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Robotics Engineering Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

ML Engineer - Robotics

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$150 - $230/hr

MS/PhD in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, Math or related field * Strong software engineering background * Ability to break down large features and implement practical solutions

New

Dyna Robotics is a company focused on AI-driven robotics and is seeking a QA Lead to build and lead ... grow engineers, and monitor team energy to prevent burnout. • Drive recruiting and foster a ...

Robotics Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$90K - $105K/yr

This position will be part of the US Navy RESTORE (Reverse Engineering, Science, and Technology for ... Support development of high-reliability electro-mechanical robotic systems, including design ...

Robotics Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$90K - $105K/yr

This position will be part of the US Navy RESTORE (Reverse Engineering, Science, and Technology for ... Support development of high-reliability electro-mechanical robotic systems, including design ...

Robotics Test Engineer

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$95 - $135/hr

OffWorld was founded by an experienced engineering team drawing on decades of tackling formidable ... Our robots will go deeper underground and further on Earth than humans can, eliminate the need for ...

Showing results 41-60

Robotics Engineering information

See California salary details

$28.6K

$104.2K

$166.8K

How much do robotics engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for robotics engineering in California is $104,222.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,400.00 and $125,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a robotics engineer?

Robotics engineers are professionals who design, build, and maintain robots and automated systems. They apply principles from mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and computer science to develop machines that can perform tasks autonomously or with minimal human intervention. Robotics engineers work in various industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, automotive, and aerospace to create solutions that improve efficiency, safety, and productivity. Their work often involves programming, prototyping, testing, and troubleshooting robotic systems.

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

To thrive as a Robotics Engineer, you need a strong background in mechanical engineering, electronics, computer science, and mathematics, typically supported by a bachelor's or master's degree in robotics or related fields. Familiarity with programming languages (such as C++, Python, or ROS), CAD software, and control systems is essential, along with relevant certifications like Certified Robotics Programmer. Problem-solving, creativity, and effective teamwork are vital soft skills that set top performers apart. These abilities ensure the successful design, development, and integration of advanced robotic systems in complex environments.

What kinds of teams do robotics engineers typically work with, and how do they collaborate on projects?

Robotics Engineers often work in multidisciplinary teams that may include software developers, mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, and project managers. Collaboration is essential, as projects usually require integrating hardware design, software development, and sensor systems. Regular meetings, joint problem-solving sessions, and shared project management tools help keep everyone aligned. Effective communication and a willingness to learn from colleagues in different fields are key to successfully delivering complex robotics solutions.

Is robotics engineering a good career?

Robotics engineering is a growing field that involves designing, developing, and maintaining robotic systems, often requiring skills in programming, electronics, and mechanical design. It offers opportunities in industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, and automation, with a demand for specialized knowledge in sensors, control systems, and software. The career typically requires a bachelor's degree in engineering or related fields and may involve continuous learning to keep up with technological advancements.

What jobs can you get with a robotics engineering degree?

A robotics engineering degree qualifies individuals for roles such as robotics engineer, automation engineer, control systems engineer, and research scientist. These jobs typically involve designing, developing, and testing robotic systems, often requiring knowledge of programming, mechanical design, and control theory. Opportunities are available in industries like manufacturing, aerospace, healthcare, and research institutions.

What work does a robotics engineer do?

A robotics engineer designs, develops, tests, and maintains robotic systems and automation solutions. They work with hardware components, programming languages, and control systems to create robots used in manufacturing, healthcare, and other industries, often requiring knowledge of mechanical, electrical, and software engineering. The role may involve using tools like CAD software and programming languages such as C++ or Python, and often requires problem-solving skills and technical certifications.

What cities in California are hiring for Robotics Engineering jobs?

Cities in California with the most Robotics Engineering job openings:

Infographic showing various Robotics Engineering job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $104,222 per year, or $50.1 per hour.

Robotics Kinematics Engineer II

Relativity Space

Long Beach, CA • On-site

$124K - $186K/yr

Full-time

PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago


Relativity Space rating

9.7

Company rating: 9.7 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

2nd of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

At Relativity Space, we're building rockets to serve today's needs and tomorrow's breakthroughs. Our Terran R vehicle will deliver customer payloads to orbit, meeting the growing demand for launch capacity. But that's just the start. Achieving commercial success with Terran R will unlock new opportunities to advance science, exploration, and innovation, pioneering progress that reaches beyond the known.
Joining Relativity means becoming part of something where autonomy, ownership, and impact exist at every level. Here, you're not just executing tasks; you're solving problems that haven't been solved before, helping develop a rocket, a factory, and a business from the ground up. Whether you're in propulsion, manufacturing, software, avionics, or a corporate function, you'll collaborate across teams, shape decisions, and see your work come to life in record time. Relativity is a place where creativity and technical rigor go hand in hand, and your voice will help define the stories we're writing together. Now is a unique moment in time where it's early enough to leave your mark on the product, the process, and the culture, but far enough along that Terran R is tangible and picking up momentum. The most meaningful work of your career is waiting. Join us.
About the Team:
Relativity Space pioneered large-scale additive manufacturing with our Terran 1 rocket, the largest 3D-printed object to fly. Now a distinct business unit within Relativity, Horizon Manufacturing Technologies is advancing next-generation manufacturing for aerospace and beyond. The team operates at the frontier of manufacturing innovation, where creativity meets capability. This is an environment where cutting-edge R&D is put into production, industrializing advanced manufacturing capabilities to solve customer problems. As member of the Horizon's Robotics Team, you'll work alongside welders, data scientists, and material scientists, creating an end-to-end additive manufacturing platform that serves a wide variety of applications. From exploring new materials to unlocking faster print speeds, to designing complex, organic geometries that can't be built any other way, it's high-impact work that sets the foundation for the future of advanced manufacturing.
About the Role:
We are seeking a Robotics Kinematics Engineer to join the Robotics team at Horizon with broad technical skills and a good balance between theoretical and hands-on mindset to develop and own a crucial backbone for our software infrastructure related with kinematics and calibration. This role is ideal for a software engineer who thrives in cross-functional environments, enjoys owning full projects from design to deployment, and is comfortable navigating ambiguity in a fast-moving R&D setting.
  • Develop advanced kinematics algorithms for robotic systems (6+ DoF), including forward/inverse kinematics and redundancy resolution, optimized for real-time performance.
  • Own and maintain the kinematics library shared across multiple robotics software products.
  • Develop and maintain calibration tools and methodologies supporting a wide range of robot calibration workflows.
  • Serve as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) for robot kinematics, motion modeling, and multi-axis synchronization.

About You:
  • BS required; MS preferred in Robotics Engineering, Control Systems Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field.
  • 3+ years of experience developing kinematics algorithms for both underactuated and redundant robotic systems.
  • Strong expertise in robot kinematic modeling and calibration methodologies using industrial metrology and localization hardware (Leica, OptiTrack, etc)
  • High proficiency in C++, Linux, and modern software engineering practices; comfortable developing in Python.
  • Experience designing modular, extensible software architectures that support diverse robot kinematics and configurations. • Experience with ROS and open-source robotics libraries.

Nice to haves but not required:
  • Experience with multi-robot coordination and synchronization.
  • Experience with mobile manipulators.
  • Experience developing software for real-time robotic systems.
  • PhD in Robotics, Control Systems, or a related technical field.

At Relativity Space, we are committed to transparency and fairness in our compensation practices. Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and other job-related factors.
Compensation is only one part of our total rewards package. Relativity Space offers competitive salary and equity, a generous PTO and sick leave policy, parental leave, an annual learning and development stipend, and more! To see some of the benefits & perks we offer, please visit here.
Hiring Range:
$124,000-$186,000 USD
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
If you need a reasonable accommodation, please contact us at accommodations@relativityspace.com.
Please note: Relativity Space does not accept unsolicited resumes, candidate profiles, or referrals from recruitment agencies or search firms. Any unsolicited submission - via email, our website, social media, or directly to an employee - will be deemed the property of Relativity Space, and no fee will be owed absent a current, fully executed agreement with Talent Acquisition that specifically authorizes submissions for the applicable role.

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