1

Robotics Perception Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Knowledge of navigation, mapping algorithms and robot perception * Familiarity with real-time operating systems and embedded programming * Leadership experience on cross-functional software teams US ...

Knowledge of navigation, mapping algorithms and robot perception * Familiarity with real-time operating systems and embedded programming * Leadership experience on cross-functional software teams US ...

Computer Vision Engineer

Sterling, VA · On-site

$110K - $130K/yr

Join a cross-functional team of robotics, software, and mechanical engineers to build the computer vision and perception systems that powers Molg's robotic microfactories. As a Computer Vision ...

Showing results 21-40

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?

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 Virginia are hiring for Robotics Perception jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Robotics Perception job openings:

Senior Payloads Software Engineer

Forterra

Arlington, VA • On-site

$120K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

About Forterra
At Forterra, we are unleashing autonomy at scale to transform the battlefield. Our mission is to build the foundational platforms that enable an intelligent ecosystem to coordinate, adapt, and execute with speed and precision even in the uncertainty and disruption of modern conflict. In an era marked by rapid technological change and evolving threats, we design for flexibility, survivability, and operational dominance.
Forterra delivers weapons, sensors, and battlefield effects through integrated autonomous networks reaching operational areas faster, safer, and without placing human lives at risk. Our systems operate with distributed control, dynamic routing, and real-time responsiveness, enabling sustained advantage across complex mission environments.
About the role
Forterra is seeking a senior software engineer with a passion for autonomous systems. In this role, you will design, develop, and field software solutions that enable intelligent behavior in robotics and automation technologies. You will directly support real-world missions across our fleet of ground vehicles operated by our national security customers around the world.
The ideal candidate has a strong software development background, familiarity with robotics and autonomous systems, and proven track record of collaborating with a cross-functional team of engineers, researchers, and product managers to create robust and scalable software for complex systems.
What you'll do
  • Bring payloads into real operations: Integrate and deploy paylaods on customer-bound hardware platforms and validate it in real-world conditions.
  • Build with users and stakeholders: Work across the organization and directly with end-users to deliver new behaviors, payload integrations, and emerging mission use-cases.
  • Optimize the full system: Take a holistic view of autonomous vehicle behavior-how sensing, compute, controls, and other subsystems interact-and drive overall performance improvements.
  • Close the loop from test to deploy: Analyze test results, identify issues and root causes, and collaborate with engineering teams to drive problems to resolution
  • Connect product needs to R&D execution: Partner across business development and engineering teams to translate customer requirements into delivered autonomy capabilities.
  • Travel: Travel ranging from 10-25% and 25-50% depending on candidate preference and role placement. Ability to commute to Arlington, VA as needed.

Qualifications
  • 3 or more years of relevant experience
  • B.S. in computer science, engineering, robotics, or related field or relevant experience/show of skill
  • Experience in integrating software on hardware systems, including sensors, effectors, and compute platforms
  • Strong programming skills in languages in C/C++ (preferred)
  • Experience vehicle networks and diagnostics (CAN, CAN-FD, Ethernet, FlexRay, UDS/J1939) and to logging/trace tools
  • Solid core software engineering skills: software design, unit testing, debugging
  • Ability to consistently deliver production-quality software in a continuously integrated environment
  • Strong understanding of algorithms, data structures, and software design principles
  • Demonstrates clean, maintainable code and documentation practices
  • Experience working in teams and a willingness to proactively solve problems

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience in software development for robotics and autonomous systems
  • Experience working with open architectures (e.g., IOP, MOSA, SOSA, FACE, or similar)
  • Experience with safety-critical systems (e.g., MIL-STD-882, ISO-26262, DO-178)
  • Experience programming in languages in Python and Java
  • Experience with ROS2
  • Experience with state machines and motion / path planning
  • Experience with issue tracking (JIRA)
  • Knowledge of navigation, mapping algorithms and robot perception
  • Familiarity with real-time operating systems and embedded programming
  • Leadership experience on cross-functional software teams

US Salary Range
$120,000-$200,000
The salary range for this role is an estimate and is based on a wide variety of compensation factors. The salary offered to candidates will vary based on a variety of factors including (but not limited to) relevant work experience, education, specialized training, critical expertise, training, and more. Equity in Forterra is included in most of our full-time, high-demand roles and is therefore considered part of Forterra's overall compensation package. In addition to base salary and equity, Forterra offers competitive benefits for full-time employees including:
  • Premium Healthcare Benefits: Three plan options, including an HSA-eligible plan, with Forterra covering 80% of the plan premium for you and your dependents.
  • Basic Life/AD&D, short and long-term disability insurance plans 100% covered by Forterra, plus the option to purchase additional life insurance for you and your dependents.
  • Extremely generous company holiday calendar including a winter break in December.
  • Competitive paid time off (PTO) offering 20 days accrued per year.
  • A minimum of 7 weeks fully paid parental leave for birth/adoption.
  • A $9k annual tuition reimbursement or professional development stipend.
  • Fully stocked beverage refrigerators with all the Celsius your little heart desires.
  • 401(k) retirement savings plan, including traditional, Roth 401(k), and after-tax deferral with company match up to 4%.

Your recruiter will be able to share more information about our salary and benefits offering during the hiring process.
Forterra is an equal-opportunity employer, providing and promoting equal employment opportunity in accordance with local, state, and federal laws. Forterrans are unique, talented individuals who are united through a shared passion to deliver autonomous systems that enable national resilience and a robust supply chain. All qualified applications will receive equal consideration for employment.