Principal C++ Software Engineer – 3D & Geospatial Systems

Overview

Over the past decade, 3D computer graphics and web-based 3D technologies have advanced at an incredible pace, and our 3D software development team is at the forefront of this innovation. We are building the world’s leading geospatial mapping and data analysis platform, serving millions of users across a wide range of industries. Our software is designed to be modular, reusable, and exceptionally well-crafted to meet the needs of a diverse global community. We work in a fast-paced, iterative environment, continuously improving through user feedback, performance metrics, and evolving industry trends.

We are looking to bring a highly skilled software engineer onto the team to apply deep expertise in industry-standard 3D formats, core code maintenance, and robust testing practices. Strong software engineering and mathematical skills are essential, alongside a solid understanding of full-stack development, database technologies, and large-scale online services. The position also covers advanced 3D topics such as level-of-detail generation, mesh simplification, and the design and handling of complex 3D city data models (e.g. CityGML), with a focus on performance, scalability, and long-term maintainability.

Join us and help push the boundaries of 3D technology to deliver powerful, real-world solutions.

Responsibilities

• Build C++ software components that follow industry-standard design patterns, development methodologies, and deployment models
• Work closely with product engineers to implement requirements and create application architectures and API to meet product goals
• Design and develop stable software that includes automated test validation
• Work within agile processes for short cycle, fast-paced delivery
• Develop, run, and maintain tests for Enterprise and online services

Requirements

• 8+ years of experience developing robust code and exceptional problem-solving skills using C++ (C++20, STL)
• Experience with industry standard 3D formats such as DWG, IFC, FBX, OBJ, glTF, USD, Collada, CityGML
• Experience with database system such as Postgres, Oracle, or SQL Server
• Understanding of algorithms, data structures, and design patterns
• Knowledge of Agile development methodologies and test-driven development processes
• Experience developing software that runs in a cloud and full-stack development
• Experience with application scripting languages (such as Python, JavaScript) and web protocols and formats such as REST and JSON
• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering, mathematics, GIS, or related field
• Existing work authorization for Switzerland

Recommended Qualifications

• Master’s or Ph.D. in computer science, engineering, mathematics, GIS, or related field
• Knowledge of C#
• Experience with data visualization, mapping, projections, and GIS
• Experience in 3D data processing
• Familiarity with Esri ArcGIS Platform

Our Zurich team enjoys:

• Free coffee, tea, and soft drinks
• Fun team activities
• Competitive salary
• 40-hour work week
• Flexible working hours
• Dynamic, fast-growing international team

#LI-JO1

About Esri

At Esri, diversity is more than just a word on a map. When employees of different experiences, perspectives, backgrounds, and cultures come together, we are more innovative and ultimately a better place to work. We believe in having a diverse workforce that is unified under our mission of creating positive global change. We understand that diversity, equity, and inclusion is not a destination but an ongoing process. We are committed to the continuation of learning, growing, and changing our workplace so every employee can contribute to their life’s best work. Our commitment to these principles extends to the global communities we serve by creating positive change with GIS technology. For more information on Esri’s Racial Equity and Social Justice initiatives, please visit our website here.

If you don’t meet all of the preferred qualifications for this position, we encourage you to still apply!

Esri is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please email askcareers@esri.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please note that only those inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this e-mail address.

Esri Privacy Esri takes our responsibility to protect your privacy seriously. We are committed to respecting your privacy by providing transparency in how we acquire and use your information, giving you control of your information and preferences, and holding ourselves to the highest national and international standards, including CCPA and GDPR compliance.