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Robotics Engineering Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Meta

Robotics Manipulation Engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site

$208K - $289K/yr

The role involves close collaboration with hardware engineering, manufacturing, test engineering, robotics teams, and operations partners to improve serviceability, repair efficiency, and overall ...

KBR

Robotics Engineer

Mountain View, CA

Robotics Engineer BELONG. CONNECT. GROW. with KBR. Around here, we define the future. We are a company of innovators, thinkers, creators, explorers, volunteers, and dreamers. But we all share one ...

Divergent

Industrial Robotics Engineer

Torrance, CA

Purpose We are seeking a talented and motivated Industrial Robotics Engineer to join our Robotics & AI Software team. In this role, you will have the opportunity to work closely with experienced ...

Pivotal

Autonomy Engineer II - Robotics

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

Bachelor's degree in Robotics, Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field. Experience * 2+ years of industry experience in ...

Rule14

Robotics Software Engineer

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$65K - $85K/yr

... engineering roles - Strong experience with ROS 2 - Solid understanding of SLAM, localization, and robotics algorithms - Proficiency in Python and/or C++ - Strong software engineering fundamentals ...

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All JobsRobotics Engineering JobsRobotics Engineering Jobs in California

Robotics Engineering information

See California salary details

$28.6K

$104.2K

$166.8K

How much do robotics engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 5, 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 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.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior robotics engineers with extensive experience, advanced skills in automation, control systems, and programming, and often holding advanced degrees or specialized certifications can reach salaries of $500,000 or more, especially in high-demand industries like aerospace, defense, or autonomous vehicles. Such compensation typically includes base salary, bonuses, and stock options, and often requires leadership roles or entrepreneurial ventures.

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 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.

Is robotics a dead field?

Robotics engineering is an active and growing field, with applications in manufacturing, healthcare, automation, and research. Advances in AI, sensors, and control systems continue to drive innovation and demand for skilled professionals in robotics. The field requires knowledge of programming, mechanical design, and electronics, and offers diverse career opportunities.

What work does a robotics engineer do?

A robotics engineer designs, develops, tests, and maintains robotic systems and automation solutions. They use programming languages, sensors, and mechanical components to create robots for manufacturing, healthcare, or other industries, often working with CAD software and robotics frameworks. Strong problem-solving skills and knowledge of control systems are essential for this role.

What are robotics engineers?

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 cities in California are hiring for Robotics Engineering jobs? Cities in California with the most Robotics Engineering job openings:
Robotics Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Robotics Engineering job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $104,222 per year, or $50.1 per hour.

Robotics Systems Engineer

ATOMS Careers page

San Francisco, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

Who we are
Atoms is building the machines that power the next era of progress.
Over the last decade, software has transformed the digital world. But the physical world, where food is made, minerals are mined, goods are moved, and industries are run, remains far less intelligent, far less efficient, and far more constrained. We're changing that.
Atoms builds Physical AI- real-world robots for the industries that move civilization forward, starting with food, mining, and transport. Our systems are designed to understand, predict, and control the real world with precision, turning complex physical operations into something more reliable, more scalable, and more productive.
This work requires more than robotics. It requires deep integration across hardware, software, AI, operations, manufacturing, and real estate. We don't just build machines in a lab. We deploy them into real environments, operate them, learn from them, and improve them until they work at scale.
We are roboticists, engineers, operators, and builders. We believe the next great technology companies will not only transform information, but the physical systems that shape everyday life.
If you want to work on hard problems with real-world impact, join us.
What you'll do
Atoms is looking for a Robotics Systems Engineer who thrives at system-level debugging and end-to-end delivery of autonomy capabilities on real vehicles. You'll develop, integrate, test, and deploy features for our autonomous vehicle fleet, helping bring autonomy capabilities from prototype to reliable real-world performance.
This role may be hired at multiple levels, depending on experience and demonstrated scope of ownership. At more senior levels, this role will include greater ownership of autonomy features, production readiness, system-level validation, release gates, and cross-functional technical leadership.
Responsibilities include
  • Develop, integrate, and validate autonomy features, including production software, tests, diagnostics, and deployment support.
  • Debug system-level issues across sensors, compute, networking, controls, vehicle interfaces, and autonomy software using logs, metrics, and on-vehicle tools.
  • Support or lead technical execution for vehicle bring-up and deployments, including planning, risk identification, validation, issue triage, and coordination across teams.
  • Define and improve diagnostics, validation criteria, release gates, and metrics for production readiness.
  • Support field and track testing, including hands-on vehicle debugging and periodic travel to test facilities or deployment hubs.
  • Bring up and integrate new platforms by working with hardware and integration teams on sensors, vehicle signals, calibration, and performance tuning.
  • Collaborate with hardware, operations, safety, and product teams to deliver robust, safe, and maintainable autonomy behavior.
  • At senior levels, serve as a technical owner for production readiness of major autonomy capabilities or vehicle deployments, including cross-team validation and mentoring other engineers.

Travel note: This role requires periodic travel to test sites or regional deployment hubs (up to 15%).
Schedule note: Some schedule flexibility may be required during deployments
What we're looking for
  • 3+ years of professional, non-internship software development or robotics engineering experience; 3+ years or equivalent demonstrated scope for senior-level consideration.
  • Strong programming skills in C++ and Python.
  • Experience designing, building, testing, and debugging maintainable software for real-time or robotics systems.
  • Proven robotics engineering experience with system-level ownership, such as integration, debugging, performance tuning, field testing, deployments, or platform bring-up.
  • Ability to diagnose issues across software, hardware, sensors, networking, vehicle interfaces, controls, or autonomy stacks.
  • Experience building or using diagnostics such as structured logging, metrics, fault isolation tools, test harnesses, or fleet-level monitoring.
  • Working familiarity with core robotics concepts such as localization, state estimation, planning, controls, calibration, or sensor fusion.
  • Ability to operate in ambiguous technical environments by clarifying scope, interfaces, milestones, risks, and success criteria.
  • Strong communication and collaboration skills, including the ability to explain technical trade-offs to technical and non-technical partners.
  • Demonstrated ability to drive technical work through planning, implementation, testing, validation, and deployment.
  • For senior-level candidates, demonstrated ability to lead complex technical projects, define release or validation criteria, coordinate cross-functional execution, and mentor other engineers.

Preferred qualifications
  • Experience deploying autonomy or robotics systems in the field, including deployment rotations, on-call support, safety-critical troubleshooting, or customer-site support.
  • Experience with one or more of the following: sensor fusion, safety systems, camera pipelines, ML-based perception, CAN or other vehicle interfaces, calibration workflows, or autonomy validation.
  • Experience defining release gates, validation metrics, or production-readiness criteria for safety-critical robotics or autonomy systems.
  • Experience managing technical triage for distributed robots, vehicles, or fielded systems.
  • Familiarity with robotics development infrastructure such as Linux, Git, CI/CD, simulation, test harnesses, or automated validation pipelines.

Why join us
At Atoms, you'll work on one of the defining challenges of our time-bringing automation into the physical world to drive real, lasting impact. We exist to uncover valuable unknown truths and turn them into progress, which means constantly pushing beyond what's known and building what doesn't yet exist. The work is ambitious and often challenging, but it's grounded in a shared sense of purpose and a team committed to seeing it through together. Our work only matters if it serves others, and we know that meaningful progress depends on the trust of the people we serve and the strength of our team-so we invest in both, creating an environment where you can do your best work and grow.
What else you need to know
This role is based in our San Francisco office location. As a company driven by innovation and continuous change, close collaboration is essential. We're constantly reimagining our industry, creating new products, and refining our processes, and we do our best work together. That's why all of our office-based teams work onsite, five days a week.
The base salary range for this role is $182,000 - $230,000 per year.
Actual compensation will be determined on an individual basis and may vary depending on experience, skills, and qualifications.
Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package. You may also be eligible for equity awards and an annual performance-based bonus.
Benefits Summary (USA Full-Time Exempt Employees):
  • Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, and Life Insurance
  • Flexible Spending Account / Health Savings Account Options
  • 401(k)
  • Equity
  • Sick Time, Unlimited Flexible Time Off, and Paid Holidays
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Pre-Tax Commuter Benefit Plan
  • Team lunch in our SoMa office every Tuesday and Thursday

Benefits are subject to change at the company's discretion.
Atoms accepts applications on an ongoing basis.
Ready to join us as we serve those who serve others?
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