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Phd In Robotics Salary Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Pivotal

Autonomy Engineer II - Robotics

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

Master's degree or PhD in Robotics, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field. * Experience with autonomous aircraft, UAVs, drones, or eVTOL systems. * Experience with PX4 ...

Medium

Autonomy Engineer II - Robotics

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$100 - $130/hr

Master's degree or PhD in Robotics, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, ora relatedfield. * Experience with autonomousaircraft, UAVs, drones, or eVTOL systems. * Experience with PX4,ArduPilot ...

Proception Inc.

Spatial AI & SLAM Engineer

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$180 - $240/hr

Requirements * 01 MS or PhD in Robotics, Computer Vision, Computer Science, or a related field--or ... salary and meaningful equity * 02 Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage * 03 Work with ...

AI Chopping Block

Principal Robotics Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$150 - $230/hr

Master's or PhD in Robotics, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field--or equivalent industry experience. * 10+ years of experience building production robotics or autonomy ...

FieldAI

Principal Robotics Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site +1

$210K - $240K/yr

Master's or PhD in Robotics, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field-or ... salary range is generous and we consider each individual's background and experience when ...

Socket.dev

Principal Robotics Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$180 - $240/hr

Master's or PhD in Robotics, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field--or ... Our salary range is generous and we consider each individual's background and experience when ...

FieldAI

Principal Robotics Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$210 - $240/hr

Master's or PhD in Robotics, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field--or ... salary range is generous and we consider each individual's background and experience when ...

FieldAI

Principal Robotics Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$210K - $240K/yr

Master's or PhD in Robotics, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field-or ... salary range is generous and we consider each individual's background and experience when ...

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Phd In Robotics Salary information

What is the average salary for someone with a PhD in robotics?

The average salary for individuals with a PhD in Robotics varies depending on the industry, location, and level of experience. In the United States, salaries typically range from $90,000 to $150,000 per year, with higher salaries often found in sectors like technology, manufacturing, and academia. Senior roles in research and development or at leading tech companies may offer even higher compensation. Factors such as geographic location, specific expertise, and employer type can significantly influence the salary range.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a robotics engineer with a PhD, and why are they important?

To excel as a Robotics Engineer with a PhD, you need advanced knowledge in robotics, control systems, artificial intelligence, and a strong academic background typically demonstrated by a doctorate in robotics, computer science, or a related field. Expertise in programming languages (such as Python, C++), simulation tools (like ROS or MATLAB), and experience with hardware prototyping are commonly required technical skills. Exceptional problem-solving, innovation, and teamwork abilities distinguish top performers in this role. These competencies enable the design and implementation of cutting-edge robotic systems, driving progress in research and industry applications.

What career advancement opportunities are available for professionals with a PhD in robotics?

Professionals holding a PhD in Robotics often have access to a wide range of career advancement opportunities in both academia and industry. In academia, they can pursue tenure-track faculty positions or lead research labs. In industry, they are well-positioned for senior research scientist, robotics engineer, or leadership roles such as R&D manager or chief technology officer. Additionally, PhD holders may advance by publishing influential research, securing patents, or transitioning into entrepreneurial ventures, such as founding robotics startups.

What is the difference between Phd In Robotics Salary vs Robotics Engineer Salary?

AspectPhd In Robotics SalaryRobotics Engineer Salary
Required CredentialsPhD in Robotics or related fieldBachelor's or Master's in Robotics, Engineering, or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, academia, R&D departmentsIndustrial settings, manufacturing, tech companies
Industry UsageResearch, academia, specialized R&D rolesProduct development, system design, implementation

Typically, individuals with a PhD in Robotics earn higher salaries due to advanced expertise and research experience, often working in research or academic roles. Robotics Engineers usually have a bachelor's or master's degree and focus on practical application and system development, resulting in slightly lower average salaries but broader industry opportunities.

Is a PhD in robotics worth it?

A PhD in robotics can lead to advanced research, development, and academic positions with higher salary potential, often exceeding those with only a master's or bachelor's degree. However, it requires significant time investment and specialized skills in programming, control systems, and machine learning, which can enhance job prospects in industry and academia.

What are popular job titles related to Phd In Robotics Salary jobs in California?

For Phd In Robotics Salary jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Phd In Robotics Salary jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Phd In Robotics Salary jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Phd In Robotics Salary jobs?

Cities in California with the most Phd In Robotics Salary job openings:

Phd In Robotics Salary jobs near you
Infographic showing various Phd In Robotics Salary job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution.

Autonomy Engineer II - Robotics

Pivotal

Palo Alto, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

Pivotal is the leader in the emerging market of electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft. We design, develop, and manufacture light eVTOL aircraft and are renowned for the BlackFly aircraft the world's first light eVTOL to fly manned missions and enter the consumer market.
Efficient, compact, and simple, Pivotal aircraft are designed for a wide range of consumer, public service, and defense applications. Our distinctive tilt-aircraft architecture and scalable platform have been flying for over 10 years. Last year we announced our next-generation aircraft, the Helix, which is rapidly progressing toward general release and scalable production in 2026.
Mobility is one of the most highly-valued areas of modern technology investments. This is the right company, in the right space, the right strategy, at the right time. If you are ready for adventure, we invite you to join our amazing team and grow with us.
The Autonomy team at Pivotal develops advanced autonomy capabilities for our aircraft, enabling safe, precise, and reliable mission execution from takeoff to landing. We are seeking a autonomy robotics Engineer to support the development of next-generation perception systems for our autonomous aerial platforms, including the Helix family of systems.
About the Role
  • The Autonomy team develops advanced autonomous capabilities for our aerial platforms, enabling safe and intelligent mission execution from takeoff to landing. We are seeking an Autonomy Robotics Engineer to design, develop, and deploy navigation, planning, and decision-making systems that operate reliably in dynamic and uncertain environments.

  • You will collaborate with perception, GNC, flight software, and hardware teams across the full autonomy stack - from simulation and algorithm development to flight testing and deployment on operational aircraft.

  • The ideal candidate combines strong robotics fundamentals with hands-on experience building and deploying autonomous systems on real-world robotic platforms. Experience with autonomous drones, PX4, and eVTOL aircraft is highly desirable.

Responsibilities
  • Autonomy & Path Planning

  • Design and develop autonomous navigation and mission planning systems for aerial robotic platforms.

  • Develop trajectory generation, path planning, and obstacle avoidance algorithms for dynamic environments.

  • Implement behavior planning, mission management, and autonomous decision-making frameworks.

  • Develop autonomous capabilities for waypoint navigation, target tracking, landing, and mission execution.

  • Evaluate and integrate state-of-the-art robotics and autonomy algorithms into operational systems.

Software Development
  • Develop production-quality software for autonomous robotic systems.
  • Implement autonomy algorithms in real-time embedded and Linux-based environments.
  • Optimize autonomy software for performance, reliability, and deployment on resource-constrained platforms.
  • Contribute to software reviews, testing frameworks, and continuous integration processes.
  • Hardware Integration & Flight Testing
  • Integrate autonomy software with flight controllers, onboard computers, sensors, and communication systems.
  • Support hardware bring-up, system integration, and debugging activities.
  • Conduct software-in-the-loop (SITL), hardware-in-the-loop (HITL), and flight testing.
  • Analyze flight test data and identify opportunities to improve autonomy performance.
  • Collaborate with hardware and flight operations teams to support deployment and field testing.

Education
  • Bachelor's degree in Robotics, Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field.

Experience
  • 2+ years of industry experience in robotics, autonomous systems, aerospace, or related fields.

  • Strong proficiency in C++ and Python.

  • Experience developing autonomy, navigation, or robotic control systems.

  • Strong understanding of motion planning, path planning, and autonomous decision-making algorithms.

  • Experience with robotics middleware such as ROS or ROS2.

  • Experience developing software in Linux environments.

  • Hands-on experience integrating software with robotic hardware systems and sensors.

  • Experience with simulation and testing frameworks for autonomous systems.

  • Experience with MATLAB and Simulink for algorithm development, modeling, and simulation.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Master's degree or PhD in Robotics, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.

  • Experience with autonomous aircraft, UAVs, drones, or eVTOL systems.

  • Experience with PX4, ArduPilot, or similar autopilot frameworks.

  • Experience developing autonomy for multicopters, VTOL aircraft, or fixed-wing platforms.

  • Knowledge of state estimation, localization, SLAM, and sensor fusion techniques.

  • Experience with trajectory optimization, model predictive control (MPC), or advanced planning algorithms.

  • Experience with NVIDIA Jetson, embedded Linux systems, or edge computing platforms.

  • Familiarity with Gazebo, Isaac Sim, AirSim, or other robotics simulation environments.

  • Experience supporting flight testing and operational deployments.

Why Pivotal
At Pivotal, you'll work on some of the most challenging problems in autonomy, perception, and intelligent aircraft systems. You'll have the opportunity to develop technologies that move rapidly from concept to flight testing and deployment, working alongside a multidisciplinary team of engineers pushing the boundaries of autonomous aviation.
Attributes aligned with Core Values
  • Demonstrates a proactive safety mindset by embedding safety into daily operations, identifying and mitigating risks through assessments and training, encouraging open dialogue on safety concerns, and continuously improving protocols to ensure a safe work environment.

  • Puts customers at the center of every action by deeply understanding their challenges, delivering exceptional value, and striving to exceed expectations to support their success as our core purpose.

  • Actively seeks and values diverse stakeholder perspectives, builds cross-functional relationships, and fosters trust through empathetic, fact-based communication-committing to shared decisions for the greater good.

  • Drives results with clarity and purpose by focusing on what matters most, adapting to change, taking initiative, and owning outcomes while aligning actions with a clear understanding of success at every level.

  • Navigates ambiguity with resilience and bold thinking, challenges the status quo, and combines innovative ideas with practical best practices to overcome obstacles and drive progress.

  • Fosters a high-performance culture grounded in respect, professionalism, and support-balancing high expectations with a healthy, collaborative environment and being a trusted, dependable teammate.

Applicants must be eligible for employment in the United States and willing to work onsite at our HQ office in Palo Alto, CA.
Pivotal offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, and 401k plans.
Pivotal is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Pivotal does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.
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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