[Skip to main content](#main-content) [OpenNash Jobs](https://jobs.opennash.com/) [Hiring report](/reports/hiring/) · [All NVIDIA jobs](https://jobs.opennash.com/companies/nvidia/) · [Search jobs](/search/) NVIDIA · Santa Clara, CA # Director, Perception - Autonomous Vehicles US, CA, Santa Clara Director Executive & Management Listed on NVIDIA’s official careers site. Listed as of October 20, 2026. Check that it is still open and apply there. [Apply on NVIDIA’s careers site →](https://nvidia.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/NVIDIAExternalCareerSite/job/US-CA-Santa-Clara/Director--Perception---Autonomous-Vehicles_JR2014459) [OpenNash Jobs](https://jobs.opennash.com/) / [NVIDIA](https://jobs.opennash.com/companies/nvidia/) / Director, Perception - Autonomous Vehicles ## Job description Achieving what has never been accomplished requires foresight, creativity, and the finest talent worldwide! We are looking for a driven Director of Perception to help lead our AI model evolution. In this critical leadership role, you will drive the development of state-of-the-art deep learning models that enable our vehicles to see, understand, and navigate complex environments. You will lead teams pushing the boundaries of modern network architectures to deliver a robust, real-time 3D world model. If you are a relentless problem-solver who thrives on building world-class teams and shipping production AI, we want to hear from you. ### What you'll be doing Lead and Inspire: Manage, mentor, and scale a high-performing organization of engineering managers, applied researchers, and software engineers dedicated to autonomous vehicle perception. ### Drive the Architecture Guide the strategic direction, design, and execution of modern network architectures (e.g., Transformers, BEV, Occupancy Networks, Vision-Language-Action models) for multi-sensor fusion (camera, LiDAR, radar) and real-time 3D world reconstruction. ### End-to-End Ownership Oversee the entire machine learning lifecycle—from active learning, data mining, and synthetic data generation to model training, model performance acceleration, and deployment on NVIDIA DRIVE platforms (Orin/Thor). ### Cross-Functional Teamwork Partner closely with leaders across Planning and Control, Mapping, Hardware, and Safety teams to ensure seamless integration of the perception stack and alignment on AV system-level metrics. ### Cultivate Excellence Foster a culture of radical ownership, high-velocity execution, and continuous innovation. Ensure all algorithms and production code adhere to strict automotive quality and safety standards (e.g., ISO 26262). ### What we need to see Ph.D. or master's degree in computer science, Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, visual computing, or a related field (or equivalent experience). 10+ overall years of industry experience in deep learning, computer vision, or autonomous robotics, with at least 5+ years in a senior leadership role managing large teams or multiple layers of management. Deep, hands-on theoretical and practical expertise with modern network architectures (Transformers, CNNs, Foundation Models) and complex multi-sensor fusion paradigms. A proven track record of successfully deploying production-grade, safety-critical machine learning models to edge/embedded computing platforms. Strong foundational knowledge in Python, C++, and deep learning frameworks (PyTorch, JAX, or TensorFlow). Exceptional communication and leadership skills. You must be able to distill complex technical uncertainty into clear, actionable strategies for both your team and executive leadership. A highly motivated, entrepreneurial mindset. You possess a relentless drive to solve the hardest problems in the AV space and the energy to lead a team through the challenges of shipping bleeding-edge technology. ### Ways to stand out from the crowd Demonstrated success in shipping autonomous vehicle software to mass-production. A recognized presence in the global AI/CV community, evidenced by top-tier publications (CVPR, ICCV, NeurIPS) or significant open-source contributions. Hands-on experience with next-generation paradigms, such as end-to-end autonomous driving architectures, Large Vision Models (LVMs), or sim-to-real transfer techniques. Deep understanding of hardware-software co-design, specifically optimizing modern networks for NVIDIA GPU architectures. NVIDIA is widely considered to be one of the technology world’s most desirable employers. We have some of the most forward-thinking and dedicated people in the world working here. If you're creative and autonomous, we want to hear from you! #AutonomousVehicles Your base salary will be determined based on your location, experience, and the pay of employees in similar positions. The base salary range is 320,000 USD - 488,750 USD. You will also be eligible for equity and benefits. Applications for this job will be accepted at least until September 14, 2026. This posting is for an existing vacancy. NVIDIA uses AI tools in its recruiting processes. NVIDIA is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment and proud to be an equal opportunity employer. As we highly value diversity in our current and future employees, we do not discriminate (including in our hiring and promotion practices) on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or any other characteristic protected by law. ## At a glance - Posted by the employer: Not stated - First seen by OpenNash: Oct 13, 2026 - Last checked: Oct 20, 2026 - Listed for: 7 days - Location: US, CA, Santa Clara[Apply on NVIDIA’s careers site →](https://nvidia.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/NVIDIAExternalCareerSite/job/US-CA-Santa-Clara/Director--Perception---Autonomous-Vehicles_JR2014459) ## More jobs at NVIDIA ### [Director of Events, Flagship Events](https://jobs.opennash.com/companies/nvidia/jobs/d49b61d69c575c71693d/) US, CA, Santa Clara ### [Director, AI Enablement](https://jobs.opennash.com/companies/nvidia/jobs/4197c28a1af449e2cae9/) US, CA, Santa Clara ### [Director, Autonomous Vehicles Platform](https://jobs.opennash.com/companies/nvidia/jobs/328467dd0150c4eae088/) US, CA, Santa Clara ### [Director, Boards and Systems Supply Planning](https://jobs.opennash.com/companies/nvidia/jobs/05ef60c28d8eed770f47/) US, CA, Santa Clara ### [Director, Carline Program Management - Autonomous Vehicles](https://jobs.opennash.com/companies/nvidia/jobs/8b44659c292ac76f7fd7/) US, CA, Santa Clara ## Similar jobs at other companies ### [Senior Autonomous Perception Engineer (Sensor Fusion & Calibration)](https://jobs.opennash.com/companies/hitachi/jobs/8df18eca081165b51c52/) Hitachi · Farmington Hills, MI, United States ### [Engineer - Automation Engineering - AGV/AMR (Autonomous Guided Vehicles/Autonomous Mobile Robots)-Lilly Medicine Foundry](https://jobs.opennash.com/companies/eli-lilly/jobs/a108640948a0adbe523c/) Eli Lilly · Lebanon, Indiana, United States of America ### [SDE II, Perception and SLAM, Autonomous Mobility](https://jobs.opennash.com/companies/amazon/jobs/beb5cef9dca0560e3163/) Amazon · US, MA, North Reading ### [2027 Summer Intern – AI/ML Engineer, Autonomous Vehicles: Simulation (PhD)](https://jobs.opennash.com/companies/general-motors/jobs/931d01e8f497bef0317d/) General Motors · Sunnyvale, California, United States of America ### [2027 Summer Intern – Machine Learning Intern, Autonomous Vehicles: Software Validation (PhD)](https://jobs.opennash.com/companies/general-motors/jobs/995370f88fe5e3f4a012/) General Motors · Sunnyvale, California, United States of America OpenNash lists jobs from employers’ own careers sites and does not handle applications. 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