1

Robotics Programmer Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

Robotics Engineer ABOUT US Hey! We're Molg ๐Ÿ‘‹ We're building robotic systems that make electronics manufacturing circular. We work with hyperscalers and leading electronics manufacturers to ...

Robotics Engineer

Mclean, VA ยท Hybrid

$225K/yr

Robotics Engineer The Opportunity: C ond uct the research, development, integration, deployment, and evaluation of robotic and unmanned systems across multiple operational domains and DoD war fighter ...

Robotics Engineer

Mclean, VA ยท On-site

$99K - $225K/yr

Robotics Engineer The Opportunity: Conduct the research, development, integration, deployment, and evaluation of robotic and unmanned systems across multiple operational domains and DoD warfighter ...

Robotics Engineer The Opportunity: Conduct the research, development, integration, deployment, and evaluation of robotic and unmanned systems across multiple operational domains and DoD warfighter ...

Robotics Engineer

Mclean, VA ยท On-site

$99K - $225K/yr

Robotics Engineer The Opportunity: C ond uct the research, development, integration, deployment, and evaluation of robotic and unmanned systems across multiple operational domains and DoD war fighter ...

Robotics Engineer

Mclean, VA ยท On-site +1

$99K - $225K/yr

Share Robotics Engineer The Opportunity: Conduct the research, development, integration, deployment, and evaluation of robotic and unmanned systems across multiple operational domains and DoD ...

Robotics Engineer

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$99K - $225K/yr

Robotics Engineer The Opportunity: Support the research and development of unmanned systems across multiple operational domains and mission areas. Function at the intersection ofsoftware and hardware ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Robotics Programmer information

See Washington, DC salary details

$19

$41

$60

How much do robotics programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for robotics programmer in Washington, DC is $41.77, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34.57 and $48.99 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a robotics programmer?

A Robotics Programmer is a professional who writes, tests, and maintains the software that controls robotic systems and automation equipment. They work with various programming languages and platforms to ensure robots perform specific tasks efficiently and safely. Robotics Programmers often collaborate with engineers and technicians to integrate robotics into manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, and other industries. Their work is essential for advancing automation and improving productivity in many fields.

How much do robotics programmers make?

Robotics programmers typically earn a median annual salary of around $80,000 to $100,000, depending on experience, location, and industry. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced professionals with specialized skills in programming languages like C++ or Python can earn higher salaries, especially in advanced manufacturing or research environments.

Is robotics programming a good career?

Robotics programming is a growing field that involves developing software to control robotic systems, often requiring knowledge of programming languages like C++ or Python and familiarity with hardware integration. It offers opportunities in industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, and automation, with a demand for skilled professionals and competitive salaries. Continuous learning and staying updated with new technologies are important for success in this career.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a robotics programmer?

To thrive as a Robotics Programmer, you need strong programming skills (especially in languages like Python, C++, or ROS), a background in engineering or computer science, and a solid understanding of robotics principles. Familiarity with industrial robotics platforms, simulation tools, and control systems, along with certifications in robotics or automation, is highly beneficial. Analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills for excelling in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for successfully developing, deploying, and troubleshooting robotic systems in dynamic technical environments.

What is the difference between Robotics Programmer vs Robotics Engineer?

AspectRobotics ProgrammerRobotics Engineer
Required CredentialsTypically an associate's or bachelor's degree in robotics, computer science, or related field; programming certificationsUsually a bachelor's or master's degree in robotics, mechanical, or electrical engineering; advanced certifications may be preferred
Work EnvironmentFocuses on coding, testing, and debugging robot software; often in labs or development settingsDesigns, develops, and integrates robotic systems; works in labs, manufacturing plants, or field environments
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in manufacturing, automation, and research institutionsFound in industrial automation, aerospace, automotive, and research sectors

While both roles involve working with robotic systems, Robotics Programmers primarily focus on writing and testing software code for robots, whereas Robotics Engineers design and develop entire robotic systems, including hardware and software integration. The roles often overlap, but the engineer's scope is broader, involving system design and implementation.

What does a robotics programmer do?

A robotics programmer designs, develops, and tests software that controls robotic systems. They write code using programming languages like C++ or Python, often working with hardware interfaces and simulation tools to ensure robots perform specific tasks accurately and efficiently.

What are some common challenges robotics programmers face when integrating new robotic systems into existing manufacturing workflows?

Robotics Programmers often encounter challenges such as ensuring compatibility between new robots and legacy equipment, troubleshooting communication protocols, and minimizing downtime during system integration. They must also adapt programming to accommodate unique production requirements and collaborate closely with engineers, operators, and maintenance teams to address unexpected issues. Effective problem-solving and clear communication are key to successfully integrating new robotic systems while maintaining productivity and safety.
What are popular job titles related to Robotics Programmer jobs in Washington, DC? For Robotics Programmer jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Robotics Programmer jobs in Washington, DC look for? The top searched job categories for Robotics Programmer jobs in Washington, DC are:
Infographic showing various Robotics Programmer job openings in Washington, DC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 86% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,884 per year, or $41.8 per hour.

Robotics Engineer

Molg

Sterling, VA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

Robotics Engineer

ABOUT US

Hey! We’re Molg 👋 We’re building robotic systems that make electronics manufacturing circular. We work with hyperscalers and leading electronics manufacturers to automate how hardware is designed, manufactured, disassembled, repaired, reused, and recovered. Using robotics, computational design, and AI, our systems turn today’s e-waste into resilient, data-driven supply chains—and change how electronics are made in the first place.

IN THIS ROLE YOU WILL:

Work with a talented cross-functional team of software, mechanical, electrical, and robotics engineers to develop our core technologies in robotics, assembly intelligence, computer vision, and microfactories. As a Robotics Engineer, you will be responsible for:

• Delivering high-quality, testable code for built/integrated robotic hardware (i.e. microfactories)

• Building core CAD to robotic motion and grasp planning workflow software

• Developing and expanding advance simulation and motion planning capabilities

• Collaborating with mechanical, electrical, and software engineers on tooling, fixturing, vision systems, and control systems

You’ll have the opportunity to build alongside an incredible team, develop innovative solutions, and grow in a fast-paced environment that values autonomy and impact.

WHO YOU ARE:

• 3+ years of industry experience developing automated solutions using 6 DOF robots

• 3+ years of experience in Python3 or C++

• Proficiency with ROS, ROS2, or another robot-oriented software framework

• Proficiency with the following modern software development tools and principles: unix/linux systems, shell software (sh, bash, zsh), git, containerization, CI/CD, automation, OOP

• Excellent understanding of core robotics principles including homogenous transformations, forward and inverse kinematics, closed-loop control, path and motion planning, localization.

• Demonstrable experience using physical robot systems from industry leading manufacturers, such as ABB, FANUC, or KUKA

• Proven experience taking robotics software from proof-of-concept to production; implementing features vertically through the stack and hardening them for the real world with observability, robust error handling, and graceful failure recovery

• Experience integrating software with robotic hardware, controllers, and higher-level task-planning systems, and validating it on physical robots, not only in simulation

• A track record of diagnosing and improving robot behavior using live-cell data, logs, and telemetry, closing the loop between what the simulation predicted and what the hardware actually did

• Skilled at partnering with mechanical and systems engineers to make software resilient to real-world tolerances, mechanical compliance, and part-to-part variability

• Able to communicate effectively and efficiently both verbally and in writing

• Ability to work in-person at Molg HQ in Sterling, VA.

REPORTING STRUCTURE:

This role reports directly to the Director of Software Engineering.

WHO WE ARE:

We spend our days building robotic systems, developing complex assembly intelligence software, and designing the next generation of circular products for our customers. Given the importance of working hands-on with physical systems, we are a 100% in-person team collaboratively working in our industrial space in Sterling, VA, down the road from the largest data center market in the world. Our facility includes a variety of robots, CNC milling machines, 3D printers, and all the tools needed to build and test our products. It is important to us that anyone on our team that is interested in learning how to use our various pieces of equipment and machinery is taught and can gain the skills and appreciation for making physical things.

THINGS TO KNOW:

• We’re a hands-on collaborative team with big ambitions, and there’s a good amount of context-switching. We expect people to be autonomous and drive their own work to completion.

• We are scrappy and looking to build a great sustainable company for years to come.

• As a growing company and startup, priorities may shift as customer or business requirements change. We strive to empower individuals with context and decision-making power to meet this need.