Perception Engineer I - Project Based

This is a project-based employee role supporting the development, integration, and validation of ASI's autonomous compactor 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 SUMMARY

The Perception Engineer I supports the development, integration, and testing of perception capabilities that enable ASI's autonomous compactors to understand terrain, detect obstacles, recognize work-area conditions, and operate safely in construction environments. This role works with data from cameras, LiDAR, radar, GPS/GNSS, inertial sensors, and other systems to support environmental awareness, terrain understanding, obstacle detection, and autonomous machine operation.

As a Level I engineer within ASI's five-level engineering structure, this position completes defined engineering assignments under the guidance of more experienced engineers. The role provides an opportunity to develop practical experience in robotics, computer vision, sensor processing, software development, and autonomous heavy-equipment testing while contributing to the Compactor Team's development goals.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support the development, implementation, and testing of perception software for autonomous compactor applications
• Assist with capabilities involving obstacle detection, object classification, terrain understanding, work-area awareness, and environmental sensing
• Process and analyze data from cameras, LiDAR, radar, GPS/GNSS, inertial sensors, and other vehicle systems
• Develop and maintain software components, scripts, and engineering tools under the direction of experienced team members
• Assist with integrating perception software into ASI's autonomous compactor platforms and embedded computing systems
• Evaluate assigned perception features using recorded datasets, simulation, laboratory testing, and vehicle field testing
• Review test data to identify false detections, missed detections, sensor issues, and performance limitations
• Support the collection, organization, labeling, visualization, and replay of sensor data
• Assist with sensor installation, configuration, calibration, and validation activities
• Develop basic tools for data processing, visualization, automated testing, and performance analysis
• Troubleshoot defined software, sensor, and system-integration issues with support from senior engineers
• Contribute to unit testing, regression testing, and documentation for perception software components
• Work with GNC, embedded software, systems, test, and field teams to support autonomous compactor integration
• Participate in code reviews, design discussions, sprint planning, and technical training activities
• Document software changes, test results, technical findings, and known system limitations
• Support field testing, customer demonstrations, and deployment activities as required
• Follow established software-development, safety, quality, and configuration-management practices

ESSENTIAL EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE, JOB SKILLS

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, Mathematics, or a related technical field
• Zero to two years of professional experience in computer vision, robotics, machine learning, sensor processing, or software engineering
• Academic, internship, research, or project experience developing software in C++ or Python
• Basic understanding of computer vision, robotics, data processing, machine learning, or geometric algorithms
• Familiarity with cameras, LiDAR, radar, GPS/GNSS, or other robotic sensing technologies
• Familiarity with Linux-based software-development environments
• Basic understanding of version control systems such as Git
• Ability to analyze technical data and communicate findings clearly
• Strong troubleshooting, learning, and problem-solving skills
• Strong attention to detail and willingness to follow established engineering processes
• Ability to receive technical direction and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Internship, research, capstone, or personal-project experience involving robotics, autonomous vehicles, computer vision, or machine learning
• Familiarity with ROS, ROS2, or similar robotics middleware
• Exposure to OpenCV, Point Cloud Library, PyTorch, TensorFlow, or similar technologies
• Experience working with image data, point clouds, sensor data, or machine-learning datasets
• Familiarity with coordinate systems, transformations, sensor calibration, or data synchronization
• Experience developing software for embedded, real-time, or robotic systems
• Exposure to simulation, recorded-data replay, software-in-the-loop, or hardware-in-the-loop testing
• Familiarity with construction equipment, compactors, heavy machinery, or off-road vehicles
• Interest in terrain analysis, soil compaction, construction automation, or autonomous heavy equipment
• Experience testing software or robotic systems in outdoor or field environments

BENEFITS

ASI offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• 401k with employer match
• Generous HSA contribution
• PTO, paid holidays, and flextime
• ASI covers 90% of employee medical plan costs

At 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.