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Robotics Perception Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

Apex Systems

Robotics Expert/Advisor

Washington, DC · On-site

Architect and oversee whole-body control frameworks, robot motion models, sensor models, and multi-modal perception stacks. Direct the design, integration, and validation of hardware subsystems ...

Booz Allen Hamilton

Robotics Engineer

Washington, DC

$99K - $225K/yr

Robotics Engineer The Opportunity: Support the research and development of unmanned systems across ... perception, localization, navigation, and behaviors in the air and ground domains * 3+ years ...

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All JobsRobotics Perception JobsRobotics Perception Jobs in Washington, DC

Robotics Perception information

See Washington, DC salary details

$95.1K

$108.7K

$131.9K

How much do robotics perception jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for robotics perception in Washington, DC is $108,729.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $101,900.00 and $115,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 are popular job titles related to Robotics Perception jobs in Washington, DC? For Robotics Perception jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Robotics Perception jobs in Washington, DC look for? The top searched job categories for Robotics Perception jobs in Washington, DC are:
Robotics Perception jobs near you
Infographic showing various Robotics Perception job openings in Washington, DC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,729 per year, or $52.3 per hour.
NIST PREP Robotics and Perception Engineer

NIST PREP Robotics and Perception Engineer

Southeastern Universities Research Association

Gaithersburg, MD • On-site

$68K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

This position is part of the National Institute of Standards (NIST) Professional Research Experience (PREP) program. NIST recognizes that its research staff may wish to collaborate with researchers at academic institutions on specific projects of mutual interest and thus requires that such institutions be the recipients of a PREP award. The PREP program requires staff from a wide range of backgrounds to work on scientific research in many areas. Employees in this position will perform technical work that underpins the scientific research of the collaboration. A candidate hired for this position will be through the university that is associated with the NIST PREP program and will be an employee of that University.
Research Title: Robotics and Perception Engineer: Perception Performance of Robotic Systems
Position Description: The Intelligent Systems Division at NIST is investigating the performance of 3D machine vision systems for various manufacturing applications. The research will focus on integrating 3D bin-picking vision systems with robotic arms and conducting experiments to evaluate their performance. This work will support the development of new metrics and standards for these systems.
Duties:
  • Integrate robot arms and commercial bin-picking systems into the NIST/ISD bin-picking testbed.
  • Program collaborative robot arms for conducting various tasks and experiments.
  • Research the effects of various factors (part color, part surface properties, bin color, bin depth, ratio of part size to bin size, part distribution in a bin) on bin picking performance (e.g., cycle time, pose uncertainty, etc.).
  • Collect data from various 3D imaging systems.
  • Design and develop 3D printed artifacts and optimize 3D printer parameters for improved quality of the 3D prints.
  • Use metrology systems (e.g., laser trackers, CMMs, etc.) for establishing reference measurements.
  • Use analysis software (e.g., Python, MATLAB, Spatial Analyzer, Polyworks, Excel, etc.) to interpret results and produce visualizations.
  • Assist in the development of demonstrations for trade shows and conferences.
  • Write reports and contribute to peer-reviewed publications.
  • Work schedule: On-campus (Gaithersburg, MD), Full-time (40hrs/week)
  • The applicant selected for this position will receive minimal training in the use of certain systems needed for the work.

Qualifications:
  • US Citizen preferred
  • Education: Engineering majors with a master's degree, or in their final year of a master's degree.
  • Programming experience in one or more of the following computer languages: Python, Java, C#
  • Experience with the following:
    • Using the Robot Operating System (ROS2) for visualizing and controlling robots.
    • CAD software: SolidWorks or OnShap
    • Using 3D printers (polymer and resin based) and optimizing 3D printing parameters.
    • Using and programming in the Linux environment.
    • Using MATLAB for data capture and analysis.
  • Basic understanding of
    • Robot control theory (DH parameters, kinematics, etc.)
    • 3D sensors such as LiDAR or RGBD cameras
    • Programming robot forward and inverse kinematics
    • 3D point cloud data processing techniques using Point Cloud
    • Library (PCL - http://pointclouds.org), CloudCompare, or other similar tools
    • Robotic bin picking systems
    • Using metrology tools such as CMM arms and metrology software.

Privacy Act StatementAuthority: 15 U.S.C. § 278g-1(e)(1) and (e)(3) and 15 U.S.C. § 272(b) and (c)
Purpose: The National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) hosts the Professional Research Experience Program (PREP) which is designed to provide valuable laboratory experience and financial assistance to undergraduates, post-bachelor's degree holders, graduate students, master's degree holders, postdocs, and faculty.
PREP is a 5-year cooperative agreement between NIST laboratories and participating PREP Universities to establish a collaborative research relationship between NIST and U.S. institutions of higher education in the following disciplines including (but may not be limited to) biochemistry, biological sciences, chemistry, computer science, engineering, electronics, materials science, mathematics, nanoscale science, neutron science, physical science, physics, and statistics. This collection of information is needed to facilitate administrative functions of the PREP Program.
Routine Uses: NIST will use the information collected to perform the requisite reviews of the applications to determine eligibility, and to meet programmatic requirements. Disclosure of this information is also subject to all the published routine uses as identified in the Privacy Act System of Records Notices: NIST-1: NIST Associates.
Disclosure: Furnishing this information is voluntary. When you submit the form, you are indicating your voluntary consent for NIST to use the information you submit for the purpose stated.
SURA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe that no one should be discriminated against because of their differences, such as age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity and expression, religion, or sexual orientation. All employment decisions shall be made without regard to age, race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, disability status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, citizenship status, or any other basis as protected by federal, state, or local law.
PREP0004211

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