Robotics Perception Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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Embark on an exciting journey with AES as we pioneer the future of energy through Maximo, our innovative growth venture. Maximo, propelled by an AI-enabled robot, is transforming the construction of solar projects by expediting their completion. As a pivotal contributor to our mission of scaling solar energy production at an unparalleled pace, Maximo is leading the charge to meet the urgent global demand for net-zero emissions. Maximo team members are firm believers that accelerating decarbonization necessitates audacious actions, empowering the world to fulfill future needs.

Job Description

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Robotics Perception and AI Engineer to join our team. In this role, you will be responsible for developing, optimizing and implementing cutting-edge perception and AI algorithms to enable our robots to understand and interact with the world around them. You will leverage your deep expertise in computer vision, machine learning, and robotics to drive innovation and solve complex challenges. Duties will include developing advanced perception algorithms for tasks such as object detection, segmentation, and pose estimation, as well as leading the technical roadmap for the perception part aligned with our vision and Product Roadmap.

A successful candidate is strongly motivated and passionate about solving perception and AI/ML problems and pushing the boundaries of what is possible today and will be an entrepreneurial, mission-driven individual responsible for actively progressing, developing, and executing the technical roadmap of our solar module installation robotic system. This individual will take on the responsibility of defining, designing, and implementing the perception software stack architecture and guide the Robotics and Hardware engineers to identify the best sensor suite. In addition, this person will take the ownership of developing and maintaining machine learning pipeline, deploying new models to production, and monitoring their performance collaborating closely with the engineer team to ensure seamless integration of machine learning models and perception algorithm into our applications.

As a specialist in the Maximo business, this position will work collaboratively across the Maximo, external industry partners across the value chain, and AES teams, including engineering, business development, construction, finance, supply chain, and strategy.

Major Responsibilities

• Develop and implement advanced high-performing perception algorithms for real-time tasks such as object detection, segmentation, and pose estimation based on variety of sensor data (Lidar, Camera, etc)
• Design, train, optimize, deploy and maintain AI/ML models for robust and accurate perception in challenging environments.
• Enhance our machine learning pipeline and related tools to support development, experimentation, continuous integration, continuous delivery, verification/validation, and monitoring of AI/ML models in the field.
• Integrate perception systems with robotic platforms to enable autonomous manipulation, navigation, and human-robot interaction.
• Analyze and process sensor data (e.g., camera, lidar, radar, etc.) to extract meaningful information.
• Translate product level requirements into technical design criteria.
• Work with engineers (robotics, hardware, etc.) and product team to define hardware/software architecture and technical roadmap
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including hardware engineers, software engineers, and control engineers, to ensure seamless integration of perception systems.
• Stay up to date with the latest advancements in computer vision, machine learning, and robotics to drive innovation and improve product performance.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers, fostering a culture of innovation and continuous learning.

Requirements

• Master's or PhD in Computer Science, Robotics, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in computer vision, machine learning, and/or robotics.
• Strong theoretical foundation in computer vision, image processing, and machine learning algorithms.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, C++, and ROS2.
• Experience with deep learning frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch).
• Experience with real-time systems and embedded platforms.
• Knowledge of robotics platforms and sensor systems.

• Founder's mentality: Entrepreneurial passion for getting things done and a "make it happen" attitude with an intellectual curiosity to seek new opportunities.
• Skill and Behavior: Capability to work dynamically and collaboratively across multiple teams in a fast-paced and technical business environment with minimal supervision. Excellent communication skills. Results-oriented, "can-do" attitude, and "get things done" mentality; comfortable with uncertainty and ambiguity; no compromise on attention to quality and details.
• Technology fluency: Demonstrated ability to understand solar engineering and technology concepts, question assumptions, and make informed product and technology decisions. Technical understanding of automation, robotics, computer vision, machine learning and/or artificial intelligence, is a plus.

Travel: 30% travel

AES is an Equal Opportunity Employer who is committed to building strength and delivering long-term sustainability through diversity and inclusion. Respecting all backgrounds, differences and perspectives enables us to improve the lives of our people, customers, suppliers, contractors, and the communities in which we live and work. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and/or expression, race, national origin, ethnicity, age, religion, marital status, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical condition, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law. E-Verify Notice: AES will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with information from each new employee's I-9 to confirm work authorization.