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Robotic Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

AI Research Scientist, Robotics Responsibilities: * Perform fundamental and applied research to ... transfer robotic control, manipulation, navigation, or generally embodied AI Preferred ...

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Bachelor's degree in Robotics, Computer Science, or related field * Familiarity with Robot Operating System (ROS) * Experience with Miller or Lincoln Machine programming * Strong attention to detail

Veteran-friendly

AI Research Scientist, Robotics Responsibilities: * Perform fundamental and applied research to ... transfer robotic control, manipulation, navigation, or generally embodied AI Preferred ...

Be Seen First

Bachelor's degree in Robotics, Computer Science, or related field * Familiarity with Robot Operating System (ROS) * Experience with Miller or Lincoln Machine programming * Strong attention to detail

Veteran-friendly

The ideal Research Scientist candidate will use their skills in system design and modeling and ... transfer robotic control, manipulation, navigation, or generally embodied AI Preferred ...

The ideal Research Scientist candidate will use their skills in system design and modeling and ... transfer robotic control, manipulation, navigation, or generally embodied AI Preferred ...

Senior Robotics Research Scientist

Seattle, WA · On-site

$112K - $142K/yr

Integrating these methods into real-world robotic manipulation systems, including those consisting ... A PhD in Robotics, Machine Learning, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical ...

... robotic perception and environmental understanding - Streamline development processes through ... Key job responsibilities As an Applied Scientist in the Foundations Model team, you will: - Model ...

Research Scientist

Cupertino, CA · Hybrid

$150K - $300K/yr

HORIZON ROBOTICS: Make human life safer and better About Horizon Robotics Horizon Robotics (HKEX ... As a Research Scientist in the team, you will conduct research within a specialized focus area and ...

Research Scientist

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$150K - $300K/yr

HORIZON ROBOTICS: Make human life safer and better About Horizon Robotics Horizon Robotics (HKEX ... As a Research Scientist in the team, you will conduct research within a specialized focus area and ...

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Robotic Scientist information

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How much do robotic scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for robotic scientist in the United States is $127,031.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $109,000.00 and $143,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Robotic Scientist vs Robotics Engineer?

AspectRobotic ScientistRobotics Engineer
Required CredentialsMaster's or PhD in Robotics, Computer Science, or related fieldsBachelor's or Master's in Robotics, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, universities, R&D departmentsManufacturing facilities, tech companies, product development
Employer & Industry UsageAcademic institutions, research organizations, tech companiesIndustrial firms, automation companies, startups
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding research roles, academic careersDesigning, building, and deploying robotic systems

Robotic Scientists focus on research, developing new algorithms and theories in robotics, often working in labs or academia. Robotics Engineers apply these principles to design, build, and implement robotic systems in real-world settings. While both roles require technical expertise, their work environments and primary objectives differ significantly.

Who are the big 4 in robotics?

The 'Big 4' in robotics typically refers to Boston Dynamics, ABB, Fanuc, and KUKA, which are leading companies known for their advanced industrial and service robots. Robotics professionals often work with these companies' technologies, requiring skills in automation, programming, and systems integration.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Robotic Scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Robotic Scientist, you need a strong background in robotics, computer science, and engineering, typically supported by an advanced degree in a related field. Familiarity with programming languages like Python or C++, robotics simulation tools (e.g., ROS), and machine learning frameworks is essential. Creative problem-solving, collaboration, and effective communication help drive innovative solutions and teamwork in multidisciplinary environments. These skills and qualities are crucial for advancing robotic systems that solve complex real-world challenges.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior robotic scientists and engineers with extensive experience, advanced degrees, and specialized skills in areas like AI, machine learning, and automation can earn $300,000 or more annually. These roles often require leadership responsibilities, working in high-tech industries such as aerospace, defense, or advanced manufacturing, and may include bonuses or stock options.

How much does a robotic scientist make?

Robotic scientists typically earn a median annual salary of around $80,000 to $120,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Advanced skills in robotics, programming, and research contribute to higher compensation in this specialized field.

What are some common challenges faced by Robotic Scientists during the development and testing phases of new robots?

Robotic Scientists often encounter challenges such as integrating hardware and software seamlessly, ensuring reliable sensor data processing, and troubleshooting unexpected behavior during robot testing. Balancing the robot's autonomy with safety and ethical considerations is also a significant part of the job. Effective collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, including mechanical engineers and software developers, is crucial to overcome these obstacles and deliver robust robotic solutions.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as software engineering, petroleum engineering, or aerospace engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. High compensation often includes bonuses, stock options, or profit sharing, particularly in large tech companies or energy firms.

What does a Robotic Scientist do?

A Robotic Scientist researches, designs, develops, and tests robotic systems and technologies. Their work involves combining principles from mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and computer science to create robots that can perform tasks autonomously or assist humans. Robotic Scientists may work in industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, aerospace, or consumer electronics, often focusing on improving robot efficiency, safety, and intelligence. They also analyze data from robotic systems and contribute to innovations in artificial intelligence and machine learning as applied to robotics.
More about Robotic Scientist jobs
What job categories do people searching Robotic Scientist jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Robotic Scientist jobs are:
Infographic showing various Robotic Scientist job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 2% As Needed, 90% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $127,031 per year, or $61.1 per hour.
AI Research Scientist, Robotics

AI Research Scientist, Robotics

Meta

Burlingame, CA

$219K/yr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago


Meta rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 43 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

123rd of 191 rated software companies


Job description

At Meta, we’re building the future of human connection and the technology that enables it. This means continuously inventing and developing technologies for the next generation of experiences. To continue our efforts in the path to AGI, and as we move closer to a future with intelligent robots and advanced AI models, we're hiring talent across a broad range of disciplines from robotics hardware to system software, machine perception, and artificial intelligence. These crucial projects and initiatives taken on by this team have never been done before, so you have a rare opportunity to help us create new ways people connect around the world. We’re seeking a Research Scientist ready to use their skills in system design and modeling and with a knowledge of a wide variety of components and technologies. These roles will require research and problem-solving skills, as well as fabrication and prototyping to design, develop, and construct novel prototypes and architectures. These roles will work in a focused incubation team and collaborate with a large and wide-ranging set of scientists and engineers in the greater organization.
AI Research Scientist, Robotics Responsibilities:
  • Perform fundamental and applied research to push the scientific and technological frontiers of embodied artificial intelligence
  • Invent/improve novel data-driven paradigms for robotics, leveraging a variety of modalities (images, video, text, audio, tactile, etc.)
  • Investigate paradigms that can deliver a spectrum of embodied behaviors - from simulated characters to real robots, and from short-horizon, low-level to long-horizon, high-level intelligence
  • Develop algorithms based on state-of-the-art machine learning and neural network methodologies
  • Define, build and benchmark new functionality needed for the next generation of AI
  • Conduct research towards long-term product goals while identifying intermediate milestones
  • Lead, plan, and execute novel research based on long-term objectives of the organization

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, relevant technical field, or equivalent practical experience
  • PhD degree in the field of Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Computer Vision, Machine Learning, Language, a related field, or equivalent practical experience
  • Experience with any of the following research areas: robotics, motion planning, embodied AI, human-robot interaction, sim-to-real transfer, learning from demonstration, reinforcement learning, dexterous manipulation, digital agents, vision language models, computer vision, egocentric perception, and/or Large Language Models
  • 5+ years of industry experience in relevant robotics related research areas, such as: Vision Language Models robot learning, reinforcement learning, imitation learning, action-conditioned world models, task and motion planning, sim-to-real transfer robotic control, manipulation, navigation, or generally embodied AI

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Proven track record of achieving significant results as demonstrated by grants, fellowships, patents, as well as publications at leading workshops, journals or conferences in Machine Learning (NeurIPS, ICML, ICLR), Robotics (ICRA, IROS, RSS, CoRL), Computer Vision (CVPR, ICCV, ECCV)
  • 7+ years of industry experience in relevant robotics related research areas, such as: robot learning, reinforcement learning, imitation learning, action-conditioned world models, task and motion planning, sim-to-real transfer robotic control, manipulation, navigation, or generally embodied AI
  • Demonstrated research and software engineering experience via an internship, work experience, coding competitions, or widely used contributions in open source repositories (e.g. GitHub)
  • Experience with manipulating and analyzing complex, large scale, high-dimensionality data from varying sources
  • Experience building systems based on machine learning and/or deep learning methods
  • Experience with deep learning frameworks (such as PyTorch, Tensorflow) and Python
  • Experience solving complex problems and comparing alternative solutions, tradeoffs, and different perspectives to determine a path forward
  • Experience working with robot simulations and real-world hardware
  • Experience working and communicating cross functionally in a team environment

About Meta:
Meta builds technologies that help people connect, find communities, and grow businesses. When Facebook launched in 2004, it changed the way people connect. Apps like Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp further empowered billions around the world. Now, Meta is moving beyond 2D screens toward immersive experiences like augmented and virtual reality to help build the next evolution in social technology. People who choose to build their careers by building with us at Meta help shape a future that will take us beyond what digital connection makes possible today—beyond the constraints of screens, the limits of distance, and even the rules of physics.
Meta is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, sexual stereotypes, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local law. Meta participates in the E-Verify program in certain locations, as required by law. Please note that Meta may leverage artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies in connection with applications for employment.
Meta is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities in our recruiting process. If you need any assistance or accommodations due to a disability, please let us know at accommodations-ext@meta.com.
$219,000/year to $301,000/year + bonus + equity + benefits
Individual compensation is determined by skills, qualifications, experience, and location. Compensation details listed in this posting reflect the base hourly rate, monthly rate, or annual salary only, and do not include bonus, equity or sales incentives, if applicable. In addition to base compensation, Meta offers benefits. Learn more about benefits at Meta.

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