ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Robotics Perception Jobs (NOW HIRING)

FieldAI

Senior Robot Perception Engineer

Irvine, CA · Remote

$70K - $300K/yr

We're looking for a Senior Robotics Perception Engineer to own and advance perception capabilities for our federal autonomy programs. In this role, you will lead development of the perception stack ...

FieldAI

Senior Robot Perception Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site +1

$70K - $300K/yr

We're looking for a Senior Robotics Perception Engineer to own and advance perception capabilities for our federal autonomy programs. In this role, you will lead development of the perception stack ...

FieldAI

Senior Robot Perception Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$70K - $300K/yr

We're looking for a Senior Robotics Perception Engineer to own and advance perception capabilities for our federal autonomy programs. In this role, you will lead development of the perception stack ...

Anduril Industries

Perception Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, or related field ... Background in robotics perception for drones or marine vehicles * Experience with real-time ...

Tutor Intelligence

Robot Perception Engineer

Watertown, MA · On-site

$125K - $180K/yr

As an AI robotics company that deploys its inventions directly into the facilities that need them ... Perception Engineer As a Perception Engineer at Tutor Intelligence, you'll design, build, and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

People also search for

All JobsRobotics Perception Jobs

Robotics Perception information

See salary details

$84K

$96K

$116.5K

How much do robotics perception jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for robotics perception in the United States is $96,000.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $90,000.00 and $102,000.00 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.
More about Robotics Perception jobs
What cities are hiring for Robotics Perception jobs? Cities with the most Robotics Perception job openings:
What states have the most Robotics Perception jobs? States with the most job openings for Robotics Perception jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Robotics Perception jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Robotics Perception jobs are:
Robotics Perception jobs near you
Infographic showing various Robotics Perception job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 51% Full Time, 46% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,000 per year, or $46.2 per hour.

Senior Robot Perception Engineer

FieldAI

Irvine, CA • Remote

$70K - $300K/yr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Who are We?

Field AI is transforming how robots interact with the real world. We are building risk-aware, reliable, and field-ready AI systems that address the most complex challenges in robotics, unlocking the full potential of embodied intelligence. We go beyond typical data-driven approaches or pure transformer-based architectures, and are charting a new course, with already-globally-deployed solutions delivering real-world results and rapidly improving models through real-field applications.

Learn more at https://fieldai.com.

About the Job

At FieldAI, we’re building autonomy for robots that operate in the real world, in harsh environments, and under challenging conditions where traditional sensing breaks down. We’re looking for a Senior Robotics Perception Engineer to own and advance perception capabilities for our federal autonomy programs. In this role, you will lead development of the perception stack for robots operating in unstructured terrains, taking responsibility for performance, robustness, and deployment on new platforms and sensor configurations. You’ll work hands-on across software and hardware for integrating LiDAR, RADAR and multispectral, and sensing into production autonomy systems and delivering capabilities that directly support customers.

What You Will Do1. Build and Maintain Perception Systems

  • Design, implement, and maintain perception systems for autonomous robots operating in real-world environments.

  • Develop robust localization and mapping capabilities that perform reliably in unstructured, off-road, and field conditions.

  • Continuously evaluate and improve perception performance through testing, iteration, and field validation.

2. Develop and Integrate Sensor-Based Perception

  • Implement perception algorithms that fuse data from multiple sensors such as LiDAR, cameras, RADAR and inertial sensors. 

  • Support the integration of new sensing modalities and sensor configurations as robotic platforms evolve.

  • Ensure perception software operates reliably across simulation and real-world deployments.

3. Deploy Perception Software on Real Robots

  • Bring perception algorithms from development to deployment on physical robotic systems.

  • Debug and resolve issues discovered during on-robot testing and field operations.

  • Collaborate with autonomy, controls, and platform teams to ensure perception systems integrate cleanly into the full autonomy stack.

4. Improve System Robustness and Scalability

  • Contribute to code quality, testing, and long-term maintainability of perception systems.

  • Develop tools, metrics, and tests to monitor performance and catch regressions over time.

  • Help scale perception solutions across multiple robots, environments, and missions.

5. Collaborate Across Teams

  • Work closely with engineers, researchers, and operators to define perception requirements and deliver reliable solutions.

  • Communicate technical designs, tradeoffs, and results clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

  • Support field operations and customer demonstrations by ensuring perception systems are production-ready.

What You Have

  • PhD degree in Robotics, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field or MS degree in a related field with 2+ years of industry or applied research experience, or BS degree in a related field with 4+ years of relevant experience.

  • Strong background in robot perception, localization, and mapping (SLAM) for real-world robotic systems.

  • Hands-on experience developing and deploying perception software in field robotics environments (not just simulation).

  • Proficiency in modern robotics software development (C++, Python) and ROS/ROS2 based systems.

  • Experience working with robot perception and state estimation (VIO, LIO, mapping, sensor fusion etc).

  • Ability to take ownership of complex subsystems, from design through field deployment and long-term maintenance.

  • Comfort working close to hardware, including debugging sensor data, calibration, and real-world failures.

  • Strong problem-solving skills and ability to operate independently in fast-moving, small teams.

The Extras That Set You Apart 

  • Experience with thermal, LWIR, or multispectral passive sensing for robotic perception.

  • Experience integrating and calibrating custom sensor rigs (e.g., stereo, thermal, or multi-LiDAR setups).

  • Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines, performance regression testing, and benchmarking for perception systems.

  • Experience aligning or unifying perception stacks across multiple platforms or product lines.

  • Demonstrated leadership in research, field operations, or mentoring junior engineers and researchers.

  • Knowledge of containerization (Docker, Kubernetes) and modern DevOps practices.

Compensation

The salary range for this role is $70,000-$300,000. The actual offer for this position will be based on factors such as relevant experience, competencies, certifications, and how well the candidate meets the qualifications outlined above. Part of our compensation package also includes full benefits, equity, and generous time. 

Why Join Field AI?

We are solving one of the world’s most complex challenges: deploying robots in unstructured, previously unknown environments. Our Field Foundational Models™ set a new standard in perception, planning, localization, and manipulation, ensuring our approach is explainable and safe for deployment.

You will have the opportunity to work with a world-class team that thrives on creativity, resilience, and bold thinking. With a decade-long track record of deploying solutions in the field, winning DARPA challenge segments, and bringing expertise from organizations like DeepMind, NASA JPL, Boston Dynamics, NVIDIA, Amazon, Tesla Autopilot, Cruise Self-Driving, Zoox, Toyota Research Institute, and SpaceX, we are set to achieve our ambitious goals.

Be Part of the Next Robotics Revolution

To tackle such ambitious challenges, we need a team as unique as our vision — innovators who go beyond conventional methods and are eager to tackle tough, uncharted questions. We’re seeking individuals who challenge the status quo, dive into uncharted territory, and bring interdisciplinary expertise. Our team requires not only top AI talent but also exceptional software developers, engineers, product designers, field deployment experts, and communicators.

We are headquartered in always-sunny Irvine, Southern California and have US based and global teammates. 

Join us, shape the future, and be part of a fun, close-knit team on an exciting journey!

We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Candidates and employees are always evaluated based on merit, qualifications, and performance. We will never discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. 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.