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Perception Algorithm Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC

Molg

Computer Vision Engineer

Sterling, VA · On-site

$110K - $130K/yr

As a Computer Vision Engineer, you will: * Drive the architecture, development, and deployment of ... Own the full vision stack, from sensor selection and calibration through perception algorithms and ...

Anduril Industries

GNC Engineer, Space

Washington, DC · On-site

The GNC engineering team will work closely with related teams, including Systems, Flight Software ... Experience with computer vision and perception algorithms to support GNC operations. * Experience ...

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Perception Algorithm Engineer information

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$67.4K

$126.4K

$229.9K

How much do perception algorithm engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for perception algorithm engineer in Washington, DC is $126,434.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $91,200.00 and $150,100.00 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 Washington, DC?

For Perception Algorithm Engineer jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Perception Algorithm Engineer jobs in Washington, DC look for?

The top searched job categories for Perception Algorithm Engineer jobs in Washington, DC are:

Perception Algorithm Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Perception Algorithm Engineer job openings in Washington, DC as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 87% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $126,434 per year, or $60.8 per hour.

Manager, Software - Perception (R3770)

Washington, DC • On-site

Shield AI
Software Development • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about Shield AIexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

Job Summary:
Shield AI is a venture-backed deep-tech company focused on protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. The role involves leading technical teams to develop advanced perception algorithms for autonomous aircraft, ensuring effective operation in complex environments.
Responsibilities:
• Lead teams across autonomy, integration, and testing by aligning technical efforts, resolving cross-functional challenges, and driving mission-focused execution.
• Design and implement robust algorithms for object detection, classification, and multi-target tracking across diverse sensor modalities.
• Integrate data from vision systems, radars, and other mission sensors using probabilistic and deterministic fusion techniques to generate accurate situational awareness.
• Design and refine algorithms for localization and pose estimation using IMU, GPS, vision, and other onboard sensing inputs to enable stable and accurate navigation.
• Interpret interface control documents (ICDs) and technical specifications for aircraft-mounted sensors to ensure correct data handling, interpretation, and synchronization.
• Tune and evaluate perception pipelines for performance, robustness, and real-time efficiency in both simulation and real-world environments.
• Work closely with autonomy, systems, and integration teams to interface perception outputs with planning, behaviors, and decision-making modules.
• Leverage synthetic data, simulation environments, and field testing to validate algorithm accuracy and mission readiness.
• Ensure seamless integration of perception algorithms with onboard compute platforms and diverse sensor payloads.
• Contribute novel ideas and state-of-the-art techniques to advance real-time perception capabilities for unmanned aircraft operating in complex, GPS-denied, or contested environments.
• Members of this team typically travel around 10-15% of the year (to different office locations, customer sites, and flight integration events).
Qualifications:
Required:
• BS/MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, and/or similar degree, or equivalent practical experience
• Typically requires a minimum of 7 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or 5 years and a Master’s degree; or 4 years with a PhD; or equivalent work experience.
• 5+ years of experience in Unmanned Systems programs in the DoD or applied R&D
• 2+ years of people leadership experience
• Background in implementing algorithms such as Kalman Filters, multi-target tracking, or deep learning-based detection models.
• Familiarity with fusing data from radar, EO/IR cameras, or other sensors using probabilistic or rule-based approaches.
• Familiarity with SLAM, visual-inertial odometry, or sensor-fused localization approaches in real-time applications.
• Ability to interpret and work with Interface Control Documents (ICDs) and hardware integration specs.
• Proficiency with version control, debugging, and test-driven development in cross-functional teams.
• Ability to obtain a SECRET clearance.
Preferred:
• Hands-on integration or algorithm development with airborne sensing systems.
• Experience with ML frameworks such as PyTorch or Tensorflow, particularly for vision-based object detection or classification tasks.
• Experience deploying perception software on SWaP-constrained platforms.
• Familiarity with validating perception systems during flight test events or operational environments.
• Understanding of sensing challenges in denied or degraded conditions.
• Exposure to perception applications across air, maritime, and ground platforms.
Company:
Shield AI is a deep-tech company that focuses on developing AI-powered systems to enhance the safety of service members and civilians. Founded in 2015, the company is headquartered in San Diego, USA, with a team of 1001-5000 employees. The company is currently Late Stage.

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