ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Perception Algorithm Engineer Jobs in Ashburn, VA

Forterra

Senior Payloads Software Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$120K - $200K/yr

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

Arlington, VA · On-site

$150K - $250K/yr

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 ...

anduril

Software Engineer, Discovery

Washington, DC

$166K - $220K/yr

By working hand-in-hand with elite teams in Perception, AI, Motion Planning, Hardware, Test ... Feature and algorithm development with an understanding of behavior trees * Developing software ...

Forterra

Navigation Lead

Arlington, VA · On-site

$180K - $300K/yr

Drive algorithmic choices for Kalman filtering, non-linear optimization, sensor calibration, and ... D. in Engineering or a related field * 8+ years of relevant experience in state estimation ...

Heven AeroTech

AI/ML Research Scientist

Sterling, VA · On-site

Research quantum sensing integration methods for navigation and perception * Document research ... Collaborate with engineering teams to integrate research algorithms into UAS platforms * Conduct ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

People also search for

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 Jun 1, 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 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 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 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 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:
What job categories do people searching Perception Algorithm Engineer jobs in Ashburn, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Perception Algorithm Engineer jobs in Ashburn, VA are:
What cities near Ashburn, VA are hiring for Perception Algorithm Engineer jobs? Cities near Ashburn, VA with the most Perception Algorithm Engineer job openings:
Perception Algorithm Engineer jobs near you

Senior Payloads Software Engineer

Forterra

Arlington, VA • On-site

$120K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

About Forterra
At Forterra, we are unleashing autonomy at scale to transform the battlefield. Our mission is to build the foundational platforms that enable an intelligent ecosystem to coordinate, adapt, and execute with speed and precision even in the uncertainty and disruption of modern conflict. In an era marked by rapid technological change and evolving threats, we design for flexibility, survivability, and operational dominance.
Forterra delivers weapons, sensors, and battlefield effects through integrated autonomous networks reaching operational areas faster, safer, and without placing human lives at risk. Our systems operate with distributed control, dynamic routing, and real-time responsiveness, enabling sustained advantage across complex mission environments.
About the role
Forterra is seeking a senior software engineer with a passion for autonomous systems. In this role, you will design, develop, and field software solutions that enable intelligent behavior in robotics and automation technologies. You will directly support real-world missions across our fleet of ground vehicles operated by our national security customers around the world.
The ideal candidate has a strong software development background, familiarity with robotics and autonomous systems, and proven track record of collaborating with a cross-functional team of engineers, researchers, and product managers to create robust and scalable software for complex systems.
What you'll do
  • Bring payloads into real operations: Integrate and deploy paylaods on customer-bound hardware platforms and validate it in real-world conditions.
  • Build with users and stakeholders: Work across the organization and directly with end-users to deliver new behaviors, payload integrations, and emerging mission use-cases.
  • Optimize the full system: Take a holistic view of autonomous vehicle behavior-how sensing, compute, controls, and other subsystems interact-and drive overall performance improvements.
  • Close the loop from test to deploy: Analyze test results, identify issues and root causes, and collaborate with engineering teams to drive problems to resolution
  • Connect product needs to R&D execution: Partner across business development and engineering teams to translate customer requirements into delivered autonomy capabilities.
  • Travel: Travel ranging from 10-25% and 25-50% depending on candidate preference and role placement. Ability to commute to Arlington, VA as needed.

Qualifications
  • 3 or more years of relevant experience
  • B.S. in computer science, engineering, robotics, or related field or relevant experience/show of skill
  • Experience in integrating software on hardware systems, including sensors, effectors, and compute platforms
  • Strong programming skills in languages in C/C++ (preferred)
  • Experience vehicle networks and diagnostics (CAN, CAN-FD, Ethernet, FlexRay, UDS/J1939) and to logging/trace tools
  • Solid core software engineering skills: software design, unit testing, debugging
  • Ability to consistently deliver production-quality software in a continuously integrated environment
  • Strong understanding of algorithms, data structures, and software design principles
  • Demonstrates clean, maintainable code and documentation practices
  • Experience working in teams and a willingness to proactively solve problems

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience in software development for robotics and autonomous systems
  • Experience working with open architectures (e.g., IOP, MOSA, SOSA, FACE, or similar)
  • Experience with safety-critical systems (e.g., MIL-STD-882, ISO-26262, DO-178)
  • Experience programming in languages in Python and Java
  • Experience with ROS2
  • Experience with state machines and motion / path planning
  • Experience with issue tracking (JIRA)
  • 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 Salary Range
$120,000-$200,000
The salary range for this role is an estimate and is based on a wide variety of compensation factors. The salary offered to candidates will vary based on a variety of factors including (but not limited to) relevant work experience, education, specialized training, critical expertise, training, and more. Equity in Forterra is included in most of our full-time, high-demand roles and is therefore considered part of Forterra's overall compensation package. In addition to base salary and equity, Forterra offers competitive benefits for full-time employees including:
  • Premium Healthcare Benefits: Three plan options, including an HSA-eligible plan, with Forterra covering 80% of the plan premium for you and your dependents.
  • Basic Life/AD&D, short and long-term disability insurance plans 100% covered by Forterra, plus the option to purchase additional life insurance for you and your dependents.
  • Extremely generous company holiday calendar including a winter break in December.
  • Competitive paid time off (PTO) offering 20 days accrued per year.
  • A minimum of 7 weeks fully paid parental leave for birth/adoption.
  • A $9k annual tuition reimbursement or professional development stipend.
  • Fully stocked beverage refrigerators with all the Celsius your little heart desires.
  • 401(k) retirement savings plan, including traditional, Roth 401(k), and after-tax deferral with company match up to 4%.

Your recruiter will be able to share more information about our salary and benefits offering during the hiring process.
Forterra is an equal-opportunity employer, providing and promoting equal employment opportunity in accordance with local, state, and federal laws. Forterrans are unique, talented individuals who are united through a shared passion to deliver autonomous systems that enable national resilience and a robust supply chain. All qualified applications will receive equal consideration for employment.

Apply