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Robotics Research Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Abaka AI

Robotics Research Engineer

Mountain View, CA · On-site

About the Role We are looking for a Robotics Research Engineer to join Abaka Robotics Lab, our in-house research group focused on building the data foundation for physical AI. We believe the next ...

Socket.dev

Robotics Research Engineer

Mountain View, CA · On-site

About the Role We are looking for a Robotics Research Engineer to join Abaka Robotics Lab, our in-house research group focused on building the data foundation for physical AI. We believe the next ...

New

Nimble

AI Robotics Research Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

The AI Robotics Research Engineer will design, develop, train, and implement robotic foundation models and reinforcement learning algorithms for multi-agent robot fleets. Responsibilities : • ...

Nimble

AI Robotics Research Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

They are seeking an AI Robotics Research Engineer to design, develop, and implement robotic foundation models and reinforcement learning algorithms for multi-agent robot fleets. Responsibilities ...

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$82.9K

$94.7K

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How much do robotics research jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for robotics research in California is $94,742.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $88,800.00 and $100,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a robotics research?

A Robotics Research job involves investigating, designing, and developing robotic systems to improve automation, artificial intelligence, and mechanical capabilities. Researchers in this field explore new algorithms, hardware innovations, and control techniques to enhance robotics applications in industries like healthcare, manufacturing, and space exploration. They often work with simulation software, machine learning models, and physical prototypes to test and refine robotic systems. The role typically requires expertise in computer science, engineering, and mathematics, along with strong problem-solving skills.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a robotics researcher?

As a Robotics Researcher, daily tasks often include designing experiments, developing and testing algorithms, and analyzing data to improve robotic systems. You might collaborate with electrical, mechanical, or software engineers to integrate new technologies or refine existing prototypes. You will also frequently document your findings, write research papers or reports, and present results to your team or at conferences. The work environment is typically collaborative, with a focus on continuous learning and innovation to advance both theoretical knowledge and practical applications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in robotics research, and why are they important?

To thrive in Robotics Research, you need a strong background in robotics, computer science, engineering, and mathematics, typically supported by an advanced degree such as a master's or Ph.D. in a related field. Familiarity with programming languages (e.g., Python, C++), robotics platforms (such as ROS), and simulation or CAD tools is often essential. Critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and strong collaboration and communication skills are highly valued soft skills in this role. These competencies enable researchers to design and implement innovative solutions, work effectively in multidisciplinary teams, and advance the field of robotics.

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

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

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

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

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Robotics Research jobs?

Cities in California with the most Robotics Research job openings:

Robotics Research jobs near you
Infographic showing various Robotics Research job openings in California as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,742 per year, or $45.5 per hour.

Robotics Research Engineer

San Francisco, CA • On-site

Foundry Robotics Inc
See more jobs at Foundry Robotics Incexternal

$150K - $250K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

Robotics Research Engineer
About Us
We are reimagining manufacturing through advanced robotics. Our mission is to rebuild the American manufacturing industry as an AI-first, assembly-focused, dual-use contract manufacturer. We aim to empower manufacturers with intelligent, efficient, and adaptable robotic systems that redefine productivity and quality. As a founding member of our engineering team, you will have a direct and significant impact on our product, culture, and ultimate success. This role is 100% in-person at our office in the mission, SF.
The Role
We are hiring a Robotics Research Engineer to design, implement, and deploy intelligent robotic systems for manufacturing.
This is not a purely academic role - and not a generic software role. You will work across:
  • ROS2-based system architecture
  • Manipulation and navigation
  • Perception and VLA-based control
  • Traditional controls fused with learned methods
  • On-site deployment in production manufacturing workcells

You should be equally comfortable reading robotics papers, tuning controllers, debugging sensor calibration, and pushing production code to robots running on a factory floor.
Key Responsibilities
Robotics Systems & Architecture
  • Design and implement distributed robotic systems in ROS2
  • Build modular autonomy stacks for manipulation and mobile platforms
  • Own system-level performance, latency, and reliability

Robotics Foundation Models (VLA)
  • Develop and integrate Vision-Language-Action models for robotic control
  • Design data collection pipelines and fine-tune foundation models for assembly tasks
  • Benchmark and evaluate real-world performance

Controls + Learning
  • Fuse traditional control with learned policies
  • Implement hybrid perception-planning-control architectures
  • Improve robustness, repeatability, and safety in physical systems

Manipulation, Navigation & Deployment
  • Develop algorithms for dexterous manipulation and industrial navigation
  • Ship systems from prototype to production
  • Debug real-world edge cases (lighting, calibration drift, wear, latency) and maintain deployed robotic cells
What We're Looking For
Deployment Mentality
  • Experience shipping systems into real environments (not just lab demos)
  • Comfort debugging hardware-software integration issues
  • Ability to own systems end-to-end

Ownership
  • Thrives in high-velocity, ambiguous environments
  • Takes full technical ownership of complex systems
  • Willing to get into the weeds of mechanical, electrical, and software challenges
Nice to Have
  • PhD in Robotics or related field
  • Experience working on dual-use or DoD-related systems
  • Ability to obtain a government security clearance
  • Experience with safety-critical robotic systems
Growth Opportunities
  • Define the technical direction of robotics foundation model deployment in manufacturing
  • Build and lead the autonomy team
  • Shape the next generation of AI-driven assembly systems
  • Become a core technical interface with defense and industrial partners
Why Join Us?
This is one of the only places where world-class manufacturing operators, mechanical engineers, robotics researchers, and software engineers sit in the same room - building production systems together.
We are committed to being deeply embedded in the U.S. industrial base. Our focus is simple: build adaptive robotic assembly systems that make American manufacturing scalable, resilient, and competitive again.
If you want to publish papers, this may not be the role.
If you want to build and deploy the systems those papers were meant to enable - this is it.
The base salary range for this full-time position in the location of San Francisco is:
$150,000-$250,000 USD
Compensation packages at Foundry Robotics for eligible roles include base salary, equity, and benefits. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target for new hire salaries for the position, determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, interview performance, and relevant education or training. Foundry Robotics employees in eligible roles are also granted equity based compensation, subject to Board of Director approval. You'll also receive benefits including, but not limited to: Comprehensive health, dental and vision coverage, and generous PTO.

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