Software Engineer - 3D Graphics
Summary
Early-career 3D graphics engineer at Mach9 building the browser-based point-cloud engine behind Digital Surveyor, which turns massive LiDAR datasets into CAD deliverables. Day-to-day work spans GPU rendering and picking, clipping/snapping geometry, and performance tuning with TypeScript, WebGL, and Three.js.
The role
At Mach9, Digital Surveyor turns massive LiDAR datasets into precise CAD deliverables, automating work that currently takes surveyors and engineers weeks. Making that possible in a browser requires a 3D engine that can render tens of millions of points while supporting CAD-grade picking, clipping, snapping, and measurement. You'll work directly on that engine and the tools built on it.
This role is ideal for an early-career engineer with a strong foundation in 3D math who wants to work on a real production renderer, not a demo.
You'll do well here if you enjoy digging into difficult technical problems and building software that stays fast and reliable on large, messy real-world datasets. When the right approach isn't obvious, you'll research how others have solved similar problems, test your assumptions, and choose a practical solution. Our engineers are trusted to own their work and drive meaningful outcomes.
Where you will make an impact
Build 3D tools that surveyors use to inspect point clouds and create precise engineering drawings
Extend our point-cloud renderer and GPU picking system
Solve geometry problems behind clipping, snapping, construction planes, and camera controls
Find and fix performance problems that appear with large real-world datasets
Improve the shared rendering and interaction systems behind our CAD tools
What you bring
A strong foundation in 3D math and spatial reasoning, including transforms, planes, and projections
Experience building software through coursework, personal projects, internships, or full-time work
The ability to read and change code you did not write
Attention to correctness and performance
Sound judgment about when to refine a solution and when to ship it
Experience with TypeScript and browser graphics, or comparable experience writing performance-sensitive graphics code in a statically typed language
The initiative to investigate problems, ask useful questions, and finish what you start
Bonus experience
WebGL, GLSL, Three.js, Cesium, or another real-time graphics system
Point clouds, geospatial data, or large-coordinate rendering
Experience applying geometry, spatial algorithms, or numerical methods to open-ended problems with noisy data and real-world tradeoffs
CAD, mapping, visualization, robotics, or game-engine projects
About Mach9
Mach9 is transforming civil infrastructure design with AI-powered geospatial tools. Our platform accelerates the creation of engineering deliverables from raw data, cutting manual drafting time by 96×. Trusted by global leaders in engineering and construction, we're backed by Y Combinator, Quiet Capital, and top founders and executives from Cruise, Autodesk, Adobe, and DoorDash.
We believe the needs of a startup benefit from an in-person culture. The team works out of our office in SoMa, with the flexibility to work from home when needed.
Skills
As published by ashby · 8 questions · 2 written answers
Basics
Name, Email, Resume
Short answers (3)
- LinkedIn optional
- Personal Website (optional) optional
- Link to that work if you have it. If you don't, one line saying so.
Pick from a list (3)
- Can you work in person in San Francisco, CA?
- Are you legally authorized to work in the United States?
- Will you now, or in the future, require sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B)?
Written answers (2)
- Anything else we should know? (try to fill this in if you are not a bot) optional
- Describe a 3D, graphics, or geometry project you built. What was hard, and what did you personally implement?
Y Combinator