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Software Perception Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

We are looking for a Senior Perception Engineer to work on our classical perception algorithms ... Experience with robotics or autonomous vehicle software frameworks such as ROS/ROS2 * Experience ...

Senior Perception Engineer

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$119K - $163K/yr

... software toolchain - to help our partners drive the field forward. The Perception Algorithm team ... Collaborate with ML engineers and data infrastructure teams to ensure perception output formats ...

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 ... You'll work hands-on across software and hardware for integrating LiDAR, RADAR and multispectral ...

Lead Perception Engineer

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$120K - $158K/yr

Arene, our software development platform for software-defined vehicles; Woven City, a test course ... robotics engineers, and hardware teams to design, build, and deploy perception and ...

Lead Perception Engineer

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$120K - $159K/yr

You will work on cutting‑edge 100,000‑pound autonomous robots and engineer complex systems at the intersection of hardware, software, robotics, and AI. Build perception algorithms and ...

We are looking for a Senior Perception Engineer to work on our classical perception algorithms ... Experience with robotics or autonomous vehicle software frameworks such as ROS/ROS2 * Experience ...

Lead Perception Engineer

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$120K - $159K/yr

You will work on cutting‑edge 100,000‑pound autonomous robots and engineer complex systems at the intersection of hardware, software, robotics, and AI. Build perception algorithms and ...

Perception Engineer, AI

Laguna Beach, CA · On-site

$125K - $270K/yr

We build autonomous spacecraft, advanced payloads, mission software, and space-based interceptors ... This is perception engineering where mistakes have consequences, where your code operates in vacuum ...

We're looking for a Senior Robotics Perception Engineer to own and advance perception capabilities ... You'll work hands-on across software and hardware for integrating LiDAR, RADAR and multispectral ...

Senior Perception Engineer

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$119K - $163K/yr

... software toolchain - to help our partners drive the field forward. The Perception Algorithm team ... Collaborate with ML engineers and data infrastructure teams to ensure perception output formats ...

Lead Perception Engineer

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$120K - $159K/yr

Arene, our software development platform for software‑defined vehicles; Woven City, a test course ... This engineer will accelerate the adoption of data‑driven and deep learning methodologies ...

Lead Perception Engineer

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$120K - $158K/yr

You will work on cutting-edge 100,000-pound autonomous robots and engineer complex systems at the intersection of hardware, software, robotics, and AI. Build perception algorithms and architecture ...

Lead Perception Engineer

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$120K - $158K/yr

You will work on cutting-edge 100,000-pound autonomous robots and engineer complex systems at the intersection of hardware, software, robotics, and AI. Build perception algorithms and architecture ...

Senior ML Perception Engineer

Brisbane, CA · On-site

$125K - $172K/yr

We're applying robotics and distributed software to create a new class of product for this $1T ... About the role As a Senior ML Perception Engineer at Mytra, you'll be a key member of our Computer ...

Senior ML Perception Engineer

Brisbane, CA · On-site

$125K - $172K/yr

We're applying robotics and distributed software to create a new class of product for this $1T ... About the role As a Senior ML Perception Engineer at Mytra, you'll be a key member of our Computer ...

Showing results 21-40

Software Perception Engineer information

See California salary details

$62.7K

$145.6K

$202.8K

How much do software perception engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for software perception engineer in California is $145,592.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $118,400.00 and $170,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a software perception engineer do?

A Software Perception Engineer develops algorithms and software systems that enable machines, such as autonomous vehicles or robots, to interpret and understand their environment using sensor data like cameras, lidar, and radar. They design, implement, and optimize perception pipelines that detect, classify, and track objects in real time. Their work enables machines to make informed decisions based on their surroundings, contributing to advancements in fields like robotics, automotive, and artificial intelligence.

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

To thrive as a Software Perception Engineer, you need a strong background in computer vision, machine learning, and programming (often in C++ or Python), usually supported by a degree in computer science, robotics, or related fields. Experience with deep learning frameworks (such as TensorFlow or PyTorch), sensor data processing (like LiDAR or camera systems), and version control tools is typically required. Analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and teamwork are vital soft skills that help engineers tackle complex perception challenges and collaborate effectively. These competencies are crucial for developing reliable perception systems that enable autonomous technologies to interpret and interact safely with their environments.

How does a software perception engineer typically collaborate with hardware and robotics teams?

Software Perception Engineers often work closely with hardware and robotics teams to ensure that perception algorithms integrate effectively with sensors and robotic platforms. Collaboration typically involves joint design reviews, troubleshooting sensor data, and optimizing real-time processing pipelines. This cross-functional teamwork helps align software capabilities with hardware constraints, enabling robust perception solutions. Clear communication and regular syncs are essential to quickly address integration challenges and deliver reliable system performance.

What cities in California are hiring for Software Perception Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Software Perception Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Software Perception Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $145,592 per year, or $70 per hour.

Senior Perception Engineer

Mountain View, CA • On-site

Aeva, Inc.
Manufacturing • 1 - 10 employees

$181K - $245K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 13 days ago


Job description

About us:
Aeva's mission is to bring the next wave of perception to a broad range of applications from automated driving to industrial robotics, consumer electronics, consumer health, security, and beyond. Aeva is transforming autonomy with its groundbreaking sensing and perception technology that integrates all key LiDAR components onto a silicon photonics chip in a compact module. Aeva 4D LiDAR sensors uniquely detect instant velocity in addition to 3D position, allowing autonomous devices like vehicles and robots to make more intelligent and safe decisions. 
 
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 autonomous driving performance.
Responsibilities
  • Contribute to Aeva's 4D perception stack that will be deployed in production
  • Ability to quickly prototype novel algorithms, implement them and iterate fast
  • Ensure code is optimized for performance and scalability
  • Adhere to coding standards and best practices to ensure consistency and quality in all code
  • Take ownership of assigned tasks and ensure timely and accurate completion with documentation and tests
What you have
  • 3+ years of experience with demonstrated ability to create and deploy real-time perception systems
  • Have a MS or PhD in a relevant program such as Robotics, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or similar
  • Experience with classical techniques such as object detection, clustering, filtering, occupancy grids, data association, and tracking algorithms
  • Experience with techniques such as Kalman Filtering, Bayesian Methods, and Sensor Fusion (with LiDAR/IMU/GNSS/Camera)
  • Experience with 3D data and representations (point clouds, meshes, trees, etc.)
  • Strong fundamentals of linear algebra and 3D geometry
  • Highly skilled in C++ development and experience with the Linux environment
  • Skilled in scripting languages such as Python and Bash
Nice-to-have
  • Knowledge of working principles for RADARs or LiDARs
  • Experience with robotics or autonomous vehicle software frameworks such as ROS/ROS2
  • Experience with run-time optimization techniques (e.g. parallelization, vectorization, cache-friendly development)
  • Experience with modern build systems such as Bazel or similar
$181,300 - $245,300 a year
Salary pay ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Within the range, the successful candidate's starting base pay will be determined based on factors including job-related skills, experience, certifications, qualifications, relevant education or training, and market conditions. These ranges are subject to change in the future. Depending on the position offered, equity, bonus, and other forms of compensation may be provided as part of a total compensation package, in addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, pre-tax commuter and health care/dependent care accounts, 401k plan, life and disability benefits, flexible time off, paid parental leave, and 11 paid holidays annually.
Aeva is an Equal Opportunity Employer including protected Veterans and individuals with disabilities.
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AEVA logo

About AEVA

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Manufacturing and manufacturing

Company size

1 - 10 Employees

Headquarters location

Palo Alto, CA, US

Year founded

2017