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Entry Level Robotics Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

FieldAI

Robotics QA / QC Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

Bachelors Degree in Computer Science or other relevant field * 2+ years of experience in QA, robotics testing, or hands-on technical roles (open to strong entry-level candidates with relevant ...

FieldAI

Robotics QA / QC Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$30 - $45/hr

Bachelors Degree in Computer Science or other relevant field * 2+ years of experience in QA, robotics testing, or hands-on technical roles (open to strong entry-level candidates with relevant ...

FieldAI

Robotics QA / QC Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$30 - $45/hr

Bachelors Degree in Computer Science or other relevant field * 2+ years of experience in QA, robotics testing, or hands-on technical roles (open to strong entry-level candidates with relevant ...

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All JobsEntry Level Robotics JobsEntry Level Robotics Jobs in California

Entry Level Robotics information

See California salary details

$82.9K

$94.7K

$115K

How much do entry level robotics jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level robotics in California is $94,742.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $88,800.00 and $100,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Robotics professional, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Robotics professional, you need a solid understanding of robotics fundamentals, programming (such as Python or C++), and often a degree in engineering, computer science, or a related field. Familiarity with robotics platforms (like ROS), CAD software, and basic electronics or automation tools is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication help individuals stand out in this collaborative and innovative field. These skills and qualities are crucial for designing, testing, and improving robotic systems in a rapidly advancing industry.

How can I start my career in robotics?

To start a career in robotics, gain a strong foundation in STEM fields such as mechanical, electrical, or computer engineering, and learn programming languages like Python or C++. Pursuing relevant education, such as a bachelor's degree, and gaining hands-on experience through internships, projects, or robotics clubs can improve job prospects. Familiarity with robotics tools and platforms like Arduino or ROS is also beneficial.

How to get an entry-level robotics job?

To get an entry-level robotics job, candidates should develop foundational skills in programming, electronics, and mechanical design, often through relevant coursework or certifications. Gaining hands-on experience with robotics kits, internships, or projects can improve employability, and familiarity with tools like Arduino or ROS is beneficial. Entry-level roles typically require a strong understanding of basic robotics concepts and problem-solving abilities.

What types of projects or tasks can I expect to work on as an entry-level robotics engineer?

As an entry-level robotics engineer, you can expect to be involved in tasks such as assembling and testing robotic components, supporting software development for robotic systems, conducting experiments to validate sensors and actuators, and assisting senior engineers with troubleshooting and data analysis. You may also participate in team meetings to discuss project requirements and progress, and collaborate closely with specialists in mechanical, electrical, and software disciplines. These experiences help you build foundational skills and understanding that pave the way for more complex responsibilities as your career progresses.

What is the difference between Entry Level Robotics vs Entry Level Mechanical Engineer?

AspectEntry Level RoboticsEntry Level Mechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsAssociate's or Bachelor's in Robotics, Mechanical, or Electrical EngineeringBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentManufacturing, automation labs, research facilitiesDesign firms, manufacturing plants, R&D departments
Industry UsageRobotics companies, automation industriesAutomotive, aerospace, manufacturing sectors
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

Entry Level Robotics and Entry Level Mechanical Engineer roles share similar educational backgrounds and work environments, often overlapping in manufacturing and automation sectors. While robotics roles focus on designing and programming robotic systems, mechanical engineering positions emphasize designing mechanical components and systems. Both are entry-level positions suited for recent graduates seeking careers in engineering and automation industries.

What are entry level robotics jobs?

Entry level robotics jobs are positions designed for individuals who are new to the robotics field, typically recent graduates or those with limited professional experience. These roles may involve assisting in the design, assembly, testing, and maintenance of robotic systems under the supervision of more experienced engineers or technicians. Common responsibilities include programming robots, troubleshooting technical issues, and supporting project teams in research and development. These jobs often require a background in engineering, computer science, or a related field, and provide valuable hands-on experience for career growth in robotics.

Is robotics a dead field?

Robotics is an active and growing field with applications in manufacturing, healthcare, automation, and research. Entry level robotics jobs often require skills in programming, electronics, and mechanical design, and demand continues to increase as technology advances.

What engineers make $500,000?

Highly experienced engineers in specialized fields such as software engineering, data engineering, or certain senior roles in aerospace and oil and gas industries can earn $500,000 or more annually. These positions often require advanced skills, certifications, and extensive industry experience, and may include bonuses or stock options that contribute to total compensation.
What are the most commonly searched types of Robotics jobs in California? The most popular types of Robotics jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Robotics jobs in California? For Entry Level Robotics jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Robotics jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Robotics jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Entry Level Robotics jobs? Cities in California with the most Entry Level Robotics job openings:
Entry Level Robotics jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Robotics job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 11% Full Time, and 89% Part Time. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,742 per year, or $45.5 per hour.

Sr. Perception & Sensors Engineer, Robotics Hardware

FieldAI

Irvine, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Field AI is transforming how robots interact with the real world. We are building risk-aware, reliable, and field-ready AI systems that address the most complex challenges in robotics, unlocking the full potential of embodied intelligence. We go beyond typical data-driven approaches or pure transformer-based architectures, and are charting a new course, with already-globally-deployed solutions delivering real-world results and rapidly improving models through real-field applications.

Hardware Team:
The Hardware Team at Field AI develops perception and compute payloads that power autonomous robotics systems in complex real-world environments. Our work spans the full hardware stack designing and integrating sensing systems (LiDAR, camera, TOF, IMU, GPS), embedded compute (CPUs, GPUs, microcontrollers, ROS, sensor drivers), electrical systems (power distribution, communication), and mechanical components (structures, thermal regulation, ingress protection). The team focuses on both development (research, design, prototyping, testing) and operations (production, testing, QA, debugging). We're a small, fast-moving team, and we care deeply about improving: 1) core capabilities, 2) system reliability, 3) system scalability. As a growing team we are also building operational systems and procedures from the ground up.
 
Sensor Systems Role:
As a Sensor Systems Engineer on the Hardware Team, you will contribute to the design, integration, calibration, and validation of the sensing systems that underpin our autonomy stack. You will work with a diverse array of sensors-LiDARs, depth cameras, IMUs, GPS, and more-ensuring each one delivers accurate, time-synchronized, and spatially consistent data in a range of environments and operating conditions. You will collaborate closely with the autonomy, compute, electrical, and mechanical teams to build tightly integrated solutions ready for deployment in challenging field environments. Additionally, while your focus will be on sensors you will likely contribute across all hardware domains.
 
 
What You Will Get To Do
 
 
1. Sensor System Design
  • Sensor Architecture: Work across hardware and software teams to define sensing requirements. Identity, test, and select sensors such as LiDARs, depth cameras, GPS, IMUs, ToF, and other devices.
  • Systems Integration: Integrate sensors with electrical (USB, Ethernet, I2C, CAN, GMSL), mechanical (mounts, jigs, isolation), and software (configurations, drivers, ROS nodes) systems. Ensuring power, thermal, and protocol compatibility.
  • Spatial Performance: Architect system to meet spatial sampling performance requirements including spatial coverage, range, resolution, and transform accuracy.
  • Temporal Performance: Implement and validate synchronization strategies, triggering schemes, timestamp encoding, and end-to-end latency minimization.
 
2. Sensor System Implementation
  • Performance Characterization: Evaluate sensor performance (spatial resolution, temporal drift, EMI noise, sync errors etc.). Test under real-world environmental conditions (vibration, lighting, moisture, temperature).
  • Calibration: Design and execute both intrinsic and extrinsic calibrations. Build alignment rigs and calibration boards as needed.
  • Optimization: Tune sensor configurations (exposure, gain, filtering, frame rate, etc.) and processing pipeline (filtering etc.)  for optimal performance
  • Documentation: Create timing diagrams, sensor maps, coordinate transforms, and maintain all configuration files, launch scripts, driver references, and firmware states.
 
3. Sensor System Production & Servicing
  • Build: Work with vendors to procure sensors. Develop QA checks for incoming units. Support payload integration and manufacturing at scale.
  • Debug: Conduct root cause analysis of sensor systems including issues across hardware and software boundaries.
  • Monitor: Develop protocols for monitoring the sensing system health, data quality, and calibration status during field deployments.
 
What You Have
 
  • Education: B.S., M.S. or Ph.D. in Robotics, Electrical Engineering, Engineering Physics, Physics, or a related field.
  • Experience Level: We are recruiting across a wide range of experience levels from entry level engineers to senior and staff engineers.
  • Hands-On Sensors Experience: Hands-on work with perception sensors such as LiDAR, depth cameras, IMUs, GPS.
  • Systems Thinking: Cross-functional collaboration experience across electrical, mechanical, and software teams.
  • Sensor Physics: Strong foundation in optics, signal processing, and electromagnetic wave propagation.
  • Lab Skills: Hands-on testing, calibration, and debugging skills (oscilloscopes, logs, vibration/thermal setups)
  • Communication Protocols: Experience with protocols such as USB, Ethernet, GMSL, CAN, I2C, and CSI.
  • Computer & Software: Experience working with ROS/ROS2, sensor drivers, coordinate transforms (TF), and timing protocols (PTP, NTP, etc.).
  • Timing & Triggers: Experience with timestamping, synchronization, triggering, and latency constraints.
  • Calibration & Characterization: Experience designing and executing intrinsic, extrinsic, and temporal calibrations, along with sensor characterization under real-world environmental conditions.
  • Simulation: Experience high-fidelity simulation environments (Gazebo, Isaac Sim, RViz) for sensor modeling.
 
What Will Set You Apart
 
  • Scaling: Experience taking systems from prototype to large scale production.
  • Field Environments: Experience developing systems for harsh field environments.
  • Deployed Robotics: Experience working on robotics deployed in real world settings such as autonomous vehicles, drones, or ruggedized robots.
  • Systems Level Robotics: Fluency across software, electrical, and mechanical systems.
  • Autonomy Software: Knowledge of autonomy stacks used in robotics. As well as how sensor performance impacts autonomy algorithms.
$70,000 - $300,000 a year
Compensation and Benefits
Our salary range is between ($70,000 - $300,000 annual), but we take into consideration an individual's background and experience in determining final salary; base pay offered may vary considerably depending on geographic location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.  Also, while we enjoy being together on-site, we are open to exploring a hybrid or remote option.

Why Join Field AI?
We are solving one of the world's most complex challenges: deploying robots in unstructured, previously unknown environments. Our Field Foundational Models set a new standard in perception, planning, localization, and manipulation, ensuring our approach is explainable and safe for deployment.

You will have the opportunity to work with a world-class team that thrives on creativity, resilience, and bold thinking. With a decade-long track record of deploying solutions in the field, winning DARPA challenge segments, and bringing expertise from organizations like DeepMind, NASA JPL, Boston Dynamics, NVIDIA, Amazon, Tesla Autopilot, Cruise Self-Driving, Zoox, Toyota Research Institute, and SpaceX, we are set to achieve our ambitious goals.

Be Part of the Next Robotics Revolution
To tackle such ambitious challenges, we need a team as unique as our vision - innovators who go beyond conventional methods and are eager to tackle tough, uncharted questions. We're seeking individuals who challenge the status quo, dive into uncharted territory, and bring interdisciplinary expertise. Our team requires not only top AI talent but also exceptional software developers, engineers, product designers, field deployment experts, and communicators.

We are headquartered in always-sunny Irvine, Southern California and have US based and global teammates. 

Join us, shape the future, and be part of a fun, close-knit team on an exciting journey!



We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Candidates and employees are always evaluated based on merit, qualifications, and performance. We will never discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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