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New Grad Robotics Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

FieldAI

Senior Robotics Engineer (Federal)

Irvine, CA · On-site

$112K - $154K/yr

We're looking for a Senior Robotics Engineer to lead the design, implementation, and deployment of ... Verify and validate new control schemes directly on physical robots, overcoming bottlenecks when ...

Sunday Inc

Robotics Systems Engineer

Redwood City, CA · On-site

At the same time, we're building a new kind of consumer hardware product, which will be deployed ... As a Robotics System Integration Engineer, you'll play a central role in delivering reliable, safe ...

Hyve Solutions

Robotics Automation Engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site

$120K - $145K/yr

Stay current with advancements in robotics, AI, and automation to identify and implement new ... Qualifications: * A bachelor's degree in a relevant engineering discipline such as mechanical ...

hyve solutions

Robotics Automation Engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site

$120K - $145K/yr

Stay current with advancements in robotics, AI, and automation to identify and implement new ... A bachelor's degree in a relevant engineering discipline such as mechanical engineering, electrical ...

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All JobsNew Grad Robotics Engineer JobsNew Grad Robotics Engineer Jobs in California

New Grad Robotics Engineer information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a New Grad Robotics Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a New Grad Robotics Engineer, you typically need a degree in robotics, mechanical engineering, computer science, or a related field, along with a solid understanding of control systems, kinematics, and programming languages such as Python or C++. Familiarity with robotics development platforms (like ROS), CAD software, and hands-on experience with sensors and actuators are highly valuable. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication skills help you adapt to complex projects and collaborate across disciplines. These competencies ensure you can design, build, and troubleshoot robotic systems efficiently in a fast-evolving technological environment.

What types of projects and responsibilities can a new grad robotics engineer expect in their first year?

As a new grad robotics engineer, you can expect to work on a variety of tasks such as assisting with the design, development, and testing of robotic systems or subsystems. Typical responsibilities may include writing and debugging code for robot control, collaborating with cross-functional teams like mechanical and electrical engineers, and participating in troubleshooting or integration activities. You may also be assigned to support ongoing research, help document technical processes, and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives. This hands-on experience helps build a strong foundation and often opens up future opportunities for specialization or advancement.

What does a New Grad Robotics Engineer do?

A New Grad Robotics Engineer typically supports the design, development, and testing of robotic systems and automation solutions. They work alongside experienced engineers to write code, integrate sensors and actuators, troubleshoot issues, and help improve the performance of robots. These engineers may also assist in prototyping, data analysis, and documentation. The role provides hands-on experience with robotics hardware and software, making it an important entry point for a career in automation and robotics.

What is the difference between New Grad Robotics Engineer vs Robotics Software Engineer?

AspectNew Grad Robotics EngineerRobotics Software Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in robotics, mechanical, electrical engineering, or related fieldBachelor's or master's in computer science, robotics, or related field; programming skills essential
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, team-based projects in research labs or tech companiesDeveloping and maintaining robotics software in industry or research settings
Employer & Industry UsageStartups, research institutions, tech companies focusing on roboticsTech firms, industrial automation, autonomous vehicle companies

The main difference is that New Grad Robotics Engineers focus on gaining hands-on experience in robotics projects, often with a broader scope including hardware integration. Robotics Software Engineers primarily concentrate on developing and optimizing software solutions for robotics systems, requiring strong programming skills. Both roles are entry-level but differ in their focus areas within the robotics industry.

What are popular job titles related to New Grad Robotics Engineer jobs in California? For New Grad Robotics Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching New Grad Robotics Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for New Grad Robotics Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for New Grad Robotics Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most New Grad Robotics Engineer job openings:
New Grad Robotics Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various New Grad Robotics Engineer job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 14% Locum Tenens, 28% As Needed, 29% Full Time, and 29% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution.

Staff Robotics Engineer / Tech Lead - Whole-Body Control & Robot Learning

XPENG

Santa Clara, CA

Other

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

XPENG is a leading smart technology company at the forefront of innovation, integrating advanced AI and autonomous driving technologies into its vehicles, including electric vehicles (EVs), electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, and robotics. With a strong focus on intelligent mobility, XPENG is dedicated to reshaping the future of transportation through cutting-edge R&D in AI, machine learning, and smart connectivity.
 
We are now expanding into the development of general-purpose humanoid robots aimed at automating repetitive tasks and assisting people in their daily lives.
 
We are seeking a highly motivated Staff Robotics Engineer / Tech Lead to join our US robotics team. This role is ideal for a strong hands-on engineer who can contribute deeply to humanoid robot control, whole-body motion generation, robot learning, and sim-to-real deployment, while helping coordinate technical direction and mentor a small team. The ideal candidate brings strong engineering judgment, clear communication, and the ability to help other engineers move faster and make better technical decisions.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Develop control and learning-based algorithms for humanoid robot locomotion, whole-body control, motion generation, and sim-to-real transfer.
  • Contribute to the technical direction of the robotics team by identifying key problems, proposing practical solutions, and helping prioritize engineering efforts.
  • Work with simulation, software, hardware, AI, data, and China-based engineering teams to translate robot performance goals into executable plans.
  • Mentor other engineers through design reviews, code reviews, experiments, and technical discussions.
Minimum Requirements:
  • Master's or Ph.D. degree in Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
  • 5+ years of relevant experience in reinforcement learning, robotics, robot learning, control systems, or related areas.
  • Strong background in robot dynamics, control, motion planning, reinforcement learning, imitation learning, or whole-body control.
  • Familiarity with modern robot learning methods such as PPO, SAC, behavior cloning, diffusion policies, imitation learning, etc.
  • Excellent communication skills, with the ability to work across disciplines, locations, and organizational boundaries.
  • Strong ownership mindset and ability to operate effectively in a fast-moving, ambiguous, research-to-product environment.
Preferred Requirements:
  • Publications or strong project experience in robotics, reinforcement learning, legged locomotion, humanoid control, or embodied AI are a plus.
  • Experience technically leading projects or mentoring other engineers.
  • Hands-on experience with legged robot control, testing, or operation.
 
What do we provide:
  • A supportive, engaging environment with opportunities to make a significant impact on the future of robotics.
  • Opportunities to work on cutting-edge technologies with top talent in the field.
  • Competitive compensation, equity, benefits.
  • Lunches, snacks, and team activities.
 
The base salary range for this full-time position is $215,280-$364,320, in addition to bonus, equity and benefits. Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target for new hire salaries for the position across all US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.
 
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is our policy to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons without regard to race, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status or marital status or any other prescribed category set forth in federal or state regulations.

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