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Robotics Perception Engineer Jobs in Columbia, MD

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 ...

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

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 ...

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 ...

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

Path Planning Engineer

Clarksburg, MD · On-site

$150K - $180K/yr

Solid software engineering fundamentals: system design, unit/integration testing, debugging ... robotics middleware (e.g., ROS/ROS2 or similar frameworks) * Experience working across perception ...

Showing results 41-60

Robotics Perception Engineer information

See Columbia, MD salary details

$28.8K

$104.8K

$167.7K

How much do robotics perception engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 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 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 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 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 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 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:

Senior Manager, Perception (R3634)

Shield AI

Washington, DC

$229K - $343K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago


Job description

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, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies. 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. 

Job Description:
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, and machine perception. You will develop cutting-edge technology onto real hardware that provides robust and accurate estimates of vehicle pose and surroundings for real missions. Shield AI is pushing the envelope by applying advanced AI solutions to real hardware systems. An ideal candidate should aspire to be a part of this industry-changing team developing and deploying advanced technology that can truly make an impact. 
 
We are seeking a skilled and motivated leaders with 10+ years of experience to manage a technical team supporting the development, integration, and testing of perception algorithms for advanced aerospace, defense, and robotics systems. In this role, you will contribute to implementing and integrating innovative perception solutions while collaborating with a multidisciplinary team of engineers to meet challenging operational requirements.
What you'll do:
  • 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.
  • Write production quality software in C++ 
  • Produce an Assured Position, Navigation, and Timing (A-PNT) system to enable reliable autonomy in GNSS-degraded or denied environments 
  • Extend and specialize Shield AI’s state-of-the-art state estimation framework for new sensors, platforms, and missions 
  • Write test code to validate your software with simulated and real-world data 
  • Collaborate with hardware and test teams to validate algorithms/code on aerial platforms 
  • Write analyzers to ingest data and produce statistics to validate code quality 
  • Enhance sensor models within a high-fidelity simulation environment 
  • Work in a fast-paced, collaborative, continuous development environment, enhancing analysis and benchmarking capabilities 
Required qualifications:
  • BS/MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, and/or similar degree, or equivalent practical experience 
  • Ability to develop, benchmark, debug, and deploy software-based algorithms 
  • Demonstrated problem solving skills by applying a scientific approach 
  • Typically requires a minimum of 10 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or 9 years and a Master’s degree; or 8 years with a PhD; or equivalent work experience
  • 2+ years managing technical teams.
  • Demonstrated experience integrating and working with sensor payloads in the DoD space
  • Proficient with sensor fusion for noisy high-bandwidth exteroceptive sensors on compute-constrained systems
  • A solid foundation in theory related to state estimation, object detection,  data association, probabilistic robotics, and signal processing.
  • Experience working projects with 10+ contributors 
  • Offers Fast, efficient, effective problem solving approaches 
  • Exceptional collaborator and communicator 
  • Comfortability within Unix environments 
  • Hard-working, trustworthy teammate 
  • Exhibits holding themselves and others to high standards 
  • Being kind to others 
  • Ability to obtain a SECRET clearance 
Preferred qualifications:
  • MS or greater in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, and/or similar degree, or equivalent practical experience 
  • Understanding of robotics technologies related to autonomous behavior development e.g. task allocation or planning. 
  • Understanding/Experience with unmanned system technologies and accompanying algorithms (specifically air domain) 
  • Familiarity with high-fidelity simulation and sensor modeling
  • Working knowledge of Kalman Filter, Factor Graphs and other modern estimator fundamentals.
  • Strong working knowledge of Computer Vision with hands-on experience with OpenCV or similar CV libraries.
  • Experience developing sensor effects (control) algorithms.
  • Hands-on experience developing or implementing state of the art object detection/recognition pipelines.
  • Active SECRET clearance 
  • Experience with UCI and OMS Standards
#LI-ED1
#LE

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.