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Perception Algorithm Engineer Jobs in Ashburn, VA

Forterra

Autonomy Software Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$120K - $165K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Knowledge of navigation, mapping algorithms and robot perception * Familiarity with real-time operating systems and embedded programming US Salary Range $120,000-$165,000 The salary range for this ...

Forterra

Senior Payloads Software Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$120K - $200K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Knowledge of navigation, mapping algorithms and robot perception * Familiarity with real-time operating systems and embedded programming * Leadership experience on cross-functional software teams US ...

Forterra

Senior Payloads Software Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$120 - $200/hr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Knowledge of navigation, mapping algorithms and robot perception * Familiarity with real‑time operating systems and embedded programming * Leadership experience on cross‑functional software teams ...

Forterra

Lead Autonomy Software Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$150K - $250K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Knowledge of navigation, mapping algorithms and robot perception * Familiarity with real-time operating systems and embedded programming * Leadership experience on cross-functional software teams US ...

Booz Allen Hamilton

Robotics Engineer

Washington, DC

$99K - $225K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Robotics Engineer The Opportunity: Support the research and development of unmanned systems across ... algorithms andsoftware for autonomous vehicle applications, including perception, localization ...

Forterra

Lead Autonomy Software Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$150 - $250/hr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Knowledge of navigation, mapping algorithms and robot perception * Familiarity with real-time operating systems and embedded programming * Leadership experience on cross-functional software teams US ...

Forterra

Lead Autonomy Software Engineer

Clarksburg, MD · On-site

$150 - $250/hr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Knowledge of navigation, mapping algorithms and robot perception * Familiarity with real‑time operating systems and embedded programming * Leadership experience on cross‑functional software teams ...

BOOZ, ALLEN & HAMILTON, INC.

Autonomy SME, Lead

Reston, VA · On-site

$112K - $257K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As an Autonomy and UAS Engineer, you will design, develop, and deploy machine learning models that ... Design and train machine learning models for perception, object detection, tracking, and ...

BOOZ, ALLEN & HAMILTON, INC.

Autonomy SME, Lead

Arlington, VA · On-site

$112K - $257K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As an Autonomy and UAS Engineer, you will design, develop, and deploy machine learning models that ... Design and train machine learning models for perception, object detection, tracking, and ...

BOOZ, ALLEN & HAMILTON, INC.

Autonomy SME, Lead

Washington, DC · On-site

$112K - $257K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As an Autonomy and UAS Engineer, you will design, develop, and deploy machine learning models that ... Design and train machine learning models for perception, object detection, tracking, and ...

BOOZ, ALLEN & HAMILTON, INC.

Autonomy SME, Lead

Kensington, MD · On-site

$112K - $257K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As an Autonomy and UAS Engineer, you will design, develop, and deploy machine learning models that ... Design and train machine learning models for perception, object detection, tracking, and ...

Booz Allen Hamilton

Autonomy SME, Lead

Washington, DC · On-site

$112K - $257K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As an Autonomy and UAS Engineer, you will design, develop, and deploy machine learning models that ... Design and train machine learning models for perception, object detection, tracking, and ...

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All JobsPerception Algorithm Engineer JobsPerception Algorithm Engineer Jobs in Ashburn, VA

Perception Algorithm Engineer information

See Ashburn, VA salary details

$60.8K

$114.2K

$207.6K

How much do perception algorithm engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for perception algorithm engineer in Ashburn, VA is $114,155.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,300.00 and $135,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a perception algorithm engineer?

A Perception Algorithm Engineer is a professional who develops algorithms that enable machines—such as autonomous vehicles or robots—to interpret and understand sensory data from their environment. This typically involves processing data from cameras, lidar, radar, and other sensors to identify objects, track movement, and understand surroundings. Perception Algorithm Engineers work with computer vision, sensor fusion, and machine learning techniques to create reliable and efficient perception systems. Their work is crucial in making machines aware of their surroundings and enabling them to respond appropriately. They often collaborate with hardware, software, and robotics teams to integrate their algorithms into real-world applications.

What are some common challenges faced by perception algorithm engineers when integrating their solutions into autonomous systems?

Perception Algorithm Engineers often encounter challenges when ensuring their algorithms perform reliably in diverse real-world environments, such as varying lighting, weather conditions, and sensor noise. Integrating algorithms with hardware requires close collaboration with robotics and systems engineering teams to optimize performance and latency. Additionally, balancing accuracy with computational efficiency is crucial, as perception modules must run in real time on embedded systems. Addressing these challenges involves rigorous testing, continuous model improvement, and effective cross-functional communication.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a perception algorithm engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Perception Algorithm Engineer, you need a strong background in computer vision, machine learning, and programming (typically C++ or Python), often supported by a degree in computer science, robotics, or a related field. Familiarity with tools like TensorFlow, PyTorch, OpenCV, and ROS, as well as experience with sensor data (e.g., LiDAR, cameras), is crucial. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are standout soft skills for this role. These skills are vital to develop robust perception systems that enable autonomous vehicles and robots to interpret and interact safely with complex real-world environments.

What are popular job titles related to Perception Algorithm Engineer jobs in Ashburn, VA?

For Perception Algorithm Engineer jobs in Ashburn, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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Cities near Ashburn, VA with the most Perception Algorithm Engineer job openings:

Perception Algorithm Engineer jobs near you

Senior Staff Engineer, Autonomy Behaviors (R4073)

Shield AI

Washington, DC • On-site

$220K - $331K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube. 

This position is perfect for an individual who enjoys solving the most complex problems across a portfolio of diverse domains and modalities. An ideal candidate is expected to apply classical autonomous techniques, algorithms, and theory to various platforms in multiple tactical scenarios. These solutions are expected to be integrated into real-world problems with near-term program impacts and rewards. 
 
Shield AI is committed to developing cutting-edge autonomy for unmanned aircraft operating across all Department of Defense (DoD) domains, including air, sea, and land. We aim to push the envelope by combining traditional autonomous systems algorithms with deep reinforcement learning-based solutions to deliver unmatched capability, agility, and speed in deploying advanced technologies that support national defense
What you'll do:
  • Tactical Autonomy Design – Design tactical autonomy algorithms to enable unmanned aircraft to perform complex missions across air, land, and sea domains with minimal human supervision.
  • High-Performance Software Development – Develop high-performance software modules that incorporate planning, decision-making, and behavior execution strategies for dynamic and adversarial environments.
  • Behavior Architecture Implementation – Implement and test behavior architectures that enable multi-agent coordination, target engagement, reconnaissance, and survivability in contested scenarios.
  • Hybrid Autonomy Integration – Work at the intersection of classical autonomy and machine learning, blending rule-based systems with learning-based methods such as reinforcement learning to achieve robust, adaptive behavior.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration – Collaborate with cross-functional teams including perception, planning, simulation, hardware, and flight test to ensure seamless integration of autonomy solutions on real-world platforms.
  • Deployment & Field Testing – Deploy autonomy capabilities to real platforms and participate in field tests and flight demos, validating performance in operationally relevant conditions.
  • Mission Data Analysis – Analyze mission logs and performance data to diagnose failures, optimize behavior models, and inform iterative development.
  • R&D and Roadmapping – Contribute to the autonomy roadmap by researching and prototyping new algorithms, identifying tactical capability gaps, and proposing novel solutions that advance Shield AI’s mission.
  • Program Support & Adaptation – Support defense-focused programs and customer needs by adapting autonomy solutions to evolving mission sets, compliance requirements, and operational feedback.
  • Travel Requirement – Members of this team typically travel around 10-15% of the year (to different office locations, customer sites, and flight integration events).
Required Qualifications:
  • BS/MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, and/or similar degree, or equivalent practical experience
  • Typically requires a minimum of 10 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or 9 years and a Master’s degree; or 7 years with a PhD; or equivalent work experience.
  • Proficiency in programming languages such as C++ and Python, and familiarity with real-time operating systems (RTOS).
  • Significant background in robotics technologies related to motion planning, behavior modeling, decision-making, or autonomous system design. 
  • Significant experience with unmanned system technologies and accompanying algorithms (specifically air domain) 
  • Experience with simulation tools and environments (e.g., AFSIM, NGTS) for testing and validation.
  • Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to troubleshoot and optimize system performance.
  • Excellent communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to work effectively in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment.
  • Ability to obtain a SECRET clearance. 
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience applying ML/RL techniques in autonomy pipelines.
  • Background in collaborative behaviors, swarm robotics, or distributed decision-making.
  • Familiarity with tactical behaviors for unmanned systems in DoD or government programs.
  • Work on behaviors applicable across air, ground, and maritime vehicles.
  • Hands-on experience supporting flight demos or live exercises.
  • Experience with UCI and OMS Standards
#LI-ED1
#LE

Full-time regular employee offer package:
Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity
 
Temporary employee offer package:
Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)
 
Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.
 
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Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know. 

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.