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Robotics Perception Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Lead the physical integration of the robot's visual perception stack. Drive the transition from prototype designs to fully validated, production-ready camera assemblies, ensuring all FOV, thermal ...

Robotic Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$130K/yr

... robotics, IOT and consumer devices) and our cross-disciplinary skills (embedded AI, high-tech ... Develop and optimize control algorithms, perception systems, and navigation strategies * Integrate ...

Robotic Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$130K/yr

... robotics, IOT and consumer devices) and our cross-disciplinary skills (embedded AI, high-tech ... Develop and optimize control algorithms, perception systems, and navigation strategies * Integrate ...

Senior Engineer, Computer Vision

Austin, TX · On-site +1

$103K - $142K/yr

Contribute to the development of state-of-the-art techniques and algorithms for robotic perception * Write production code in C++ for a variety of platforms, including GPUs * Help to recruit and ...

Perception Hardware Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$122K - $161K/yr

Job Overview We are seeking a Perception Hardware Engineer to join a team that will integrate and ... Bachelor's degree or greater in Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, or a ...

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Robotics Perception information

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in Robotics Perception roles when integrating perception systems with real-world robotics applications?

A key challenge in Robotics Perception is ensuring that perception algorithms—such as object detection, mapping, and localization—operate reliably in dynamic, unstructured environments. Professionals often need to address sensor noise, variable lighting conditions, and occlusions that can impact data quality. Integrating perception systems with robotic hardware requires close collaboration with mechanical, software, and controls engineers to ensure real-time performance and robustness. Adapting solutions to different platforms and continuously validating them in field tests is also an essential, ongoing responsibility.

What is robotics perception?

Robotics perception refers to the ability of robots to interpret and understand their environment using sensors such as cameras, LIDAR, and radar. This field combines elements of computer vision, machine learning, and sensor fusion to help robots identify objects, navigate spaces, and interact with the world safely and effectively. Robotics perception is crucial for autonomous systems like self-driving cars, drones, and industrial robots, enabling them to make decisions based on real-time data from their surroundings.

What is the difference between Robotics Perception vs Robotics Software Engineer?

AspectRobotics PerceptionRobotics Software Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Robotics, Computer Science, or related fields; experience with perception algorithmsBachelor's or Master's in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related; programming skills in C++, Python
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, R&D departments, industry settings focused on sensor data processingDevelopment teams, industrial or research settings, focusing on software development for robots
Industry UsageUsed in autonomous vehicles, drones, and robotic systems for environment understandingDevelops the software that enables robotic functionalities, including perception modules

Robotics Perception specialists focus on developing algorithms that interpret sensor data to understand the environment, while Robotics Software Engineers build the overall software systems that incorporate perception modules. Both roles often collaborate but differ in their core focus and skill sets.

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 a solid background in computer vision, machine learning, and robotics, typically supported by a degree in computer science, engineering, or a related field. Experience with tools like ROS (Robot Operating System), OpenCV, and programming languages such as Python or C++ is essential, along with familiarity with sensor technologies and perception algorithms. Strong problem-solving skills, teamwork, and clear communication are crucial soft skills for addressing complex challenges and collaborating effectively. These abilities ensure robust perception systems, enabling robots to interpret and interact safely and efficiently with their environments.
What cities in Texas are hiring for Robotics Perception jobs? Cities in Texas with the most Robotics Perception job openings:
Staff Perception Hardware Engineer

Staff Perception Hardware Engineer

Apptronik

Austin, TX • On-site

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Apptronik is a human-centered robotics company developing AI-powered robots to support humanity in every facet of life. Our flagship humanoid robot, Apollo, is built to collaborate thoughtfully with people, starting with critical industries such as manufacturing and logistics, with future applications in healthcare, the home, and beyond.
We operate at the cutting edge of embodied AI, applying our expertise across the full robotics stack to solve some of society's most important problems. You will join a team dedicated to bringing Apollo to market at scale, tackling the complex challenges like safety, commercialization, and mass production to change the world for the better.
JOB SUMMARY
Apptronik is seeking a Staff Perception Hardware Engineer to serve as the execution leader for Apollo's perception hardware systems. While others may draw the block diagrams, you are the engineer responsible for making sure the physical hardware actually works, scales, and ships.
At the Staff level, you will tackle the most complex, multi-disciplinary bottlenecks in the perception stack. You will lead the hands-on integration, aggressive troubleshooting, and physical validation of high-performance cameras, complex optics, and multi-gigabit data links on a moving, vibrating humanoid. You will act as the "boots-on-the-ground" technical authority, leading cross-functional engineering efforts through critical design phases, system bring-up, custom hardware development, ISP tuning, and manufacturing deployment to ensure Apollo perceives the world with unmatched clarity.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES or KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES
  • End-to-End System Execution: Lead the physical integration of the robot's visual perception stack. Drive the transition from prototype designs to fully validated, production-ready camera assemblies, ensuring all FOV, thermal, and mechanical stability targets are met on the physical hardware.
  • Custom Module Development & Vendor Execution: When off-the-shelf components fall short, define the electrical, optical, and mechanical specifications for custom sensor modules. Drive external optical vendors and contract manufacturers (CMs) through the build process, ensuring strict adherence to Apptronik's standards.
  • Custom Bring-Up & Validation Plans: Architect and own the comprehensive bring-up, DVT (Design Verification Testing), and End-of-Line (EOL) test plans for all custom-built sensor modules, ensuring they are rigorously validated before they ever integrate into the humanoid platform.
  • Hands-on ISP Tuning & IQ Validation: Take ownership of the image quality (IQ) on the actual robot. Perform deep, hands-on ISP tuning (auto-exposure, white balance, tone mapping) in real-world environments to ensure the camera data satisfies both the strict requirements of machine learning models and the low-latency needs of human teleoperators.
  • High-Speed Bring-up & Deep Debugging: Lead the electrical bring-up and validation of the multi-gigabit video backbone (e.g., GMSL2/3, FPD-Link). Serve as the ultimate escalation point for complex, system-level EMI/EMC debugging, using high-speed oscilloscopes and analyzers to track down frame drops and signal integrity issues across dynamic robot joints.
  • Synchronization Execution: Implement and rigorously measure the hardware-level synchronization across cameras, LiDAR, and IMUs. Prove out sub-microsecond timing accuracy on the physical robot using oscilloscopes and custom test fixtures to guarantee pristine data for visual-inertial odometry (VIO).
  • Calibration & Fixture Deployment: Design, build, and deploy the physical calibration fixtures and algorithms used to align the optical system. Troubleshoot and resolve complex intrinsic/extrinsic drift issues, ensuring the calibration process scales reliably from the R&D lab to the factory floor.
  • Cross-Functional Adjudication (DfX): Act as the technical adjudicator in the lab between Industrial Design (ID), Mechanical, and Thermal teams. Drive physical testing and prototyping to resolve conflicts between Apollo's iconic A-surface aesthetics, sensor FOV constraints, and thermal dissipation needs.
  • Technical Leadership & Mentorship: Lead complex, cross-functional problem-solving efforts to resolve critical "line-down" or "launch-blocking" hardware bugs. Mentor senior and junior engineers in the lab, establishing a culture of rigorous physical testing and root-cause analysis.

SKILLS AND REQUIREMENTS
  • Shipped Product Focus: A proven track record of taking complex perception hardware-including custom-defined sensor modules-from the breadboard phase all the way through DVT and into mass production.
  • Vendor Management: Proven experience working directly with optical vendors, CMOS manufacturers, and CMs to define, build, and test custom camera or sensor modules.
  • Hands-On Troubleshooting Mastery: Expert-level proficiency with high-end lab equipment (high-bandwidth oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, TDRs). You have a "sixth sense" for tracking down ground loops, EMI noise, and intermittent signal integrity issues.
  • Deep Optical & Image Physics: Deep practical understanding of CMOS sensor tuning, optical lens artifacts (flare, ghosting, distortion), and how to physically mitigate them within tight mechanical enclosures.
  • System-Level Math & Calibration: Mastery of the linear algebra and 3D geometry underlying multi-camera arrays, stereo baselines, and visual-inertial sensor fusion, with the ability to write scripts (Python/C++) to validate these models on real hardware.
  • Drive Through Influence: Exceptional ability to lead technical initiatives and align cross-functional stakeholders (Software, ID, and ME) without direct reporting authority, using empirical data from the lab to drive decisions.
  • Agility: Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-growth environment where "perfect" is the enemy of "shipped," knowing exactly when a design is robust enough for the real world.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
  • Experience: Master or Ph.D degree in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field with 8+ years of hands-on experience integrating and shipping complex vision hardware systems for robotics, autonomous vehicles, or advanced AR/VR platforms.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
  • Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer
  • Must be able to lift 15 pounds at times
  • Vision to read printed materials and a computer screen
  • Hearing and speech to communicate

*This is a direct hire. Please, no outside Agency solicitations.
Apptronik provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.