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Robotics Perception Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC

... perception solutions for Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), smart infrastructure, robotics ... Engineering consultants * ITS integrators * Channel/distribution partners * Identify, qualify, and ...

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Robotics Perception Engineer information

See Washington, DC salary details

$32.8K

$119.6K

$191.4K

How much do robotics perception engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for robotics perception engineer in Washington, DC is $119,608.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $94,600.00 and $143,800.00 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.
What are popular job titles related to Robotics Perception Engineer jobs in Washington, DC? For Robotics Perception Engineer jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Robotics Perception Engineer jobs in Washington, DC look for? The top searched job categories for Robotics Perception Engineer jobs in Washington, DC are:
Simulation & Game Developer (Autonomous Systems)

Simulation & Game Developer (Autonomous Systems)

TurbineOne

Washington, DC โ€ข Remote

Other

Posted 21 days ago


Job description

ABOUT THE JOB

Company Intro:
TurbineOne is the frontline perception company. We deliver decision advantage, better situational awareness, and stronger force protection. Our customers love how we automate the right portions of the military intelligence cycle while keeping them in the loop. The company is a small, fast-moving, and high-performance startup backed by the best DefenseTech venture capitalists.

Job Title: Senior / Principal, Simulation & Game Developer (Autonomous Systems)
Reporting to: Applied Robotics Engineering Manager
Location: Geographically flexible (remote-friendly)

Description

TurbineOne is looking for a senior/principal game developer to build an interactive simulation environment that brings our autonomous vehicle software to life. This role will focus on developing a "game-like" platform where both technical and non-technical users can design, run, and evaluate real-world scenarios involving aerial drones and autonomous maritime systems.

You will own the development of a simulation product that integrates our autonomy stack as the "agents" inside rich, physics-based environments. Leveraging platforms like Unreal Engine (AirSim) or Unity, you will create intuitive tools and immersive environments that enable rapid scenario testing, validation, and experimentation.

This is a highly cross-functional role at the intersection of game development, simulation, and robotics.

Primary Responsibilities
  • Own the design and development of a simulation platform that enables users to create and test real-world autonomous vehicle scenarios
  • Build immersive, physics-based environments using Unreal Engine (preferred, with AirSim) or Unity
  • Integrate TurbineOne's autonomy software into simulation environments as controllable agents
  • Develop intuitive tooling and UX that allows non-technical users to configure scenarios, define conditions, and evaluate outcomes
  • Create systems for scenario scripting, playback, telemetry visualization, and analysis
  • Collaborate closely with robotics engineers to ensure simulation fidelity and alignment with real-world vehicle behavior
  • Balance realism with usability-build simulations that are both technically meaningful and easy to interact with
  • Be a product owner-define and drive the vision for simulation capabilities; there are no tickets to crunch here
  • Dream big-prototype, experiment, and iterate quickly on new ideas for how simulation can accelerate autonomy development and testing
Desired Experience
  • 5+ years of experience in game development, simulation engineering, or interactive 3D application development
  • Strong experience with Unreal Engine (preferred) or Unity, including physics systems and environment creation
  • Experience building tools or systems for user-generated content (e.g., level editors, scenario builders, modding tools)
  • Familiarity with simulation frameworks such as AirSim, Gazebo, or similar is a strong plus
  • Experience integrating external systems or APIs into game engines (e.g., networking, real-time data, control systems)
  • Understanding of enemy AI, complex scripting behaviors or other NPC mecahnics
  • Strong sense of UX for interactive tools-especially for non-technical users
  • Experience working through ambiguity and shaping early-stage products
  • Bonus: familiarity with robotics concepts (ROS, MAVLink, etc.) or prior work in simulation for autonomy
Startup Culture Expectations
  • We're a small, fully remote team-everything is our responsibility
  • Our team thrives on autonomy, trust, and strong communication
  • You'll be expected to take full ownership of your domain-from idea to implementation
  • Comfort with constant change, fast iteration, and learning by doing is essential
  • We value builders who experiment, share failures openly, and push toward impactful solutions
  • Most startups fail-no one is coming to save us, and that's what makes this fun