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Senior Perception Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Senior Perception Engineer information

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$59.5K

$126.6K

$183.5K

How much do senior perception engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 29, 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Senior Perception Engineer, and why are they important?

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 are Senior Perception Engineers?

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 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.

More about Senior Perception Engineer jobs
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:
Infographic showing various Senior Perception Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 94% Physical, and 6% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $126,557 per year, or $60.8 per hour.
Software Perception Engineer

Software Perception Engineer

Nauticus Robotics

Webster, TX • On-site

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Company Description

We are a leading subsea robotics company dedicated to developing cutting-edge autonomous and remotely operated underwater systems. Our team is composed of engineers and scientists passionate about pushing the limits of subsea technology to enable exploration, inspection, and intervention in some of the most challenging environments on Earth. 

SUMMARY

We are seeking a mid-to-senior level Perception Software Engineer to join our team. The ideal candidate will have strong experience in C++ and/or Python, with expertise in computer vision, SLAM, and sensor fusion. This role will focus on developing and optimizing perception algorithms, integrating sensor data, and improving autonomy for subsea robotic systems. You will have the opportunity to develop, test and deploy software on new and existing hardware platforms working in real commercial environments at depths of up to 3km. If you thrive in a fast-paced, hands-on environment and enjoy solving complex real-world challenges, we want to hear from you. 

Job Description

DUTIES AND ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS 

We are seeking a mid-to-senior level Perception Software Engineer to join our team. The ideal candidate will have strong experience in C++ and/or Python, with expertise in computer vision, SLAM, and sensor fusion. This role will focus on developing and optimizing perception algorithms, integrating sensor data, and improving autonomy for subsea robotic systems. You will have the opportunity to develop, test and deploy software on new and existing hardware platforms working in real commercial environments at depths of up to 3km. If you thrive in a fast-paced, hands-on environment and enjoy solving complex real-world challenges, we want to hear from you. 

  • Develop and implement perception software for subsea robotic systems. 

  • Design, test, and optimize algorithms for sensor fusion, SLAM, object detection, and classification. 

  • Integrate sensor data (IMUs, cameras, sonar, laser, etc.) into robotic perception architectures. 

  • Utilize ROS for software development, simulation, and deployment. 

  • Develop and optimize deep learning-based perception models for underwater environments. 

  • Collaborate with electrical, mechanical, and software teams to refine system architecture. 

  • Implement robust software solutions that adhere to industry safety and reliability standards. 

  • Support system testing in lab environments and field deployments. 

  • Debug and troubleshoot perception-related hardware-software integration issues. 

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS 

Required 

  • 5+ years of experience in software engineering for robotics, computer vision, or embedded systems. 

  • Proficiency in C++ and Python for real-time and embedded applications. 

  • Experience with ROS and middleware communication (e.g., DDS, ZeroMQ, MQTT). 

  • Strong background in computer vision, SLAM, sensor fusion, and AI-based perception. 

  • Experience with integrating and processing data from sensors (IMU, sonar, LIDAR, cameras, etc.). 

  • Knowledge of Linux-based development and deployment. 

  • Experience with simulation environments (Gazebo, Webots, or similar). 

  • Familiarity with software development best practices (version control, CI/CD, testing frameworks).

Preferred 

  • Experience with underwater robotics or marine autonomy. 

  • Familiarity with AI-based perception models and deep learning frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch). 

  • Experience with GPU programming and parallel computing (CUDA, OpenCL). 

Additional Information

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly to remain in a stationary position. The employee will be required to operate a computer and will consistently use other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, and computer printer. The person in this position needs to move about inside the office to access filing cabinets, office machinery, etc. as necessary.  

  • The employee must possess the ability to communicate information and ideas so others will understand.  

  • The employee must possess the ability to observe details at close range.  

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Generally, this job operates in a professional office environment. This role may also require exposure to a variety of offshore platforms, various bodies of water, and small vessels.  

The performance of this position may also occasionally require exposure to the manufacturing areas, which may require the use of personal protective equipment such as safety glasses with side shields and mandatory hearing protection. 

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

EEOC STATEMENT

Nauticus Robotics is an Equal Opportunity/ Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, immigration status, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

EXPORT CONTROL

Nauticus Robotics is a federal contractor required to adhere to the Arms Export Control Act of 1976 which governs the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).  As a result, this position may include access to export-controlled information that is subject to US export control laws. Export control laws require employers to restrict access to export-controlled information or to obtain export licenses for non-U.S. person employees if their positions require access to information governed by ITAR. The ITAR defines a U.S. person means a person (as defined in 120.14 of this part) who is a lawful permanent resident as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(20) or who is a protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) which includes certain temporary residents and refugees and asylees. Nauticus Robotics does not obtain export licenses for these positions.