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Robotics Application Engineer Jobs in California

About the Role We're looking for an Application Engineer who lives at the intersection of Android ... Think of it as the single app that makes the robot do what it needs to do. You've shipped a product ...

Sr. WMS Application Engineer

Carson, CA · On-site

$130K - $135K/yr

The Sr. Application Engineer will lead the design and development of application software and ... Experience with warehouse automation/robotics and integration to the WMS host * Very strong written ...

Sr. WMS Application Engineer

Carson, CA · On-site

$130K - $135K/yr

The Sr. Application Engineer will lead the design and development of application software and ... Experience with warehouse automation/robotics and integration to the WMS host * Very strong written ...

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Robotics Application Engineer information

See California salary details

$49.8K

$109.2K

$150K

How much do robotics application engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for robotics application engineer in California is $109,249.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,900.00 and $133,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Robotics Application Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical or electrical engineering, programming (such as Python or C++), and automation principles, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with robotics platforms (like FANUC, ABB, or KUKA), CAD software, and PLC programming, as well as certifications in robotics or automation, are commonly required. Strong problem-solving abilities, effective communication, and teamwork are crucial soft skills for collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and clients. These skills ensure the successful design, implementation, and support of robotic solutions tailored to complex industrial needs.

What is the difference between Robotics Application Engineer vs Robotics Software Engineer?

AspectRobotics Application EngineerRobotics Software Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Robotics, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering; certifications in robotics or automationBachelor's or Master's in Computer Science, Robotics, or Software Engineering; programming certifications
Work EnvironmentHands-on with hardware, field testing, client sitesSoftware development, coding, simulation, testing in labs or offices
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing, automation companies, robotics integratorsTech firms, research labs, automation software providers
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for hardware vs software focus in robotics

The Robotics Application Engineer primarily focuses on integrating and testing robotic systems in real-world environments, working closely with hardware and clients. In contrast, the Robotics Software Engineer concentrates on developing and coding the software that powers robotic systems. Both roles require technical skills but differ in their focus on hardware versus software development.

What are some typical challenges a Robotics Application Engineer faces when integrating robots into existing manufacturing processes?

A Robotics Application Engineer often encounters challenges such as ensuring compatibility between new robotic systems and legacy equipment, customizing solutions to meet unique production requirements, and minimizing downtime during installation and testing. Effective communication with cross-functional teams—including production, maintenance, and IT—is vital to address unforeseen technical issues and to ensure seamless integration. Additionally, balancing project timelines with safety and quality standards requires strong project management and problem-solving skills.

What does a Robotics Application Engineer do?

A Robotics Application Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and implementing robotic systems to automate manufacturing or business processes. They work closely with clients to understand their automation needs, select appropriate hardware and software, and integrate robotics solutions into existing workflows. Their role often includes programming robots, troubleshooting issues, providing technical support, and training end-users. Robotics Application Engineers play a crucial part in improving efficiency, safety, and productivity in industries ranging from automotive to electronics and logistics.
What are popular job titles related to Robotics Application Engineer jobs in California? For Robotics Application Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in California are hiring for Robotics Application Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Robotics Application Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Robotics Application Engineer job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 92% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,249 per year, or $52.5 per hour.
Embedded Application Engineer

Embedded Application Engineer

Hark

San Jose, CA • On-site

$120K - $300K/yr

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

About Hark
Hark is an artificial intelligence laboratory, building the most advanced, personal intelligence in the world.
We believe that artificial intelligence can be used to help offload our mental workload through thinking like us and sometimes ahead of us. Intelligence that is proactive and personalised through new models capable of interacting with the world through speech, text, vision and persistent memory.
We're pairing that intelligence with next-generation hardware to create a universal interface between humans and machines. While today's AI largely operates through chat boxes and decade-old devices, Hark is focused on what comes next: agentic systems that interact naturally with people and the real world.
About the Role
We're looking for an Application Engineer who lives at the intersection of Android application development and embedded systems. This is not a traditional mobile app role. You'll be building the core application that runs on our hardware device - the software layer that bridges user-facing experiences with the underlying firmware and embedded systems. Think of it as the single app that makes the robot do what it needs to do. You've shipped a product before. You know what it takes to go from prototype to production, and you thrive in that process.
Responsibilities
  • Own the development of the primary application running on Hark's hardware device, from architecture through production deployment
  • Build and optimize Android-based software that interfaces directly with embedded systems, sensors, and firmware layers
  • Work at the crossover between application-level code and firmware - writing software that runs on the device, not in the cloud
  • Collaborate closely with hardware, embedded software, and AI teams to deliver a tightly integrated product experience
  • Manage the full lifecycle of getting software onto a physical device: flashing, OTA updates, boot sequences, and device provisioning
  • Debug across the full android stack - from Android framework issues down to hardware-level communication protocols
  • Drive the product from development through manufacturing and into the hands of users

Requirements
  • Strong communication skills to translate the requirements from XFN teams into designs.
  • 5+ years of experience in Android development, with deep experience beyond standard mobile apps - ideally on embedded or custom hardware devices
  • Strong understanding of the Android platform at the system level: AOSP, system services, HAL, native libraries, and device drivers
  • Hands-on experience with embedded systems, firmware integration, or low-level hardware/software interfaces
  • You have shipped a physical product. You know what it takes to get software running reliably on hardware in production - not just in a lab
  • Experience with communication protocols common in embedded devices (UART, SPI, I2C, BLE, USB)
  • Proficiency in Java/Kotlin for application development and C/C++ for lower-level systems work
  • Comfort working in a fast-moving, cross-functional team where you'll touch hardware, firmware, and product decisions dail

Bonus Qualifications
  • Experience with Android Things, AOSP board bring-up, or custom Android device builds
  • Background in robotics, consumer electronics, or IoT hardware
  • Experience with real-time operating systems (RTOS) or hybrid RTOS/Linux environments
  • Familiarity with AI/ML model deployment on edge devices
  • Hands-on experience analyzing and deconstructing Android device systems at the platform level

Compensation
The US base salary range for this full-time position is between $120,000 - $300,000 annually.
The pay offered for this position may vary based on several individual factors, including job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package may also include additional components/benefits depending on the specific role. This information will be shared if an employment offer is extended.