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Robotics Design Engineer Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Meta

Mechanical Design Engineer, Robotics

Redmond, WA

$144K/yr

The Meta Robotics Hardware team is seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer. This role is pivotal in tackling novel mechanical design problems we face including designing and developing complex robotics ...

Meta

Mechanical Design Engineer, Robotics

Redmond, WA · On-site

$144K - $204K/yr

The Meta Robotics Hardware team is seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer. This role is pivotal in tackling novel mechanical design problems we face including designing and developing complex robotics ...

General Robotics

Robotics Engineer

Redmond, WA · On-site

$155K - $205K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

Design, execute, and analyze experiments with rigorous, well-defined hypotheses. * Data Engineering: Design data collection routines to acquire high-quality data from field tests for model fine ...

Meta

Product Design Engineer

Redmond, WA

$144K/yr

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 ...

Meta

Mechanical Design Engineer: Battery Design

Redmond, WA · On-site

$173K - $245K/yr

The Meta Robotics Hardware team is seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer with an emphasis on lightweight battery pack design, thermal management, performance testing, and bringing battery designs from ...

Meta

Product Design Engineer

Redmond, WA

$118K/yr

Across Infrastructure, Reality Labs, Robotics, and Research, our teams tackle complex challenges in ... Product Design Engineer Responsibilities: * Manage and deliver medium-complexity mechanical ...

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All JobsRobotics Design Engineer JobsRobotics Design Engineer Jobs in Seattle, WA

Robotics Design Engineer information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$33K

$120.2K

$192.3K

How much do robotics design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for robotics design engineer in Seattle, WA is $120,181.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $95,000.00 and $144,500.00 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 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.

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 are popular job titles related to Robotics Design Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA?

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

What job categories do people searching Robotics Design Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Robotics Design Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA are:

Robotics Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Robotics Design Engineer job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 86% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $120,181 per year, or $57.8 per hour.

Mechanical Design Engineer: Robotics Hardware Engineering, Surface Design

Meta

Redmond, WA

$173K/yr

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago

Meta rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

136th of 244 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.The Meta Robotics Hardware team is seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer focused on Robot Design with expertise in both advanced complex surface modeling and design for safety to exist between mechanical and industrial design teams. You will own the mechanical design of structural components, impact-attenuating structures, and human-contact surfaces — ensuring every external element of the product is both aesthetically refined and engineered to protect people during interaction. This role requires someone equally comfortable running crush-force calculations and building Class-A surfacing in CAD. This role will be part of a ME team responsible for concept development, analytical modeling, prototype design, first article build, fabrication, vendor management, and testing. Candidates should be comfortable working in a high ambiguity, fast paced environment where full system requirements are seldom known. This team is dedicated to building hardware that enables learning through data collection and system testing.
Mechanical Design Engineer: Robotics Hardware Engineering, Surface Design Responsibilities:
  • Translate industrial design intent (from ID models, renderings, and printed busts) into CAD geometry with complex, multi-patch surface construction
  • Build and maintain Class-A and high-quality B-surface models for exterior robot panels, covers, and housings using advanced surfacing techniques (G2/G3 continuity, multi-span lofts, curvature-matched blends)
  • Manage the tension between aesthetic design intent, safety, structural, thermal, and manufacturing feasibility — negotiate changes that satisfy all three
  • Develop parametric surfacing strategies that allow rapid iteration on form while preserving engineering constraints (wall thickness, draft, undercut limits, parting lines)
  • Define and enforce safe-by-design guidelines: minimum edge radii, maximum surface hardness, breakaway/compliant panel strategies, and finger/limb entrapment gap standards
  • Design protective structures that limit contact force and pressure to safe thresholds during intended and unintended human-robot interaction
  • Own the mechanical safety architecture of the humanoid platform — exterior shells, padding systems, compliant covers, pinch-point elimination, and edge-radius standards
  • Conduct and maintain risk assessments (per ISO 10218, ISO/TS 15066, and emerging collaborative/humanoid robot safety standards) to identify hazards from moving parts, contact forces, and entrapment geometries
  • Perform hand calculations and FEA for impact, crush, and pinch scenarios
  • define material and geometry requirements that bound contact forces within safety limits
  • Collaborate with controls and firmware teams to ensure mechanical safety features complement electronic safety systems (force limiting, collision detection, safe stop)
  • Support safety certification efforts — prepare design evidence packages, test plans, and compliance documentation for regulatory submissions
  • Investigate and resolve safety-related findings from testing, user studies, and hazard reviews
  • Define and enforce surface quality standards: curvature continuity specs, reflection line criteria, and acceptable deviation from design intent
  • Work closely with DFMA engineers and molding vendors to ensure complex surfaces are manufacturable via injection molding, thermoforming, or composite layup — resolving draft, undercut, and flow challenges
  • Generate and manage scan-to-CAD workflows when iterating from physical models or prototypes
  • Produce rendered visualizations and surface analysis outputs (zebra stripes, curvature combs, deviation maps) to communicate design quality to stakeholders
  • Partner with industrial designers to jointly develop forms that are safe, beautiful, and buildable
  • Collaborate with mechanical design engineers on structural integration — mounting, sealing, cable routing, and serviceability behind exterior panels
  • Work with materials engineers on surface material selection: soft-touch elastomers, impact-absorbing foams, rigid plastics, and fabric/textile outers
  • Support user research and human factors teams with physical mock-ups and rapid prototypes for ergonomic and safety validation

Minimum Qualifications:
  • BS degree in Mechanical Engineering or relevant field
  • 8+ years of mechanical design experience with significant work in complex surface modeling
  • Strong CAD proficiency (SolidWorks, NX, or CREO, Rhino)
  • Working knowledge of CNC machining processes — understanding of fixturing, tool access, setup minimization, and achievable tolerances
  • Experience with rapid prototyping manufacturing processes and materials
  • Experience designing exterior enclosures or covers for electromechanical products with high aesthetic standards
  • Working knowledge of mechanical safety principles — contact force limits, entrapment hazards, edge/radius requirements, and energy-absorbing material systems
  • Familiarity with injection molding, thermoforming, or composite manufacturing as it relates to complex-geometry parts
  • Ability to interpret and apply GD&T for sculptural parts with compound curvature
  • Strong collaboration skills — comfortable working at the intersection of industrial design, mechanical engineering, and safety
  • Experience managing time-sensitive projects through to completion while balancing evolving priorities and a broad range of stakeholders
  • Experience in tolerance analysis, geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T per ASME Y14.5)
  • Experience in Finite Element Analysis (FEA)
  • Strong communication skills with the ability to influence design decisions across multidisciplinary teams
  • Background in high-mix/low-volume transitioning to mid-volume production environments

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Direct experience with robotic systems — BLDC motors, actuators, gearboxes, linkage mechanisms
  • MS in Mechanical Engineering, Product Design Engineering, or related discipline
  • Background in impact biomechanics or human injury tolerance thresholds (e.g., pain onset, bruising limits per ISO/TS 15066 body model)
  • Experience with Autodesk Alias or ICEM Surf for Class-A surface development
  • Familiarity with soft robotics materials — silicone skins, TPU, EVA foams, viscoelastic padding
  • Experience with physical prototyping methods for form validation: CNC foam milling, 3D printing, vacuum forming
  • Background in consumer electronics, automotive interiors, medical devices, or wearables where safety and surface quality are co-equal requirements
  • Knowledge of FEA for non-linear contact and soft material deformation (Abaqus, LS-DYNA, or similar)
  • Experience in thermal management
  • Familiarity with statistical tolerance analysis and process capability (Cp/Cpk)
  • Experience with additional manufacturing processes: sheet metal, additive manufacturing, anodizing, and plating
  • Experience with PLM/PDM systems (Teamcenter, Solidworks PDM, Windchill, or similar)
  • Experience writing a clear failure report that a cross-functional team can act on

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.
$173,000/year to $245,000/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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