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New Grad Robotics Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

$15 - $40/hr

Product Engineering (CA) Title: Part-Time Student - Robotics Engineer - Ames, IA or Urbandale, IA ... Here, you'll enjoy the freedom to explore new projects, the support to think outside the box and ...

$15 - $40/hr

Product Engineering (CA) Title: Part-Time Student - Robotics Engineer - Ames, IA or Urbandale, IA ... Here, you'll enjoy the freedom to explore new projects, the support to think outside the box and ...

As part of a growing engineering team, you will lead robotics and automation initiatives from ... Support installation, commissioning, testing, and validation of new equipment. * Develop mechanical ...

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New Grad Robotics Engineer information

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 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 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 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 Iowa?

For New Grad Robotics Engineer jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching New Grad Robotics Engineer jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for New Grad Robotics Engineer jobs in Iowa are:

Infographic showing various New Grad Robotics Engineer job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Part-Time Student - Robotics Engineer - Ames, IA or Urbandale, IA

On-site

$15 - $40/hr

Part-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


John Deere rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 295 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

There are over 7 billion people on this planet. And by 2050, there will be 2 billion more... many moving into urban centers at an unprecedented rate. Making sure there is enough food, fiber and infrastructure for our rapidly growing world is what we're all about at John Deere. And it's why we're investing in our people and our technology like never before! Here the world's brightest minds are tackling the world's biggest challenges. If you believe one person can make the world a better place, we'll put you to work. RIGHT NOW.

John Deere is an equal opportunity employer, including disabled & veterans.

Primary Location: United States (US) - Iowa - Ames Function: Product Engineering (CA) Title: Part-Time Student - Robotics Engineer - Ames, IA or Urbandale, IA - 123583 Onsite/Remote: Onsite Position

Note: Relocation assistance is not provided.

The Part-Time Student Program is primarily designed to augment the Company's regular full-time staff and is for students who work in parallel to their school schedule YEAR-ROUND .

Your Responsibilities

As a Part-Time Student Robotics Engineer for John Deere located in Ames, IA, or Urbandale, IA , you will:

  • Design, develop, and optimize robotics, perception, and AI technologies that enable automation and autonomy solutions for John Deere products.
  • Develop production-quality software and algorithms for deployment on real-time edge-compute platforms.
  • Research, develop, and evaluate computer vision, machine learning, and deep learning algorithms for perception and decision-making systems.
  • Develop and train multi-modal AI models using camera imagery, machine telemetry, CAN signals, and other sensor data.
  • Develop synthetic data generation and simulation workflows to improve model robustness and reduce data collection costs.
  • Collaborate with CVML, robotics, software, systems, and product engineering teams to integrate perception capabilities into John Deere platforms.

This position is not available to students on immigration visas

What Skills You Need

  • Pursuing a Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD degree in: Computer Science, Robotics, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Machine Learning/Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Applied Mathematics; other fields may apply.
  • Strong programming skills in Python and/or C++.
  • Experience with machine learning and deep learning frameworks such as PyTorch or TensorFlow.
  • Experience with computer vision libraries such as OpenCV.
  • Understanding of machine learning fundamentals, neural networks, and model development workflows.
  • Experience working with real-world data through academic projects, internships, research, or personal projects.
  • Strong communication and collaboration skills.
  • Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
  • Graduation date of May 2027 or later.
  • Available to work during the academic year (16-20 hours weekly).
  • Available to work during the summer semester (30-40 hours weekly).
  • Must be registered as a full-time student at a U.S/local accredited university/college
  • Cumulative GPA of 2.8 or above.
  • Must be able to be onsite at the work location in Urbandale, IA during the summer semester on a daily basis OR onsite at the John Deere Ames Research Park during the school year. NOTE: Relocation assistance is not provided.

What Makes You Stand Out

  • Hands-on experience developing computer vision, machine learning, perception, or robotics solutions.
  • Experience with foundation models, generative AI, large vision-language models, or multimodal learning.
  • Experience with 3D perception, structure-from-motion, neural rendering, Gaussian Splatting, NeRFs, SLAM, or mapping technologies.
  • Strong mathematical background in linear algebra, probability, optimization, and statistics.
  • Passion for innovation, autonomous systems, robotics, and solving real-world customer problems.

Competencies

To reference the competencies associated with the job posting, please use the Job Description Catalog and search for the GJE job

At John Deere, you are empowered to create a career that will take you to where you want to go while working in an inclusive team environment. Here, you'll enjoy the freedom to explore new projects, the support to think outside the box and the advanced tools and technology that foster innovation and achievement. Additionally, we offer a comprehensive reward package to help you get started on your new career path, including:

  • Flexible work arrangements
  • Highly competitive base pay
  • Savings & Retirement benefits (401K and Defined Benefit Pension)
  • Healthcare benefits with a generous company contribution in the Health Savings Account
  • Adoption assistance
  • Employee Assistance Programs
  • Tuition assistance
  • Fitness subsidies and on-site gyms at specific Deere locations
  • Charitable contribution match
  • Employee Purchase Plan & numerous discount programs for personal use
  • Vacation and Holiday Pay

$15 - $40 hourly based on published rates for business function and education level.

Follow this link to learn more about our Total Rewards Package

Must be 18 years of age or older to apply

The information contained herein is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and qualifications required of individuals performing the job. The qualifications detailed in this job description are not considered the minimum requirements necessary to perform the job, but rather as guidelines.

The terms of the applicable benefit plans, and all company actions administering or interpreting these plans, continue to control. Deere & Company reserves the right to suspend, amend, modify, or terminate the Plan(s) in any manner at any time, including the right to modify or eliminate any cost-sharing between the company and participants. Changes, which can be made at any time, are made by action of the company's board of directors, or to the extent authorized by resolution of its board of directors, or by the Deere & Company Compensation Committee. In the event of a conflict between the language of the official Plan Documents and this document, the language of the official Plan Documents will control.

ACA Section 1557 Nondiscrimination Notice

The John Deere Health Benefit Plans for Salaried Employees and The John Deere Benefit Plan for Wage Employees comply with applicable Federal civil rights laws and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with disability.

Nearest Major Market: Ames Nearest Secondary Market: Des Moines Job Segment: Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Engineer, Intern, Electrical, Technology, Engineering, Entry Level


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