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Robotics Design Engineer Jobs in Oakland, CA (NOW HIRING)

Mechanical Design Engineer

San Mateo, CA

$86K - $117K/yr

Position Overview We are looking for Mechanical Design Engineers to create and fabricate robotic systems for teleoperation, human-robot interaction and data collection. You will be responsible for ...

Mechanical Design Engineer

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$100 - $300/hr

At Skild AI, we are building the world's first general purpose robotic intelligence that is robust ... Position Overview We are looking for Mechanical Design Engineers to create and fabricate robotic ...

Charge Robotics is a Series A startup building robots that build solar farms. Demand for new solar ... As an Electrical Design Engineer at Charge Robotics, you'll be designing and implementing the ...

Charge Robotics is a Series A startup building robots that build solar farms. Demand for new solar ... As an Electrical Design Engineer at Charge Robotics, you'll be designing and implementing the ...

Electrical Design Engineer

San Leandro, CA · On-site

$165K - $220K/yr

Charge Robotics is a Series A startup building robots that build solar farms. Demand for new solar ... As an Electrical Design Engineer at Charge Robotics, you'll be designing and implementing the ...

FPGA Design Engineer

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$185K - $245K/yr

As an FPGA Design Engineer at Reliable Robotics you will be a part of the Embedded Systems team which owns the firmware and software at the heart of the Reliable Robotics autonomy stack. We are a ...

FPGA Design Engineer

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$145K - $199K/yr

As an FPGA Design Engineer at Reliable Robotics you will be a part of the Embedded Systems team which owns the firmware and software at the heart of the Reliable Robotics autonomy stack. We are a ...

Sunday is focused on developing personal robots to reclaim time lost to repetitive tasks, aiming to make robotics accessible to households. They are seeking a Design Engineer to lead the design and ...

Sunday is developing personal robots to reclaim the hours lost to repetitive tasks, making robotics broadly accessible. They are seeking a Design Engineer to own the design and development of Memo ...

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Robotics Design Engineer information

See Oakland, CA salary details

$33.3K

$121.3K

$194.1K

How much do robotics design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for robotics design engineer in Oakland, CA is $121,285.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $95,900.00 and $145,900.00 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 Oakland, CA?

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

What job categories do people searching Robotics Design Engineer jobs in Oakland, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Robotics Design Engineer jobs in Oakland, CA are:

What cities near Oakland, CA are hiring for Robotics Design Engineer jobs?

Cities near Oakland, CA with the most Robotics Design Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Robotics Design Engineer job openings in Oakland, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $121,285 per year, or $58.3 per hour.

Mechanical Design Engineer

Skild AI

San Mateo, CA

$86K - $117K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago


Job description

Position Overview

We are looking for Mechanical Design Engineers to create and fabricate robotic systems for teleoperation, human-robot interaction and data collection. You will be responsible for designing, developing, and testing electro-mechanical hardware systems that include haptic devices, exoskeletons, and others. You will work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure our products achieve the highest standards of performance, reliability, and efficiency.

Responsibilities
  • Design, prototype, and test hardware systems for human-robot interaction
  • Create detailed CAD models and drawings for jigs, fixtures, and tools using CAD software for mechanical components.
  • Utilize 3D printing and rapid prototyping techniques to develop and test hardware prototypes.
  • Collaborate with software engineers, mechanical engineers, and other team members to integrate hardware with software and mechanical designs.
  • Conduct tests and simulations to ensure the functionality and reliability of hardware systems.
  • Troubleshoot and resolve hardware issues and provide technical support during the product development lifecycle.
  • Prepare documentation for hardware designs, specifications, and test procedures.
Preferred Qualifications
  • BS, MS or higher degree in Mechanical engineering or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
  • Proven experience in hardware design and prototyping, including both electrical and mechanical components.
  • Proficiency in CAD software for mechanical design (Solidworks, Onshape, or other).
  • Experience with Arduino or similar platforms for electronic prototyping and control systems.
  • Familiarity with 3D printing and rapid prototyping techniques.
  • Strong understanding of electronic components, circuit design, and signal processing.
  • Experience with testing and debugging hardware systems.

Bonus qualifications:

  • Experience with robotics, teleoperation, or digital twin systems
  • Experience with human-centered considerations for robot design 
  • Experience with actuator and sensor design for high performance haptic devices
  • Experience working with high-speed control systems, including low-level firmware