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Robotics Perception Engineer Jobs in Columbia, MD

Forterra

Perception Engineer

Clarksburg, MD · On-site

$130K - $180K/yr

About The Role We are seeking talented and motivated Perception Engineers to join our growing ... Hands-on experience with robotics or autonomous vehicles, in academic or industry settings

Forterra, Inc.

Perception Engineer

Clarksburg, MD · On-site

$130K - $180K/yr

About The Role We are seeking talented and motivated Perception Engineers to join our growing ... Hands-on experience with robotics or autonomous vehicles, in academic or industry settings

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$104.8K

$167.7K

How much do robotics perception engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for robotics perception engineer in Columbia, MD is $104,802.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,900.00 and $126,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

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 are Robotics Perception Engineers?

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 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 Columbia, MD? For Robotics Perception Engineer jobs in Columbia, MD, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Columbia, MD are hiring for Robotics Perception Engineer jobs? Cities near Columbia, MD with the most Robotics Perception Engineer job openings:
Robotics Perception Engineer jobs near you

NIST PREP Robotics and Perception Engineer

Southeastern Universities Research Association

Gaithersburg, MD • On-site

$68K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Posted 9 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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