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Research Engineer / Scientist (SLAM)

World LabsSan FranciscoResearch
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Salary
$250K - $350K USD
Job type
Full-time
Posted
17 Feb 2026
Status
Open · checked 7d ago

About this role

Role Overview

World Labs is seeking a Research Engineer or Scientist specializing in SLAM for a full-time, in-person position based in San Francisco. This role is ideal for professionals with a strong background in probabilistic estimation and computer vision who want to advance spatial intelligence technology.

Key Responsibilities

Design and implement modern simultaneous localization and mapping systems utilizing visual, visual-inertial, lidar, or multi-sensor setups.
Build robust localization and mapping pipelines covering pose estimation, map management, loop closure, and global optimization.
Research and prototype hybrid or learning-based SLAM methods merging classical geometry with modern machine learning.
Construct and maintain scalable state estimation frameworks such as factor graph optimization, smoothing, and filtering techniques.
Formulate sensor fusion strategies to merge inputs from cameras, depth sensors, IMUs, and lidar for enhanced accuracy.
Diagnose and resolve real-world deployment challenges including dynamic scenes, perceptual aliasing, and drift.
Develop metrics, benchmarks, and evaluation frameworks to measure performance across extensive datasets.
Optimize compute efficiency, memory consumption, and real-time constraints for large-scale production architectures.
Partner with simulation, reconstruction, and infrastructure groups to integrate SLAM outputs into downstream rendering pipelines.
Guide technical direction by sharing research insights, establishing best practices, and mentoring colleagues.

Requirements

Six or more years of professional experience focusing on SLAM, state estimation, robotics perception, or adjacent fields.
Solid background in geometric vision, optimization, and probabilistic estimation including factor graphs, bundle adjustment, and Kalman filtering.
Extensive familiarity with at least one SLAM paradigm such as visual-inertial, visual, lidar, hybrid, or multi-sensor configurations.
Strong coding proficiency in C++ and Python with practical experience developing research or production-grade systems.
Experience utilizing robotics frameworks and/or numerical optimization libraries.
Understanding of learning-based perception or representation learning to enhance classical pipelines.
Knowledge of sensor noise modeling, calibration, synchronization, and real-world hardware characteristics.
Demonstrated capability to operate within fast-paced, ambiguous environments while guiding projects from inception to release.
High engineering standards focused on correctness, stability, and measurable system enhancements.

Skills and Tools

Python
C++
Computer Vision
Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM)
Probabilistic Estimation
Factor Graph Optimization
Sensor Fusion
Robotics Perception

Salary and Benefits

Annual base salary ranging from $250,000 to $350,000 USD.
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision health coverage.
401K retirement plan options.
Flexible paid time off (PTO) policy.
Paid parental leave for eligible employees.
Relocation assistance provided if required.
Visa sponsorship support available for qualified candidates.

About the Company

World Labs is a frontier AI research and product organization advancing spatial intelligence beyond large language models. Co-founded by Dr. Fei-Fei Li, Justin Johnson, and Ben Mildenhall, the enterprise pioneers world models that perceive, generate, and interact with physical and virtual environments. Its flagship offering, Marble, turns text, images, and video into navigable 3D worlds for gaming, film, architecture, and robotics. Backed by prominent investors with over one billion dollars raised, World Labs unites top-tier talent at the intersection of real-world deployment and AI research.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should visit the official World Labs careers page to submit an application for this position.

Skills and tech stack

PythonC++Computer Vision

Questions candidates ask

What is the salary range for the Research Engineer SLAM position?

The annual salary ranges from $250,000 to $350,000 USD.

Where is this job located?

The role is based in San Francisco, California, requiring employees to work in-person in the office five days a week.

How many years of experience are required?

Candidates must have 6 or more years of experience working on SLAM, state estimation, robotics perception, or related areas.

Does World Labs offer visa sponsorship?

Yes, World Labs sponsors visas for qualified candidates joining the team.

What benefits are provided with this role?

Benefits include comprehensive health, dental, vision, and 401K plans, flexible PTO, paid parental leave, relocation support, and visa sponsorship.

Ready to apply?

The application is on the official World Labs careers page.

Apply on company site