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Robot Perception Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Forterra

Lead Autonomy Software Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$150K - $250K/yr

Knowledge of navigation, mapping algorithms and robot perception * Familiarity with real-time operating systems and embedded programming * Leadership experience on cross-functional software teams US ...

Forterra

Senior Payloads Software Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$120K - $200K/yr

Knowledge of navigation, mapping algorithms and robot perception * Familiarity with real-time operating systems and embedded programming * Leadership experience on cross-functional software teams US ...

Forterra

Autonomy Software Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$120K - $165K/yr

Knowledge of navigation, mapping algorithms and robot perception * Familiarity with real-time operating systems and embedded programming US Salary Range $120,000-$165,000 The salary range for this ...

Shield AI

Technical Recruiter, Software

Washington, DC · On-site

$120K - $180K/yr

This person will own full-cycle recruiting for complex software engineering functions with a particular emphasis on Autonomy, Robotics, Embedded Software, Perception, Planning, Controls, Distributed ...

Booz Allen Hamilton

Robotics Engineer

Washington, DC

$99K - $225K/yr

Robotics Engineer The Opportunity: Support the research and development of unmanned systems across ... perception, localization, navigation, and behaviors in the air and ground domains * 3+ years ...

Molg

Computer Vision Engineer

Sterling, VA · On-site

$110K - $130K/yr

Join a cross-functional team of robotics, software, and mechanical engineers to build the computer vision and perception systems that powers Molg's robotic microfactories. As a Computer Vision ...

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Robot Perception information

See Reston, VA salary details

$16

$29

$47

How much do robot perception jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for robot perception in Reston, VA is $29.38, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.03 and $34.28 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is robot perception?

Robot perception refers to the ability of robots to interpret and understand their environment using sensors and algorithms. This field involves processing data from cameras, lidar, radar, and other sensors to recognize objects, map surroundings, and make decisions. Effective robot perception is essential for tasks like navigation, object manipulation, and autonomous operation in dynamic environments. It combines elements of computer vision, machine learning, and sensor fusion to enable robots to function reliably and safely.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a Robot Perception role, and why are they important?

To excel in Robot Perception, you need a strong background in computer vision, machine learning, and sensor data processing, typically backed by a degree in computer science, robotics, or a related field. Familiarity with tools like ROS (Robot Operating System), OpenCV, PCL, and deep learning frameworks such as TensorFlow or PyTorch, as well as experience with LiDAR and camera systems, is highly valued. Creative problem-solving, adaptability, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills for addressing complex perception challenges in dynamic environments. These competencies enable the development of robust perception systems, which are essential for safe and autonomous robotic operation.

What is the difference between Robot Perception vs Robot Software Engineer?

AspectRobot PerceptionRobot Software Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Robotics, Computer Science, or related fields; knowledge of perception algorithmsBachelor's or Master's in Software Engineering, Computer Science; programming skills in C++, Python
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, robotics companies, industrial settings focusing on sensor data processingSoftware development teams, robotics companies, embedded systems environments
Industry UsageUsed in autonomous vehicles, service robots, industrial automation for sensor data interpretationDevelops robot control software, integrates perception modules, and ensures system functionality

Robot Perception specialists focus on processing sensor data to enable robots to understand their environment, while Robot Software Engineers develop the software systems that control robot functions, including perception modules. Both roles often collaborate but have distinct focuses within robotics development.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in Robot Perception roles, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Robot Perception roles often encounter challenges such as dealing with noisy sensor data, ensuring real-time processing, and integrating data from multiple sources to create an accurate understanding of the environment. Addressing these requires strong skills in sensor fusion, robust algorithm design, and close collaboration with robotics engineers and software developers. Continuous learning and staying updated with advancements in machine learning and computer vision are also key to overcoming these challenges and contributing effectively to the team's goals.
What job categories do people searching Robot Perception jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Robot Perception jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Robot Perception jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Robot Perception job openings:
Robot Perception jobs near you

NIST PREP Robotics and Perception Engineer

Southeastern Universities Research Association

Gaithersburg, MD • On-site

$68K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

This position is part of the National Institute of Standards (NIST) Professional Research Experience (PREP) program. NIST recognizes that its research staff may wish to collaborate with researchers at academic institutions on specific projects of mutual interest and thus requires that such institutions be the recipients of a PREP award. The PREP program requires staff from a wide range of backgrounds to work on scientific research in many areas. Employees in this position will perform technical work that underpins the scientific research of the collaboration. A candidate hired for this position will be through the university that is associated with the NIST PREP program and will be an employee of that University.
Research Title: Robotics and Perception Engineer: Perception Performance of Robotic Systems
Position Description: The Intelligent Systems Division at NIST is investigating the performance of 3D machine vision systems for various manufacturing applications. The research will focus on integrating 3D bin-picking vision systems with robotic arms and conducting experiments to evaluate their performance. This work will support the development of new metrics and standards for these systems.
Duties:
  • Integrate robot arms and commercial bin-picking systems into the NIST/ISD bin-picking testbed.
  • Program collaborative robot arms for conducting various tasks and experiments.
  • Research the effects of various factors (part color, part surface properties, bin color, bin depth, ratio of part size to bin size, part distribution in a bin) on bin picking performance (e.g., cycle time, pose uncertainty, etc.).
  • Collect data from various 3D imaging systems.
  • Design and develop 3D printed artifacts and optimize 3D printer parameters for improved quality of the 3D prints.
  • Use metrology systems (e.g., laser trackers, CMMs, etc.) for establishing reference measurements.
  • Use analysis software (e.g., Python, MATLAB, Spatial Analyzer, Polyworks, Excel, etc.) to interpret results and produce visualizations.
  • Assist in the development of demonstrations for trade shows and conferences.
  • Write reports and contribute to peer-reviewed publications.
  • Work schedule: On-campus (Gaithersburg, MD), Full-time (40hrs/week)
  • The applicant selected for this position will receive minimal training in the use of certain systems needed for the work.

Qualifications:
  • US Citizen preferred
  • Education: Engineering majors with a master's degree, or in their final year of a master's degree.
  • Programming experience in one or more of the following computer languages: Python, Java, C#
  • Experience with the following:
    • Using the Robot Operating System (ROS2) for visualizing and controlling robots.
    • CAD software: SolidWorks or OnShap
    • Using 3D printers (polymer and resin based) and optimizing 3D printing parameters.
    • Using and programming in the Linux environment.
    • Using MATLAB for data capture and analysis.
  • Basic understanding of
    • Robot control theory (DH parameters, kinematics, etc.)
    • 3D sensors such as LiDAR or RGBD cameras
    • Programming robot forward and inverse kinematics
    • 3D point cloud data processing techniques using Point Cloud
    • Library (PCL - http://pointclouds.org), CloudCompare, or other similar tools
    • Robotic bin picking systems
    • Using metrology tools such as CMM arms and metrology software.

Privacy Act StatementAuthority: 15 U.S.C. § 278g-1(e)(1) and (e)(3) and 15 U.S.C. § 272(b) and (c)
Purpose: The National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) hosts the Professional Research Experience Program (PREP) which is designed to provide valuable laboratory experience and financial assistance to undergraduates, post-bachelor's degree holders, graduate students, master's degree holders, postdocs, and faculty.
PREP is a 5-year cooperative agreement between NIST laboratories and participating PREP Universities to establish a collaborative research relationship between NIST and U.S. institutions of higher education in the following disciplines including (but may not be limited to) biochemistry, biological sciences, chemistry, computer science, engineering, electronics, materials science, mathematics, nanoscale science, neutron science, physical science, physics, and statistics. This collection of information is needed to facilitate administrative functions of the PREP Program.
Routine Uses: NIST will use the information collected to perform the requisite reviews of the applications to determine eligibility, and to meet programmatic requirements. Disclosure of this information is also subject to all the published routine uses as identified in the Privacy Act System of Records Notices: NIST-1: NIST Associates.
Disclosure: Furnishing this information is voluntary. When you submit the form, you are indicating your voluntary consent for NIST to use the information you submit for the purpose stated.
SURA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe that no one should be discriminated against because of their differences, such as age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity and expression, religion, or sexual orientation. All employment decisions shall be made without regard to age, race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, disability status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, citizenship status, or any other basis as protected by federal, state, or local law.
PREP0004211

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