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Robotics Design Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

Hardware Design Engineer LOCATION Reston, VA 20190 CLEARANCE TS/SCI Full Poly (Please note this ... Engineering, Robotics Engineering, Systems Engineering, Telecommunications Engineering, Physics ...

Hardware Design Engineer LOCATION Chantilly, VA 20151 CLEARANCE TS/SCI Full Poly (Please note this ... Engineering, Robotics Engineering, Systems Engineering, Telecommunications Engineering, Physics ...

Hardware Design Engineer LOCATION Tysons, VA 22182 CLEARANCE TS/SCI Full Poly (Please note this ... Engineering, Robotics Engineering, Systems Engineering, Telecommunications Engineering, Physics ...

Robotics Engineer ABOUT US Hey! We're Molg 👋 We're building robotic systems that make ... Using robotics, computational design, and AI, our systems turn today's e-waste into resilient, data ...

Robotics Engineer

Mclean, VA · On-site

$99K - $225K/yr

Robotics Engineer The Opportunity: Conduct the research, development, integration, deployment, and ... Function at the intersection of software and hardware to design, build, test, and demonstrate new ...

Robotics Engineer The Opportunity: Support the research and development of unmanned systems across ... Lead design, development, integration, and test and evaluation efforts for robotic and autonomous ...

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Robotics Design Engineer information

See Washington, DC salary details

$32.8K

$119.6K

$191.4K

How much do robotics design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for robotics design engineer in Washington, DC is $119,608.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $94,600.00 and $143,800.00 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, and why are they important?

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.

Is robotics a dead field?

Robotics Design Engineers are in demand as robotics continues to advance across industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, and logistics. The field requires skills in programming, mechanical design, and control systems, and job opportunities are expected to grow with ongoing technological innovation.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as software engineering, petroleum engineering, and aerospace engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. High compensation often involves bonuses, stock options, or profit sharing, particularly in technology and energy sectors.

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 engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior robotics design engineers with extensive experience, advanced skills in CAD, control systems, and programming, and often holding advanced degrees or certifications can earn $300,000 or more annually. Such high salaries are typically found in specialized industries like aerospace, defense, or high-tech manufacturing, especially in senior or leadership roles.

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 do robotics engineers design?

Robotics engineers design robotic systems and components such as sensors, actuators, control systems, and mechanical structures. They develop prototypes, create detailed schematics, and use programming languages like C++ or Python to ensure functionality and integration within automation environments.
What job categories do people searching Robotics Design Engineer jobs in Washington, DC look for? The top searched job categories for Robotics Design Engineer jobs in Washington, DC are:
Robotics Engineer

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago


Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory rating

9.6

Company rating: 9.6 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

1st of 72 rated research


Job description

Description
Are you passionate about contributing to solving today's greatest challenges in robotics?
Do you enjoy working on meaningful interdisciplinary problems?
Do you thrive in a collaborative and creative environment?
If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.
The Robotics Group in the Research and Exploratory Development Department is an interdisciplinary team of researchers and engineers inventing the future across the broad spectrum of robotics, with applications that strengthen national defense, improve healthcare, advance space exploration, and address critical challenges facing the nation. You can learn more about us at www.jhuapl.edu/isc.
We are seeking highly skilled, highly motivated engineers and computer scientists to join us in taking intelligent robotic systems from concept to reality. We are a multidisciplinary team focused on groundbreaking impacts in the areas of robotics control, agentic AI, human-robot and robot-robot teaming, assured autonomy, and novel robot design. Our team is committed to excellence in research and exploratory development that has real-world impact. Successful members of our team tend to be creative problem solvers who are comfortable working at the edge of their comfort zone.
As a member of our team, your primary responsibility will be developing and integrating robotics systems, hardware, and software to address relevant challenges. You will team with APL researchers to advance our research vision within the broader scope of intelligent systems for applications of national importance. Current research areas include robot adaptive perception and reasoning, trajectory planning and advanced control, enhanced mobility, novel robotic systems, human-machine teaming, multi-agent coordination, and safe and assured autonomy behaviors. Depending on your expertise, you will develop and implement control algorithms and AI techniques, support experimentation in operational environments, design and fabricate bespoke robots and mechanisms, and integrate robotic systems.
Qualifications
You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...
  • Possess a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Robotics, or related field with a focus on robotics.
  • Have 2+ years of experience working with design, integration, test & evaluation, hardware development, or software development for robotic systems.
  • Have proven ability in solving engineering problems and identifying possible solutions.
  • Are willing and able to travel to support field experiments in operationally-relevant test exercises.
  • Are able to obtain a Secret security clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...
  • Possess a Master's Degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Robotics, or related field with a focus on robotics.
  • Have strong software development skills, particularly experience with ROS2.
  • Hold an active Secret or Top Secret security clearance.
  • Have excellent written and oral communication skills.

About Us
Why Work at APL?
The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.
At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accessibility@jhuapl.edu.
The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Minimum Rate
$100,000 Annually
Maximum Rate
$245,000 Annually

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