Perception Engineer III - Project Based

Job Description

Job Description

This is a project-based employee role supporting the development, integration, and validation of ASI's autonomous agricultural vehicle platforms. Development phases of this nature typically continue through project completion, often spanning two to four years, although scope and duration are determined by business and customer needs.JOB SUMMARYThe Perception Engineer III develops, integrates, and validates perception capabilities that enable ASI's autonomous agricultural equipment to understand field conditions, detect obstacles, identify operational boundaries, and perform assigned tasks safely and effectively. This role works with data from cameras, LiDAR, radar, GPS/GNSS, inertial sensors, and other systems to support object detection, terrain understanding, crop and vegetation awareness, traversability analysis, and autonomous machine operation.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 improve perception performance across changing terrain, vegetation, lighting, weather, dust, and agricultural operating conditions.ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESDevelop, implement, integrate, and validate perception algorithms for autonomous agricultural vehicle applicationsContribute to capabilities involving obstacle detection, object classification, tracking, terrain understanding, traversability analysis, and operational-area awarenessProcess and analyze data from cameras, LiDAR, radar, GPS/GNSS, inertial sensors, and other vehicle systemsSupport perception of field boundaries, crop rows, vegetation, terrain features, equipment, personnel, animals, and other operational hazardsDevelop and improve environmental models used to support autonomous navigation, path planning, and agricultural task executionContribute to multi-sensor fusion solutions that provide reliable environmental awareness in outdoor agricultural environmentsOwn defined perception features and moderately complex assignments from development through integration, testing, and field validationIntegrate perception software with ASI's autonomous agricultural platforms and embedded computing systemsEvaluate perception performance using recorded datasets, simulation, software-in-the-loop testing, hardware-in-the-loop testing, and full-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, obstacle avoidance, and autonomous task executionWork with test engineers and field testers to develop realistic agricultural 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 agricultural equipment, off-road vehicles, heavy machinery, or mobile robotsFamiliarity with agricultural operations, field navigation, crop production, spraying, planting, harvesting, or related 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 crop-row detection, vegetation segmentation, field-boundary detection, elevation mapping, or traversability analysisFamiliarity 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, uneven, outdoor, agricultural, 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.This is a full-time, project-based employment opportunity. 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.