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Perception Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Shield AI

Senior Manager, Perception (R3634)

Washington, DC · On-site

$229K - $343K/yr

As a member of the HMS Perception team, you will conduct software development at the intersection of classical state estimation techniques, sensor fusion, artificial intelligence, machine learning ...

Shield AI

Senior Manager, Perception (R3634)

Washington, DC · On-site

$229K - $343K/yr

As a member of the HMS Perception team, you will conduct software development at the intersection of classical state estimation techniques, sensor fusion, artificial intelligence, machine learning ...

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Perception information

See Washington salary details

$32.2K

$169.9K

$256.6K

How much do perception jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for perception in Washington is $169,877.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $137,429.00 and $198,628.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are perception jobs?

Perception jobs typically refer to roles within the fields of robotics, autonomous vehicles, and artificial intelligence that focus on enabling machines to interpret and understand sensory data from the environment. Professionals in perception roles develop algorithms and systems that process information from cameras, LiDAR, radar, and other sensors to help machines recognize objects, obstacles, and their surroundings. These positions are crucial for applications like self-driving cars, robotics, and advanced computer vision systems.

What is a Perception job?

A Perception job typically involves developing and improving a system's ability to interpret and understand sensory data, often in fields like robotics, autonomous vehicles, and computer vision. Professionals in this role work with sensor fusion, machine learning, and computer vision algorithms to detect, track, and classify objects in an environment. Their goal is to enable machines to perceive and react to their surroundings accurately, enhancing safety and efficiency.

How to become a perception engineer?

A perception engineer designs and develops systems that interpret sensory data, often requiring a background in computer science, robotics, or electrical engineering. Gaining skills in machine learning, computer vision, and programming languages like Python or C++ is essential, along with experience using tools such as ROS or OpenCV. Relevant certifications and hands-on experience through projects or internships can also support career advancement.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in perception roles within autonomous vehicle development teams?

Professionals in perception roles often encounter challenges related to processing large volumes of sensor data, such as lidar, radar, and cameras, in real time to ensure accurate object detection and scene understanding. Balancing the need for high accuracy with the computational limitations of embedded systems can be demanding. Additionally, perception engineers frequently collaborate with teams in sensor fusion, mapping, and planning, requiring strong communication and interdisciplinary problem-solving skills. Adapting to rapidly evolving technologies and continuously improving algorithms to handle edge cases in complex environments are also key aspects of the role.

What careers use visual intelligence?

Careers that utilize visual intelligence include roles such as graphic designers, architects, surgeons, and pilots, all of which require strong spatial awareness and the ability to interpret visual information. These jobs often involve working with visual tools, diagrams, or images and may require relevant training or certifications in design, engineering, or medical fields.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineers in fields such as software, aerospace, or petroleum engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and stock options. These roles typically require extensive experience, advanced skills, and sometimes leadership responsibilities or specialized certifications.

What professions require good depth perception?

Professions such as pilots, surgeons, electricians, and drivers require good depth perception to perform tasks accurately and safely. These roles often involve operating complex equipment or navigating in three-dimensional space, making depth perception a critical skill. Visual acuity tests and certifications may be required to verify this ability for certain jobs.

What is the difference between Perception vs Data Analyst?

AspectPerceptionData Analyst
Required CredentialsVaries; often no formal certification requiredBachelor's degree in statistics, data science, or related field; certifications like CAP or Microsoft Data Analyst
Work EnvironmentResearch, consulting, or strategic planning settingsBusiness, finance, healthcare, and tech industries
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in marketing, psychology, and strategic rolesCommon in corporate, finance, and tech sectors
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding how perceptions influence decisionsAnalyzing data to inform business strategies

Perception focuses on how individuals interpret and understand information, often in psychological or strategic contexts. Data Analysts interpret and analyze data sets to support business decisions. While perception is more subjective and qualitative, Data Analysts rely on quantitative data analysis. Both roles are essential in decision-making processes but serve different functions within organizations.

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

To thrive as a Perception Engineer, you need strong foundations in computer vision, robotics, and sensor fusion, typically supported by a degree in computer science, robotics, or a related field. Familiarity with tools like ROS, OpenCV, TensorFlow, and experience working with LiDAR, radar, or camera systems are highly valuable. Excellent problem-solving skills, adaptability, and effective communication help you collaborate within multidisciplinary teams and tackle complex technical challenges. These skills are crucial for developing reliable perception systems that enable autonomous machines to interpret and interact safely with real-world environments.
What are popular job titles related to Perception jobs in Washington? For Perception jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Perception jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Perception jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Perception jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Perception job openings:
Perception jobs near you
Infographic showing various Perception job openings in Washington as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $169,877 per year, or $81.7 per hour.

Manager, Software - Perception (R3770)

Shield AI

Washington, DC • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software and V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Shield AI's technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube. 

This position is ideal for an individual who thrives on building advanced perception systems that enable autonomous aircraft to operate effectively in complex and contested environments. A successful candidate will be skilled in developing real-time object detection, sensor fusion, and state estimation algorithms using data from diverse mission sensors such as EO/IR cameras, radars, and IMUs. The role requires strong algorithmic thinking, deep familiarity with airborne sensing systems, and the ability to deliver performant software in simulation and real-world conditions. We are seeking a skilled and motivated manager to lead technical teams and support direct projects integrating perception solutions for defense platforms.
 
Shield AI is committed to developing cutting-edge autonomy for unmanned aircraft operating across all Department of Defense (DoD) domains, including air, sea, and land. Our Perception Engineers are instrumental in creating the situational awareness that underpins autonomy, ensuring our systems understand and respond to the operational environment with speed, precision, and resilience.
What you'll do:
  • Multidisciplinary Team Leadership - Lead teams across autonomy, integration, and testing by aligning technical efforts, resolving cross-functional challenges, and driving mission-focused execution. Balance hands-on technical oversight with performance optimization, innovation, and clear stakeholder communication.
  • Develop advanced perception algorithms - Design and implement robust algorithms for object detection, classification, and multi-target tracking across diverse sensor modalities.
  • Implement sensor fusion frameworks - Integrate data from vision systems, radars, and other mission sensors using probabilistic and deterministic fusion techniques to generate accurate situational awareness.
  • Develop state estimation capabilities - Design and refine algorithms for localization and pose estimation using IMU, GPS, vision, and other onboard sensing inputs to enable stable and accurate navigation.
  • Analyze and utilize sensor ICDs - Interpret interface control documents (ICDs) and technical specifications for aircraft-mounted sensors to ensure correct data handling, interpretation, and synchronization.
  • Optimize perception performance - Tune and evaluate perception pipelines for performance, robustness, and real-time efficiency in both simulation and real-world environments.
  • Support autonomy integration - Work closely with autonomy, systems, and integration teams to interface perception outputs with planning, behaviors, and decision-making modules.
  • Validate in simulated and operational settings - Leverage synthetic data, simulation environments, and field testing to validate algorithm accuracy and mission readiness.
  • Collaborate with hardware and sensor teams - Ensure seamless integration of perception algorithms with onboard compute platforms and diverse sensor payloads.
  • Drive innovation in airborne sensing - Contribute novel ideas and state-of-the-art techniques to advance real-time perception capabilities for unmanned aircraft operating in complex, GPS-denied, or contested environments.
  • Travel Requirement - Members of this team typically travel around 10-15% of the year (to different office locations, customer sites, and flight integration events).
Required Qualifications:
  • BS/MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, and/or similar degree, or equivalent practical experience
  • Typically requires a minimum of 7 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree; or 5 years and a Master's degree; or 4 years with a PhD; or equivalent work experience.
  • 5+ years of experience in Unmanned Systems programs in the DoD or applied R&D
  • 2+ years of people leadership experience
  • Background in implementing algorithms such as Kalman Filters, multi-target tracking, or deep learning-based detection models.
  • Familiarity with fusing data from radar, EO/IR cameras, or other sensors using probabilistic or rule-based approaches.
  • Familiarity with SLAM, visual-inertial odometry, or sensor-fused localization approaches in real-time applications.
  • Ability to interpret and work with Interface Control Documents (ICDs) and hardware integration specs.
  • Proficiency with version control, debugging, and test-driven development in cross-functional teams.
  • Ability to obtain a SECRET clearance.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Hands-on integration or algorithm development with airborne sensing systems.
  • Experience with ML frameworks such as PyTorch or Tensorflow, particularly for vision-based object detection or classification tasks.
  • Experience deploying perception software on SWaP-constrained platforms.
  • Familiarity with validating perception systems during flight test events or operational environments.
  • Understanding of sensing challenges in denied or degraded conditions.
  • Exposure to perception applications across air, maritime, and ground platforms.
$220,441 - $330,661 a year
#LI-ED1
#LD

Full-time regular employee offer package:
Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity
 
Temporary employee offer package:
Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)
 
Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.
 
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Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know. 
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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