1

Robotics Design Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Using robotics, computational design, and AI, our systems turn today's e-waste into resilient, data-driven supply chains--and change how electronics are made in the first place. IN THIS ROLE YOU WILL:

Robotics Engineer

Mclean, VA · On-site

$99K - $225K/yr

Function at the intersection of software and hardware to design, build, test, and demonstrate new robotic capabilities that address complex client problems in sensing, autonomy, and human interaction.

Key Responsibilities Robotics System Leadership Lead end-to-end development of humanoid locomotion ... Direct the design, integration, and validation of hardware subsystems (actuation, sensors, embedded ...

Robotics Engineer

Mclean, VA · On-site

$99K - $225K/yr

Function at the intersection of software and hardware to design, build, test, and demonstrate new robotic capabilities that address complex client problems in sensing, autonomy, and human interaction.

Function at the intersection of software and hardware to design, build, test, and demonstrate new robotic capabilities that address complex client problems in sensing, autonomy, and human interaction.

Robotics Engineer

Mclean, VA · On-site

$99K - $225K/yr

Function at the intersection of sof t war e and hard war e to design, build, test, and demonstrate new robotic capabilities that address complex client problems in sensing, autonomy, and human ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Robotics Design information

See Washington salary details

$95.1K

$108.7K

$131.9K

How much do robotics design jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for robotics design in Washington is $108,729.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $101,900.00 and $115,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is robotics a dead field?

Robotics design is an active and evolving field with ongoing advancements in automation, AI integration, and sensor technologies. Demand for robotics engineers remains strong across industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, and logistics, requiring skills in programming, mechanical design, and control systems.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior robotics engineers with extensive experience, specialized skills in automation, and advanced degrees can reach salaries around $500,000, especially in high-demand industries like aerospace or defense. Achieving this level often requires leadership roles, stock options, or bonuses in addition to base pay.

What does a robotics designer do?

A robotics designer develops and creates robotic systems and components, focusing on functionality, efficiency, and safety. They use engineering principles, CAD software, and programming skills to design robots for various applications, often collaborating with engineers and technicians throughout the development process.

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 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.

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 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.

Is robotics a high paying job?

Robotics design is generally considered a high-paying field within engineering, with salaries often exceeding those of many other technical roles. Factors such as education level, experience, and specialized skills in programming, control systems, and CAD tools influence earning potential.
Infographic showing various Robotics Design job openings in Washington as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,729 per year, or $52.3 per hour.

Robotics Engineer (Path Planning)

Molg

Sterling, VA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago


Job description

ABOUT US

Hey! We’re Molg 👋 We’re building robotic systems that make electronics manufacturing circular. We work with hyperscalers and leading electronics manufacturers to automate how hardware is designed, manufactured, disassembled, repaired, reused, and recovered. Using robotics, computational design, and AI, our systems turn today’s e-waste into resilient, data-driven supply chains—and change how electronics are made in the first place.

IN THIS ROLE YOU WILL:

Join a cross-functional team of robotics, software, and mechanical engineers to build the motion planning core that powers Molg’s robotic microfactories. As a Robotics Engineer (Path Planning), you will:

  • Design and implement motion and path planning algorithms for arm-based industrial robots operating in dense, multi-arm robotic cells.

  • Develop robust collision detection and avoidance systems that account for robot geometry, tooling, fixtures, and dynamic obstacles.

  • Build and maintain multi-arm coordination strategies, including synchronization, shared workspace reasoning, and deadlock avoidance.

  • Integrate motion planning systems with real robotic hardware, controllers, and higher-level task planning software.

  • Tune planners for real-world execution, balancing optimality, speed, determinism, and safety under production constraints.

  • Work closely with mechanical and systems engineers to ensure motion plans are feasible given real tolerances, compliance, and variability.

  • Debug and improve robot behavior using data from live cells, logs, and telemetry—not just simulation results.

  • Contribute to architectural decisions around planning frameworks, kinematics representations, and system performance.

You’ll have the opportunity to build alongside an incredible team, develop innovative solutions, and grow in a fast-paced environment that values autonomy and impact.

WHO YOU ARE:

You are a hands-on robotics engineer who understands that planning only matters if it works on real robots. You bring:

  • Strong experience with motion and path planning for arm-based robots (industrial or collaborative).

  • Solid understanding of collision detection, geometric reasoning, and kinematics in constrained environments.

  • Experience coordinating multiple robotic arms operating in shared or overlapping workspaces.

  • Proficiency in C++ and/or Python for robotics and performance-critical systems.

  • Comfort working with robotics middleware and frameworks (e.g., ROS2, custom planners).

  • Ability to work in-person at Molg HQ in Sterling, VA.

WHO WE ARE:

We spend our days building robotic systems, developing complex assembly intelligence software, and designing the next generation of circular products for our customers. Given the importance of working hands-on with physical systems, the majority of our team is in-person collaboratively working in our industrial space in Sterling, VA, down the road from the largest data center market in the world. Our facility includes a variety of robots, CNC milling machines, 3D printers, and all the tools needed to build and test our products. It is important to us that anyone on our team that is interested in learning how to use our various pieces of equipment and machinery is taught and can gain the skills and appreciation for making physical things.

THINGS TO KNOW:

  • We’re a hands on collaborative team with big ambitions, and there’s a good amount of context-switching. We expect people to be autonomous and drive their own work to completion.

  • We are scrappy and looking to build a great sustainable company for years to come.

  • As a growing company and startup, priorities may shift as customer or business requirements change. We strive to empower individuals with context and decision-making power to meet this need.