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Robotics Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Skild AI

Robot Operator

San Mateo, CA · On-site

Data collection is a critical component of building robotic intelligence, and we're looking for operators who have a high degree of attention to detail, ability to learn and follow instructions for ...

Physical Intelligence

Robot Operator

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$25/hr

As a Robot Operator, you're not just controlling robots-you're literally training the AI that will ... You'll be at the forefront of robotics AI, working hands-on with cutting-edge robotic systems to ...

Physical Intelligence

Robot Operator

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$25/hr

As a Robot Operator, you're not just controlling robots--you're literally training the AI that will ... You'll be at the forefront of robotics AI, working hands-on with cutting-edge robotic systems to ...

Foundation Robotics

Robotics Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Proven background as a generalist software engineer, comfortable operating across different layers ... and robot control interfaces. * Proficiency in at least one major programming language used in ...

RoboForce

Robotics Software Engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

You will work closely with cross-functional teams to turn promising prototypes into reliable software that runs on deployed robots operating in complex outdoor environments. This is a hands-on ...

RoboForce

Robotics Software Engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

You will work closely with cross-functional teams to turn promising prototypes into reliable software that runs on deployed robots operating in complex outdoor environments. This is a hands-on ...

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All JobsRobotics Operator JobsRobotics Operator Jobs in California

Robotics Operator information

See California salary details

$11

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$24

How much do robotics operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for robotics operator in California is $18.45, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.15 and $20.14 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Robotics Operator do?

A Robotics Operator is responsible for overseeing the operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of robotic systems in various industrial settings. They ensure that robots function efficiently and safely, often programming and calibrating machines as needed for different tasks. Robotics Operators also monitor performance, perform routine inspections, and address any malfunctions or errors that may arise. Their role is critical in industries that rely on automation, such as manufacturing, automotive, and logistics, helping to increase productivity and reduce downtime.

Is robotics a dead field?

Robotics is an active and growing field with applications in manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, and more. Robotics operators are needed to program, maintain, and oversee robotic systems, which often require skills in electronics, programming, and troubleshooting. The demand for robotics professionals is expected to continue as automation advances across industries.

How to become a robot operator?

To become a robotics operator, typically one needs a high school diploma or equivalent, along with technical training or certification in robotics, automation, or related fields. Experience with machinery, understanding of control systems, and familiarity with programming or troubleshooting robotic equipment are also important. On-the-job training is common, and skills in problem-solving and attention to detail are valuable in this role.

How much do robotics operators make?

Robotics operators typically earn a median annual salary of around $45,000 to $65,000, depending on experience, industry, and location. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced operators with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher wages, especially in manufacturing or automation environments.

What do robotics operators do?

Robotics operators are responsible for setting up, monitoring, and maintaining robotic systems used in manufacturing or other industries. They troubleshoot issues, ensure safety protocols are followed, and may program or adjust robots to perform specific tasks. Proficiency with control systems and safety standards is essential for this role.

What is the difference between Robotics Operator vs Automation Technician?

AspectRobotics OperatorAutomation Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require technical certificationsHigh school diploma; technical certifications or associate degree often preferred
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, assembly lines, industrial settingsIndustrial facilities, manufacturing plants, maintenance environments
Job FocusOperating and monitoring robotic systemsMaintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing automation equipment
Industry UsageWidely used in manufacturing, automotive, electronicsCommon in manufacturing, process industries, and automation sectors

Robotics Operators primarily focus on operating and monitoring robotic systems, while Automation Technicians handle maintenance and repairs of automation equipment. Both roles are essential in manufacturing environments, but their responsibilities and skill requirements differ.

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

To thrive as a Robotics Operator, you need a solid understanding of robotics systems, automation processes, and basic programming, often supported by technical training or an associate degree in robotics, electronics, or a related field. Familiarity with PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers), HMI interfaces, and robotics programming languages such as ROS or FANUC is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for troubleshooting and collaborating with maintenance and engineering teams. These competencies ensure the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of robotic equipment in manufacturing or industrial environments.

What are some common challenges Robotics Operators face when working with automated systems?

Robotics Operators often encounter challenges such as troubleshooting unexpected technical malfunctions, adapting to frequent software updates, and maintaining high safety standards in fast-paced environments. They must quickly diagnose issues, minimize downtime, and communicate effectively with engineers and maintenance teams to resolve problems. Additionally, staying updated on new robotic technologies and procedures is essential for continuous improvement and operational efficiency.
What are popular job titles related to Robotics Operator jobs in California? For Robotics Operator jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Robotics Operator jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Robotics Operator jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Robotics Operator jobs? Cities in California with the most Robotics Operator job openings:
Robotics Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Robotics Operator job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 22% Full Time, 74% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,368 per year, or $18.4 per hour.

Robotics Autonomy Engineer - Federal Projects

FieldAI

Irvine, CA • On-site

$70K - $300K/yr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

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.

 Are you passionate about robotics and software engineering? Do you thrive on creating robust algorithms and deploying cutting-edge autonomous systems in real-world scenarios? Field AI is looking for a Robotics Autonomy Engineer to join our dynamic team. In this role, you will develop, implement, and maintain state-of-the-art autonomy software stacks, ensuring our robots navigate and perform tasks seamlessly in challenging environments. This is your chance to shape the future of robotics and work alongside a team that values innovation, hands-on expertise, and impact-driven results if you're a software-savvy robotics enthusiast eager to take on exciting challenges and make a tangible difference, this is the opportunity for you!
What You'll Get To Do
1. Autonomy Engineering
  • Develop algorithms to assess environmental conditions and support autonomous decision-making
  • Design evaluation frameworks to measure the performance of perception and navigation systems
  • Integrate and analyze multi-sensor data to enhance situational awareness and risk assessment
  • Create systematic approaches to validate and improve system predictions across diverse operating scenarios
  • Collaborate across perception, planning, and controls to develop benchmarks and metrics for system-wide performance
 
2. Autonomy Systems Engineering
  • Evaluate and design trade-offs between compute, latency, power, and other key performance metrics for robotic systems.
  • Integrate diverse software modules, ensuring seamless communication and synchronization across components.
  • Establish and maintain system performance metrics to identify bottlenecks and optimize system behavior.
  • Conduct iterative testing and refinement to ensure systems meet real-world demands and constraints
 
3. Software Integration and Testing
  • Work extensively with ROS (Robot Operating System) to develop, test, and integrate software modules.
  • Conduct simulations and field tests to validate performance and optimize system behavior.
 
4. Hands-On Robotics Deployment
  • Collaborate with hardware teams to ensure seamless software-hardware integration.
  • Travel to customer sites to deploy, calibrate, and fine-tune robotic systems in diverse and challenging real-world conditions.
 
5. Cross-Team Collaboration
  • Work closely with other engineering teams to align development efforts and achieve cohesive system performance.
  • Communicate effectively with non-technical stakeholders to explain robotic capabilities and project progress.
What You Have
  • US Person: Required due to export control regulations and project requirements.
  • Proficiency in ROS (Robot Operating System): Experience developing and integrating robotic software solutions.
  • Hands-On Robotics Experience: Practical experience working with autonomous robotic systems, including testing and deployment in the field.
  • Strong Programming Skills: Proficiency in Python and C++ for algorithm development and system integration.  Experience with GPU programming (CUDA C++, PyTorch) a plus.
  • Understanding of System Integration and Engineering for Autonomous Systems: Solid cross-domain knowledge across a wide range of robotic autonomy modules, including localization, perception, planning, and controls.
  • Willingness to Travel: Ability and eagerness to travel to customer sites for deployments, testing, and troubleshooting (up to 30% travel).
  • Excellent Communication Skills: Ability to convey complex technical concepts clearly to diverse audiences.
What Will Set You Apart
  • Experience with real-time systems or robotics middleware.
  • Familiarity with sensor integration and perception algorithms.
  • Knowledge of machine learning techniques applied to robotics.
  • Exposure to industrial robotics applications in sectors like construction, mining, or manufacturing.
  • Experience working in harsh or outdoor environments.
  • Experience working with offroad vehicles / offroad driving
  • Advanced degree (Bachelors, Master's) in Robotics, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
  • Understanding of safety standards and compliance in robotics.

This position is for our FieldAI Federal Team.  This team works on projects connected to the U.S. government which requires U.S. Person eligibility.  A U.S. Person as defined by 22 C.F.R  120.62 includes U.S. Citizen, U.S. National, lawful permanent residents (green card holders) refugee or asylee.

 
 

Compensation and Benefits
Our salary range is between ($70,000 - $300,000 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.
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