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Slam Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Staff Autonomy Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Set technical direction for major areas of the autonomy stack - perception, SLAM, prediction ... Partner with engineering managers, product, and hardware on staffing, sequencing, and risk; serve ...

Staff Autonomy Engineer

San Diego, CA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Set technical direction for major areas of the autonomy stack - perception, SLAM, prediction ... Partner with engineering managers, product, and hardware on staffing, sequencing, and risk; serve ...

Showing results 21-40

Slam Engineer information

See California salary details

$28.6K

$104.2K

$166.8K

How much do slam engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for slam engineer in California is $104,222.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,400.00 and $125,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a slam engineer?

A SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) Engineer develops algorithms and systems that enable machines, like robots or AR/VR devices, to map their environment while tracking their own position. They work with sensor fusion, computer vision, and machine learning to enhance real-time navigation and spatial awareness. This role is crucial in robotics, autonomous vehicles, and augmented reality applications. A SLAM Engineer typically has expertise in C++, Python, ROS, and technologies like LiDAR and visual odometry.

How much do slam engineers make?

Slam engineers typically earn a median annual salary ranging from $70,000 to $120,000, depending on experience, location, and industry. They often require knowledge of robotics, automation, and programming tools such as ROS or C++ to perform their duties effectively.

What are the main projects and responsibilities I can expect as a slam engineer?

As a SLAM Engineer, you'll typically be responsible for developing, optimizing, and integrating algorithms that enable robots or autonomous devices to navigate and map their environments. This may involve working with sensor data from LiDAR, cameras, or IMUs, implementing real-time data processing pipelines, and testing your solutions in both simulated and real-world scenarios. You’ll often collaborate closely with robotics hardware engineers, software developers, and research scientists to ensure reliable system performance. Additionally, you may participate in field deployments, debugging sessions, and ongoing enhancements to keep up with the latest research and industry trends.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the slam engineer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a SLAM Engineer, you need expertise in robotics, computer vision, and probabilistic state estimation, usually supported by a degree in computer science, robotics, or electrical engineering. Familiarity with tools like ROS (Robot Operating System), C++/Python programming, and experience with libraries such as OpenCV, PCL, or GTSAM are typically required. Strong problem-solving ability, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills in this position. These capabilities are vital for developing and maintaining robust simultaneous localization and mapping solutions, ultimately ensuring high-performance autonomous systems.

What are the most commonly searched types of Slam Engineer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Slam Engineer jobs in California are:

What job categories do people searching Slam Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Slam Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Slam Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Slam Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Slam Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, and 19% Part Time. Highlights an 68% In-person, 16% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $104,222 per year, or $50.1 per hour.

Robotics Perception Engineer I/II - Perception Systems & Integration

Zone 5 Technologies

San Luis Obispo, CA

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

We are seeking a Robotics Perception Engineer to build and integrate real-time vision systems and perception infrastructure for unmanned aerial platforms. You will develop camera pipelines, implement sensor fusion algorithms, and create robust testing frameworks to ensure reliable perception performance across diverse operating conditions. 

Responsibilities: 

Vision System Integration 

  • Develop and maintain camera drivers and sensor interfaces for multi-camera systems on embedded platforms
  • Integrate off-the-shelf and custom perception algorithms into production autonomy stacks
  • Build efficient image processing pipelines using GStreamer, V4L2, and Jetson multimedia APIs
  • Implement camera calibration workflows including intrinsic, extrinsic, and temporal synchronization
  • Design data logging and telemetry systems for perception subsystem monitoring and debugging 

Perception Infrastructure & ROS2 Development 

  • Build ROS2 nodes for camera capture, sensor fusion, and perception output distribution 
  • Develop standardized message interfaces and APIs between perception, planning, and control systems 
  • Create visualization and diagnostic tools for real-time perception system health monitoring 
  • Implement efficient data serialization and transport for high-bandwidth sensor streams 
  • Maintain perception software repositories with proper documentation and version control 

Algorithm Implementation & Tuning 

  • Integrate visual-inertial odometry (VIO) and SLAM libraries for state estimation 
  • Tune EKF/UKF filters for multi-sensor fusion from IMU, cameras, barometers, and rangefinders 
  • Implement outlier rejection and sensor health monitoring for robust operation 
  • Optimize algorithm parameters based on flight test data and performance metrics 

Testing & Validation 

  • Design comprehensive test scenarios in simulation environments 
  • Develop automated regression test suites for continuous integration of perception updates 
  • Analyze flight logs and sensor data to identify failure modes and performance degradation 
  • Create hardware-in-the-loop test setups for pre-flight validation 
  • Support flight test operations and conduct post-flight performance analysis 

Qualifications:

  • 2-4+ years of experience in robotics perception, computer vision, or sensor integration 
  • Bachelor's in Robotics, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field - equivalent industry experience also welcome
  • Proficient in C++14/17 with understanding of modern software development practices 
  • Strong hands-on experience with ROS2 architecture, packages, and development workflows 
  • Solid understanding of camera systems, image sensors, and computer vision fundamentals 
  • Experience with sensor calibration procedures and multi-sensor time synchronization 
  • Familiarity with Linux development environments and embedded systems 
  • Strong debugging skills and experience with system-level integration 

Preferred: 

  • Experience with camera drivers, GStreamer, V4L2, or similar multimedia frameworks 
  • Hands-on experience with NVIDIA Jetson platforms (Orin, Xavier, AGX) 
  • Prior work with small UAVs, drones, or mobile robotics platforms 
  • Familiarity with PX4 or ArduPilot autopilot systems and MAVLink protocol 
  • Experience with state estimation techniques (EKF, UKF, particle filters) 
  • Knowledge of VIO/SLAM frameworks (OpenVINS, VINS-Fusion, ORB-SLAM) 
  • Python skills for data analysis, visualization, and tooling development 
  • Understanding of real-time systems and computational performance optimization 
  • Experience with CI/CD pipelines for robotics software 
    • Background in sensor fusion, optical flow, or feature-based tracking 

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