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How much do perception engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 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.

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What cities in California are hiring for Perception Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Perception Engineer job openings:
Perception Engineer jobs near you
Senior Perception Engineer - Autonomous Vehicles

Senior Perception Engineer - Autonomous Vehicles

Nvidia

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

$122K - $168K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago

Nvidia rating

9.3

Company rating: 9.3 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 209 rated software companies

Job description

Intelligent machines powered by Artificial Intelligence computers that can learn, reason and interact with people are no longer science fiction. GPU Deep Learning has provided the foundation for machines to learn, perceive, reason and solve problems. Now, NVIDIA's GPU runs Deep Learning algorithms, simulating human intelligence, and acts as the brain of computers, robots and self-driving cars that can perceive and understand the world.

We are now looking for an extraordinary Senior Perception Engineer to develop and productize NVIDIA's autonomous driving solutions. As a member of our perception team, you will work on building world-class 3D obstacle perception solutions based on multi-sensor fusion, including cameras, ultrasonic sensors, and radar, to estimate high-resolution reconstruction of the world. The primary approach will be deep learning. You will be challenged to improve robustness and accuracy as well as efficiency of the solutions to fully enable autonomous driving anywhere and anytime.

What you'll be doing:

  • Perception experts with application focus will be on multi-sensor fusion based deep learning model development for obstacle perception/fusion in complex driving environments.

  • Applied research and development of innovative deep learning and multi-sensor fusion algorithms to improve output accuracy of 3D obstacle perception solutions under challenging and diverse scenarios.

  • Identify and analyze the strength and weakness of the developed 3D obstacle perception solutions using large scale benchmark data (both real and synthetic) and improve them iteratively through KPI building and optimization. This includes careful data verification, model architecture design, understanding details of loss function engineering, and being capable of finding detailed ML bugs and iterating toward perfection.

  • Productize the developed 3D obstacle perception solutions by meeting product requirements for safety, latency, and SW robustness, with a strong emphasis on production deep learning model development.

  • Drive and prioritize data-driven development by working with large data collection and labeling teams to bring in high value data to improve perception system accuracy. Efforts will include data collection prioritization and planning, labeling prioritization, so that value of data is maximized.

What we need to see:

  • 10+ years of hands-on work experience in developing deep learning and algorithms to solve sophisticated real world problems, and proficiency in using deep learning frameworks (e.g., PyTorch).

  • Experience in multi-sensor fusion (cameras, ultrasonic sensors, radar) for perception tasks, particularly in high-resolution world reconstruction.

  • Proven experience in production deep learning model development, including careful data verification, model architecture design, loss function engineering, and debugging ML models.

  • Experience in data-driven development and collaboration with data and ground truth teams.

  • Strong programming skills in python and/or C++.

  • Outstanding communication and teamwork skills as we work as a tightly-knit team, always discussing and learning from each other.

  • BS/MS/PhD in CS, EE, sciences or related fields (or equivalent experience)

Ways to stand out from the crowd:

  • Experience on end-to-end deep learning model development is a plus.

  • Proven expertise in developing perception solutions for autonomous driving or robotics using deep learning with multi-sensor input.

  • Hands-on experience in developing and deploying DNN-based solutions to embedded platforms for real time applications.

  • Good understanding of fundamentals of 3D computer vision, camera calibrations including intrinsic and extrinsic, and sensor fusion principles.

  • Experience with development in CUDA language. The ability to implement CUDA kernels as part of training or inference pipelines.

Your base salary will be determined based on your location, experience, and the pay of employees in similar positions. The base salary range is 184,000 USD - 287,500 USD for Level 4, and 224,000 USD - 356,500 USD for Level 5.

You will also be eligible for equity and benefits.

Applications for this job will be accepted at least until July 12, 2026.

This posting is for an existing vacancy.

NVIDIA uses AI tools in its recruiting processes.

NVIDIA is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment and proud to be an equal opportunity employer. As we highly value diversity in our current and future employees, we do not discriminate (including in our hiring and promotion practices) on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or any other characteristic protected by law.

What Nvidia employees say

Hours and flexibility

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About Nvidia

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

NVIDIA has been transforming computer graphics, PC gaming, and accelerated computing for more than 25 years. It's a unique legacy of innovation that's fueled by great technology--and amazing people. Today, we're tapping into the unlimited potential of AI to define the next era of computing. An era in which our GPU acts as the brains of computers, robots, and self-driving cars that can understand the world. Doing what's never been done before takes vision, innovation, and the world's best talent.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Santa Clara, CA, US

Year founded

1993

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