Robotics, Maritime, Defense & Space, Environmental Services, Software

Perception Engineer

Alameda, CAOnsiteFull Time$144,500–$300,000 /yrPosted 1 month agoVisa sponsorship available

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Required skills

C++
perception
localization
state estimation
sensor fusion
autonomous vehicles
robotics
sensor data
real-world data
vehicle testing

Nice to have

Kalman filtering
SLAM
visual odometry
Python
probabilistic state estimation

Role summary

Saildrone is seeking a Perception Engineer to develop and deploy perception and estimation capabilities for their autonomous vehicles. This role involves creating algorithms for perception, localization, state estimation, multi-object tracking, and sensor fusion using C++ and processing sensor data (camera, radar). You will implement, test, and optimize production software, analyze real-world data to improve robustness, integrate capabilities with the autonomy stack, and contribute to system design. The ideal candidate has strong C++ skills, experience with robotics systems, and a solid understanding of perception and estimation mathematics.

THE COMPANY

Saildrone is a maritime defense company and the global leader in autonomous unmanned surface vehicles (USVs). With more ocean miles and real-world operational experience than any USV manufacturer or operator, Saildrone maintains active, combat-deployed systems supporting national security and force projection around the world, 24/7/365.

Saildrone’s manufacturing and R&D headquarters are located in Alameda, CA, with business development and sales operations in Washington, DC, an established European entity supporting regional business development, sales, and operations, and a deployment hub in the Middle East. By combining proven autonomous operations, edge computing, advanced sensing, renewable power, and the most advanced and robust unmanned surface technology on the planet, Saildrone is shaping how the Navy of the future operates. Join a fast-moving, mission-driven team at the forefront of maritime security and autonomous innovation.

THE POSITION

Saildrone's autonomous vehicles rely on perception systems to understand their surroundings and estimate their position and motion. As a Perception Engineer, you will develop and deploy the perception and estimation capabilities that turn raw sensor data into rich, accurate inputs that power downstream autonomy and product capabilities.

You will work across perception algorithms, sensor fusion, production C++, and real-world vehicle testing.

THE RESPONSIBILITIES

Develop perception, localization, state-estimation, multi object tracking, and sensor-fusion algorithms for autonomous vehicles.

Process camera, radar, and similar sensor data to produce reliable estimates of the vehicle and its environment.

Implement, test, and optimize production perception software in C++.

Analyze real-world data and vehicle behavior to diagnose failures and improve robustness.

Integrate perception capabilities with the broader autonomy stack and validate them on real vehicles.

Contribute to perception architecture and system design.

THE QUALIFICATIONS

Hands-on C++ development skills

Experience developing perception, computer vision, localization, state estimation, sensor fusion, or related robotics systems.

Strong understanding of robotics and the mathematics underlying perception and estimation.

Experience working with real sensor data and physical systems.

Experience integrating, configuring, and calibrating sensor systems.

Experience debugging and benchmarking integrated robotics or autonomous systems.

NICE TO HAVE

Experience with probabilistic state estimation, Kalman filtering, SLAM, visual odometry, or related techniques.

Experience deploying autonomous systems in the field.

Python experience for analysis, experimentation, or tooling.

The base salary range for this position is shown below. Actual compensation may vary based on skills, experience, and qualifications. This range reflects the base salary for candidates in states requiring pay transparency disclosure.

Salary Range$144,500—$300,000 USD

To view Saildrone's candidate privacy policy, please visit: https://www.saildrone.com/privacy-policy.

BENEFITS

At Saildrone, we’re building operational capability that matters—and that requires people who can do their best work over the long term. We invest in our team’s well-being, financial security, and professional growth so you can focus on delivering real-world impact with confidence and stability. Our comprehensive benefits package is designed to support you and your family while you contribute to a mission with lasting significance.

Generous Time Off: Competitive Paid Time Off (PTO) accrual plus a robust annual holiday schedule and paid sick leave ensure you can rest, reset, and sustain performance over time.

Comprehensive Health Coverage: Premium, multi-tier Medical, Dental, and Vision plans with significant company contributions for employees and dependents—providing security and peace of mind.

Shared Ownership in the Mission: Equity grants are a core part of our compensation, allowing you to participate in the long-term value you help create through meaningful, operational work.

Retirement Savings: Access to a 401(k) retirement plan with flexible pre-tax and Roth payroll contribution options supports long-term financial planning.

Investment in Your Growth: We support your continuous learning through an annual professional development reimbursement program, empowering you to sharpen your skills and stay ahead of the curve in a rapidly evolving field.

Relocation Support: For eligible roles, we offer relocation assistance to help bring the world’s best talent to our mission-critical locations.

Saildrone is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.

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