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Robotics Perception Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

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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 Aug 17, 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 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 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 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 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 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,729 per year, or $52.3 per hour.

Senior Manager, Perception (R3634)

Shield AI

Washington, DC • On-site

$229K - $343K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube. 

Job Description:
As a member of the HMS Perception team, you will conduct software development at the intersection of classical state estimation techniques, sensor fusion, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and machine perception. You will develop cutting-edge technology onto real hardware that provides robust and accurate estimates of vehicle pose and surroundings for real missions. Shield AI is pushing the envelope by applying advanced AI solutions to real hardware systems. An ideal candidate should aspire to be a part of this industry-changing team developing and deploying advanced technology that can truly make an impact. 
 
We are seeking a skilled and motivated leaders with 10+ years of experience to manage a technical team supporting the development, integration, and testing of perception algorithms for advanced aerospace, defense, and robotics systems. In this role, you will contribute to implementing and integrating innovative perception solutions while collaborating with a multidisciplinary team of engineers to meet challenging operational requirements.
What you'll do:
  • Lead teams across autonomy, integration, and testing by aligning technical efforts, resolving cross-functional challenges, and driving mission-focused execution. Balance hands-on technical oversight with performance optimization, innovation, and clear stakeholder communication.
  • Write production quality software in C++ 
  • Produce an Assured Position, Navigation, and Timing (A-PNT) system to enable reliable autonomy in GNSS-degraded or denied environments 
  • Extend and specialize Shield AI’s state-of-the-art state estimation framework for new sensors, platforms, and missions 
  • Write test code to validate your software with simulated and real-world data 
  • Collaborate with hardware and test teams to validate algorithms/code on aerial platforms 
  • Write analyzers to ingest data and produce statistics to validate code quality 
  • Enhance sensor models within a high-fidelity simulation environment 
  • Work in a fast-paced, collaborative, continuous development environment, enhancing analysis and benchmarking capabilities 
Required qualifications:
  • BS/MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, and/or similar degree, or equivalent practical experience 
  • Ability to develop, benchmark, debug, and deploy software-based algorithms 
  • Demonstrated problem solving skills by applying a scientific approach 
  • Typically requires a minimum of 10 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or 9 years and a Master’s degree; or 8 years with a PhD; or equivalent work experience
  • 2+ years managing technical teams.
  • Demonstrated experience integrating and working with sensor payloads in the DoD space
  • Proficient with sensor fusion for noisy high-bandwidth exteroceptive sensors on compute-constrained systems
  • A solid foundation in theory related to state estimation, object detection,  data association, probabilistic robotics, and signal processing.
  • Experience working projects with 10+ contributors 
  • Offers Fast, efficient, effective problem solving approaches 
  • Exceptional collaborator and communicator 
  • Comfortability within Unix environments 
  • Hard-working, trustworthy teammate 
  • Exhibits holding themselves and others to high standards 
  • Being kind to others 
  • Ability to obtain a SECRET clearance 
Preferred qualifications:
  • MS or greater in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, and/or similar degree, or equivalent practical experience 
  • Understanding of robotics technologies related to autonomous behavior development e.g. task allocation or planning. 
  • Understanding/Experience with unmanned system technologies and accompanying algorithms (specifically air domain) 
  • Familiarity with high-fidelity simulation and sensor modeling
  • Working knowledge of Kalman Filter, Factor Graphs and other modern estimator fundamentals.
  • Strong working knowledge of Computer Vision with hands-on experience with OpenCV or similar CV libraries.
  • Experience developing sensor effects (control) algorithms.
  • Hands-on experience developing or implementing state of the art object detection/recognition pipelines.
  • Active SECRET clearance 
  • Experience with UCI and OMS Standards
#LI-ED1
#LE

Full-time regular employee offer package:
Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity
 
Temporary employee offer package:
Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)
 
Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.
 
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Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know. 

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.