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Robotics Design Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Skild AI

Mechanical Design Engineer

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$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 ...

Sunday Inc

Industrial Design Intern

Redwood City, CA · On-site

Join Us in Building the Future of Home Robotics At Sunday, we're developing personal robots to ... What to Expect As an Industrial Design Intern, you'll work closely with our industrial design and ...

Amazon

Applied Scientist II

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

We're building revolutionary robotic systems that combine cutting-edge AI, sophisticated control systems, and advanced mechanical design to create adaptable automation solutions capable of working ...

Amazon

Applied Scientist II

Sunnyvale, CA

We're building revolutionary robotic systems that combine cutting-edge AI, sophisticated control systems, and advanced mechanical design to create adaptable automation solutions capable of working ...

Droyd Robotics

Mechanical Design Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$115K - $200K/yr

Our robots operate in production settings, which means mechanical design has to be robust, manufacturable, and tightly integrated with electronics and control systems. Our mechanical team designs the ...

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Robotics Design information

What is robotics design?

Robotics design is the process of creating, developing, and refining robots for various applications, from industrial automation to healthcare or consumer use. It involves multiple disciplines such as mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, and artificial intelligence. Robotics designers work on everything from the robot's physical structure and movement mechanisms to its sensors, control systems, and programming. The goal is to develop robots that can perform specific tasks efficiently and safely, often solving complex problems or automating repetitive jobs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a robotics designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Robotics Designer, you need a solid grounding in mechanical engineering, electronics, and programming, typically supported by a degree in robotics, mechatronics, or a related field. Proficiency in CAD software, microcontroller programming (such as Arduino or Raspberry Pi), and simulation tools is essential, and certifications like Certified Robotics Programmer can be beneficial. Strong problem-solving abilities, creativity, and effective teamwork are standout soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities are crucial to developing innovative, functional robotic systems that meet complex technical requirements and client needs.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals in robotics design, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Robotics Design often encounter challenges such as integrating hardware and software components, ensuring systems reliability, and keeping up with rapidly advancing technologies. Effective collaboration with multidisciplinary teams—including mechanical engineers, software developers, and project managers—is key to overcoming these hurdles. Staying engaged in continuous learning, prototyping early, and leveraging simulation tools can help address technical obstacles and deliver innovative solutions efficiently.

What is the difference between Robotics Design vs Mechanical Engineering?

AspectRobotics DesignMechanical Engineering
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Robotics, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering; certifications in CAD or roboticsBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering; Professional Engineer (PE) license often preferred
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, robotics development centers, collaborative teamsManufacturing plants, research labs, design offices
Industry UsageRobotics companies, automation firms, research institutionsManufacturing, automotive, aerospace, product design

Robotics Design focuses on creating robotic systems, integrating sensors, actuators, and control algorithms. Mechanical Engineering covers a broader scope of designing mechanical components and systems. While both roles require engineering fundamentals, Robotics Design emphasizes robotics-specific skills, whereas Mechanical Engineering offers a wider application base across industries.

Is robotics design a high paying field?

Robotics design is generally considered a high-paying field, especially for professionals with advanced skills in engineering, programming, and systems integration. Salaries can vary based on experience, education, location, and industry, with many roles offering competitive compensation due to the specialized nature of the work.

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

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

What job categories do people searching Robotics Design jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Robotics Design jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Robotics Design jobs?

Cities in California with the most Robotics Design job openings:

Robotics Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Robotics Design job openings in California as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 52% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 36% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

AI Robotics Research Engineer

San Francisco, CA

Nimble Robotics
Trucking • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about Nimble Roboticsexternal

$180K - $220K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 28 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Design, develop, train, and implement robotic foundation models, Vision-Language-Action Models, general-purpose robotic AI models, and reinforcement learning algorithms controlling multi-agent robot fleets.

  • Develop data collection pipelines, design data annotation and labeling processes, and support the integration of models into production systems.

  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to build models with immediate applications for robotics projects.

Job description

 
About Nimble

Nimble is an AI robotics company building the autonomous supply chain to power fast, efficient and economical commerce. We're training robot AGI to power a proprietary generalist supply chain superhumanoid, the first robot in the world capable of performing thousands of tasks across the supply chain. We've raised over $220M at over $1B valuation and formed a strategic alliance with FedEx to build a national network of autonomous warehouses capable of generating many billions in annual revenue. We are a hardcore and obsessed team of the world's best engineers and operators. If you are obsessed with your craft, enjoy a high-intensity and fast moving high impact environment, are super high agency in getting hard things done and want to be part of building the world's most legendary robotics company at the most pivotal moment in history, we want to work with you.

We are on a mission to empower and inspire mankind to accomplish legendary feats by inventing robots that liberate us from the menial. We will accomplish this by training robot AGI to invent and build the Autonomous Supply Chain – everything from the inside of factories and warehouses to your front door – powered by generalist superhumanoids.

Our founding team comes from the AI labs at Stanford and Carnegie Mellon and our board of directors include famed robotics and AI legends including Fei-Fei Li (Chief Scientist of AI at Google and Director of Stanford's AI Lab), Marc Raibert (founder of Boston Dynamics), and Sebastian Thrun (founder of GoogleX, Waymo; Stanford Professor and considered the father of autonomous vehicles).

Let's be legendary.

 
Why Join Nimble?
At Nimble, we are committed to building legendary products, a legendary team, and a legendary legacy. Join us and become part of an ambitious, humble, and resourceful culture where your work will leave a lasting impact on the future of robotics and commerce.
 
Nimble's Core Values:
Be relentlessly resourceful - Challenge conventions and overcome obstacles.
Be legendary - Be the very best and do work that inspires.
Be humble - Prioritize growth, learning, and doing whatever is needed to further the mission.
Be dependable - Take ownership and deliver with high agency.
 
The Role
 
Nimble is looking for an AI Robotics Research Engineer to help us advance our robotics moonshot by designing, developing, training, and implementing robotic foundation models, Vision-Language-Action Models, general-purpose robotic AI models, and reinforcement learning algorithms controlling multi-agent robot fleets.
 
You will play a critical role in working with our all-star cross-functional team to build models with immediate applications for the world's biggest robotics opportunity.
Responsibilities
    • Develop and train diffusion policies, VLMs, multi-agent deep RL policies and more
    • Develop data collection pipelines
    • Design data annotation and labeling
    • Support implementation of models into production systems
Qualifications
    • Masters or P.h.D in Robotics or Computer Science
    • Experience training deep learning models for robotic manipulation or mobility
    • Experience working with real robotic hardware
    • Experience training models in simulation and developing simulation environments
    • Experience collecting custom datasets
    • Experience training on open-source datasets
    • Strong track record of publishing papers and/or deploying real-world applications
    • Experience with system architecture, design and development
Additional Requirements
    • Must be able to work extended hours and weekends as needed
    • Must be able to work in San Francisco
$180,000 - $220,000 a year
The above range is the salary range. This position will also receive generous equity for this position.
 
Culture:
We embrace challenges and strive to make the impossible possible each day. We're not in this to do what's easy or to be mediocre. We want to create something legendary and leave our mark on the world. We're ambitious, we're gritty, we're humble and we're relentlessly resourceful in pursuit of our goals. If this sounds like you then you might be a great fit!
 
Nimble Robotics, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We make all employment decisions based solely on merit. We provide equal employment opportunity to all applicants and employees without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable state, federal or local laws.
 
Nimble's Benefits
 
Unlimited Flexible Time Off
Enjoy the time you need to travel, rejuvenate, and connect with friends and family.
 
Health Insurance
Nimble provides medical, dental, and vision insurance through several premier plans and options to support you and your family.
 
Paid Parental Leave
Enjoy paid bonding time following a birth.
 
Commuter Benefits
Take the stress out of commuting with access to fully-paid parking spots. 
 
Referral Bonus
Get a cash bonus for any friend or colleagues that you refer to us that we end up hiring. 
 
401k
Contribute towards a 401k for retirement planning.
 
Equity
Be an owner in Nimble through our equity program
 
Link: Nimble Closes $106 Million Series C Funding Round, Scales Fully Autonomous Fulfillment with FedEx 
 
Link: FedEx Announces Expansion of FedEx Fulfillment With Nimble Alliance