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Phd Robotics Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Relativity Space

Robotics Engineer II

Long Beach, CA · On-site

  • PTO

Education: BS, MS, or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Robotics, or a related field, or self-taught with extensive hands-on experience * 3+ years of experience ...

Pivotal

Autonomy Engineer II - Robotics

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

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 ...

Ambi Robotics

Senior Robotics Software Engineer

Berkeley, CA · On-site

$140 - $190/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

A BS in a related field with four years of experience in commercial robotics software development OR an MS/PhD in a related field with two years of experience in commercial robotics software ...

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All JobsPhd Robotics JobsPhd Robotics Jobs in California

Phd Robotics information

See California salary details

$82.9K

$94.7K

$115K

How much do phd robotics jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for phd robotics in California is $94,742.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $88,800.00 and $100,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Phd Robotics vs Robotics Engineer?

AspectPhd RoboticsRobotics Engineer
Required CredentialsPhD in Robotics, Computer Science, or related fieldBachelor's or Master's in Robotics, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, academia, advanced R&D projectsIndustry settings, manufacturing, product development
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutions, high-tech companiesTech companies, manufacturing firms, startups
Common Search & ComparisonAcademic research, specialized rolesPractical application, product design

While a Phd Robotics focuses on advanced research, theoretical development, and academic contributions, a Robotics Engineer applies practical skills to design, develop, and implement robotic systems in industry settings. Both roles require a background in robotics, but their career paths and work environments differ significantly.

Can I do a PhD in robotics?

A PhD in robotics is a research-focused doctoral degree that typically requires a master's degree in engineering, computer science, or a related field. It involves advanced coursework, original research, and skills in areas like programming, control systems, and machine learning, often taking 3-5 years to complete.

How much does a PhD in robotics make?

A PhD in robotics typically earns between $80,000 and $130,000 annually, depending on experience, industry, and location. Robotics researchers and engineers with a doctorate often work in advanced research, development, or academia, where higher salaries are common for specialized skills in automation, machine learning, and control systems.

What is the highest paid job in robotics?

The highest paid jobs in robotics are often senior roles such as robotics engineering managers, research directors, or chief robotics officers, typically earning six-figure salaries. These positions require advanced technical skills, leadership experience, and often a PhD in robotics or related fields, along with expertise in AI, machine learning, and automation systems.

What cities in California are hiring for Phd Robotics jobs?

Cities in California with the most Phd Robotics job openings:

Phd Robotics jobs near you
Infographic showing various Phd Robotics job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,742 per year, or $45.5 per hour.

Robotics Engineer II

Relativity Space

Long Beach, CA • On-site

Other

PTO

Re-posted 14 hours ago

Relativity Space rating

9.7

Company rating: 9.7 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

2nd of 72 rated aerospace companies

Job description

At Relativity Space, we're building rockets to serve today's needs and tomorrow's breakthroughs. Our Terran R vehicle will deliver customer payloads to orbit, meeting the growing demand for launch capacity. But that's just the start. Achieving commercial success with Terran R will unlock new opportunities to advance science, exploration, and innovation, pioneering progress that reaches beyond the known.
Joining Relativity means becoming part of something where autonomy, ownership, and impact exist at every level. Here, you're not just executing tasks; you're solving problems that haven't been solved before, helping develop a rocket, a factory, and a business from the ground up. Whether you're in propulsion, manufacturing, software, avionics, or a corporate function, you'll collaborate across teams, shape decisions, and see your work come to life in record time. Relativity is a place where creativity and technical rigor go hand in hand, and your voice will help define the stories we're writing together. Now is a unique moment in time where it's early enough to leave your mark on the product, the process, and the culture, but far enough along that Terran R is tangible and picking up momentum. The most meaningful work of your career is waiting. Join us.
About the Team:
Relativity Space pioneered large-scale additive manufacturing with our Terran 1 rocket, the largest 3D-printed object to fly. Now a distinct business unit within Relativity, Horizon Manufacturing Technologies is advancing next-generation manufacturing for aerospace and beyond. The team operates at the frontier of manufacturing innovation, where creativity meets capability. This is an environment where cutting-edge R&D is put into production, industrializing advanced manufacturing capabilities to solve customer problems. As member of the Horizon's Robotics Team, you'll work alongside welders, data scientists, and material scientists, creating an end-to-end additive manufacturing platform that serves a wide variety of applications. From exploring new materials to unlocking faster print speeds, to designing complex, organic geometries that can't be built any other way, it's high-impact work that sets the foundation for the future of advanced manufacturing.
About the Role:
A Systems Robotics Engineer at Horizon Manufacturing Technology contributes to the development, integration, and optimization of automation systems for our robotics manufacturing platform. The main focus is on designing and implementing robotic control systems, functional safety, and developing real-time systems to enhance operational efficiency and precision. Horizon's team is highly cross-functional, so a successful Systems Robotics Engineer owns projects while working with stakeholders in a dynamic R&D environment. Responsibilities include:
  • Coordinate and lead development projects for new devices, such as sensors, end effectors, and motion systems. Identify requirements, design solutions, develop and integrate with the existing robot cells to serve the needs of the manufacturing processes
  • Commissioning EtherCAT networks and safety systems using TwinCAT and TwinSAFE
  • Configuring Kuka robot systems, such as determining drive systems, connecting motors and peripheral devices, setting up SafeOp, and configuring I/O systems
  • Calibration and verification of robot cell operation, using industrial metrology and tracking systems
  • Design, fabrication, and debug of low voltage electrical enclosures
  • Support robot cell operation for both production and R&D applications, including debugging code and adjusting cell configuration parameters

About You:
  • Education: BS, MS, or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Robotics, or a related field, or self-taught with extensive hands-on experience
  • 3+ years of experience in robotics control systems: In-depth knowledge of designing, implementing, and optimizing control systems for industrial robotic applications.
  • Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot and resolve complex issues in automation systems, ensuring reliability and performance
  • Good communication and collaboration skills: Ability to effectively communicate technical concepts and work in cross-functional teams to achieve project goals.
  • Familiarity with protocols such as EtherCAT, CANbus, Ethernet/IP, PROFINET, and safety protocols (FSoE, profiSAFE) used in industrial automation
  • Experience with functional safety standards in industrial automation such as ISO13849 and ISO61508, as well as performing standardized risk assessment such as described in ISO12100
  • Experience with motion and kinematics, such as in the context of robot reachability studies, servo control, accuracy and calibration, and path planning
  • Proficiency with Git or other revision control methods

Nice to haves but not required:
  • Experience with programming Structured Text and configuring Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) for industrial automation
  • Experience with CAD/CAM for electrical schematics and mechanical design
  • Experience with agile development methodologies: Familiarity with agile software development practices, including iterative development and continuous integration.
  • Experience with Control Theory and System Identification
  • Proficiency in C++, C#, Python, Javascript, and/or ROS
  • Experience with Linux based systems and bash scripting
  • Experience with advanced motion control techniques, such as trajectory planning, servo control, and kinematics calculations
  • Experience with computer vision techniques for enhancing automation capabilities, including object detection and tracking. E.g. sensor fusion techniques.
  • Experience with systems test engineering, Verification and Validation processes

At Relativity Space, we are committed to transparency and fairness in our compensation practices. Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and other job-related factors.
Compensation is only one part of our total rewards package. Relativity Space offers competitive salary and equity, a generous PTO and sick leave policy, parental leave, an annual learning and development stipend, and more! To see some of the benefits & perks we offer, please visit here.
Hiring Range:
$124,000-$186,000 USD
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
If you need a reasonable accommodation, please contact us at
Please note: Relativity Space does not accept unsolicited resumes, candidate profiles, or referrals from recruitment agencies or search firms. Any unsolicited submission - via email, our website, social media, or directly to an employee - will be deemed the property of Relativity Space, and no fee will be owed absent a current, fully executed agreement with Talent Acquisition that specifically authorizes submissions for the applicable role.

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