ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Motion Control Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Accuray

Motion Control Engineer

Madison, WI

The Motion Control Engineer is responsible for the research, planning, design, and development of the core software elements that control the critical motion mechanisms contributing to the function ...

ACS Motion Control

Product Marketing Manager

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$159.30K/yr

ACS Motion Control is a supplier of high-end motion control systems serving high-tech original equipment manufacturers. Types of equipment using our products include: - Semiconductor manufacturing ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

People also search for

All JobsMotion Control Jobs

Motion Control information

See salary details

$24K

$89.6K

$150.5K

How much do motion control jobs pay per year?

As of May 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for motion control in the United States is $89,587.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $61,500.00 and $116,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Motion Control Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Motion Control Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical or mechanical engineering, strong knowledge of automation systems, and expertise in control theory. Familiarity with PLC programming, servo drives, motion controllers, and industry-standard automation software is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication set top performers apart in this role. These skills and qualifications are crucial for designing, implementing, and troubleshooting motion control systems that ensure precise, efficient industrial automation.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in motion control roles, and how can they be addressed?

Motion control professionals often encounter challenges such as integrating diverse hardware and software platforms, ensuring precise synchronization of motion sequences, and troubleshooting system errors. These roles typically require close collaboration with mechanical, electrical, and software engineers to develop customized solutions and optimize system performance. Staying up-to-date with the latest technologies and maintaining clear communication within multidisciplinary teams can help address these challenges and lead to successful project outcomes.

What are motion control jobs?

Motion control jobs involve designing, programming, and maintaining systems that control the movement of machinery and equipment. Professionals in this field work with automation technologies, robotics, and specialized software to ensure precise and efficient machine motion in manufacturing, packaging, or other industrial settings. Typical responsibilities include configuring motion controllers, troubleshooting motion systems, and collaborating with engineers to improve production processes. These roles may require knowledge of servo motors, PLCs, drive systems, and relevant programming languages.

What is the difference between Motion Control vs Robotics Technician?

AspectMotion ControlRobotics Technician
Required CredentialsAssociate's or Bachelor's in Engineering, certifications in PLCs and automationAssociate's or Bachelor's in Robotics, certifications in robotics systems and troubleshooting
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, automation systems, industrial settingsRobotics labs, manufacturing facilities, maintenance environments
Employer & Industry UsageFactories, automation companies, OEMsRobotics companies, manufacturing, research labs

Motion Control and Robotics Technicians both work in automation and manufacturing environments, often sharing similar credentials and work settings. However, Motion Control specialists focus on controlling movement through systems like servos and drives, while Robotics Technicians primarily work on robotic systems and automation equipment. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

More about Motion Control jobs
What cities are hiring for Motion Control jobs? Cities with the most Motion Control job openings:
What states have the most Motion Control jobs? States with the most job openings for Motion Control jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Motion Control jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Motion Control jobs are:
Motion Control jobs near you
Infographic showing various Motion Control job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 7% Contract, and 7% Nights. Highlights an 93% In-person, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,587 per year, or $43.1 per hour.
Staff Robotics Motion Control Engineer

Staff Robotics Motion Control Engineer

Qualcomm

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

Company:
Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.
Job Area:
Engineering Group, Engineering Group > Multimedia Systems
General Summary:
Qualcomm's Robotics Team is driving innovation in autonomous systems by delivering cutting-edge hardware and software solutions for next-generation robots. We are seeking a Robotics Motion Control Engineer to design, implement, and optimize motion control algorithms for robotic platforms powered by Qualcomm's advanced SoCs and AI engines. This role will focus on enabling precise, safe, and efficient motion for robotic arms, mobile manipulators, and humanoid systems.
Key Responsibilities
  • Develop and optimize motion control algorithms for robotic manipulators and mobile platforms, including trajectory planning, inverse kinematics, and real-time control loops.

  • Integrate motion control software with Qualcomm's robotics SDK, ROS2-based frameworks, and hardware abstraction layers.

  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams (AI, perception, hardware, and simulation) to ensure seamless integration of motion control with perception and planning modules.

  • Implement safety and compliance features aligned with functional safety standards (e.g., ISO 26262, IEC 61508).

  • Conduct performance benchmarking and tuning for real-time execution on heterogeneous compute platforms (CPU, GPU, NPU, DSP).

  • Validate algorithms in simulation environments (e.g., Gazebo, Isaac Sim) and on physical robotic platforms.

  • Contribute to system-level architecture discussions for robotics solutions, including sensor fusion and actuator control strategies.

Minimum Qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 4+ years of Systems Engineering or related work experience.
OR
Master's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 3+ years of Systems Engineering or related work experience.
OR
PhD in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 2+ years of Systems Engineering or related work experience.
*Works in the lab, can use hazardous chemicals (e.g., glue, machinery).
Preferred Qualifications:
  • 3+ years of experience in motion control for robotic systems.
  • Strong proficiency in C++ and Python; experience with ROS/ROS2.
  • Solid understanding of kinematics, dynamics, and control theory (PID, model predictive control, impedance/admittance control).
  • Experience with real-time operating systems (RTOS) and embedded systems.
  • Familiarity with simulation tools (Gazebo, Webots, Isaac Sim) and hardware-in-the-loop testing.
  • Experience with humanoid or collaborative robot motion control.
  • Knowledge of functional safety standards and safe motion planning.
  • Familiarity with Qualcomm robotics platforms (e.g., RB5, RB6, IQ series) and AI acceleration frameworks.
  • Exposure to machine learning for motion planning or reinforcement learning-based control.
  • Strong debugging and performance optimization skills for embedded platforms.

Why Join Qualcomm Robotics?
  • Work on cutting-edge robotics platforms integrating AI, 5G connectivity, and advanced compute for real-time autonomy.

  • Collaborate with a global team shaping the future of robotics across industrial, commercial, and consumer markets.

  • Access to state-of-the-art hardware, simulation environments, and Qualcomm's robotics SDK for accelerated development.

Qualcomm is an equal opportunity employer. If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation during the application/hiring process, rest assured that Qualcomm is committed to providing an accessible process. You may e-mail disability-accomodations@qualcomm.com or call Qualcomm's toll-free number found here. Upon request, Qualcomm will provide reasonable accommodations to support individuals with disabilities to be able participate in the hiring process. Qualcomm is also committed to making our workplace accessible for individuals with disabilities. (Keep in mind that this email address is used to provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. We will not respond here to requests for updates on applications or resume inquiries).
To all Staffing and Recruiting Agencies: Our Careers Site is only for individuals seeking a job at Qualcomm. Staffing and recruiting agencies and individuals being represented by an agency are not authorized to use this site or to submit profiles, applications or resumes, and any such submissions will be considered unsolicited. Qualcomm does not accept unsolicited resumes or applications from agencies. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, Qualcomm employees or any other company location. Qualcomm is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes/applications.
EEO Employer: Qualcomm is an equal opportunity employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or any other protected classification.
Qualcomm expects its employees to abide by all applicable policies and procedures, including but not limited to security and other requirements regarding protection of Company confidential information and other confidential and/or proprietary information, to the extent those requirements are permissible under applicable law.
Pay range and Other Compensation & Benefits:
$167,000.00 - $250,600.00
The above pay scale reflects the broad, minimum to maximum, pay scale for this job code for the location for which it has been posted. Even more importantly, please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Qualcomm. We also offer a competitive annual discretionary bonus program and opportunity for annual RSU grants (employees on sales-incentive plans are not eligible for our annual bonus). In addition, our highly competitive benefits package is designed to support your success at work, at home, and at play. Your recruiter will be happy to discuss all that Qualcomm has to offer - and you can review more details about our US benefits at this link.
If you would like more information about this role, please contact Qualcomm Careers.
Qualcomm logo

About Qualcomm

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Qualcomm is enabling a world where everyone and everything can be intelligently connected. You interact with products and technologies made possible by Qualcomm every day, including 5G-enabled smartphones that double as pro-level cameras and gaming devices, smarter vehicles and cities, and the technology behind the smart, connected factories that manufactured your latest purchase. Our powerful connectivity solutions keep you connected—even in remote areas. Qualcomm 5G and AI innovations are the power behind the connected intelligent edge. You’ll find our technologies behind and inside the innovations that deliver significant value across multiple industries and to billions of people every day.

Industry

Technology, communication and media

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

San Diego, CA, US

Year founded

1985

View All Qualcomm Jobs

Apply