Perception Engineer III - Contract

Job Description

Job Description

ASI is expanding its teams to support its current ramp-up across development work, customer projects, and product deployments. This is a full-time W-2 contract position. The selected candidate will interview with ASI and work as an integrated member of the ASI team. W-2 employment, payroll, and benefits will be administered through one of ASI's staffing partners. Development phases of this nature typically span up to project completion (typically 2-4 years), though scope and duration are driven by business needs.JOB SUMMARYThe Perception Engineer III develops, integrates, and validates perception capabilities that enable ASI's autonomous dozers to understand terrain, detect obstacles, recognize work-area conditions, and operate safely in dynamic construction and earthmoving environments. This role works with data from cameras, LiDAR, radar, GPS/GNSS, inertial sensors, and other systems to support terrain modeling, obstacle detection, traversability analysis, localization, and autonomous machine behavior.As a Level III engineer within ASI's five-level engineering structure, this position independently contributes to moderately complex perception features and subsystem improvements while receiving guidance on broader architectural and system-level decisions. The role collaborates with GNC, embedded software, systems, test, and field operations teams to develop and validate reliable perception performance for autonomous dozers operating in uneven terrain, dust, changing ground conditions, and active work sites.ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESDevelop, implement, integrate, and validate perception algorithms for autonomous dozer applicationsContribute to perception capabilities involving obstacle detection, object classification, tracking, terrain understanding, traversability analysis, and work-area awarenessProcess and analyze data from cameras, LiDAR, radar, GPS/GNSS, inertial sensors, and other vehicle systemsDevelop and improve terrain models used to support autonomous navigation, path planning, grading, and earthmoving operationsSupport the detection and interpretation of terrain features, slopes, berms, drop-offs, spoil piles, work boundaries, equipment, personnel, and other operational hazardsContribute to multi-sensor fusion solutions that provide reliable environmental awareness in outdoor construction environmentsOwn defined perception features and moderately complex assignments from development through integration, testing, and field validationIntegrate perception software with ASI's autonomous dozer platforms and embedded computing systemsEvaluate perception performance using recorded datasets, simulation, software-in-the-loop testing, hardware-in-the-loop testing, and vehicle field testingDevelop measurable performance criteria for assigned perception features and use test results to identify improvement opportunitiesAnalyze field data to identify false detections, missed detections, edge cases, and environmental performance limitationsDevelop tools and scripts for data processing, visualization, labeling, replay, regression testing, and performance analysisTroubleshoot issues involving sensor calibration, timing, synchronization, coordinate transformations, vehicle movement, and system integrationSupport sensor selection, placement, mounting, configuration, calibration, and validation activitiesImprove perception software performance for real-time execution on embedded computing platformsCollaborate with GNC engineers to ensure perception outputs support navigation, path planning, dozer operations, and autonomous task executionWork with test engineers and field testers to develop realistic test scenarios and reproduce perception-related issuesParticipate in design reviews, code reviews, sprint planning, and technical investigationsDocument algorithms, software interfaces, assumptions, test results, technical decisions, and known system limitationsSupport field deployments, customer demonstrations, and troubleshooting activities as requiredESSENTIAL EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE, JOB SKILLSBachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, Mathematics, or a related technical fieldTypically five or more years of experience developing perception, computer vision, robotics, machine learning, sensor-fusion, or autonomous-system softwareStrong proficiency in C++ and PythonExperience developing or integrating computer vision, point-cloud processing, sensor-fusion, or machine-learning algorithmsExperience working with cameras, LiDAR, radar, GPS/GNSS, or other robotic sensing technologiesUnderstanding of coordinate systems, transformations, sensor calibration, data synchronization, and geometric algorithmsExperience working in Linux-based software development environmentsExperience with ROS, ROS2, or comparable robotics middlewareExperience developing production-quality software using version control, peer review, automated testing, and continuous integration practicesAbility to analyze large datasets and establish measurable criteria for evaluating algorithm performanceExperience troubleshooting software, sensor, and system-integration issuesStrong analytical, debugging, and technical problem-solving skillsStrong written and verbal communication skillsAbility to work effectively with cross-functional engineering and field teamsPREFERRED QUALIFICATIONSMaster 's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, Machine Learning, or a related disciplineExperience developing perception systems for autonomous vehicles, construction equipment, heavy machinery, or mobile robotsKnowledge of earthmoving, grading, cut-and-fill, site preparation, or construction workflowsExperience with OpenCV, Point Cloud Library, PyTorch, TensorFlow, CUDA, or similar technologiesExperience with machine-learning approaches for detection, segmentation, classification, depth estimation, or trackingExperience with LiDAR point-cloud registration, clustering, filtering, mapping, or ground-surface analysisFamiliarity with digital terrain models, elevation maps, traversability mapping, or surface reconstructionFamiliarity with Kalman filtering, Bayesian estimation, probabilistic robotics, or other sensor-fusion methodsExperience optimizing perception software for GPUs or embedded computing platformsExperience with simulation, recorded-data replay, hardware-in-the-loop, or software-in-the-loop testingFamiliarity with functional safety concepts and validation practices for autonomous or safety-critical systemsExperience validating autonomous systems in dusty, high-vibration, off-road, construction, mining, or industrial environmentsBENEFITSASI offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:401k with employer matchGenerous HSA contributionPTO, paid holidays, and flextimeASI covers 90% of employee medical plan costsAt Autonomous Solutions, Inc. (ASI), we are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace where all employees and applicants have equal opportunities. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other legally protected characteristic. ASI complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding nondiscrimination in employment and is dedicated to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities throughout the hiring process. Your employment with ASI will be "at will," meaning that either you or ASI may terminate your employment at any time for any lawful reason, with or without cause or advance notice.