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Contractual Robot Design information

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How much do contractual robot design jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for contractual robot design in the United States is $36.88, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $30.53 and $43.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a contractual robot designer?

A Contractual Robot Designer is a professional who creates and develops robotic systems or components on a contract basis, rather than as a full-time employee. These designers work with clients to understand project requirements, design robotic solutions, and often assist with prototyping and testing. Their expertise can range from mechanical and electronic design to software programming, depending on the project. Contractual Robot Designers typically work for multiple clients, providing flexible and specialized services for industrial, commercial, or research applications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contractual robot designer?

To thrive as a Contractual Robot Designer, you need a strong background in mechanical engineering, robotics, and CAD design, often supported by a relevant degree or technical certification. Familiarity with robotics development platforms, programming languages like Python or C++, and simulation software such as ROS or SolidWorks is typically required. Creativity, problem-solving, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for collaborating with clients and multidisciplinary teams. These skills ensure innovative, functional robot designs that meet client specifications and project goals within set timelines.

What are the typical challenges faced when working as a contractual robot designer, and how can they be addressed?

Contractual robot designers often face challenges such as rapidly adapting to new client requirements, managing tight project deadlines, and integrating their designs into existing systems. Since contractual roles can involve working with multiple clients or industries, designers must quickly understand different technical standards and collaborate efficiently with diverse engineering teams. To address these challenges, it's important to maintain clear communication with stakeholders, stay organized with project management tools, and continuously update technical skills to remain competitive and effective in varied environments.

What is the difference between Contractual Robot Design vs Mechanical Robot Engineer?

AspectContractual Robot DesignMechanical Robot Engineer
CredentialsRelevant engineering degrees, certifications in robotics or automationMechanical engineering degree, robotics certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentProject-based, client sites, design studiosDesign labs, manufacturing facilities, research centers
Industry UsageUsed by robotics firms, automation companies, consulting agenciesEmployed in manufacturing, R&D, and industrial sectors

Contractual Robot Design focuses on creating robotic systems on a project basis, often for specific clients, emphasizing design and customization. Mechanical Robot Engineers typically work within companies or labs, involved in ongoing development, testing, and manufacturing of robotic systems. Both roles require engineering credentials, but Contractual Robot Design is more client and project-oriented, while Mechanical Robot Engineering is more technical and production-focused.

What cities are hiring for Contractual Robot Design jobs?

Cities with the most Contractual Robot Design job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Robot Design jobs?

The most popular types of Robot Design jobs are:

What states have the most Contractual Robot Design jobs?

States with the most job openings for Contractual Robot Design jobs include:

Contractual Robot Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contractual Robot Design job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,712 per year, or $36.9 per hour.

2027 PhD Graduate - Post Doctoral in Robotics Researcher

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory

Laurel, MD • On-site

$115K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory rating

9.6

Company rating: 9.6 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

2nd of 74 rated research

Job description

Description
Are you passionate about pursuing groundbreaking research to solve today's greatest challenges in robotics?
Do you enjoy working on meaningful interdisciplinary problems?
Do you thrive in a collaborative and creative environment?
If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.
If you are graduating with a Ph.D. degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or Mathematics with a focus on Robotics, we'd love to have you join our team! The Robotics Group in the Research and Exploratory Development Department is an interdisciplinary team of researchers that is inventing the future across the broad spectrum of robotics, with applications that strengthen national defense, improve healthcare, advance space exploration, and address critical challenges facing the nation. You can learn more about our current research at www.jhuapl.edu/isc.
We are seeking a highly skilled, highly motivated robotics post-doctoral researchers to join us in taking intelligent robotic systems from concept to reality. We are a multidisciplinary team focused on groundbreaking impacts in the areas of robotics control, agentic AI, human-robot and robot-robot teaming, assured autonomy, and novel robot design. Our team is committed to excellence in research that has real-world impact. We strive to foster an environment that aims to solve the hardest problems in robotics.
As a member of our team, you will work on a mix of your own proposed novel research and existing research programs. Current research areas include robot adaptive perception and reasoning, trajectory planning and advanced control, enhanced mobility, novel robotic systems, human-machine teaming, multi-agent coordination, and safe and assured autonomy behaviors. You will have the opportunity to publish your work and present the results of your efforts to the scientific community, external collaborators, and/or government sponsors.
Qualifications
You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...
  • Have a Ph.D. in a relevant field such as Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, or a related field.
  • Are able to obtain a DoD Secret-level security clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.
  • Are a U.S. citizen.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...
  • Have experience with technical writing and have previously published your work in the scientific literature.
  • Have experience formulating original research for real-world application.
  • Have experience developing software that integrates with hardware such as robotic platforms and sensors.
  • Have experience designing, fabricating, and integrating robotics hardware.
  • Have demonstrated proficiency in using ROS2.

About Us
Why Work at APL?
The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.
At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accessibility@jhuapl.edu.
The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Minimum Rate
$85,300 Annually
Maximum Rate
$155,500 Annually

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