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Robotics Phd Positions Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Intuitive

Robotics Software Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA

Company Description Primary Function of the Position In this role, you will help develop a next ... MS or PhD in computer science, mechanical engineering, or equivalent Working Conditions * None ...

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How much do robotics phd positions jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for robotics phd positions in the United States is $96,000.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $90,000.00 and $102,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Robotics PhD candidate, you need a strong background in robotics, computer science, engineering, mathematics, and a relevant undergraduate or master's degree. Familiarity with programming languages (like Python, C++), robotics simulation tools (such as ROS, Gazebo), and experience with research methodologies are typically important. Critical thinking, creativity, and effective communication are essential soft skills for contributing novel ideas and collaborating within research teams. These skills and qualifications are crucial for successfully conducting advanced research, publishing results, and advancing the field of robotics.

Who are the big 4 in robotics?

The 'Big 4' in robotics typically refers to leading companies in the field, which include Boston Dynamics, ABB, FANUC, and KUKA. These companies are known for their advanced robotics hardware, automation solutions, and research contributions, making them prominent employers and collaborators for robotics PhD positions.

What can I do with a PhD in robotics?

A PhD in robotics prepares individuals for advanced research, development, and engineering roles in industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, aerospace, and autonomous vehicles. Graduates often work as robotics engineers, research scientists, or system architects, utilizing skills in programming, control systems, and machine learning. They may also pursue academic positions or leadership roles in technology development.

What are the common research areas and collaboration opportunities for students in Robotics PhD positions?

Robotics PhD students typically focus on advanced topics such as machine learning for robotics, human-robot interaction, autonomous systems, and robotic perception. These positions often involve interdisciplinary collaboration, working closely with faculty, industry partners, and peers from fields such as computer science, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering. Students regularly participate in lab meetings, joint research projects, and may have opportunities to contribute to conference publications or internships. This collaborative environment not only enhances learning but also opens pathways for future academic and industry careers in robotics.

Is robotics a dead field?

Robotics PhD positions are still highly relevant as robotics continues to advance in areas like automation, healthcare, and manufacturing. The field requires skills in programming, control systems, and machine learning, and offers ongoing research and development opportunities. Robotics remains a dynamic and growing area within engineering and computer science.

What is the difference between Robotics Phd Positions vs Robotics Engineer?

AspectRobotics Phd PositionsRobotics Engineer
Required CredentialsPhD in Robotics, Engineering, or related fieldBachelor's or Master's in Robotics, Mechanical, Electrical, or Computer Engineering
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, universities, academic settingsIndustry, manufacturing, technology companies, startups
Employer & Industry UsageAcademic institutions, research organizationsPrivate companies, tech firms, industrial sectors
Common Search & Comparison IntentAcademic research, advanced study, research positionsPractical application, product development, engineering roles

Robotics Phd Positions focus on advanced research, theoretical development, and academic pursuits, often requiring a doctoral degree. Robotics Engineers typically work on designing, developing, and implementing robotic systems in industry, often with a bachelor's or master's degree. Both roles involve robotics but differ in their focus, environment, and qualifications.

What are Robotics PhD positions?

Robotics PhD positions are research-focused academic roles for students pursuing a doctoral degree in robotics. These positions typically involve conducting original research in areas such as artificial intelligence, mechanical engineering, computer vision, or control systems related to robotics. Students often work under the supervision of a faculty advisor, contribute to academic publications, and may also assist in teaching or mentoring. Admission to these positions usually requires a strong academic background in engineering, computer science, or related fields, as well as a demonstrated interest in robotics research.

How much do PHD in robotics make?

PhD holders in robotics typically earn between $80,000 and $130,000 annually, depending on experience, industry, and location. Salaries are higher in sectors like aerospace, automation, and research institutions, and advanced skills in programming, machine learning, and hardware integration can influence compensation.
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Infographic showing various Robotics Phd Positions job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 10% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,000 per year, or $46.2 per hour.
Senior Robotics Software Engineer

Senior Robotics Software Engineer

Nimble Robotics

San Francisco, CA

$190K - $250K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

About Nimble

Nimble is an AI robotics company building the autonomous supply chain to power fast, efficient and economical commerce. We're training robot AGI to power a proprietary generalist supply chain superhumanoid, the first robot in the world capable of performing thousands of tasks across the supply chain. We've raised over $220M at over $1B valuation and formed a strategic alliance with FedEx to build a national network of autonomous warehouses capable of generating many billions in annual revenue. We are a hardcore and obsessed team of the world's best engineers and operators. If you are obsessed with your craft, enjoy a high-intensity and fast moving high impact environment, are super high agency in getting hard things done and want to be part of building the world's most legendary robotics company at the most pivotal moment in history, we want to work with you.

We are on a mission to empower and inspire mankind to accomplish legendary feats by inventing robots that liberate us from the menial. We will accomplish this by training robot AGI to invent and build the Autonomous Supply Chain – everything from the inside of factories and warehouses to your front door – powered by generalist superhumanoids.

Our founding team comes from the AI labs at Stanford and Carnegie Mellon and our board of directors include famed robotics and AI legends including Fei-Fei Li (Chief Scientist of AI at Google and Director of Stanford's AI Lab), Marc Raibert (founder of Boston Dynamics), and Sebastian Thrun (founder of GoogleX, Waymo; Stanford Professor and considered the father of autonomous vehicles).

Let's be legendary.

About the Role

We are looking for a Senior Software Engineer in Robotics to build the core software powering our next-generation autonomous robots. In this role, you will develop the systems that allow our robots to operate with exceptional reliability, precision, and efficiency in real production environments. You will work across robotics and autonomy—building robust, production-grade software that scales as we deploy more robots into high-throughput warehouse operations. You'll collaborate closely with our AI, hardware, and infrastructure teams to integrate frontier AI capabilities into practical, real-world robotics systems and to continually improve robot uptime, performance, and overall intelligence.

Responsibilities

  • Lead design and implementation of robot behaviors and task-level intelligence across the full robotics stack, integrating perception, planning and control into reliable end-to-end execution.
  • Design and implement task orchestration and robot behaviors across nominal and edge-case scenarios, ensuring high task success rate and robust recovery.
  • Drive measurable improvements in autonomy quality, using data and operational metrics to iterate on task success rate, recovery behavior, and system reliability.
  • Collaborate with hardware engineering on seamless software–hardware integration for new robot platforms and upgrades.
  • Participate and lead technical design reviews and drive architecture decisions for core subsystems and features.
  • Mentor cross-functional engineers and technicians, and raise the bar on reliability, testing, and operational excellence.
  • Triage robotics system issues to ensure reliability of production robotics systems; help diagnose and resolve operational issues when they arise

Qualifications

  • Bachelors, Masters, or PhD in Computer Science, Robotics, or a related engineering field.
  • 5+ years of software engineering experience building production robotics systems.
  • Strong proficiency in at least one of the following programming languages: Rust, Python, C++
  • Proven ability to design, implement, and maintain complex, high-reliability software systems.
  • Experience integrating software with sensors, actuators and embedded systems.
  • Proven ability to design, implement, and maintain complex, high-reliability software systems.
  • Familiarity with software best practices including testing, documentation, code reviews, and robust architectural design.
  • Excellent communication skills and ability to collaborate across multi-disciplinary teams
  • Willingness to support production operations through an on-call rotation.

Nice to have

  • Exposure to automation environments such as warehousing, manufacturing, or logistics
  • Experience with real-time embedded system development, with RTOS or bare-metal firmware
  • Experience with safety-critical systems

What else to know

This role is an in-office, 5 days a week role in San Francisco, CA.

$190,000 - $250,000 a year
The above range is the salary range. This position will also receive generous equity!
Culture:
We embrace challenges and strive to make the impossible possible each day. We're not in this to do what's easy or to be mediocre. We want to create something legendary and leave our mark on the world. We're ambitious, we're gritty, we're humble and we're relentlessly resourceful in pursuit of our goals. If this sounds like you then you might be a great fit!
Nimble Robotics, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We make all employment decisions based solely on merit. We provide equal employment opportunity to all applicants and employees without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable state, federal or local laws.
Nimble's Benefits
Unlimited Flexible Time Off
Enjoy the time you need to travel, rejuvenate, and connect with friends and family.
Health Insurance
Nimble provides medical, dental, and vision insurance through several premier plans and options to support you and your family.
Paid Parental Leave
Enjoy paid bonding time following a birth.
Commuter Benefits
Take the stress out of commuting with access to fully-paid parking spots.
Referral Bonus
Get a cash bonus for any friend or colleagues that you refer to us that we end up hiring.
401k
Contribute towards a 401k for retirement planning.
Equity
Be an owner in Nimble through our equity program
Link: Nimble Closes $106 Million Series C Funding Round, Scales Fully Autonomous Fulfillment with FedEx
Link: FedEx Announces Expansion of FedEx Fulfillment With Nimble Alliance