1

Robotic Software Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Experience with Robotic Foundation Models and/or Visual Language Action models. * Strong analytical ... engineers and guide design decisions based on what software can effectively accomplish. * Work ...

We are seeking a Staff Robotics Software Engineer to design, develop, and optimize the robotics and ... Design, develop, test, and maintain software that controls robotic systems, automated manufacturing ...

At Scout AI, we're developing Fury, the first robotic foundation model for defense, to give U.S ... The Role We're looking for a Robotics Software Engineer to design and build the software that ...

Principal Software Engineer, Robot Software

Sunnyvale, CA ยท Hybrid

$158K - $212K/yr

The role As the Principal Software Engineer - Robot Software, you will be a technical partner to the Head of Robot Software within the broader Vehicle Software department. This is a high-visibility ...

Robotics Software Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA ยท On-site

$145K - $220K/yr

At Scout AI, we're developing Fury, the first robotic foundation model for defense, to give U.S ... The Role We're looking for a Robotics Software Engineer to design and build the software that ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Robotic Software Engineer information

See California salary details

$59.2K

$122.9K

$176.7K

How much do robotic software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for robotic software engineer in California is $122,893.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $102,600.00 and $150,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Robotic Software Engineer, you need expertise in programming languages such as C++ and Python, a solid understanding of robotics concepts, and a degree in computer science, robotics, or a related field. Familiarity with ROS (Robot Operating System), simulation tools like Gazebo, and experience with embedded systems or real-time operating systems is typically required. Strong problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills are vital for collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and addressing complex technical challenges. These skills and qualifications are crucial for developing reliable, efficient robotic systems that meet real-world demands and advance automation technology.

What is a Robotic Software Engineer?

A Robotic Software Engineer is a professional who designs, develops, and maintains the software systems that control robots. They write code that enables robots to perform specific tasks, interact with their environment, and communicate with other systems. These engineers often work with programming languages such as C++, Python, or ROS (Robot Operating System) and may collaborate with mechanical and electrical engineers to integrate software with hardware. Their work is essential in industries like manufacturing, healthcare, and autonomous vehicles, where robots are increasingly used to improve efficiency and safety.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Robotic Software Engineers can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially those with extensive experience, specialized skills in AI and automation, and working in high-demand industries or senior roles. Compensation often includes base salary, bonuses, and stock options, particularly in large tech companies or startups with significant funding.

Is robotics a dead field?

Robotic Software Engineers are in demand as robotics continues to grow across industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, and logistics. The field requires skills in programming, control systems, and hardware integration, and job opportunities are expected to remain strong with ongoing technological advancements.

How do Robotic Software Engineers typically collaborate with hardware teams during the development process?

Robotic Software Engineers work closely with hardware engineers to ensure seamless integration between software algorithms and the physical components of a robot. This collaboration often involves joint design sessions, regular testing on actual hardware, and troubleshooting issues that arise at the interface between software and hardware. Effective communication and iterative prototyping are essential, as changes in hardware may require software adjustments and vice versa. Such teamwork ensures that the final robotic system operates efficiently and reliably in real-world conditions.

Can a software engineer work in robotics?

A software engineer can work in robotics by developing control algorithms, programming embedded systems, and integrating sensors and actuators. Skills in programming languages like C++ and Python, as well as knowledge of robotics frameworks such as ROS, are often required. Robotics software engineering involves collaboration with hardware teams and understanding real-time systems.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior robotic software engineers with extensive experience, specialized skills in AI, machine learning, or autonomous systems, and often working in high-demand industries or at leading tech companies can earn $500,000 or more annually. Compensation typically includes base salary, bonuses, and stock options, especially in competitive markets or executive-level roles.
What are the most commonly searched types of Robotic Software Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Robotic Software Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Robotic Software Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Robotic Software Engineer job openings:
Staff Robotics Software Engineer - Grasping

Staff Robotics Software Engineer - Grasping

Intrinsic

Mountain View, CA โ€ข On-site

$207K - $282K/yr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Intrinsic is an AI robotics group at Google aiming to reimagine the potential of industrial robotics. Our team believes that advances in AI, perception and simulation will redefine what's possible for industrial robotics in the near future - with software and data at the core.
Our mission is to make industrial robotics intelligent, accessible, and usable for millions more businesses, entrepreneurs, and developers. We are a dynamic team of engineers, roboticists, designers, and technologists who are passionate about unlocking the creative and economic potential of industrial robotics.
Role
As a Staff Robotics Software Engineer and Researcher, you will take full technical ownership of developing and deploying robotics grasping and manipulation algorithms, leading the end-to-end lifecycle from foundational research to global deployment. You will help define the architecture and long-term strategy that enables robots to interact with the physical world, researching and scoping innovative solutions for robust grasping in industrial settings. By abstracting the inherent complexity of robotic manipulation into intuitive workflows, you will work with a multidisciplinary team to integrate and validate high-availability software within complex, real-world industrial applications for manufacturing environments.
How your work moves the mission forward
  • Design and implement robust and efficient production-ready algorithms for robotic grasping and manipulation.
  • Identify opportunities to apply cutting-edge advancements in robotics and apply them to practical industrial problems.
  • Transform complex partner requirements into highly reliable and functional technical outcomes.
  • Mentor junior engineers, contribute to the strategic roadmap and drive the evolution of our robotic software stack for global industrial deployment.
Skills you will need to be successful
  • Master's degree in Robotics, Computer Science, or a related field, with 8+ years of experience in robotic manipulation.
  • 2 years of leading substantial, ambiguous technical projects from inception to deployment.
  • Strong foundational knowledge in linear algebra, spatial transformations, and rigid body dynamics.
  • 6 years of professional experience programming robotics software in C++ and Python, with a proven track record of shipping production-quality code.
  • Experience Machine Learning in applied robotics context.
Skills that will differentiate your candidacy
  • PhD in Robotics and Machine Learning, Reinforcement Learning, or a related field with a focus on robotic manipulation.
  • ML Frameworks: Deep expertise with JAX, TensorFlow, or PyTorch.
  • Experience in developing the entire stack: ranging from writing kinematics, motion generation, to system integration and testing.

The base salary for this full-time position is between $207,200 - $282,900 (USD) + 20% bonus + equity + benefits. Your recruiter will share more about the specific salary range + bonus + equity for your targeted location and role during the hiring process.
At Intrinsic, we are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. Employment at Intrinsic is based solely on a person's merit and qualifications directly related to professional competence. Intrinsic does not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, creed, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or related condition (including breastfeeding), or any other basis protected by law. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. It is Intrinsic's policy to comply with all applicable national, state and local laws pertaining to nondiscrimination and equal opportunity.
If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please contact us at: candidate-support@intrinsic.ai.