1

Perception Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Lead GNC and Perception Engineer

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$104K - $137K/yr

We are looking for experienced, driven engineers to help lead this work forward. As the Guidance, Navigation, Control (GNC) and Perception Lead, you will own the GNC systems that enable Astrolab ...

Senior Autonomy Engineer, Perception

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$65.25 - $84/hr

We are seeking a highly skilled Autonomy Perception Engineer to join our Perception Engineering team. In this role, you will use your expertise in state estimation & multi object tracking to shape ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Perception Engineer information

See California salary details

$12

$55

$79

How much do perception engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for perception engineer in California is $55.26, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39.62 and $73.56 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a Perception Engineer?

As a Perception Engineer, your typical day involves designing, developing, and testing algorithms that help automated systems interpret sensor data from sources such as cameras, lidar, and radar. You’ll spend time collaborating with cross-functional teams, including hardware engineers and software developers, to integrate perception solutions into larger systems like autonomous vehicles or robotics platforms. Regular tasks include data collection and annotation, debugging, performance optimization, and participating in code reviews. This role often requires a balance of independent problem-solving and teamwork to ensure reliable and accurate perception capabilities in ever-changing environments.

What is a Perception Engineer job?

A Perception Engineer develops and optimizes computer vision and sensor-based systems to help machines interpret and understand their surroundings. This role involves working with data from cameras, LiDAR, radar, and other sensors to create models for object detection, tracking, and scene understanding. Perception Engineers commonly work in fields like robotics, autonomous vehicles, and augmented reality, utilizing machine learning and signal processing techniques. Their goal is to enhance a system’s ability to perceive and react to its environment accurately and efficiently.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Perception Engineer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Perception Engineer, you need a strong background in computer vision, sensor fusion, machine learning, and robotics, usually supported by a degree in electrical engineering, computer science, or a related field. Experience with programming languages like Python or C++, deep learning frameworks (such as TensorFlow or PyTorch), and familiarity with tools like ROS and OpenCV are commonly required. Analytical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication are valuable soft skills that set top candidates apart. These skills are crucial for developing and optimizing perception systems that enable machines to understand and interact with complex real-world environments.

What job categories do people searching Perception Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Perception Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Perception Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Perception Engineer job openings:
Senior 4D Perception Engineer - Real-Time Autonomy

Senior 4D Perception Engineer - Real-Time Autonomy

Aeva Inc.

Mountain View, CA

$181K - $245K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

A leading technology firm in Mountain View seeks a Senior Perception Engineer to advance autonomous driving via innovative 4D perception algorithms. Candidates should have 3+ years of experience in real-time perception systems, a MS or PhD in relevant fields, and proficiency in C++. The role involves contributing to production systems, optimizing algorithms, and ensuring code quality. A competitive salary range of $181,300—$245,300 per year is offered, including comprehensive benefits and flexible time off. #J-18808-Ljbffr

AEVA logo

About AEVA

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Manufacturing and manufacturing

Company size

1 - 10 Employees

Headquarters location

Palo Alto, CA, US

Year founded

2017