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Robotics Perception Engineer Jobs in Portland, OR

Physical AI Senior Manager

Portland, OR · On-site

$134K - $177K/yr

Lead and mentor multi-disciplinary teams: data science, ML engineering, software and edge, vision ... Robotics and autonomy (e.g., industrial robotics, mobile robotics and AMRs, perception-to-action ...

Robotics Perception Engineer information

See Portland, OR salary details

$30.8K

$112K

$179.2K

How much do robotics perception engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for robotics perception engineer in Portland, OR is $111,995.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $88,600.00 and $134,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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, 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.
Business Development Manager - Physical AI

Business Development Manager - Physical AI

Altera

Hillsboro, OR • On-site

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Job Details:Job Description:

We are seeking a Business Development Manager to drive growth in FPGA-based solutions across the Physical AI domain - spanning robotics, autonomous systems, industrial and factory automation, and edge AI. This role focuses on expanding design wins across intelligent machines that sense, decide, and act in the physical world, from collaborative robots and autonomous platforms to factory-automation controllers and edge AI appliances. You will act as the bridge between customers, product management, engineering, and ecosystem partners to position FPGA solutions against competing architectures including ASSPs/SoCs, GPUs, and microcontroller-based platforms.

Physical AI is converging perception, decision, and actuation onto real-time machines while pushing more intelligence to the edge, and industrial automation is moving toward connected, software-defined, and AI-enabled factories. FPGAs are uniquely positioned to unify deterministic control, sensor fusion, real-time networking, and edge AI inference on a single adaptable platform. As several of these markets are fast-emerging, the role includes helping establish and scale the market motion - which requires strong technical business leadership at the system level.

Key Responsibilities

1. Market Development & Strategy

Identify and prioritize target segments including:

  • Robotics: industrial and collaborative robots (cobots), autonomous mobile robots (AMR/AGV), humanoids, end-of-arm tooling

  • Autonomous systems: drones / UAVs, autonomous ground and off-road vehicles, autonomous material handling

  • Industrial and factory automation: PLC / PAC controllers, motion and servo-drive control, machine control, IIoT / edge gateways

  • Edge AI: edge AI appliances and gateways, smart cameras and sensors, on-premise inference platforms

Track and interpret trends in:

  • Edge AI and on-device inference (model deployment, quantization, AI acceleration)

  • Multi-sensor fusion (camera, LiDAR, IMU, force / torque)

  • Real-time deterministic control, multi-axis motion, and industrial networking convergence (fieldbus TSN)

  • Industry 4.0 / IIoT, predictive maintenance, and the software-defined factory

  • Robotics and autonomy software stacks (ROS / ROS2) and AI frameworks

Identify opportunities where customers require:

  • Deterministic, low-latency control and motion loops

  • High-throughput, low-power edge AI inference

  • Multi-sensor aggregation and time synchronization

  • Functional safety for human-machine collaboration

  • Reconfigurability across evolving platforms and long industrial lifecycles

2. Customer Engagement & Design Wins

  • Build relationships with robotics OEMs, industrial-automation vendors (controls, drives, machine builders), autonomous-system developers, edge AI platform vendors, module / subsystem suppliers, and system integrators

Drive early-stage engagement with Sales to:

  • Influence system and safety architecture decisions

  • Position FPGA-based solutions across control, sensing, networking, and edge AI systems

  • Secure design-ins across platforms, machines, and derivatives

  • Support technical sales discussions spanning:

  • Motor / motion control (field-oriented control, multi-axis servo, encoder interfacing)

  • Industrial control and real-time networking (PLC / PAC, EtherCAT, PROFINET, EtherNet/IP, TSN)

  • Sensor fusion and perception pipelines

  • Edge AI / ML inference (CNN- and transformer-based workloads)

  • Functional-safety implementation (safe motion, redundancy, diagnostics)

Engage in system-level discussions involving:

  • Perception planning actuation pipelines

  • Centralized vs distributed control architectures (robot, machine, and factory cell)

  • Deterministic vs GPU-based processing trade-offs

3. Ecosystem & Partnerships

Build and manage relationships with:

  • Sensor, encoder, and actuator / drive vendors

  • Industrial networking, controls, and automation-software vendors

  • IP providers and software / AI stack vendors (ROS ecosystem, vision / AI frameworks)

  • Robotics and automation module makers, ODMs, and system integrators

  • Enable joint solutions and reference designs to accelerate customer adoption

4. Sales Enablement & Execution

  • Develop high-impact sales collateral including solution briefs, reference architectures (motion control, industrial networking, sensor fusion, edge AI), competitive positioning vs FPGA / SoC / ASSP / GPU / MCU alternatives, and ROI / TCO analyses

Support Sales teams with:

  • Use-case driven messaging for robotics, autonomous systems, industrial automation, and edge AI applications

  • Customer presentations and technical positioning

  • Opportunity qualification and deal progression

  • Deliver presentations at customer meetings, industry events, and trade shows

5. Internal Collaboration

  • Provide structured market feedback to product management and engineering

  • Influence product direction based on customer needs related to:

  • Real-time I/O and deterministic networking

  • Motion-control and safety features

  • Edge AI capabilities and AI fabric

  • Power, thermal, and form-factor for embedded, mobile, and industrial deployment

  • Support pricing discussions and business case development

The pay range below is for Bay Area California only. Actual salary may vary based ona number offactors including job location, job-related knowledge, skills, experiences,trainings, etc. We also offer incentive opportunities that reward employees based on individual and company performance.

$166.9K- $241.6KUSD

We use artificial intelligence to screen, assess, or select applicants for the position.Applicants must be eligible for any required U.S. export authorizations.

    Qualifications:

    Required Qualifications

    • Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field (Master's preferred)


    7+ years of experience in:

    • Robotics, industrial / factory automation, autonomous systems, or edge AI / embedded systems

    • Semiconductor, module, controls, or OEM environments

    Strong understanding of:

    • Motion / motor control and real-time systems

    • Industrial control and networking concepts

    • Sensor technologies and fusion (camera, LiDAR, IMU, force / torque)

    • AI / ML fundamentals (edge inference pipelines)

    • Familiarity with key interfaces and networks:

    • EtherCAT, PROFINET, EtherNet/IP, TSN, real-time Ethernet

    • Encoder interfaces (BiSS, EnDat, SSI), MIPI CSI-2

    • Experience engaging global customers and managing long design cycles


    Preferred Qualifications

    • Experience with FPGA-based systems or FPGA solution selling

    • Understanding of high-speed I/O and memory subsystems, multi-axis motion control, and edge AI deployment constraints (latency, power, form factor)

    • Familiarity with ROS / ROS2, AI frameworks, and edge AI toolchains

    • Awareness of functional-safety and industrial standards (ISO 10218, ISO/TS 15066, IEC 61508 / SIL, IEC 61131-3, IEC 62443)

    Prior experience with:

    • Robotics OEMs or integrators

    • Industrial automation / controls / drive companies

    • Autonomous-system, drone, or AMR/AGV developers

    • Edge AI platform or appliance vendors

    • MBA or business training is a plus


    Critical Success Factors

    • Design-in mindset: Ability to engage early and secure long lifecycle platform wins

    • System-level thinking: Understanding the complete signal chain from sensing through processing to actuation

    • Execution focus: Ability to convert opportunities into pipeline and revenue

    • Customer-centric approach: Strong listening skills and ability to translate requirements into solutions

    • Ecosystem leverage: Driving wins through partnerships, not just silicon features


    KPIs / Success Metrics

    • Design wins and revenue growth across robotics, autonomous systems, industrial automation, and edge AI segments

    • Number of qualified opportunities identified in motion control, industrial networking, sensor fusion, and edge AI systems

    • Pipeline growth and forecast accuracy

    • Engagements with OEMs, automation vendors, module vendors, and system integrators

    • Contribution to sales enablement and deal progression

    Job Type: RegularShift:Shift 1 (United States of America)Primary Location:San Jose, California, United StatesAdditional Locations:Austin, Texas, United States, Oregon HillsboroPosting Statement:All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, religious creed, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, military and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, gender, gender expression, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by local law, regulation, or ordinance.