highly accurate, dynamic map features that the vehicle can use for localization, routing, and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).

You will apply advanced computational statistics, machine learning, and spatial analysis to process and model large datasets, drawing actionable insights that translate raw fleet telemetry into live, high-definition maps. We value proactive problem-solvers who thrive in autonomous roles and are passionate about building performant, scalable systems at the intersection of data science and robotics.

Responsibilities
  • Geospatial Pipeline Engineering: Design, build, and optimize scalable data pipelines that ingest, clean, and segment billions of daily vehicle sensor observations into consumable map features and geometries.
  • Statistical Modeling & Insights: Apply advanced data mining and analytic methods to detect real-world changes (e.g., road closures, new lanes, construction) and design rigorous statistical tests to validate map accuracy.
  • Map Generation & Map Matching: Develop robust algorithms for map matching, trajectory smoothing, and sensor fusion to convert noisy probe data into high-fidelity road geometry and attributes.
  • System Design & Architecture: Lead the technical design of spatial data systems, ensuring low-latency query performance, efficient spatial indexing (e.g., H3, S2), and scalable storage of vector/raster map data.
  • Stakeholder Collaboration: Partner with embedded software engineers, perception teams, and cloud architects to align onboard vehicle capabilities with cloud-based mapping platforms.
  • Staying Ahead of the Curve: Stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in big data technologies, computational statistics, machine learning, and automated mapping practices.


Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Education: Bachelor's Degree in Statistics, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Geoinformatics, Robotics, or a related quantitative field with an emphasis or thesis work on computational statistics, data mining, machine learning, or spatial optimization.
  • Experience: 8+ years of related professional experience building and maintaining large-scale data processing and predictive systems.
  • Advanced Analytics & Data Mining: Expert-level knowledge in data mining and analytic methods such as regression, classifiers, clustering, association rules, decision trees, and Bayesian network analysis.
  • Geospatial Expertise: Proven experience working with geospatial data, handling noisy time-series datasets, writing advanced spatial queries in PostGIS, and utilizing spatial libraries/indexing systems (e.g., H3, S2, GeoPandas).
  • Programming & Scripting: Proficiency with statistical analysis packages and programming languages, including Python, SQL, and shell scripting (or familiarity with R/MATLAB).
  • Statistical Testing: Strong statistical foundation with proven expertise in designing, executing, and analyzing complex data tests and validation methodologies.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Crowdsourced Mapping: Experience with fleet-based, crowdsourced map generation methodologies, including probe-data aggregation, change detection, and incremental map updates.
  • Cloud Ecosystems: Experience deploying large-scale geospatial pipelines and machine learning workloads within cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, GCP, Databricks).
  • Open-Source Infrastructure: Experience with standard open-source vector tile formats, tools like Martin, QGIS, and geospatial processing engines (GDAL/OGR, GEOS).
  • Automotive Map Formats: Familiarity with automotive map standards, routing schemas, and data structures such as NDS (Navigation Data Standard), OpenStreetMap (OSM), and Lanelet2/HD Maps.
  • Robotics Algorithms: Familiarity with core robotics concepts, including SLAM (Simultaneous Localization & Mapping), Sensor Fusion, and Point Cloud / Sensor Processing (LiDAR, radar, vision).
Total Rewards

Full-time positions include base salary, eligibility for an annual performance bonus, and eligibility for equity.

In addition to base salary, Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies offers benefits tailored to the local market. For more information on the benefits available for full-time employees, check out our Global Benefits Site.

External candidates can apply for this role through the Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies careers site (https://rivianvw.tech/#careers). If you are a current employee, please apply through our internal job board.

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies

More Transportation Jobs

Find similar Staff Geospatial Data Science Engineer jobs: