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Robotics Design Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

You care about aesthetics and design inside out. If it's not the best product ever, it bothers you ... We're looking for a robotics software engineer who enjoys owning large technical problems across ...

Across Infrastructure, Reality Labs, Robotics, and Research, our teams tackle complex challenges in ... As a Mechanical/Product Design Engineer, you are an established and highly productive technical ...

About the Team Our Robotics team is focused on unlocking general-purpose robotics and pushing ... About the Role We are seeking a Senior Actuator Design and Integration Engineer to lead the ...

Across Infrastructure, Reality Labs, Robotics, and Research, our teams tackle complex challenges in ... As a Mechanical/Product Design Engineer, you are an established and highly productive technical ...

Design Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$88K - $119K/yr

PCI is seeking an experienced Design Engineer for its PCI San Diego 571 operations based in San ... Utilize robotic layout technology to generate and validate field layout points and improve ...

New

Mechanical Design Engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site

$90K - $122K/yr

... and Design for Manufacturability (DFM). Its comprehensive, high-tolerance capabilities range from ... an era of robotics, automation, and complex engineering. Fremont supports the critical ...

Design Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$88K - $119K/yr

PCI is seeking an experienced Design Engineer for its PCI San Diego 571 operations based in San ... Utilize robotic layout technology to generate and validate field layout points and improve ...

New

... Ability to design and implement system services apps that sit on the robot computer, such as ... engineer, comfortable operating across different layers of the software stack (from higher-level ...

Mechanical Design Engineer

Menlo Park, CA · On-site

$89K - $121K/yr

Our robots are private by design, with all data processing performed by the robot itself, not in ... Engineering Culture at Matic We're a small team building a hard product. The work doesn't sort ...

New

Product Design Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$160K - $210K/yr

... robotic device , the MO/GO , develop a platform to launch future Movewear products and transform ... mechanical engineering in a professional setting * Excellence in CAD design and software ...

Electrical Design Engineer

Menlo Park, CA · On-site

$120K - $200K/yr

Our robots are private by design, with all data processing performed by the robot itself, not in ... We're looking for a Electrical Design Engineer to join us on the ground floor, with runway for huge ...

Showing results 41-60

Robotics Design Engineer information

See California salary details

$28.6K

$104.2K

$166.8K

How much do robotics design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for robotics design engineer in California is $104,222.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,400.00 and $125,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a robotics design engineer do?

A Robotics Design Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and testing robotic systems and components. They use principles from mechanical, electrical, and software engineering to create robots that can perform specific tasks or functions. Their work involves creating blueprints, modeling designs, selecting appropriate materials, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to ensure the robots meet performance and safety standards. Robotics Design Engineers also troubleshoot and refine prototypes, ensuring their reliability and efficiency before deployment. This role is crucial in industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, and automation.

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

To thrive as a Robotics Design Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical, electrical, or computer engineering, usually with a relevant bachelor's or master's degree. Proficiency in CAD software, programming languages like Python or C++, and experience with robotics platforms such as ROS are commonly required. Strong problem-solving, creativity, and teamwork skills help set candidates apart in this field. These skills ensure the effective design, integration, and troubleshooting of advanced robotic systems for diverse applications.

What are some common challenges faced by robotics design engineers when transitioning prototypes to mass production?

Robotics Design Engineers often encounter challenges when moving from prototype development to mass production, such as ensuring component reliability, optimizing designs for manufacturability, and maintaining cost efficiency without sacrificing performance. They must collaborate closely with manufacturing teams to refine product designs, address supply chain constraints, and ensure that regulatory standards are met. Effective communication and iterative testing are essential to identify and resolve issues early, facilitating a smoother transition to large-scale manufacturing.

What is the difference between Robotics Design Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectRobotics Design EngineerMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Robotics, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering; often certifications in robotics or automationBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering; professional engineering license (PE) optional)
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, robotics development facilities, manufacturing settingsManufacturing plants, design offices, research labs
Industry UsageRobotics companies, automation firms, research institutionsManufacturing, automotive, aerospace, product design
Common Search/ComparisonRobotics Design Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer

Robotics Design Engineers focus on creating robotic systems, integrating sensors, actuators, and control systems, often requiring knowledge of electronics and programming. Mechanical Engineers design and analyze mechanical components and systems, with a broader scope across various industries. While both roles require engineering degrees, Robotics Design Engineers typically have specialized skills in robotics and automation, making them distinct yet overlapping with Mechanical Engineers in certain projects.

Do robotics design engineers get paid well?

Robotics design engineers typically earn competitive salaries due to the specialized skills required, such as knowledge of mechanical systems, programming, and CAD tools. Salaries vary based on experience, education, and location but generally align with engineering industry standards for technical roles.

What do robotics design engineers design?

Robotics design engineers develop and create robotic systems, including mechanical components, electrical circuits, and control software. They use CAD software and simulation tools to design robots for applications such as manufacturing, healthcare, or exploration, ensuring functionality, safety, and efficiency.

What are popular job titles related to Robotics Design Engineer jobs in California?

For Robotics Design Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in California are hiring for Robotics Design Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Robotics Design Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Robotics Design Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $104,222 per year, or $50.1 per hour.

Mechanical Design Engineer

Hadrian Automation

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$80 - $110/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago


Job description

Hadrian - Manufacturing the Future

Hadrian is building autonomous factories that help aerospace and defense companies manufacture rockets, satellites, jets, and ships up to 10x faster and up to 2x cheaper. By combining advanced software, robotics, and full‑stack manufacturing, we are reinventing how America produces its most critical parts.

We’re accelerating our mission with the launch of Factory 3 in Mesa, Arizona, a 290,000‑square‑foot facility creating 350 new jobs. We are expanding rapidly to support thousands of future hires, launching Hadrian Maritime to expand into naval production, and introducing a Factory-as-a-Service model that delivers complete systems instead of individual parts.

Hadrian is backed by leading investors including T. Rowe Price, Lux Capital, Founders Fund, and Andreessen Horowitz, our fast-growing team is united around reindustrializing American manufacturing for the 21st century and beyond.

The Role

We are seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer to support the development of custom industrial machinery, automation equipment, robotic tooling, and mechanical systems. This role owns mechanical design activities from concept through manufacturing, assembly, testing, and commissioning. The ideal candidate combines strong CAD expertise with hands‑on knowledge of fabrication, manufacturing, and automated equipment, while collaborating across engineering and operations teams to deliver reliable, scalable solutions.

Responsibilities
  • Design mechanical systems, machine assemblies, fixtures, tooling, and robotic end‑of‑arm tooling (EOAT) using 3D CAD software.

  • Create manufacturing drawings, bills of materials, and engineering documentation while applying GD&T and design‑for‑manufacturing principles.

  • Support fabrication, machining, welding, assembly, prototype builds, and testing activities to ensure successful execution of designs.

  • Collaborate with manufacturing, controls, project management, suppliers, and technicians to develop and improve equipment and processes.

  • Support design reviews, troubleshooting, startup, commissioning, and continuous improvement efforts to optimize performance, reliability, and cost.

Requirements
  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.

  • 2+ years of mechanical design experience in industrial, manufacturing, automation, or related environments.

  • Proficiency with SolidWorks or similar 3D parametric CAD software.

  • Understanding of machining, welding, fabrication, assembly processes, engineering drawings, and GD&T.

  • Strong problem‑solving, organizational, and communication skills with the ability to work effectively in cross‑functional teams.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience designing custom machinery, automation equipment, robotics, fixtures, tooling, or EOAT systems.

  • Experience with pneumatic, hydraulic, vacuum, motion control, or sensor‑integrated mechanical systems.

  • Hands‑on experience supporting prototype builds, equipment assembly, testing, and commissioning.

  • Familiarity with FEA, engineering analysis tools, or mechanical simulation methods.

  • Experience working in manufacturing, startup, or fast‑paced engineering environments.

Benefits
  • 100% coverage of medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans for employees.

  • 401k.

  • Relocation stipend or support as appropriate.

  • Flexible vacation policy.

  • Equity.

ITAR Requirements

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.

Hadrian Is An Equal Opportunity Employer

It is the Company’s policy to provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. The Company does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race inclusive of traits historically associated with race (including, but not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles, such as braids, locks and twists), color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, national origin (including, in California, possession of a drivers license), ancestry, citizenship, age, physical or mental disability, height or weight, medical condition, family care status, military or veteran status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, exercise of reproductive rights, any other basis protected by local, state, or federal laws, or any combination of the above characteristics. When necessary, the Company also makes reasonable accommodations for disabled candidates and employees, including for candidates or employees who are disabled by pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.

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