Senior LiDAR Perception Engineer

Seattle, WA | Remote-Hybrid (95% Remote + 5% Sensor lab/test work when convenient)Commission-Based Contract | Part-Time / Flexible HoursAbout UsMetrolla is an early-stage startup building the next generation of autonomous perception systems. We're early-revenue and bootstrapped, with a lean team of engineers obsessed with solving hard problems at the intersection of computer vision, LiDAR processing, and real-time optimization. We're looking for experienced engineers who can contribute high-impact work on our perception pipeline while maintaining flexibility—you can work with us while keeping your day job. We offer equity stake and commission-based compensation tied directly to your impact.The RoleAs our Senior LiDAR Perception Engineer (contract), you'll contribute to the development of our CPU-optimized perception stack on a flexible, commission-based arrangement. You'll work on algorithm design, optimization, and deployment—as much or as little as you want around your other commitments. You'll have technical autonomy on the perception pipeline while integrating with our broader system architecture.Key ResponsibilitiesDesign Augment and implement CPU-optimized LiDAR perception algorithms with expertise in hybrid model development like platforms such as Kinect AdaBoostFine tune and work with Euclidean distance calculations, Mahalanobis distance metrics, and Hungarian algorithm applications.Develop and optimize code using ROS2 Jazzy, containerized with Docker for reproducibility and deploymentSet up and maintain CI/CD pipelines using GitHub Actions for automated testing and integrationOptimize algorithms for real-time CPU performance—profiling, vectorization, SIMD optimization, and memory efficiencyWork hands-on with LiDAR sensors and test environments during in-person sessionsDeliver clean, well-documented code that integrates with the broader perception pipelineWhat We're Looking ForRequired5+ years of professional experience in perception engineering, computer vision, or roboticsHands-on expertise with LiDAR processing and point cloud algorithmsProficiency with Euclidean distance, Mahalanobis distance, Hungarian algorithm, and adaptive boosting techniques (Kinect AdaBoost or similar)Production experience with ROS2 Jazzy (or strong ROS2 foundation with ability to work with Jazzy)Must have: Docker containerization experience—comfortable building, testing, and deploying containerized applicationsMust have: Experience setting up and maintaining CI/CD pipelines with GitHub ActionsStrong C++ implementation skills; ability to write fast, clean, maintainable codeExperience optimizing algorithms for CPU—you understand memory layouts, cache efficiency, vectorization, and SIMDExperience in startup environments: you've navigated resource constraints, shifting priorities, and the pressure to deliver meaningful results. You understand the stakes and hunger that comes with early-stage venturesComfort with embedded systems, real-time constraints, and sensor integrationAbility to coordinate directing and offloading work to other engineersNice to HaveExperience with stationary and robotics applicationsFamiliarity with ARM and AMD64 architectures and modern technologyPublished work or open-source contributions in perception or computer visionExperience mentoring or leading engineering teamsCommission-Based Contract5% commission on net revenue (billed work, deliverables, or milestones completed)0.5% equity in the companyFlexible, part-time arrangement—work as much or as little as you want around your primary employmentWhy This RoleDirect financial incentive: your commission scales with impact—the better the perception system, the faster we grow revenueEquity upside: as an early contributor, you'll have meaningful ownership if this becomes the next big thing in autonomous perceptionNo golden handcuffs: you maintain full-time employment elsewhere while building something on the sideWork on genuinely hard problems: CPU-optimized LiDAR perception is not hard and even more complex at scale, and that's why we need youHybrid flexibility: mostly remote with optional in-person lab sessions in Seattle for hands-on sensor workDirect collaboration with founders; lean team, zero bureaucracyWhat We ExpectMeaningful contributions: we need engineers who can actually move the needle on perception algorithms, not casual contributorsSelf-direction: you own your deliverables. We'll set milestones and measure impact, but you decide how to executeRegular communication: weekly sync calls and GitHub-based collaboration to stay alignedHow to ApplyPlease send your resume, a brief cover letter explaining your interest and expected availability, and relevant work samples:In your cover letter, tell us:How many hours per week you could realistically commitYour experience with LiDAR Perception engineering, ROS2, Docker, and GitHub ActionsA challenging perception or optimization problem you've solved—we want to understand how you thinkWhen we raise our seed round would you be willing to join full time?