1

Robotics Hardware Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Work closely with electrical, mechanical, and compute engineers to root-cause issues and improve ... Familiarity with embedded compute systems, sensors, or robotics hardware. * Strong attention to ...

Work closely with electrical, mechanical, and compute engineers to root-cause issues and improve ... Familiarity with embedded compute systems, sensors, or robotics hardware. * Strong attention to ...

Collaborate with software engineers on the integration and testing of hardware and software ... Participation in relevant student projects or clubs (e.g., robotics, aerospace). Salary The salary ...

Hardware Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$145K - $192K/yr

We're growing our sizable fleet of retrofitted autonomous construction machines and we're looking for a talented hardware engineer to help define system architecture, test and integrate modules into ...

Hardware Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$100K - $145K/yr

Hardware Engineer Location: Irvine, CA Work Arrangement: On-Site Position Summary The Hardware ... Experience in designing robotic and/or aircraft systems * UAV experience highly desired * Hands-on ...

Hardware Engineer Location: Irvine, CA Work Arrangement: On-Site Position Summary The Hardware ... Experience in designing robotic and/or aircraft systems * UAV experience highly desired * Hands-on ...

The Role We're looking for a Robotics Software Engineer to design and build the software that ... Design and deploy software for advanced drone hardware, promoting autonomous flight capabilities ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Robotics Hardware Engineer information

See California salary details

$50.3K

$144.3K

$193.9K

How much do robotics hardware engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for robotics hardware engineer in California is $144,315.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $121,900.00 and $160,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do robotics hardware engineers make?

Robotics hardware engineers typically earn a median annual salary ranging from $70,000 to $120,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Senior roles or those with specialized skills in sensors, embedded systems, or CAD tools can earn higher salaries, especially in high-demand industries like manufacturing, automation, and research.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior robotics hardware engineers with extensive experience, specialized skills in embedded systems, and leadership roles can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, especially in high-cost-of-living areas or within large tech companies. Compensation often includes base salary, bonuses, and stock options, reflecting their expertise and impact on complex projects.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior robotics hardware engineers with extensive experience, specialized skills in design and development, and often advanced certifications can earn $300,000 or more annually. High compensation is typically associated with leadership roles, working in high-tech industries, or in companies with significant resources and complex projects.

What does a robotics hardware engineer do?

A robotics hardware engineer designs, develops, and tests the physical components of robots, including sensors, actuators, circuit boards, and mechanical structures. They work with CAD software, electronic tools, and often collaborate with software engineers to ensure hardware and software integration for robotic systems.
What are popular job titles related to Robotics Hardware Engineer jobs in California? For Robotics Hardware Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Robotics Hardware Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Robotics Hardware Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Robotics Hardware Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Robotics Hardware Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Robotics Hardware Engineer job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 70% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 7% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $144,315 per year, or $69.4 per hour.

R&D Technician, Robotics Hardware

FieldAI

Irvine, CA

$50K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

About Us
Field AI is transforming how robots interact with the real world. We are building risk-aware, reliable, and field-ready AI systems that address the most complex challenges in robotics, unlocking the full potential of embodied intelligence. We go beyond typical data-driven approaches or pure transformer-based architectures, and are charting a new course, with already-globally-deployed solutions delivering real-world results and rapidly improving models through real-field applications.
 
Assembly Technician Role
As an Assembly Technician for Perception & Compute Payloads, you will be a hands-on contributor responsible for assembling, integrating, and validating Field AI’s sensing and compute payloads. You will build electro-mechanical subsystems, integrate sensors and embedded compute platforms, perform harnessing and power system checks, support functional testing, and ensure every payload is field-ready and reliable. This role bridges mechanical assembly, electrical integration, and practical system-level debugging. You will support both prototype development and production workflows while working closely with engineers to improve build processes and increase system reliability.
 
What You Will Get To Do
 
1. Payload Assembly & Integration
  • Assemble perception payloads including LiDAR, cameras, IMUs, GPS receivers, and auxiliary sensors using engineering drawings and build instructions.
  • Install and integrate CPU/GPU compute modules, carrier boards, and microcontroller-based subsystems.
  • Build and route wire harnesses for power, high-speed data, synchronization, and control.
  • Install mounts, enclosures, gaskets, seals, thermal components, and structural hardware.
 
2. Electrical, Power, and Communication Bring-Up
  • Perform continuity checks, grounding/EMI checks, and power-rail validation.
  • Assist in bring-up of Linux- or ROS2-based embedded compute systems.
  • Validate communication links across Ethernet, USB, CAN, GMSL, and other interfaces.
  • Verify correct connectorization, pinouts, and harness strain-relief practices.
 
3. System Testing & Quality Assurance
  • Run functional tests including sensor bring-up, calibration checks, compute boot/health tests, and network verification.
  • Document test results, deviations, rework, and repair actions with high accuracy.
  • Support environmental, vibration, mechanical alignment, and thermal characterization tests led by hardware engineers.
  • Conduct inspections for workmanship quality, mechanical stability, and electrical safety.
 
4. Debugging & Continuous Improvement
  • Diagnose wiring faults, mechanical misalignments, intermittent communication issues, thermal faults, and other integration failures.
  • Work closely with electrical, mechanical, and compute engineers to root-cause issues and improve build processes.
  • Provide feedback on assembly workflows, documentation clarity, and opportunities to streamline production.
 
5. Field & Operations Support
  • Prepare, stage, and service payloads for real-world deployment.
  • Support integration and troubleshooting activities during lab tests, field trials, and live demonstrations.
  • Perform rapid repairs and reconfigurations in dynamic testing environments.
What You Have
  • 2+ years of hands-on technician experience in robotics, aerospace, electronics, automotive, or related electro-mechanical assembly environments.
  • Proficiency with hand tools, power tools, torque drivers, and basic machine-shop tools.
  • Ability to read and follow wiring diagrams, mechanical drawings, and assembly instructions.
  • Experience building wire harnesses and working with low-voltage electrical systems.
  • Familiarity with embedded compute systems, sensors, or robotics hardware.
  • Strong attention to detail, documentation discipline, and ability to deliver reliable assemblies.
  • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and work in workshop, lab, or field environments.

What Will Set You Apart

  • Experience working with perception systems such as LiDAR, cameras, radar, or IMUs.
  • Familiarity with Linux, ROS2, or embedded system bring-up workflows.
  • Soldering, crimping, or IPC-certified workmanship skills.
  • Understanding of thermal management, weather sealing, EMI/EMC basics, and ruggedized mechanical design.
  • Experience supporting prototype builds, rapid iteration cycles, or field test deployments.
  • Ability to design or suggest simple fixtures or jigs to improve assembly and repeatability.
  • Experience assembling complex electro-mechanical systems, especially robotics, drones, or ruggedized field hardware.
 
Compensation and Benefits
Our salary range is between ($50,000 - $90,000 annual), but we take into consideration an individual's background and experience in determining final salary; base pay offered may vary considerably depending on geographic location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.  Also, while we enjoy being together on-site, we are open to exploring a hybrid or remote option.
 
Why Join Field AI?
We are solving one of the world’s most complex challenges: deploying robots in unstructured, previously unknown environments. Our Field Foundational Models™ set a new standard in perception, planning, localization, and manipulation, ensuring our approach is explainable and safe for deployment.
 
You will have the opportunity to work with a world-class team that thrives on creativity, resilience, and bold thinking. With a decade-long track record of deploying solutions in the field, winning DARPA challenge segments, and bringing expertise from organizations like DeepMind, NASA JPL, Boston Dynamics, NVIDIA, Amazon, Tesla Autopilot, Cruise Self-Driving, Zoox, Toyota Research Institute, and SpaceX, we are set to achieve our ambitious goals.
 
Be Part of the Next Robotics Revolution
To tackle such ambitious challenges, we need a team as unique as our vision — innovators who go beyond conventional methods and are eager to tackle tough, uncharted questions. We’re seeking individuals who challenge the status quo, dive into uncharted territory, and bring interdisciplinary expertise. Our team requires not only top AI talent but also exceptional software developers, engineers, product designers, field deployment experts, and communicators.
 
We are headquartered in always-sunny Irvine, Southern California and have US based and global teammates. 
 
Join us, shape the future, and be part of a fun, close-knit team on an exciting journey!
 
We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Candidates and employees are always evaluated based on merit, qualifications, and performance. We will never discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.