At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead engineering teams to innovate and enhance navigation SDKs and applications.
- Company: Join Mapbox, a leader in real-time location technology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible work options, and a supportive culture.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive environment with opportunities for growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of navigation technology and impact millions of users.
- Qualifications: 15+ years in engineering leadership with a strong technical background.
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 organization SDK and Dash teams build frameworks, APIs, SDKs and applications that power navigation everywhere. Customers of our SDK include automotive, logistics, and consumer apps on Android, iOS, and Linux, small and large. Our developers build apps and navigation experiences that top the App Store and Play Store rankings, and we are constantly working together to help them build what’s next, whether that’s an AI‑powered experience, a popular consumer app, an enterprise app for large fleets or rideshares, or an autonomous driving experience. The teams at Mapbox are revolutionizing in‑car experiences with technology to build fast, industry‑leading maps and navigation for any vehicle. We’ve launched products such as MapGPT, Mapbox for EV, and we’re enhancing the visual experience of in‑vehicle navigation with 3D styling with our new Mapbox Standard through web and mobile SDKs. Mapbox has worked with automotive partners—including BMW, Toyota, GM, and more—and on‑demand logistics fleets to bring the best aspects of mobile app development into in‑vehicle navigation and infotainment.
What You’ll Do
As the VP of Engineering for Navigation at Mapbox, you will be responsible for driving technical and operational excellence, leading high‑performing teams, and defining and executing the roadmap that advances our Navigation SDK, API, and app & Dash offerings. You will work closely with cross‑functional teams, including Product and Design, customers, and market makers, setting the vision, creating the strategy, and driving execution to achieve market success by delighting our customers as we embed navigation into the fabric of their applications. This position reports directly to the SVP of Location Services and will oversee several engineering teams within the Navigation org, including Dash Apps & 3D Live Navigation Experiences, SDKs, Directions, Traffic, Incidents, and Automotive Integrations.
In This Role, You Will
- Shape the Vision: Play a key role in envisioning and evolving our Navigation products, contributing to business and product planning.
- Drive Strategic Objectives: Align your team’s work with company and product goals, ensuring strategic cohesion.
- Promote Collaboration and Innovation: Build an inclusive and collaborative environment where data‑driven decisions fuel success.
- Architecture & Innovation: Lead architectural decisions and drive the adoption of new technologies to maintain a competitive edge.
What We Believe Are Important Traits For This Role
- Leadership Experience: 15+ years leading engineering orgs, including managing managers and scaling teams of 200+ engineers.
- Technical Expertise: 15+ years of software engineering experience with deep technical judgment.
- Strong academic foundation: A Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
- Ownership & execution: Own the vision, lead the strategy, and guide the team in building the future of our navigation SDKs, APIs, and apps.
- Organization building: You understand the 10X difference between good and great organizations and strive to be the force multiplier to help your org get there.
- Customer focus: You care deeply about your customers and their problems, and you work tirelessly to innovate on their behalf.
- Growth mindset: Have the humility to accept mistakes, learn, and grow from them.
- Strong written and vocal communication skills: You can talk and write about complex ideas concisely to a broad audience.
- Operational excellence: You drive a culture of quality and continuous improvement in your organization.
- Data‑informed mindset: You believe in the value of data‑informed decision‑making and strive to measure things that are not straightforward but essential.
- Hire & elevate: Great leaders understand the importance of hiring the best talent and creating a culture where team members can learn & grow with the organization.
- Experience bringing products to market: You have a proven track record of shipping successful products.
Valuable But Not Required Experience
- Background in navigation, mapping, or routing technologies.
- Experience managing OEM integrations and technical partnerships.
- Experience managing P&L and balancing budgets with investments to drive growth and efficiency.
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.
Our annual base compensation for this role ranges from $290,000 - $380,000 for most US locations and 5% to 10% higher for US locations with a higher cost of labor. Job level and actual compensation will be decided based on factors including, but not limited to, individual qualifications objectively assessed during the interview process (including skills and prior relevant experience, potential impact, and scope of role), market demands, and specific work location. Please discuss your specific work location with your recruiter for more information.
By applying for this position, you acknowledge that you agree to the Mapbox Privacy Policy which is linked here. Mapbox participates in E‑Verify to confirm employee work authorization. We are committed to a fair and equitable hiring process. We do not discriminate against any protected class.
VP of Engineering, Navigation employer: Mapbox
Mapbox is an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration, making it an ideal place for the VP of Engineering, Navigation. With a commitment to employee growth, Mapbox offers comprehensive benefits, including supportive healthcare and flexible work arrangements, ensuring that team members can thrive both personally and professionally. Located in a vibrant tech hub, employees have access to cutting-edge resources and a diverse community, empowering them to shape the future of navigation technology.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land VP of Engineering, Navigation
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in your industry, especially those at Mapbox. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info about the company culture and what they’re really looking for.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into Mapbox’s products and recent innovations. Show us you’re not just familiar with our tech but genuinely excited about how you can contribute to our navigation solutions.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your storytelling skills! Be ready to share your past experiences in a way that highlights your leadership and technical expertise. We want to hear how you’ve driven success in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Mapbox team.
We think you need these skills to ace VP of Engineering, Navigation
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the VP of Engineering role. Highlight your experience in leading engineering teams and developing SDKs, as this will show us you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:We want to see your leadership experience shine through! Share examples of how you've managed large teams and driven successful projects. This is your chance to demonstrate your ability to shape a vision and execute strategies.
Be Data-Driven:Since we value a data-informed mindset, include any relevant metrics or outcomes from your previous roles. This will help us see how you've used data to make decisions and drive success in your projects.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Mapbox
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
As a VP of Engineering, you’ll need to demonstrate deep technical expertise. Brush up on the latest trends in navigation technologies, SDKs, and APIs. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in past roles and how they can be leveraged at Mapbox.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Mapbox values strong leadership, so prepare to share your experiences managing large teams. Think about specific examples where you’ve driven strategic objectives or fostered collaboration. Highlight how you’ve built high-performing teams and promoted innovation.
✨Align with Company Vision
Understand Mapbox’s mission and how the Navigation team fits into it. Be prepared to discuss how you would shape the vision for their navigation products and align your team’s work with broader company goals. This shows you’re not just a fit for the role, but also for the company culture.
✨Prepare for Data-Driven Discussions
Since a data-informed mindset is crucial, come equipped with examples of how you’ve used data to make decisions in previous roles. Discuss how you measure success and drive continuous improvement, as this will resonate well with Mapbox's operational excellence focus.
