Senior Software Engineer, Perception (SLAM/VIO)

Location: San Jose, CA

Department: Engineering, Product, & Design

Work Authorization Requirement: Due to the nature of our business and compliance with federal regulations, all candidates must be a "U.S. Person". Upon hire, you will be required to provide documentation verifying your status as a U.S. Citizen, a lawful permanent resident, or a protected individual under 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).

Role: Senior Software Engineer, Perception (SLAM/VIO)

Location: 2550 N First Street Suite 250, San Jose, California 95131

Compensation*: $210,000-$300,000 + benefits

Role Description

We are building the perception stack that enables robust three/six degrees of freedom tracking, localization and mapping in complex real-world environments. This role focuses on fusing data from cameras and inertial sensors to power SLAM / Visual-Inertial Odometry pipelines. We need somebody that can create algorithms and systems that run in real time, handle uncertainty gracefully and provide the foundation for advanced spatial intelligence on edge devices.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and optimize sensor fusion algorithms combining IMU and camera data for SLAM and VIO (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping & Visual Inertial Odometry)
• Implement state of the art structure-from-motion techniques using different sensor modalities to generate consistent 3D reconstructions
• Build Calibration and sync pipelines across multiple sensor types
• Evaluate algos against public benchmarks and real-world datasets
• Integrate outputs into higher-level autonomy or collaborative mapping systems (i.e. shared mapping systems)
• Collaborate with HW, robotics and platform teams to ensure end-to-end performance
• Define metrics, testing frameworks and deployment strategies for production-ready perception systems

Role Requirements

• BS with 10+ years of academic or industry experience in inertial sensing, computer vision, robotics or related fields with shipped or published work (or MS with 8+ yrs of the above)
• Strong background in linear algebra, SLAM, VIO and structure-from-motion
• Proficient in C++/Python with experience in real-time optimization
• Familiar with libraries such as OpenCV, Ceres etc.
• Knowledge of sensor modelling, calibration and noise characteristics
• Experience with real-time processing pipelines on embedded or edge hardware
• Familiarity with probabilistic estimation, filtering (e.g. EKF/ factor-graph optimization)
• Preferred track record of applied research in robotics or AR/VR

*Total compensation may vary within this range and is determined by years and level of relevant experience, job-related skills, education, and other factors. In addition to base salary, this role may be eligible for equity grants and other forms of compensation. Eligible employees also receive a competitive benefits package, including unlimited PTO.

About the Company

About Rivet  

Rivet is an American company building integrated task systems — fusing hardened hardware with software, sensors, AI, and networking — for industrial workforces and defense personnel. We create capabilities that multiply the effectiveness of every individual and withstand the world’s toughest environments. 

We serve the people who build, operate, maintain, and defend our way of life. From technicians and engineers to first responders and service members, they embody the hard work, ingenuity, and meritocratic values that drive Western prosperity. Yet too often they are forced to rely on outdated tools that fail under modern pressures. Rivet exists to reset that priority. 

At Rivet, you’ll join a mission-driven team that fuses disciplines to deliver decisive outcomes where they matter most. Whether shaping our technology, strengthening our partnerships, or building our culture, every role here contributes to equipping the front lines with the modern systems they deserve. 

EOE