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Robotics Perception Engineer Jobs in State College, PA

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Robotics Perception Engineer information

See State College, PA salary details

$28.4K

$103.3K

$165.3K

How much do robotics perception engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for robotics perception engineer in State College, PA is $103,281.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,700.00 and $124,200.00 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 State College, PA are hiring for Robotics Perception Engineer jobs?

Cities near State College, PA with the most Robotics Perception Engineer job openings:

Robotics Perception Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Robotics Perception Engineer job openings in State College, PA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $103,281 per year, or $49.7 per hour.

College of IST Wage-Payroll Graduate Assistant

Penn State University

University Park, PA • On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Part-time

Posted 13 days ago

Penn State University rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 104 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

236th of 628 rated colleges and universities

Job description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
  • CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS
The College of IST is seeking applicants for part-time job a part-time, wage payroll Graduate Assistant.
The Wage-Payroll Graduate Assistant will contribute to an NSF-funded interdisciplinary research project investigating self-supervised visual learning inspired by human perception. Responsibilities may include developing and evaluating machine learning and computer vision algorithms; implementing and testing research software; preparing and processing image and video datasets; conducting experiments and statistical analyses; reviewing relevant scientific literature; assisting with studies as needed; documenting research findings; and supporting the preparation of manuscripts, presentations, and research reports. The student will work closely with faculty PIs (Profs. Brad Wyble of Psychology and James Wang of IST) and other students in a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment.
Requirements, qualifications, and/or competencies:
  • Current enrollment in a graduate program at Penn State (M.S. or Ph.D.).
  • Background in artificial intelligence, computer vision, machine learning, or a closely related field.
  • Strong programming skills in Python; experience with PyTorch, TensorFlow, or similar deep learning frameworks is preferred.
  • Familiarity with computer vision, deep learning, or statistical learning methods.
  • Experience with scientific programming, data analysis, or software development in a Linux environment.
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
  • Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within an interdisciplinary research team.
  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Prior research experience in mechanical engineering, robotics, materials science, or related application domains is a plus, but not required.
  • Prior research experience, publications, or open-source software contributions are desirable but not required.

Compensation:
The starting rate for this job is $18-20 depending on qualifications.
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university's teaching, research, and service mission.
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