Software Engineer II, Perception
The Software Engineer II, Perception at Confidential Client is responsible for developing and enhancing state-of-the-art perception and tracking algorithms critical to the Confidential Client Driver's autonomous capabilities. This role involves researching machine learning models, designing scalable software solutions, and collaborating cross-functionally to improve perception performance across diverse driving environments, directly contributing to the safe and efficient deployment of self-driving technology.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Software Development.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
What You’ll Do
Confidential Client’s Perception team is hiring an experienced Software Engineer II who combines strong software engineering with practical machine learning knowledge. You will help elevate perception and tracking performance for a real-time autonomous driving platform and move research solutions into production.
- Tackle end-to-end perception problems: multi-sensor tracking, action/attribute recognition, and semantics across urban and highway environments.
- Research and develop state-of-the-art ML and computer vision models to improve detection, tracking, and long-range performance under varied weather and sensor conditions.
- Produce production-quality software in C++ and Python; ship well-tested solutions that run on a real-time platform.
- Design and implement object tracking and sensor-fusion algorithms that scale across large datasets and routes.
- Build and optimize model training pipelines and tools for large-scale experiments.
- Analyze on-road and simulated failure modes and implement robust fixes.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with test, systems, and operations teams to move prototypes to production.
Required Qualifications
- Master’s degree (or higher) in Computer Science, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field — or a Bachelor’s with 1+ years of relevant industry experience.
- Strong software engineering skills in C++ and Python; experience writing clean, maintainable, production-ready code.
- Practical familiarity with one or more of: deep learning, computer vision, recursive state estimation, structured prediction, or numerical optimization.
- Basic knowledge of 3D object tracking algorithms.
- Hands-on experience with PyTorch, TensorFlow, or similar frameworks.
Desirable (Preferred) Qualifications
- Solid fundamentals in linear algebra, optimization, and probabilistic models (e.g., HMMs, recursive estimators).
- Experience with CUDA or high-performance GPU programming.
- Experience deploying production-grade CV/ML models in real-time systems.
- Demonstrated ability to automate ML workflows and optimize training pipelines for efficiency.
- Contributions to open-source projects and/or publications at top-tier robotics/vision conferences.
- Strong collaborator who thrives in cross-functional engineering environments.
Location & Compensation (Pittsburgh, PA)
- Location: Pittsburgh, PA. This role expects in-person collaboration; Confidential Client requests employees work from the office at least 3 days per week (some roles may require more depending on operational needs).
- Salary range for Pittsburgh, PA: $126,000 - $201,000 per year. Actual starting base pay will be determined by job-related skills, experience, qualifications, education/training, and market conditions. Employees may also be eligible for annual bonus, equity, and benefits.
Working Conditions & Safety
- Confidential Client emphasizes safety and expects all employees to follow safety policies and contribute to a culture that prioritizes safe work practices.
- Reasonable accommodations are available for qualified individuals with disabilities. Applicants needing assistance or accommodation during the hiring process may request support.
Our Commitment to Inclusion
Confidential Client is committed to equal opportunity and inclusion. Qualified applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, parent or caregiver status, ancestry, political affiliation, veteran or military status, physical or mental disability, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law. Confidential Client considers qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with applicable law.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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