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Robot Engineer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Senior Robotics Engineer

Sterling, VA

$103K - $142K/yr

As a Senior Robotics Engineer, you will be responsible for: * Delivering high-quality, testable ... Have implemented and shipped software for robot functionalities * Ability to communicate ...

As a Robotics Engineer, you will be responsible for: * Development, testing, and deployment of disassembly, reassembly, and other automated jobs of customer products in the Molg's Microfactories

Showing results 21-40

Robot Engineer information

See Washington salary details

$32.8K

$119.6K

$191.4K

How much do robot engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for robot engineer in Washington is $119,608.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $94,600.00 and $143,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a robot engineer do?

A Robot Engineer designs, builds, tests, and maintains robots and robotic systems. They work on both the hardware and software aspects, ensuring robots can perform specific tasks efficiently and safely. Robot Engineers often collaborate with other engineers and specialists to create automated solutions for industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, and logistics. Their responsibilities may also include programming robots, troubleshooting technical issues, and researching new robotic technologies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a robot engineer?

To thrive as a Robot Engineer, you need a strong background in mechanical engineering, electronics, and computer programming, often supported by a degree in robotics, mechatronics, or a related field. Familiarity with CAD software, robotic simulation tools, control systems, and certifications like ROS (Robot Operating System) proficiency are typically required. Creativity, problem-solving, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills that distinguish top performers in this role. These skills and qualities are vital for designing, developing, and maintaining advanced robotic systems that meet technical and operational requirements.

How does a robot engineer typically collaborate with other departments during a project?

Robot Engineers often work closely with cross-functional teams, including software developers, electrical engineers, and project managers, to ensure that robotic systems meet both technical and operational requirements. Effective collaboration involves regular meetings to align on design specifications, troubleshooting sessions to resolve integration challenges, and ongoing communication to incorporate feedback from end-users or manufacturing teams. This collaborative approach helps ensure the successful deployment and maintenance of complex robotic solutions.

What is the difference between Robot Engineer vs Automation Technician?

AspectRobot EngineerAutomation Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in robotics, mechanical, electrical engineering or related fieldAssociate's or bachelor's degree in automation, electronics, or related field
Work EnvironmentDesigning, developing, and testing robotic systems in labs or manufacturing settingsInstalling, maintaining, and troubleshooting automation equipment on factory floors
Industry UsageUsed by companies developing advanced robotic solutions and automation systemsCommon in manufacturing plants for process automation and equipment upkeep

Robot Engineers focus on designing and developing robotic systems, requiring advanced engineering skills. Automation Technicians handle installation and maintenance of automation equipment, often with hands-on technical work. Both roles are vital in automation industries but differ in responsibilities and required education.

Do robot engineers get paid well?

Robot engineers typically earn competitive salaries that reflect their specialized skills in robotics, programming, and systems integration. Salaries vary based on experience, education, location, and industry, but the role generally offers above-average compensation compared to many other engineering fields.

What work does a robot engineer do?

A robot engineer designs, develops, tests, and maintains robotic systems and automation solutions. They work with mechanical, electrical, and software components, often using programming languages like C++ or Python, and may use CAD tools for design. Their work typically involves troubleshooting, improving robot performance, and ensuring safety standards are met.

What cities in Washington are hiring for Robot Engineer jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Robot Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Robot Engineer job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $119,608 per year, or $57.5 per hour.

2027 PhD Graduate - Subsea Robotics Engineer

Johns Hopkins University AppliedPhysicsLaboratory

Laurel, MD โ€ข On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Description
Are you excited about developing software that enables autonomous underwater vehicles to operate in challenging real-world environments?
Do you enjoy combining robotics, dynamics, controls, and software engineering to solve complex mission problems? If so, the Maritime Robotics Group (KMM) is looking for an early-career Subsea Robotics Engineer to join our Modeling and Control team.
Our mission is to develop, integrate, test, and deploy advanced robotic capabilities that provide our nation with an advantage in autonomous maritime systems. We build software that enables autonomous and remotely operated underwater vehicles to navigate, maneuver, interact with their environment, and accomplish challenging operational missions. Our work spans simulation, controls, autonomy, system integration, laboratory testing, and at-sea experimentation, with an emphasis on delivering robust capabilities that transition to operational systems.
As a member of our team, you will work closely with robotics, software, mechanical, electrical, and ocean engineers to develop and deploy advanced underwater robotic systems.
As a member of our team, you will:
  • Develop robotics software for Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs), Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs), and other subsea robotic systems using ROS 2.
  • Design, implement, and maintain modular software in C++ and Python on Linux-based systems.
  • Develop and integrate dynamics, controls, guidance, navigation, and autonomy algorithms for underwater robotic platforms.
  • Build high-fidelity simulation environments and modeling tools to support software development, system integration, and mission planning.
  • Integrate sensors, actuators, and vehicle subsystems into robust robotic software architectures.
  • Evaluate vehicle performance through simulation, laboratory testing, and field experiments, using collected data to improve system performance.
  • Support integration and testing of robotic systems in laboratory, pool, and at-sea environments.
  • Collaborate across multidisciplinary teams to transition software from development into operational robotic systems.

Qualifications
You will meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you:
  • Have a Ph.D. in Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Ocean Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
  • Have experience developing robotic software using ROS 2.
  • Have experience developing software on Linux.
  • Are proficient in Python and C++.
  • Have experience developing, implementing, or testing dynamic systems, feedback control algorithms, robotic simulation, or autonomous systems through coursework, research projects, internships, or professional experience.
  • Have familiarity with software engineering best practices, including Git-based version control, debugging, testing, and documentation.
  • Enjoy working in multidisciplinary teams to solve challenging engineering problems.
  • Are able to obtain an Interim Secret security clearance by your start date and ultimately obtain a Secret clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.
  • Have a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale. When prompted to upload attachments, please include a copy of your college transcripts (unofficial transcripts are acceptable).

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...
  • Have experience developing dynamics, controls, guidance, navigation, or autonomy software for robotic systems.
  • Have experience modeling and simulating robotic or autonomous systems using Gazebo, Ignition, Stonefish, Isaac Sim, MATLAB/Simulink, or similar tools.
  • Have experience integrating robotic sensors such as IMUs, DVLs, sonars, cameras, pressure sensors, or manipulators.
  • Have experience with state estimation, system identification, trajectory generation, optimization, or motion planning.
  • Have experience with containerized software development, continuous integration, or modern DevSecOps workflows.
  • Have participated in field testing, vehicle integration, or deployment of robotic systems.
  • Have demonstrated initiative in developing new technical capabilities or leading engineering efforts.

About Us
Why Work at APL?
The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.
At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at ;br>
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact
The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Minimum Rate
$105,000 Annually
Maximum Rate
$245,000 Annually