Lead Perception Engineer

About the CompanyOur client is a venture-backed robotics company building automated systems for the automotive industry. They take on a high-volume, labor-intensive service process with robotics that is already deployed in customer environments. The team is growing, and this hire will lead perception as the product scales.About the RoleThe Lead Perception Engineer will lead a team of engineers while staying hands-on technically. The role owns perception across the full development lifecycle: concept, algorithm design, sensor integration, validation and field deployment. It covers both classical and machine learning approaches, and it sits at the center of a cross-functional engineering team.Key ResponsibilitiesLead the technical execution of perception, including algorithm design, sensor integration and real-world validationDesign and build high-performance perception pipelines using classical and ML-based methodsDebug hands-on across the lab, test and field environmentsSet and maintain high standards for code quality and engineering best practiceWork closely with mechanical, software and QA teams to deliver a reliable, integrated productMentor and develop engineers on the perception teamRequirements8 to 10 years of experience in robotics or computer vision engineering2 to 3 years in a formal or informal leadership roleStrong grasp of robotics fundamentalsExpert-level programming in Python and C++ (Rust experience is valued)Proven experience designing vision systems for robotic applicationsExperience building ML pipelines with PyTorchProficiency with OpenCV and PCLHands-on experience debugging perception systems on physical robots in real-world environmentsPreferred QualificationsMS or PhD in Computer Science, Computer Vision, Machine Learning or a related fieldExperience with the ROS2 ecosystemWhat's on OfferA lead role with ownership of the perception stack at a growing robotics companyA product with a clear commercial use case and systems already deployed in the fieldA collaborative, hands-on engineering cultureCompetitive salary and benefitsHow to ApplyApply through LinkedIn or contact James McNeil at jamesm@energizerec.com. All applications are handled in confidence.