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Perception Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Controls Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$90 - $125/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Wunderlich-Malec Engineering (WM) is a 100% employee-owned ESOP and one of the largest and most ... Ability to travel up to 50% Physical Demands of Position Seeing, color perception, hearing, clear ...

Controls Engineer

Richmond, VA · On-site

$85 - $110/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Wunderlich-Malec Engineering (WM) is a 100% employee-owned ESOP and one of the largest and most ... Ability to travel up to 50% Physical Demands of Position Seeing, color perception, hearing, clear ...

Controls Engineer

Fredericksburg, VA · On-site

$85K - $110K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Wunderlich-Malec Engineering (WM) is a 100% employee-owned ESOP and one of the largest and most ... Ability to travel up to 50% Physical Demands of Position Seeing, color perception, hearing, clear ...

Controls Engineer

Richmond, VA · On-site

$85 - $110/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Wunderlich-Malec Engineering (WM) is a 100% employee-owned ESOP and one of the largest and most ... Ability to travel up to 50% Physical Demands of Position Seeing, color perception, hearing, clear ...

Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in an engineering, scientific, or technical discipline. Four plus ... Vision: distance, color, peripheral, depth perception, ability to adjust focus. Frequent lifting ...

New

Controls Engineer

Reston, VA · Hybrid

$86K - $112K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Wunderlich-Malec Engineering (WM) is a 100% employee-owned ESOP and one of the largest and most ... Ability to travel up to 50% Physical Demands of Position Seeing, color perception, hearing, clear ...

Software Engineer, II - Autonomy Data

Blacksburg, VA · On-site

$99K - $119K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Partner with perception, planning and embedded engineers across the data lifecyle: from shaping the logging schemas and collection triggers to defining the dataset interfaces that supply model ...

Showing results 21-40

Perception Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$12

$55

$80

How much do perception engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for perception engineer in Virginia is $55.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39.81 and $73.89 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 the most commonly searched types of Perception Engineer jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Perception Engineer jobs in Virginia are:

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

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

Infographic showing various Perception Engineer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $115,464 per year, or $55.5 per hour.

Controls Engineer

Wunderlich-Malec Engineering, Inc

Fredericksburg, VA • Hybrid

$85K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago


Job description

Wunderlich-Malec Engineering (WM) is a 100% employee-owned ESOP and one of the largest and most well-established engineering companies in the United States. When you join WM you become part of a company that is:

  • 100% employee-owned with 40+ years of industry history
  • ENR (Engineering News Record) Top 500 firm
  • Rated as a top System Integrator Giant

We have a Controls Engineer position in Fredericksburg, VA. This position is responsible for controls engineering project requirements involving control system design, control panel design, PLC programming, instrumentation, check out support and start-up assistance.

Please Note: This position is not eligible for employer-sponsored work authorization, including H-1B sponsorship.

Responsibilities

    • Designs, develops, and implements control system (logic software and hardware) to meet process system requirements
    • Develops schematics detailing control system configuration and wiring, and design equipment panel layouts on AutoCAD software
    • Develop Sequence of Operation document detailing control strategies for the process under control. Lead design reviews with customer for review and approval of design documents
    • Work at customer site to perform the system checkout and start-up of the integrated control system
    • Develop the final record system documentation and provide system training to the customer
    • Individual will be working on automation and control system integration projects for clients across multiple industries including both manufacturing production lines and data center building automation
    • Will act as technical lead on projects and guide lower level engineers and technicians
    • Will act as Project Manager on smaller projects ranging from $50K to $250K. This includes but not limited to:
      • Develops and executes implementation plans for the project
      • Assigns work to meet overall project deadlines
      • Ensures that all project team members clearly understand the scope of W-M responsibilities
      • Develops schedules for W-M and customer requirements
      • Evaluates progress on project and details changes
      • Responsible for all purchasing and subcontractor requirements
      • Responsible for development of costs and proposal of change orders to contract scope

    Minimum Requirements

    Education BS in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering is preferred.

    Experience Three to five years’ experience in areas below:

    • An in-depth understanding of control systems, components, logic programming, experience with instrumentation and controls design and PLC systems (i.e. Allen Bradley, Schnieder Modicon, Siemens, GE-IP) required. Experience with AutoCAD is also desired
    • Strong inter-personnel skills. Ability to communicate and work with both team members, subcontractors and clients
    • Ability to travel up to 50%

    Physical Demands of Position Seeing, color perception, hearing, clear speech, dexterity in hands, driving, lifting, climbing, and ability to mount and dismount equipment, pushing, and pulling.

    Working Environment Standard office environment, diverse industrial environments, frequent PC usage, facsimile/copy machines, phones.

    *Job Descriptions are not exhaustive lists of all skills, responsibilities, or efforts associated with a job. They reflect principal job elements essential for performing the job and evaluating performance.

    Salary Range The expected Salary range is $85,000 - $110,000 annually depending on qualifications plus a discretionary bonus and employee stock program.

    Wunderlich-Malec is proud to offer a comprehensive employee-owner benefit package. Full-time employees may be eligible for the following benefits: Medical • Dental • Vision • Basic and Supplemental Life and AD&D • Long Term Disability • Voluntary Short Term Disability • Healthcare & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts • Health Savings Account • Paid Time Off (PTO) • Paid Holidays • Tuition Reimbursement • Referral Bonus Program • 401(k)/Profit Sharing • 100% ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) • Employee Assistance Program • Will Preparation Resources • Worldwide Travel Assistance

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