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Robotics Research Scientist Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Horizon Robotics

Research Scientist

Cupertino, CA · Hybrid

$150K - $300K/yr

HORIZON ROBOTICS: Make human life safer and better About Horizon Robotics Horizon Robotics (HKEX ... As a Research Scientist in the team, you will conduct research within a specialized focus area and ...

Horizon Robotics

Research Scientist

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$150K - $300K/yr

HORIZON ROBOTICS: Make human life safer and better About Horizon Robotics Horizon Robotics (HKEX ... As a Research Scientist in the team, you will conduct research within a specialized focus area and ...

Horizon Robotics

Research Scientist

Cupertino, CA · Hybrid

$150K - $300K/yr

HORIZON ROBOTICS: Make human life safer and better About Horizon Robotics Horizon Robotics (HKEX ... As a Research Scientist in the team, you will conduct research within a specialized focus area and ...

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All JobsRobotics Research Scientist JobsRobotics Research Scientist Jobs in California

Robotics Research Scientist information

See California salary details

$49.8K

$128.4K

$171.7K

How much do robotics research scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for robotics research scientist in California is $128,413.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $106,100.00 and $170,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a robotics research scientist?

A Robotics Research Scientist develops, tests, and improves robotic systems by applying principles from engineering, computer science, and artificial intelligence. They conduct research to enhance robot autonomy, perception, and interaction with the environment. Their work often involves designing algorithms, integrating hardware and software, and experimenting with novel robotic applications. Robotics Research Scientists typically collaborate with engineers and other researchers to solve complex automation challenges. They may work in academia, industry, or government labs, contributing to advancements in robotics technology.

What does a robotics research scientist do?

As a Robotics Research Scientist, you will typically work on designing, developing, and testing new robotic algorithms, control systems, or hardware components for real-world applications. Your daily activities may include conducting experiments, analyzing data, publishing research findings, and collaborating with software engineers, mechanical engineers, and fellow scientists both in labs and real-world field settings. Participation in regular team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and technical reviews is common. Over time, you may also mentor junior researchers and contribute to grant proposals or patent applications, enabling your continued growth in both technical expertise and leadership within the organization.

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

To thrive as a Robotics Research Scientist, you typically need an advanced degree in robotics, computer science, electrical engineering, or a related field, along with strong analytical, mathematical, and programming abilities. Familiarity with tools such as ROS (Robot Operating System), MATLAB, Python/C++, and simulation environments, as well as experience with robotics hardware and relevant certifications, is highly beneficial. Effective problem-solving, teamwork, adaptability, and strong communication skills help you excel in multidisciplinary research settings. These abilities are crucial for innovating novel robotic solutions, collaborating with diverse teams, and adapting to advancements in this rapidly evolving field.

What are the most commonly searched types of Robotics Research Scientist jobs in California?

The most popular types of Robotics Research Scientist jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Robotics Research Scientist jobs in California?

For Robotics Research Scientist jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Robotics Research Scientist jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Robotics Research Scientist jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Robotics Research Scientist jobs?

Cities in California with the most Robotics Research Scientist job openings:

Robotics Research Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Robotics Research Scientist job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 60% In-person, and 40% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $128,413 per year, or $61.7 per hour.

AI Robotics Research Scientist

Nimble

San Francisco, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

Job Summary:
Nimble is an AI robotics company focused on building an autonomous supply chain to enhance commerce efficiency. The AI Robotics Research Scientist will design, develop, and implement robotic foundation models and reinforcement learning algorithms to automate tasks across the supply chain.
Responsibilities:
• Develop and train VLAs and generalist visuomotor policies to automate thousands of tasks across the supply chain
• Develop data collection pipelines
• Design data annotation and labeling
• Support implementation of models into production systems
Qualifications:
Required:
• P.h.D in Robotics or Computer Science
• Experience training deep learning models for robotic manipulation or mobility
• Experience working with real robotic hardware
• Experience training models in simulation and developing simulation environments
• Experience collecting custom datasets
• Experience training on open-source datasets
• Strong track record of publishing papers and/or deploying real-world applications
• Experience with system architecture, design and development
• Must be able to work extended hours and weekends as needed
• Must be able to work in San Francisco
Company:
Nimble is building the autonomous supply chain powered by generalist superhumanoid robots. Founded in 2017, the company is headquartered in San Francisco, USA, with a team of 51-200 employees. The company is currently Growth Stage.

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