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Perception Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Astrolab

Lead GNC and Perception Engineer

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$104.20K - $137.20K/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 ...

Waabi

Senior / Staff Perception Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$158K - $269K/yr

To learn more visit: www.waabi.ai As a Senior Perception Engineer, you will be at the forefront of advancing and deploying perception algorithms for our self-driving vehicles. You will work closely ...

Astrolab

Lead GNC and Perception Engineer

Hawthorne, CA

$142K - $235K/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 ...

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How much do perception engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of May 30, 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 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 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.
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Perception Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Perception Engineer job openings in California as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, and 3% Part Time. Highlights an 94% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $114,938 per year, or $55.3 per hour.

Lead GNC and Perception Engineer

Astrolab

Hawthorne, CA • On-site

$104.20K - $137.20K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Venturi Astrolab, Inc. (Astrolab) is advancing how humanity explores and operates on other planetary bodies. We design, build, and operate multipurpose commercial planetary rovers that extend human capability beyond Earth. 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's rovers to operate safely and effectively in extreme environments. You will lead technical strategy and execution across guidance, navigation, control, and perception while managing and mentoring a high-performing engineering team.  
This role combines deep technical leadership with people leadership. You will set system vision, make critical design decisions, drive execution, and ensure autonomy systems perform reliably on flight-ready vehicles operating on the lunar surface.  
  • Lead the design, verification, validation, testing, and characterization of GNC and perception systems for manual, semi-autonomous, and autonomous rover operations  
  • Define GNC and perception technical direction and system architecture with inputs from stakeholders across GNC, avionics, and software 
  • Manage and mentor a team of GNC and perception engineers  
  • Work with avionics responsible engineers to select, test, characterize, and calibrate GNC and perception sensors 
  • Work closely with the simulation and software teams to prototype and analyze GNC algorithms in the vehicle simulation and software test environment 
  • Work closely with the flight software team to support implementation and testing of GNC and perception flight software 
  • Define and oversee testing and validation of the integrated GNC solution on a variety of simulation and test platforms in lab and analog environments 
  • Ensure the GNC and perception system design, implementation, and testing are closely coordinated with affected stakeholders such as vehicle engineering (for sensor and lighting placement), avionics, software, and mission operations team 
  • Ensure the GNC and perception system design and implementation meet all applicable safety, reliability, and fault tolerance  requirements  
  • Balance performance, risk, and embedded compute constraints  
  • Ensure that rover GNC and perception systems support the required tele-operated, semi-autonomous, and fully autonomous vehicle operations  
  • Ensure the GNC team provides support during rover operations on the lunar surface 

  • 10+ years of experience developing GNC, perception, and autonomy systems for space vehicles, extraterrestrial rovers, or autonomous terrestrial vehicles 
  • Experience leading high-performing engineering teams and delivering complex technical programs under aggressive timelines and constrained resources 
  • Strong background supporting full vehicle development lifecycles, from architecture and trade studies through embedded implementation, verification, testing, and operations 
  • Deep expertise in perception and navigation systems, including sensor integration, image processing, localization, multi-sensor odometry, terrain-relative navigation, pose estimation, hazard detection, terrain mapping, and route planning 
  • Experience designing and executing autonomy and navigation test campaigns across simulation, lab, field, and analog environments and using statistical analysis methods such as Monte Carlo 
  • Hands-on experience developing and optimizing embedded autonomy, perception, and navigation software for compute- and power-constrained systems 
  • Familiarity with the unique challenges of extraterrestrial rover operations, including lunar terrain, lighting conditions, regolith, thermal constraints, limited power environments, and NASA mission assurance expectations 
  • Prior experience implementing and testing GNC and perception system software on real flight hardware or embedded platforms 

  • Join a team of best-in-class engineers building the foundation of planetary surface exploration
  • Equity ownership in the company
  • Comprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and mental health support
  • 401(k) plan with company match
  • Flexible PTO and parental leave
  • Home office set up reimbursement
  • Fully flexible and remote friendly work environment
  • Weekly lunch stipend, plus complimentary snacks and beverages on-site
  • Once a month social hour on-site with food and drinks

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