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Linear Motion Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Jinba

Founding Design Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$100K - $250K/yr

Create motion design that guides users through workflow creation and execution * Write clean ... Experience at companies like Figma, Linear, Notion, Retool, Vercel, or similar dev/productivity ...

Gradient Robotics

Controls Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$98K - $127K/yr

Experience with precision motion systems: linear stages, ball screws, direct drive, or similar * Familiarity with real-time Linux and deterministic execution * Comfort using AI tools to multiply your ...

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Showing results 41-60

All JobsLinear Motion JobsLinear Motion Jobs in California

Linear Motion information

See California salary details

$29.4K

$82.8K

$142.5K

How much do linear motion jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for linear motion in California is $82,841.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,442.00 and $88,130.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a linear motion engineer?

Linear motion engineers are professionals who design, develop, and maintain systems and components that move in a straight line rather than a rotational path. Their work often involves creating and optimizing devices like actuators, slides, and rails used in automation, robotics, manufacturing equipment, and other machinery. These engineers focus on ensuring precision, efficiency, and reliability in linear movement applications, collaborating with other engineering disciplines to integrate linear motion technology into complex systems.

What is the difference between Linear Motion vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectLinear MotionMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsTypically technical certifications or specialized training in motion systemsBachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentManufacturing, automation, robotics, and product designDesign, analysis, testing, and manufacturing across various industries
Industry UsageFocuses on systems involving linear movement componentsBroader role covering all mechanical systems including linear motion

Linear Motion specialists focus on designing and maintaining systems involving linear movement, often requiring specific technical certifications. Mechanical Engineers have a broader scope, working on various mechanical systems with a typical engineering degree. Both roles are vital in manufacturing and automation industries, but their focus and credentials differ.

What are some common challenges faced by linear motion engineers?

Professionals in linear motion engineering often encounter challenges such as ensuring precise motion control under varying loads, integrating motion systems with existing machinery, and troubleshooting issues related to alignment or component wear. Additionally, adapting to rapid technological advancements and meeting project deadlines can require continuous learning and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams including mechanical, electrical, and software engineers. Staying updated on the latest automation solutions and best practices is essential to effectively address these challenges and contribute to successful project outcomes.

What key skills and qualifications are needed to excel as a linear motion engineer?

To thrive as a Linear Motion Engineer, you need a solid understanding of mechanical engineering principles, experience with automation systems, and typically a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with CAD software, PLC programming, and linear actuator systems is commonly required, along with certifications such as Certified Motion Control Professional (CMCP). Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and effective communication set top performers apart in this role. These competencies ensure the efficient design, integration, and troubleshooting of linear motion systems, which are critical for optimizing industrial automation and manufacturing processes.
What are popular job titles related to Linear Motion jobs in California? For Linear Motion jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Linear Motion jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Linear Motion jobs in California are:
Linear Motion jobs near you
Infographic showing various Linear Motion job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $82,841 per year, or $39.8 per hour.

Senior Software Engineer, Controls (Simulation)

Kodiak

Mountain View, CA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Kodiak Robotics, Inc. was founded in 2018 and has become a leader in autonomous ground transportation committed to a safer and more efficient future for all. The company has developed an artificial intelligence (AI) powered technology stack purpose-built for commercial trucking and the public sector. The company delivers freight daily for its customers across the southern United States using its autonomous technology. In 2024, Kodiak became the first known company to publicly announce delivering a driverless semi-truck to a customer. Kodiak is also leveraging its commercial self-driving software to develop, test and deploy autonomous capabilities for the U.S. Department of Defense. In 2025, Kodiak listed publicly on the NASDAQ.

Kodiak is recruiting an experienced Software Engineer who is passionate about motion control and simulation to join our Controls team. The role offers the opportunity to work on both vehicle modeling and control theory, including deep mathematical modeling.

This is an opportunity to model linear and nonlinear vehicle dynamics, in order to establish high fidelity between simulation results and on-road data. Kodiak operates multiple vehicle platforms in a wide range of operating domains, which surface many interesting modeling and simulation problems.

This role combines both mathematical innovation and software engineering expertise to expand the frontier in autonomy simulation.

In this role, you will:

  • Simulate articulated truck motion in response to steering, accelerator, and brake inputs
  • Model vehicular motion, including the interaction between coupled tractor and trailers
  • Incorporate environmental effects, such as incline, road bank, rolling resistance, and wind
  • Characterize non-linear effects, such as gear shifting and electronic stability control
  • Analyze simulation fidelity by comparing simulated and real-world performance
  • Evaluate controller performance across multi-dimensional assessments
  • Build a safety case for driverless operation

What you'll bring:

  • 4+ years controls development experience for automotive robots
  • Strong C++ programming skill
  • Interest in theoretical and empirical vehicle modeling
  • Facility with mechanical physics
  • Enthusiasm for increasing the scope and fidelity of vehicular simulation
  • A focus on vehicle safety

Bonus points if you have:

  • Simulated automotive robots, especially controls and the robotic platform
  • Experience with driverless autonomous vehicles
  • Strength in statistical analysis and evaluation
  • Familiarity with automotive safety cases, processes, and standards

What we offer:

  • Competitive compensation package including equity and annual bonuses
  • Excellent Medical, Dental, and Vision plans through Kaiser Permanente, Cigna, and MetLife (including a medical plan with infertility benefits)
  • MetLife Legal Services, Identity & Fraud Protection, Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Accident Insurance, & Critical Illness Insurance
  • Flexible PTO, 10 paid holidays, and generous parental leave policies
  • Our office is centrally located in Mountain View, CA
  • Office perks: dog-friendly, free catered lunch, a fully stocked kitchen, and free EV charging
  • Long Term Disability, Short Term Disability, Life Insurance
  • Wellbeing Benefits - Headspace through Cigna, Calm through Kaiser, One Medical, Gympass, Spring Health through Cigna, Rula (mental health navigation) 
  • Fidelity 401(k)
  • Commuter, FSA, Dependent Care FSA, HSA
  • Various incentive programs (referral bonuses, patent bonuses, etc.)

Apply