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Perception Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Woven by Toyota

Lead Perception Engineer

Palo Alto, CA

$120K - $158K/yr

You'll collaborate daily with ML researchers, software engineers, robotics engineers, and hardware teams to design, build, and deploy perception and world‑understanding systems that directly ...

Aeva, Inc.

Senior Perception Engineer

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$181K - $245K/yr

We are looking for a Senior Perception Engineer to work on our classical perception algorithms stack. You will be part of a growing team focused on exploring how far Aeva's 4D FMCW LiDARs can push ...

Albert Invent

Lead Perception Engineer

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$120K - $159K/yr

You will work on cutting‑edge 100,000‑pound autonomous robots and engineer complex systems at the intersection of hardware, software, robotics, and AI. Build perception algorithms and ...

XDOF

Senior Perception Engineer

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$119K - $163K/yr

Collaborate with ML engineers and data infrastructure teams to ensure perception output formats meet downstream VLA model training requirements * Establish feedback mechanisms linking perception ...

Teleo, Inc.

Lead Perception Engineer

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$120K - $159K/yr

You will work on cutting‑edge 100,000‑pound autonomous robots and engineer complex systems at the intersection of hardware, software, robotics, and AI. Build perception algorithms and ...

Teleo

Lead Perception Engineer

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$120K - $158K/yr

You will work on cutting-edge 100,000-pound autonomous robots and engineer complex systems at the intersection of hardware, software, robotics, and AI. Build perception algorithms and architecture ...

Menlo Ventures

Perception Engineer, AI

Laguna Beach, CA · On-site

$125K - $270K/yr

This is perception engineering where mistakes have consequences, where your code operates in vacuum, and where the systems you build secure the space domain for the United States and its Allies.

Woven by Toyota

Lead Perception Engineer

Palo Alto, CA

$120K - $158K/yr

You'll collaborate daily with ML researchers, software engineers, robotics engineers, and hardware teams to design, build, and deploy perception and worldunderstanding systems that directly influence ...

FieldAI

Senior Robot Perception Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site +1

$70K - $300K/yr

We're looking for a Senior Robotics Perception Engineer to own and advance perception capabilities for our federal autonomy programs. In this role, you will lead development of the perception stack ...

Teleo

Lead Perception Engineer

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$120K - $158K/yr

You will work on cutting-edge 100,000-pound autonomous robots and engineer complex systems at the intersection of hardware, software, robotics, and AI. Build perception algorithms and architecture ...

Woven

Lead Perception Engineer

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$120K - $159K/yr

... perception, planning, control, and HMI towards production targets with Toyota. WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR? We are seeking a Lead Engineer to serve as the right‑hand partner (to work in hand) to the ...

FieldAI

Senior Robot Perception Engineer

Irvine, CA

$70K - $300K/yr

We're looking for a Senior Robotics Perception Engineer to own and advance perception capabilities for our federal autonomy programs. In this role, you will lead development of the perception stack ...

Mytra

Senior ML Perception Engineer

Brisbane, CA · On-site

$125K - $172K/yr

About the role As a Senior ML Perception Engineer at Mytra, you'll be a key member of our Computer Vision team, building the perception stack that gives our distributed robot fleet its situational ...

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 ...

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Perception Engineer information

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How much do perception engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 11, 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?

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 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 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.

How do you become a perception engineer?

To become a perception engineer, typically a bachelor's degree in computer science, electrical engineering, or a related field is required. Relevant skills include experience with computer vision, machine learning, and programming languages like Python or C++, along with knowledge of sensor data processing and AI frameworks. Gaining hands-on experience through internships or projects is also beneficial.

What does a perception engineer do?

A perception engineer develops algorithms and systems that enable machines to interpret sensory data such as images, audio, and lidar. They work on tasks like object detection, scene understanding, and sensor fusion, often using machine learning and computer vision tools. Their work is essential in fields like autonomous vehicles, robotics, and advanced driver-assistance systems.

What are popular job titles related to Perception Engineer jobs in California?

For Perception Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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:

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Cities in California with the most Perception Engineer job openings:

Perception Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Perception Engineer job openings in California as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $114,938 per year, or $55.3 per hour.

Lead Rover Navigation and Perception Engineer

Hawthorne, CA • On-site

Astrolab
See more jobs at Astrolabexternal

$142K - $235K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 hours ago

Key responsibilities

  • Lead a small team of engineers to design, characterize, test, verify, and validate localization and perception systems for extra-terrestrial rovers

  • Work closely with the software team to implement and test navigation, perception, and obstacle avoidance flight software

  • Devise, supervise, and execute navigation and perception system testing with real sensors and flight computers using a test vehicle operating in simulated lunar conditions

Job description

Description
Astrolab is The Lunar Operations Company. We design and build the systems and hardware the lunar economy will come to depend on — rovers, power, and data networks for sustained operations on the Moon. We are focused on the problems that must be solved before the next chapter of human exploration can scale. The Moon does not forgive untested assumptions. The people who work here know that, and they wouldn't have it any other way.
 
The Lead Rover Navigation and Perception Engineer will be responsible for the design, tuning, analysis, and characterization of the navigation and perception system for Astrolab’s extra-terrestrial rovers.  The Lead Rover Navigation and Perception Engineer will work closely with the flight software team to implement and test all of the rover navigation and perception algorithms.  This position is a technical leadership position with an expectation that the lead will also be doing hands on work as part of the rover guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) team to design, characterize, and test the vehicle navigation and perception system.   The Lead Rover Navigation and Perception Engineer will devise test campaigns to be executed with real hardware in simulated and analog lunar environments and work with the team to execute the tests. 
Note: Some travel may be required for this position

What you'll do:
  • Lead a small team of engineers to design, characterize, test, verify, and validate localization and perception systems for extra-terrestrial rovers 
  • Bring a navigation and perception solution from early design through flight operations on an aggressive schedule for Astrolab’s CLV-1 lunar rover 
  • Work closely with the software team to implement and test navigation, perception, and obstacle avoidance flight software 
  • Ensure that extra-terrestrial rover navigation and perception solutions are robust, upgradable during flight, and practical 
  • Devise, supervise, and execute navigation and perception system testing with real sensors and flight computers using a test vehicle operating in simulated lunar conditions 
  • Ensure that navigation and perception system meet performance and NASA human rated spacecraft system requirements  

What you'll bring:
Basic Qualifications: 
  • Bachelor's degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics) field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
  • 10+ years designing, developing, and testing navigation, localization, and perception systems for rovers, autonomous vehicles, GPS-denied vehicle navigation systems, or similar autonomous or robotic platforms.
  • Experience with practical sensor fusion and Kalman filtering for wheeled vehicle navigation and perception, with specific experience using sensors with widely different modalities to determine  robust navigation and perception solutions (e.g. IMU, lidar, radar, star tracker, etc.) 
Preferred Qualifications: 
  • Experience designing, tuning, developing, analyzing, characterizing, verifying, and validating navigation and perception solutions for wheeled vehicles 
  • Experience developing, testing, and characterizing obstacle detection and avoidance algorithms for wheeled vehicles 
  • Experience dealing with real world issues that affect navigation/localization/perception system design and performance, such as invalid data, dropped packets, data latencies, blurry images, and similar 
  • Experience supporting a navigation/localization system through the entire lifecycle, from early design through live vehicle operations 
  • Experience in C++ and Python programming

Benefits and Perks
  • 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
  • Weekly lunch stipend, plus complimentary snacks and beverages on-site
  • Once a month social hour on-site with food and drinks