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Senior Perception Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Perception Engineer

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$123K - $168K/yr

The Senior Perception Engineer will build perception algorithms and architecture to ensure safe operations for heavy machinery on construction and mining sites. Responsibilities : • Re-use, adapt ...

Senior Perception Engineer

$107K - $146K/yr

ISEE is seeking an experienced full-time Senior Perception Engineer to join our team. Job duties: Provide daily technical and execution guidance on research and development tasks to perception team ...

Senior Perception Engineer

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$124K - $170K/yr

The Senior Perception Engineer will work on the classical perception algorithms stack, contributing to the development and optimization of Aeva's 4D perception solutions for autonomous driving ...

Senior Perception Engineer

$107K - $146K/yr

ISEE is seeking an experienced full-time Senior Perception Engineer to join our team. Job duties: Provide daily technical and execution guidance on research and development tasks to perception team ...

We are looking for a Senior Perception Engineer to work on our classical perception algorithms stack. You will be part of a growing team focused on exploring how far Aeva's 4D FMCW LiDARs can push ...

We are looking for a Senior Perception Engineer to work on our classical perception algorithms stack. You will be part of a growing team focused on exploring how far Aeva's 4D FMCW LiDARs can push ...

We are looking for a Senior Perception Engineer to work on our classical perception algorithms stack. You will be part of a growing team focused on exploring how far Aeva's 4D FMCW LiDARs can push ...

Sr Engineer (Perception)

Shelton, CT

$104K - $143K/yr

Ranpak Corporation seeks a Sr. Perception Engineer, in Shelton, CT, to develop advanced software modules for robotic perception systems. Position requires a Bachelor of Science (or foreign equ) in ...

Sr Engineer (Perception)

Shelton, CT · On-site

$104K - $143K/yr

Ranpak Corporation seeks a Sr. Perception Engineer, in Shelton, CT, to develop advanced software modules for robotic perception systems. Position requires a Bachelor of Science (or foreign equ) in ...

Sr Engineer (Perception)

Shelton, CT · On-site

$104K - $143K/yr

Ranpak Corporation seeks a Sr. Perception Engineer, in Shelton, CT, to develop advanced software modules for robotic perception systems. Position requires a Bachelor of Science (or foreign equ) in ...

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Senior Perception Engineer information

See salary details

$59.5K

$126.6K

$183.5K

How much do senior perception engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior perception engineer in the United States is $126,557.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $104,500.00 and $143,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior perception engineer?

Senior Perception Engineers are specialized professionals who design and develop advanced perception systems for machines, such as autonomous vehicles or robots. They work on algorithms and sensor fusion techniques to help machines interpret and understand their environment, enabling safe navigation and decision-making. Their role often involves collaborating with cross-functional teams, optimizing software for real-time performance, and integrating sensor data from cameras, LiDAR, radar, and other sources. Senior-level engineers typically have several years of experience and take on leadership responsibilities within perception teams.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior perception engineer?

To thrive as a Senior Perception Engineer, you need a strong background in computer vision, machine learning, and sensor data processing, typically supported by a degree in computer science, robotics, or a related field. Proficiency with tools such as Python, C++, ROS, and deep learning frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow or PyTorch) is essential, along with experience working with LiDAR, radar, and camera systems. Excellent problem-solving abilities, collaboration, and strong communication skills help you tackle complex challenges and integrate seamlessly with multidisciplinary teams. These skills ensure the development of robust perception systems critical for the safety and performance of autonomous vehicles or robotic platforms.

How does a senior perception engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams in autonomous systems development?

As a Senior Perception Engineer, you will work closely with experts in robotics, software engineering, and hardware integration to develop and refine perception algorithms for autonomous systems. Collaboration often involves frequent meetings with sensor teams to ensure data quality, as well as alignment with planning and controls engineers to guarantee that perception outputs meet system requirements. You may also participate in code reviews, joint debugging sessions, and design discussions to ensure seamless integration of perception modules. This cross-disciplinary teamwork is essential for building reliable and robust autonomous solutions.

What is the difference between Senior Perception Engineer vs Computer Vision Engineer?

AspectSenior Perception EngineerComputer Vision Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's/Master's in CS, EE, or related; experience in perception algorithmsBachelor's/Master's in CS, EE, or related; strong background in image processing and algorithms
Work EnvironmentAutonomous vehicles, robotics, AI systemsImage analysis, machine learning, AI applications
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, automotive, roboticsTech firms, research labs, automotive
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared due to overlapping skills in perception and visionRelated but more focused on visual data processing

While both roles involve working with perception and visual data, a Senior Perception Engineer typically focuses on integrating perception systems into autonomous platforms, whereas a Computer Vision Engineer specializes in developing algorithms for image and video analysis. The roles often overlap but differ in application focus and industry usage.

What cities are hiring for Senior Perception Engineer jobs?

Cities with the most Senior Perception Engineer job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Perception Engineer jobs?

The most popular types of Perception Engineer jobs are:

What states have the most Senior Perception Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Senior Perception Engineer jobs include:

Senior Perception Engineer

John Deere & Company

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

$121K - $167K/yr

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


John Deere rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 294 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

175th of 542 rated manufacturers


Job description

There are over 7 billion people on this planet. And by 2050, there will be 2 billion more... many moving into urban centers at an unprecedented rate. Making sure there is enough food, fiber and infrastructure for our rapidly growing world is what we're all about at John Deere. And it's why we're investing in our people and our technology like never before! Here the world's brightest minds are tackling the world's biggest challenges. If you believe one person can make the world a better place, we'll put you to work. RIGHT NOW.
John Deere is an equal opportunity employer, including disabled & veterans.
Primary Location: United States (US) - California - Santa Clara
Function: Product Engineering (CA)
Title: Senior Perception Engineer - 122281
Onsite/Remote:Onsite Position
Your Responsibilities
As a Senior Perception Engineer for John Deere ISG located in Santa Clara, CA, you will:
  • Develop and maintain perception capabilities across the full autonomy stack - working from onboard C++ systems and sensor interfaces up through applied ML models that interpret the environment
  • Develop and maintain key components of the perception pipeline, including data ingestion, labeling, model execution, and downstream interfaces used by planning and controls
  • Diagnose and resolve perception failures using logs and sensor data - reconstructing system behavior when real-time debugging isn't possible and driving issues to root cause
  • Implement and optimize C++ modules running on embedded and edge compute platforms, ensuring real-time performance, robustness, and clean integration with the broader autonomy system
  • Train, evaluate, and deploy applied ML models for detection, segmentation, tracking, and scene understanding - focusing on production reliability rather than research novelty
  • Improve the quality and maintainability of perception codebases by refactoring legacy components, tightening interfaces, and eliminating technical debt
  • Collaborate closely with robotics, systems, and platform teams to ensure perception outputs meet system-level requirements and integrate cleanly across boundaries
  • Contribute to team engineering culture through thoughtful code reviews, design discussions, and sharing best practices in C++, ML, and systems debugging
  • Drive clarity in ambiguous problem spaces by breaking down perception issues into actionable engineering tasks and proposing pragmatic solutions

VISA Sponsorship is NOT available for this position
What Skills You Need
  • 3 or more years of professional software engineering experience, including substantial work in modern C++
  • Hands-on experience with applied machine learning for perception - training, evaluating, and deploying models using frameworks such as PyTorch or TensorFlow
  • Ability to work effectively across system boundaries - from onboard compute and middleware to cloud-based data workflows
  • Demonstrated ability to deliver high-quality, maintainable code and collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary engineering team
  • Strong debugging skills, especially in log-driven environments where issues span multiple processes, sensors, or system layers
  • Experience working with sensor data (camera, LiDAR, radar) and building or maintaining perception data pipelines

What Makes You Standout
  • Experience with ROS 2 (nodes, lifecycle, launch, parameters, QoS) and its build ecosystem
  • Experience deploying ML models to embedded platforms (Jetson, ARM, x86) and optimizing for latency, memory, or power constraints
  • Background in classical computer vision, sensor fusion, or tracking algorithms
  • Experience with static analysis and code quality tools (clang-tidy, ASAN/TSAN/UBSAN)
  • Experience with simulation environments, synthetic data generation, or system-level testing frameworks
  • Solid understanding of Linux development, build systems (CMake, Bazel, or colcon), and containerized workflows (Docker)
  • Familiarity with concurrency, performance constraints, and real-time considerations in robotics or embedded systems
  • Domain experience in agricultural, mining, construction, or other off-highway autonomous systems

Education
Ideally, you will have a degree or equivalent related work experience in the following:
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, or a related technical field
  • Master's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, or a related technical field is preferred
  • Coursework or demonstrated expertise in perception, machine learning, or robotics software architecture is preferred

What You'll Get
At John Deere, you are empowered to create a career that will take you to where you want to go while working in an inclusive team environment. Here, you'll enjoy the freedom to explore new projects, the support to think outside the box and the advanced tools and technology that foster innovation and achievement. Additionally, we offer a comprehensive reward package to help you get started on your new career path, including:
  • Flexible work arrangements
  • Highly competitive base pay
  • Savings & Retirement benefits (401K and Defined Contribution)
  • Healthcare benefits with a generous company contribution in the Health Savings Account
  • Adoption assistance
  • Employee Assistance Programs
  • Tuition assistance
  • Fitness subsidies and on-site gyms at specific Deere locations
  • Charitable contribution match
  • Employee Purchase Plan & numerous discount programs for personal use
  • Vacation and Holiday Pay

$124,584.00 - $186,864.00 + Benefits
Follow this link to learn more about our Total Rewards Package
Must be 18 years of age or older to apply
The information contained herein is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and qualifications required of individuals performing the job. The qualifications detailed in this job description are not considered the minimum requirements necessary to perform the job, but rather as guidelines.
The terms of the applicable benefit plans, and all company actions administering or interpreting these plans, continue to control. Deere & Company reserves the right to suspend, amend, modify, or terminate the Plan(s) in any manner at any time, including the right to modify or eliminate any cost-sharing between the company and participants. Changes, which can be made at any time, are made by action of the company's board of directors, or to the extent authorized by resolution of its board of directors, or by the Deere & Company Compensation Committee. In the event of a conflict between the language of the official Plan Documents and this document, the language of the official Plan Documents will control.
ACA Section 1557 Nondiscrimination Notice
The John Deere Health Benefit Plans for Salaried Employees and The John Deere Benefit Plan for Wage Employees comply with applicable Federal civil rights laws and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with disability.

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