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Perception Algorithm Engineer Jobs in San Francisco, CA

Matic

Systems Engineer (Rust)

Menlo Park, CA · On-site

$120K - $200K/yr

... perception algorithms running locally on the robot, with high performance expectations and very ... Familiarity with userspace Linux programming and conventions * Proven track record of building ...

Amazon

Senior Applied Scientist

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$107K - $147K/yr

You will develop and deploy state-of-the-art perception algorithms that enable robots to truly ... BASIC QUALIFICATIONS - Experience programming in Java, C++, Python or related language - PhD in ...

Nextracker

Autonomy Engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site

... algorithm design, and system architecture. You will design and implement perception, planning, and control systems, validate them on real hardware, and continuously improve performance through ...

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All JobsPerception Algorithm Engineer JobsPerception Algorithm Engineer Jobs in San Francisco, CA

Perception Algorithm Engineer information

See San Francisco, CA salary details

$70.1K

$131.5K

$239.2K

How much do perception algorithm engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for perception algorithm engineer in San Francisco, CA is $131,521.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $94,800.00 and $156,100.00 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 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.
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Perception Algorithm Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Perception Algorithm Engineer job openings in San Francisco, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $131,521 per year, or $63.2 per hour.

Research Engineer / Research Scientist -- Robotics & Physical AI

Clera

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$100K - $300K/yr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

About the Role

Join a small, high-impact team at an early-stage, Y Combinator–backed AI research company building the data and learning systems that enable robots to perceive, reason, and act in the physical world. This is a rare opportunity to work across the full stack — from learning algorithms and simulation to real hardware — and to do research that ships into real-world deployments.

The team operates at the intersection of Physical AI, embodied intelligence, and high-quality training data, collaborating with leading robotics companies and research labs. All levels of experience are welcome, from new graduates to seasoned researchers and engineers.

What You'll Do

  • Develop learning systems for robots, including policies, world models, and vision-language-action (VLA) models.

  • Build and maintain simulation environments and evaluation frameworks for robotic tasks.

  • Apply and advance computer vision and perception algorithms for autonomous robots.

  • Build pipelines connecting simulation and real-world robot deployment (real-to-sim and sim-to-real).

  • Work hands-on with robot hardware, sensors, actuators, and embedded systems to prototype and validate capabilities.

  • Train and evaluate reinforcement-learning (RL) and imitation-learning systems for manipulation, locomotion, or mobile platforms.

  • Integrate and experiment with robot platforms to validate algorithms in the physical world.

  • Create internal tools and infrastructure that accelerate robotics R&D.

  • Collaborate with external robotics companies and research labs on technical challenges.

What We're Looking For

Required:

  • Eligibility to work in the United States without employer sponsorship (visa sponsorship is not available).

  • Ability to work on-site in San Francisco — this role is not remote.

  • Strong proficiency in Python and C++.

  • Hands-on experience with robotics hardware, sensors, actuators, and embedded systems.

  • Practical experience with deep learning, reinforcement learning, and computer vision.

  • Experience with real-to-sim and sim-to-real workflows.

  • Experience with embodied AI, RL for robotics, or vision-language-action models.

Nice to Have:

  • Familiarity with simulation platforms such as Isaac Lab, MuJoCo, MJX, Genesis, Gazebo, or PyBullet.

  • Experience with CAD tools or Blender for asset creation.

  • Exposure to modern ML methods: LLMs, Transformers, multimodal AI, diffusion models, or AI agents.

  • Ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with robotics companies and external research labs.

Mindset: You're comfortable moving fluidly between research, engineering, experimentation, and product development in a small, fast-moving team. You want to ship, not just publish.

Compensation & Benefits

  • Salary: $100,000 – $300,000 USD annually, depending on experience and seniority.

  • Early-stage equity opportunity at a seed-stage company backed by a top accelerator.

Location

  • On-site in San Francisco, CA, USA. Remote work is not available for this role.

  • Visa sponsorship is not available; candidates must be authorized to work in the US.