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Contract Robotics Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Robotics Test Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$182K - $230K/yr

... and other robotics engineers * Build tools for technicians: visualization for status, test ... Work with contract manufacturers to build out process and scripts What we're looking for * Minimum ...

Robotics Test Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$182K - $230K/yr

... and other robotics engineers * Build tools for technicians: visualization for status, test ... Work with contract manufacturers to build out process and scripts What we're looking for * Minimum ...

We're engineering production-ready robotic systems that tightly integrate perception, real-time ... While this position is initially a contract role, there is potential for it to transition into a ...

We're engineering production-ready robotic systems that tightly integrate perception, real-time ... While this position is initially a contract role, there is potential for it to transition into a ...

Showing results 41-60

Contract Robotics Engineer information

See California salary details

$28.6K

$104.2K

$166.8K

How much do contract robotics engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract robotics engineer in California is $104,222.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,400.00 and $125,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contract robotics engineer?

To thrive as a Contract Robotics Engineer, you should possess strong proficiency in robotics systems design, programming (such as C++, Python, or ROS), and a relevant engineering degree. Experience with CAD tools, embedded systems, control algorithms, and, optionally, certifications like Certified Robotics Programmer are valuable assets. Excellent problem-solving abilities, communication skills, and adaptability help individuals excel in contractor environments where teams and projects change frequently. These skills ensure you can efficiently deliver innovative solutions, collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, and navigate the unique demands of contract-based work.

What types of projects and daily tasks can a contract robotics engineer expect to work on?

As a Contract Robotics Engineer, you may work on a variety of projects, such as developing robotic automation for manufacturing lines, designing mobile robot prototypes, or troubleshooting existing robotic systems. Your daily tasks could include writing and testing control software, integrating hardware components, conducting system simulations, and collaborating with cross-functional teams like mechanical engineers or project managers. Assignments are often dynamic, requiring you to quickly adapt to new technologies and workflows. This variety offers opportunities to build diverse technical skills and make impactful contributions across multiple industries.

What is a contract robotics engineer?

A Contract Robotics Engineer is a professional who designs, develops, and programs robotic systems on a temporary or project-based basis. They typically work with companies to create automation solutions, improve manufacturing processes, or develop new robotic applications. Unlike full-time employees, contract engineers are hired for specific projects and may work with multiple clients. Their responsibilities often include hardware design, software development, system integration, and testing. This role requires expertise in robotics engineering, programming, and problem-solving to deliver efficient and innovative robotic solutions.

What are the most commonly searched types of Robotics Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Robotics Engineer jobs in California are:
What job categories do people searching Contract Robotics Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Contract Robotics Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Contract Robotics Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Contract Robotics Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Contract Robotics Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $104,222 per year, or $50.1 per hour.

Senior Robotics Engineer (Dynamics and Controls)

General Motors

Mountain View, CA • On-site

$158K - $241K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago


General Motors rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

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7.4

Company rating compared to similar companies: 7.4 out of 10

Automakers average

Based on 6,272 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Job Description
At General Motors, our product teams are redefining mobility. Through a human-centered design process, we create vehicles and experiences that are designed not just to be seen, but to be felt. We're turning today's impossible into tomorrow's standard -from breakthrough hardware and battery systems to intuitive design, intelligent software, and next-generation safety and entertainment features.
Every day, our products move millions of people as we aim to make driving safer, smarter, and more connected, shaping the future of transportation on a global scale.
Role Overview
As a Senior Software Engineer (Dynamics and Controls), you will be a senior individual contributor in the Local Planner Controller team within Embodied AI. We formulate and solve optimization problems online, considering kinematic feasibility, collision avoidance, and ride comfort. In this role, you will provide cross-functional technical leadership for vehicle dynamics, estimation and controls systems used in GMs Super Cruise system. You will contribute to vehicle dynamics and controls software, drive design quality from architecture through validation, and align multiple teams to ship reliable, scalable autonomy capabilities that meet company goals.
You will:
  • Drive feature development for vehicle dynamics and controls software deployed to GMs Super Cruise system.
  • Architect and implement system designs and interface contracts with perception, prediction and planning systems, ensuring deliverables meet performance targets and safety constraints.
  • Lead technical reviews and drive software engineering best practices across the team and the larger organization.
  • Contribute to Active Safety, Driver Assistance, and Super Cruise.
  • Establish verification and validation strategies for the vehicle dynamics and controls software, including simulation and on-road testing validation gates.
  • Partner with Safety, Systems Engineering, and Product to generate requirements for onboard systems.
  • Lead root-cause investigations for complex integration issues, using data-driven techniques and principled experimentation, proactively creating test plans for new features and defining useful metrics for analyzing performance
  • Improve and deliver reliable software through continuous integration, automated testing, and code reviews.
  • Help define, build, and embody GM engineering culture and principles.

You have:
  • Ph.D., M.S. in controls, optimization, path planning, or related. B.S. with strong work experience in the field may be considered
  • 3+ years of experience in motion planning or related field
  • Deep understanding of optimal controls and trajectory optimization algorithms
  • Good grasp of classical and modern feedback control theory and techniques
  • Solid understanding of vehicle dynamics
  • A demonstrated track record of building high quality autonomous software systems
  • Deep expertise in Planning and Controls system design
  • Experience with C++/Python in a large, distributed development environment
  • Strong organizational and communication skills
  • Passion for self-driving technology and its potential impact on the world

Bonus points:
  • A background in robotics, ROS, or the AV/ADAS industry
  • Experience in numerical optimization algorithms
  • Experience designing software applications for safety critical systems
  • Experience building and managing engineering teams

Compensation:
The compensation information is a good faith estimate only. It is based on what a successful applicant might be paid in accordance with applicable state laws. The compensation may not be representative for positions located outside of the California Bay Area.
  • The salary range for this role is $158,000.00 to $241,900.00. The actual base salary a successful candidate will be offered within this range will vary based on factors relevant to the position.
  • Bonus Potential: An incentive pay program offers payouts based on company performance, job level, and individual performance.

Benefits:
  • Benefits: GM offers a variety of health and wellbeing benefit programs. Benefit options include medical, dental, vision, Health Savings Account, Flexible Spending Accounts, retirement savings plan, sickness and accident benefits, life insurance, paid vacation & holidays, tuition assistance programs, employee assistance program, GM vehicle discounts and more.

This job may be eligible for relocation benefits.
#GM-AV-1
About GM
Our vision is a world with Zero Crashes, Zero Emissions and Zero Congestion and we embrace the responsibility to lead the change that will make our world better, safer and more equitable for all.
Why Join Us
We believe we all must make a choice every day - individually and collectively - to drive meaningful change through our words, our deeds and our culture. Every day, we want every employee to feel they belong to one General Motors team.
Benefits Overview
From day one, we're looking out for your well-being-at work and at home-so you can focus on realizing your ambitions. Learn how GM supports a rewarding career that rewards you personally by visiting Total Rewards resources.
Non-Discrimination and Equal Employment Opportunities (U.S.)
General Motors is committed to being a workplace that is not only free of unlawful discrimination, but one that genuinely fosters inclusion and belonging. We strongly believe that providing an inclusive workplace creates an environment in which our employees can thrive and develop better products for our customers.
All employment decisions are made on a non-discriminatory basis without regard to sex, race, color, national origin, citizenship status, religion, age, disability, pregnancy or maternity status, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran or protected veteran, or any other similarly protected status in accordance with federal, state and local laws.
We encourage interested candidates to review the key responsibilities and qualifications for each role and apply for any positions that match their skills and capabilities. Applicants in the recruitment process may be required, where applicable, to successfully complete a role-related assessment(s) and/or a pre-employment screening prior to beginning employment. To learn more, visit How we Hire.
Accommodations
General Motors offers opportunities to all job seekers including individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation to assist with your job search or application for employment, emailus or call us at 1-800-865-7580. In your email, please include a description of the specific accommodation you are requesting as well as the job title and requisition number of the position for which you are applying.

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About General Motors

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

General Motors is a company with global scale and capabilities, headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, with employees around the world. The company employs over 165,000 people, serves six continents, operates across 22 time zones, and has a diverse workforce speaking 75 languages1. GM’s vision is to drive the world forward by pioneering innovations that move and connect people to what matters. The company is working towards an all-electric future with its new Ultium Platform and is pushing transportation options beyond our wildest imaginations with autonomous vehicles. GM is also committed to becoming the most inclusive company in the world.

Industry

Transportation equipment manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Detroit, MI, US

Year founded

1908