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Robotics Perception Engineer Jobs in Austin, TX (NOW HIRING)

Senior Perception Hardware Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$109K - $146K/yr

JOB SUMMARY As a Senior Perception Hardware Engineer focusing on Sensor Calibration , you will own the critical link between the physical world and our robot's autonomy stack. Apollo relies on a ...

Robotic Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$130K/yr

... robotics, IOT and consumer devices) and our cross-disciplinary skills (embedded AI, high-tech ... Develop and optimize control algorithms, perception systems, and navigation strategies * Integrate ...

... robotics, IOT and consumer devices) and our cross-disciplinary skills (embedded AI, high-tech ... Develop and optimize control algorithms, perception systems, and navigation strategies * Integrate ...

Robotic Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$130K/yr

... robotics, IOT and consumer devices) and our cross-disciplinary skills (embedded AI, high-tech ... Develop and optimize control algorithms, perception systems, and navigation strategies * Integrate ...

Staff Perception Hardware Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$122K - $161K/yr

Lead the physical integration of the robot's visual perception stack. Drive the transition from ... Mentor senior and junior engineers in the lab, establishing a culture of rigorous physical testing ...

Strong understanding of robotics fundamentals including perception, localization, mapping, planning or control. * Ability to lead technical initiatives and influence engineering direction through ...

Strong understanding of robotics fundamentals including perception, localization, mapping, planning or control. * Ability to lead technical initiatives and influence engineering direction through ...

Senior Engineer, Computer Vision

Austin, TX

$103K - $142K/yr

As a computer vision engineer at the company you'll contribute to design and development of various ... Contribute to the development of state-of-the-art techniques and algorithms for robotic perception

New

Job Overview We are seeking a Perception Hardware Engineer to join a team that will integrate and ... Bachelor's degree or greater in Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, or a ...

Perception Hardware Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$122K - $161K/yr

Job Overview We are seeking a Perception Hardware Engineer to join a team that will integrate and ... Bachelor's degree or greater in Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, or a ...

We design and integrate multi-axis robotic arms, perception systems including custom imaging ... As an Electrical Engineer on the Surgery & Robot Hardware Team, you will be expected to design ...

Showing results 21-40

Robotics Perception Engineer information

See Austin, TX salary details

$28.7K

$104.7K

$167.5K

How much do robotics perception engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for robotics perception engineer in Austin, TX is $104,677.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,800.00 and $125,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a robotics perception engineer?

Robotics Perception Engineers are professionals who specialize in enabling robots to interpret and understand their environment using sensors and data processing algorithms. They work on developing and implementing computer vision, sensor fusion, and machine learning techniques so that robots can perceive objects, people, and surroundings. Their work is crucial for applications such as autonomous vehicles, drones, industrial automation, and service robots. By improving a robot's ability to 'see' and make sense of the world, they help create safer and more effective robotic systems.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a robotics perception engineer?

To thrive as a Robotics Perception Engineer, you need strong expertise in computer vision, sensor fusion, machine learning, and proficiency in programming languages like C++ and Python, often supported by a degree in robotics, computer science, or a related field. Familiarity with tools and frameworks such as ROS (Robot Operating System), OpenCV, and deep learning libraries, as well as experience with sensors like LiDAR and cameras, is typically required. Excellent problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and adaptability help set standout professionals apart in this role. These competencies are crucial for enabling robots to accurately interpret and interact with their environment, leading to robust and reliable autonomous systems.

What are some common challenges faced by robotics perception engineers when integrating new sensors into autonomous systems?

Robotics Perception Engineers often encounter challenges such as sensor calibration, data synchronization, and managing varying data quality when integrating new sensors. Ensuring that sensor data is accurately aligned in time and space is crucial for reliable perception in autonomous systems. Additionally, engineers must address the complexities of fusing data from multiple modalities (like cameras, LiDAR, or radar) while optimizing processing efficiency. Close collaboration with hardware and software teams is essential to troubleshoot integration issues and achieve robust, real-time perception.

What is the difference between Robotics Perception Engineer vs Computer Vision Engineer?

AspectRobotics Perception EngineerComputer Vision Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Robotics, Computer Science, or Electrical Engineering; experience with perception algorithmsBachelor's or Master's in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related fields; strong programming skills in vision processing
Work EnvironmentRobotics labs, autonomous vehicle companies, industrial automationSoftware companies, tech startups, research labs focusing on image and video analysis
Industry UsageAutonomous vehicles, robotics, manufacturingHealthcare, security, consumer electronics, automotive

Robotics Perception Engineers focus on developing perception systems specifically for robots, integrating sensors and perception algorithms for navigation and interaction. Computer Vision Engineers primarily develop algorithms for interpreting visual data across various applications. While both roles require strong programming and understanding of perception, Robotics Perception Engineers specialize in sensor fusion and real-time processing within robotic systems, whereas Computer Vision Engineers work more broadly on image analysis and recognition tasks.

What are popular job titles related to Robotics Perception Engineer jobs in Austin, TX?

For Robotics Perception Engineer jobs in Austin, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Robotics Perception Engineer jobs in Austin, TX look for?

The top searched job categories for Robotics Perception Engineer jobs in Austin, TX are:

What cities near Austin, TX are hiring for Robotics Perception Engineer jobs?

Cities near Austin, TX with the most Robotics Perception Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Robotics Perception Engineer job openings in Austin, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $104,677 per year, or $50.3 per hour.

Senior Perception Hardware Engineer

Apptronik

Austin, TX • On-site

$109K - $146K/yr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

JOB SUMMARY

As a Senior Perception Hardware Engineer focusing on Sensor Calibration, you will own the critical link between the physical world and our robot's autonomy stack. Apollo relies on a complex, multi-modal perception suite to navigate and manipulate its environment.

Your mission is to ensure these sensors act as a unified, mathematically perfect system. You will design the physical fixtures, write the calibration algorithms, and build the scalable factory processes that define the intrinsic, extrinsic, and temporal calibration of our humanoid robots. You will be the resident expert on optical physics, 3D geometry, and sensor precision.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES or KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

Calibration Architecture & Algorithms
  • Sensor Modeling: Define and implement robust intrinsic models for various optical sensors (e.g., pinhole, fisheye, Brown-Conrady, Kannala-Brandt) and inertial sensors (bias, scale factors, random walk).
  • Extrinsic Calibration: Develop highly accurate sensor-to-sensor and sensor to kinematic base spatial transformations.
  • Temporal Synchronization: Work with electrical and embedded teams to validate hardware-level timing. Ensure sub-microsecond synchronization across all perception streams using PTP (Precision Time Protocol), PPS, and hardware triggering.
Hardware & Fixture Design
  • Precision Fixturing: Design the physical calibration targets (e.g., CharuCo boards, custom 3D geometries) and the lighting environments required for high-repeatability factory calibration.
  • Mounting & Stability Validation: Collaborate with mechanical engineers to evaluate and optimize sensor mounting rigidity. Characterize calibration drift caused by thermal gradients, mechanical shock, and joint wear.
Factory & In-Field Scalability
  • End-of-Line (EOL) Automation: Build the automated calibration pipeline for our manufacturing line, allowing non-engineers to reliably calibrate a multi-sensor humanoid head in minutes.
  • Online/In-Field Calibration: Develop lightweight "auto-calibration" or self-diagnostic routines that allow Apollo to detect sensor drift in the field and dynamically adjust its extrinsic transforms without human intervention.
  • Data & Analytics: Establish a data-tracking architecture to monitor fleet-wide calibration health, identifying batch variances or specific hardware degradation over time.

SKILLS AND REQUIREMENTS

  • Experience: 5+ years of industry experience in perception hardware, computer vision, or robotics, with a primary focus on sensor calibration and validation.
  • Mathematical Foundation: Deep understanding of 3D geometry, linear algebra, coordinate frame transformations (quaternions, rotation matrices, SE(3)), and non-linear optimization (least-squares, bundle adjustment).
  • Software Proficiency: Strong programming skills in Python and C++. Extensive experience with computer vision libraries (OpenCV, PCL) and optimization frameworks (e.g., Ceres Solver, g2o).
  • Hardware Intuition: Hands-on experience working directly with optical components, LiDAR mechanisms, and MEMS IMUs. You understand the physical limitations that cause optical distortion, rolling shutter artifacts, and IMU drift.
  • System-Level Thinking: Ability to translate abstract autonomy requirements (e.g., "we need 1cm grasping accuracy at 1 meter") into concrete hardware and calibration tolerances.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE 

  • Education: MS, or PhD in Robotics, Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer 
  • Must be able to lift 15 pounds at times
  • Vision to read printed materials and a computer screen
  • Hearing and speech to communicate