ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Robotics Programmer Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

Varsity Tutors

Robotics Tutor

Rockville, MD · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Skilled at teaching robot design, sensor programming, and autonomous behavior development. Guides students through building mechanical structures, wiring electronic circuits, programming ...

Varsity Tutors

Robotics Tutor

Washington, DC · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Skilled at teaching robot design, sensor programming, and autonomous behavior development. Guides students through building mechanical structures, wiring electronic circuits, programming ...

Varsity Tutors

Robotics Tutor

College Park, MD · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Skilled at teaching robot design, sensor programming, and autonomous behavior development. Guides students through building mechanical structures, wiring electronic circuits, programming ...

Varsity Tutors

Robotics Tutor

Fairfax, VA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Skilled at teaching robot design, sensor programming, and autonomous behavior development. Guides students through building mechanical structures, wiring electronic circuits, programming ...

Varsity Tutors

Robotics Tutor

Laurel, MD · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Skilled at teaching robot design, sensor programming, and autonomous behavior development. Guides students through building mechanical structures, wiring electronic circuits, programming ...

Varsity Tutors

Robotics Tutor

Leesburg, VA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Skilled at teaching robot design, sensor programming, and autonomous behavior development. Guides students through building mechanical structures, wiring electronic circuits, programming ...

Varsity Tutors

Robotics Tutor

Bowie, MD · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Skilled at teaching robot design, sensor programming, and autonomous behavior development. Guides students through building mechanical structures, wiring electronic circuits, programming ...

Varsity Tutors

Robotics Tutor

Alexandria, VA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Skilled at teaching robot design, sensor programming, and autonomous behavior development. Guides students through building mechanical structures, wiring electronic circuits, programming ...

Liquid Robotics

Systems Engineering Manager

Jessup, MD

$142K - $195K/yr

Systems Engineering Manager Liquid Robotics is seeking a Systems Engineering Manager to lead and manager a team of Systems Engineers in the development of autonomous ocean robots. You and your team ...

Liquid Robotics

Senior Liaison Engineer

Jessup, MD · On-site

$127K - $174K/yr

Senior Liaison Engineer Liquid Robotics is seeking a Senior Liaison Engineer to join our Jessup, MD team as an on-site engineering lead focused on sustainment and manufacturing liaison activities.

Liquid Robotics

Senior Verification Engineer

Jessup, MD

$104K - $144K/yr

Senior Verification Engineer Liquid Robotics is seeking a Senior Verification Engineer to own test creation and execution for Wave Glider systems and associated payloads. This on-site role in Jessup ...

Liquid Robotics

Senior Electrical Engineer

Jessup, MD · On-site

$112K - $155K/yr

Senior Electrical Engineer Liquid Robotics is seeking a Senior Electrical Engineer to join our team in the development of autonomous ocean robots and the associated hardware and accessories. As part ...

Molg

Robotics Manufacturing Technician

Sterling, VA · On-site

$22/hr

Shadow and support engineers during the R&D process for new products. * Debugging and repairing ... Robotics & Systems Testing * Conduct supervised pre-deployment testing of robotic systems across ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsRobotics Programmer JobsRobotics Programmer Jobs in Washington, DC

Robotics Programmer information

See Washington, DC salary details

$19

$41

$60

How much do robotics programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 19, 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.

Who are the big 4 in robotics?

The 'Big 4' in robotics typically refers to Boston Dynamics, FANUC, ABB, and KUKA, which are leading companies known for their advanced industrial and service robots. Robotics programmers often work with these companies' hardware and software platforms, requiring knowledge of automation, programming languages like Python or C++, and robotics systems integration.

Is robotics a dead field?

Robotics programming is an active and growing field, with increasing demand for skills in automation, control systems, and programming languages like Python and C++. The industry continues to evolve with advancements in AI, machine learning, and sensor technology, making robotics a viable career option for those with relevant technical expertise. Continuous learning and certification in robotics tools are important for staying current in this field.

Is robot programming a good career?

Robot 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 automation tools. It offers opportunities in manufacturing, healthcare, and research, with a demand for technical skills and problem-solving abilities. The career can be stable and rewarding for those interested in technology and engineering.

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

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 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.

How much do robot programmers make?

Robot programmers typically earn between $60,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Advanced skills in programming languages like Python or C++ and familiarity with robotics software can lead to higher salaries.
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:
Robotics Programmer jobs near you
NIST PREP Engineering Technician in Robotic Perception

NIST PREP Engineering Technician in Robotic Perception

Southeastern Universities Research Association

Gaithersburg, MD • On-site

$55K - $60K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

The Intelligent Systems Division at NIST is investigating the performance of 3D machine vision systems for various manufacturing applications. The research will focus on conducting experiments and analyzing data to understand these systems' performance and support the development of standards for measuring their depth error and depth resolution, as well as for measuring the performance of robotic systems used for bin-picking applications.
Duties:The duties will be tailored to fit the applicant's qualifications and the applicant will be trained on the use of certain systems needed for the following possible duties:
  • Programming and maintaining robots (arms, mobile robots, exoskeletons, etc.).
  • Operating and maintaining measurement equipment (e.g., laser trackers, laser scanners, oscilloscopes, etc.).
  • Preparing and maintaining laboratories to support experiments.
  • Conducting experiments in support of the development of standards.
  • Assisting in recording and analyzing test data and preparing test reports.
  • Performing simple preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, adjustment, and repairs of laboratory equipment.
  • Keeping laboratories clean and organized.
  • Assisting in performing market research for purchases required for the laboratories.
  • Using CAD software to design parts, end-of-arm tooling, and fixtures.
  • Working with NIST and/or external resources to have parts fabricated.
  • Recording knowledge and best practices to help improve efficiency and productivity.
  • Conducting tests in the laboratory as well as in the field.

Qualifications:Not all the qualifications below are required.
  • Associate or bachelor's degree in physical sciences, engineering or related field (or a training certificate in robotics, engineering, or automation).
  • Experience using gauge blocks and/or micrometers.
  • A basic understanding of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T).
  • Experience in using digital oscilloscopes, multimeters, and environmental monitoring instruments (thermometers, hygrometers, etc.).
  • Experience with CAD software such as Solidworks.
  • Experience in programming robots (using a teach pendant, hand guidance, and a command line interface).
  • Experience using basic hand and power tools.
  • Experience using fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printers.
  • Experience in operating in laboratory environments in a safe manner.
  • Be able to work without close supervision in a team environment.
  • Experience in using software tools such as Matlab, Python, Excel (or other) to analyze data.

Desired Qualifications:
  • Experience in using dimensional measurement instruments (such as laser trackers, laser scanners, coordinate measurement machines, etc.).
  • Experience in using Python, C++, C#, JAVA, etc. for programming/controlling robots.
  • Experience in using the robot operating system (ROS) to program robots.
  • Experience in using simulation software (e.g., MoveIT, RoboDK, etc.) to program robots.
  • Experience with basic machine tools (e.g., drill press, band saw, lathe, etc.).
  • Experience with programming and using CNC milling machines.

Privacy Act StatementAuthority: 15 U.S.C. § 278g-1(e)(1) and (e)(3) and 15 U.S.C. § 272(b) and (c)
Purpose: The National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) hosts the Professional Research Experience Program (PREP) which is designed to provide valuable laboratory experience and financial assistance to undergraduates, post-bachelor's degree holders, graduate students, master's degree holders, postdocs, and faculty.
PREP is a 5-year cooperative agreement between NIST laboratories and participating PREP Universities to establish a collaborative research relationship between NIST and U.S. institutions of higher education in the following disciplines including (but may not be limited to) biochemistry, biological sciences, chemistry, computer science, engineering, electronics, materials science, mathematics, nanoscale science, neutron science, physical science, physics, and statistics. This collection of information is needed to facilitate administrative functions of the PREP Program.
Routine Uses: NIST will use the information collected to perform the requisite reviews of the applications to determine eligibility, and to meet programmatic requirements. Disclosure of this information is also subject to all the published routine uses as identified in the Privacy Act System of Records Notices: NIST-1: NIST Associates.
Disclosure: Furnishing this information is voluntary. When you submit the form, you are indicating your voluntary consent for NIST to use of the information you submit for the purpose stated.
SURA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe that no one should be discriminated against because of their differences, such as age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity and expression, religion, or sexual orientation. All employment decisions shall be made without regard to age, race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, disability status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, citizenship status, or any other basis as protected by federal, state, or local law.
PREP0003540

Apply