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Robotics Perception Engineer Jobs in Oxon Hill, MD

Robotics Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

$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 ...

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Robotics Perception Engineer information

See Oxon Hill, MD salary details

$29.5K

$107.2K

$171.6K

How much do robotics perception engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for robotics perception engineer in Oxon Hill, MD is $107,248.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,800.00 and $129,000.00 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 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 cities near Oxon Hill, MD are hiring for Robotics Perception Engineer jobs?

Cities near Oxon Hill, MD with the most Robotics Perception Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Robotics Perception Engineer job openings in Oxon Hill, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,248 per year, or $51.6 per hour.

2027 BS/MS Graduate Robotics Engineer

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory

Laurel, MD • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Define and develop new robotic systems and algorithmic solutions to address relevant challenges.

  • Develop algorithms, develop and integrate software stacks, design and fabricate hardware, and support field tests.

  • Lead small teams and present research results to the scientific community, external collaborators, and government sponsors.


Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory rating

9.6

Company rating: 9.6 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

2nd of 75 rated research


Job description

Description
Are you passionate about pursuing groundbreaking engineering and research to solve today's greatest challenges in robotics?
Do you enjoy working on meaningful interdisciplinary problems?
Do you thrive in a collaborative and creative environment?
If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.
If you are graduating with a Bachelor's and/or Master's degree in Robotics, Computer Science, Engineering, or Mathematics, we'd love to have you join our team! The Robotics Group in the Research and Exploratory Development Department is an interdisciplinary team of researchers and engineers that is inventing the future across the broad spectrum of robotics, with applications that strengthen national defense, advance space exploration, improve healthcare, and address critical challenges facing the nation. You can learn more about our current research at https://www.jhuapl.edu/isc.
We are seeking a highly skilled, highly motivated robotics engineer to join us in taking intelligent robotic systems from concept to reality. We are a multidisciplinary team focused on groundbreaking impacts in the areas of robotics control, embodied agentic AI, multi-agent collaboration, robotic perception, human-robot teaming, and novel robot design. Our team is committed to excellence in research that has real-world impact. Successful members of our team tend to be creative problem solvers who are comfortable working at the edge of their comfort zone. We strive to foster an environment that welcomes a variety of backgrounds and professional experience as we aim to solve the hardest problems in robotics.
As a member of our team, your primary responsibility will be defining and developing new robotic systems and algorithmic solutions to address relevant challenges. Current research areas include generative AI for robotic applications, advanced robotic control, robot perception & reasoning, novel robotic systems, human-robot teaming, multi-agent coordination, and safe/assured autonomy. Depending on your expertise, you will develop algorithms, develop and integrate software stacks, design and fabricate hardware, integrate robotic systems, support field tests, and lead small teams. You will have the opportunity to publish your work and present the results to the scientific community, external collaborators, and/or government sponsors. APL also has opportunities for staff at all experience levels to propose and work on their own ideas.
Qualifications
You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...
  • Have a Bachelor's or Master's degree in a relevant field such as Robotics, Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, or a related field.
  • Have experience in robotics or robotics applications of AI, computer science, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or mathematics.
  • Are skilled in one or more programming languages and robotics frameworks, particularly ROS2, Python and C++.
  • Are able to obtain a full DoD Secret-level security clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...
  • Have experience with technical writing and have previously published your work in the scientific literature.
  • Have experience developing, simulating, and demonstrating algorithms for control of robotic systems.
  • Have experience developing AI software that integrates with hardware such as robotic platforms, sensors, or mechanisms.
  • Have experience designing, fabricating, and integrating robotics hardware.

About Us
Why Work at APL?
The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.
At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accessibility@jhuapl.edu.
The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Minimum Rate
$85,000 Annually
Maximum Rate
$165,000 Annually

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