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Robotics Research Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Actalent

Robotics Engineer

San Diego, CA · Hybrid

$48.08 - $62.50/hr

Robotics Engineer This role offers the opportunity to lead a new research and development project focused on designing and programming an autonomous industrial vehicle using the Robotics Operating ...

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$82.9K

$94.7K

$115K

How much do robotics research jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $94,742 per year, or $45.5 per hour.

Principal Research Scientist, Robotics

Samsung Research America

Mountain View, CA • On-site

$242K - $376K/yr

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago

Samsung Electronics rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 50 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

127th of 159 rated electronics manufacturers

Job description

Lab Summary: The Robot Intelligence Lab at Samsung Research America is a new facility dedicated to advancing the field of robotics through cutting-edge research and development. The lab's mission is to develop advanced technologies to power intelligent robotic systems capable of manipulation, navigation, and complex reasoning for a variety of high-impact application areas. To achieve this mission, the lab collaborates closely with external entities such as universities, startups, and government labs, as well as with several Samsung Product and Advanced Research labs.
Position Summary: Samsung Research America is looking for a Principal Research Scientist with solid technical skills and rich academic and/or industry experience in the area of robot reasoning. Our ideal candidate explores novel AI technologies towards generalizing robots to perform tasks in the real world and is passionate at pursuing technology patenting and publication. Samsung's unique advantage in the consumer electronics market and growing focus on AI and robotics will provide you with exciting technical challenges and a rewarding career experience. By leveraging Samsung's vast product ecosystem to deliver novel user experiences, your work will define Samsung's future in robotics and significantly impact real-world users.
Candidates with additional experience are encouraged to apply in and will be considered for other opportunities.
Position Responsibilities:
  • Conduct ambitious, state-of-the-art research that pushes the boundaries of long-horizon robot autonomy. Areas of expertise include task-and-motion planning (TAMP), agentic robotics, vision language models (VLMs), open-world 3D perception, world models, locomanipulation, and multimodal (vision, tactile, audio, semantic) data fusion
  • Lead a team of researchers and engineers to design and implement research prototypes and technology demonstrators on robotic platforms
  • Work within cross-functional, cross-divisional teams and assist in the design, analysis and performance evaluation from concept to completion
  • Provide technical leadership and assist in shaping R&D priorities by following up-to-date scientific research and communicating key developments
  • Establish cooperative projects with universities and startups to investigate topics that explore the frontiers of knowledge and/or deliver unique advantages in key technologies
  • Generate patents and scientific research papers for top-tier publication venues

Required Skills:
  • PhD degree in CS/EE/Robotics, or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
  • 11+ years' post-graduate experience conducting state-of-the-art robotics R&D
  • Strong research track-record including multiple first-author publications at top-tier venues in robotics or related fields, e.g., CoRL, ICRA, RAL, RSS, CVPR, ICML, NeurIPS
  • Comprehensive understanding of the fundamentals of robotics, machine learning, planning, and computer vision
  • Demonstrated experience implementing and testing complex integrated behaviors on simulated and real robots
  • Knowledgeable of tools and processes for ML model development, tuning, evaluation, and deployment
  • Familiarity with PyTorch, TensorFlow, C++, ROS, and CUDA
  • Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • Excellent verbal communication and writing skills to effectively represent the derived results and technical concepts developed in the course of the work

Special Attributes:
  • Thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
  • Contribute in a team-oriented environment, while driving your own agenda
  • Prioritize multiple tasks in order to consistently meet deadlines
  • Creatively solve problems in an analytical environment
  • Resilience to overcome hurdles and address failures with alternative paths
  • Adapt quickly to new environments, people, technologies and processes
  • High caliber presentation skills with the ability to adapt message to the audience and situation
  • Generate ideas while understanding and incorporating different points of view
  • Must be willing to travel domestically and internationally (10%)

Our total rewards programs are designed to motivate and engage exceptional talent. The base pay range for roles at this level is listed below, but may be higher or lower in other states due to geographic differentials in the labor market. Within the base pay range, individual rates depend on a number of factors-including the role's function and location as well as the individual's knowledge, skills, experience, education and training. This is part of our comprehensive compensation package with annual bonus eligibility and generous benefits to help you live life well.
Base Pay Range
$242,500-$376,650 USD
Additional Information
Disclosure of Trade Secrets
Samsung has a strict policy on trade secrets. In applying to Samsung and progressing through the recruitment process, you must not disclose any trade secrets of a current or previous employer.
Essential Job Functions
This position will be performed in an office setting. The position will require the incumbent to sit and stand at a desk, communicate in person and by telephone, and frequently operate standard office equipment, such as telephones and computers.
Samsung Research America is committed to complying with all Federal, State and local laws related to the employment of qualified individuals with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation as part of the employment selection process, please contact the recruiter or email sratalent@samsung.com.
Equal Employment Opportunity
At Samsung, we believe that innovation and growth are driven by an inclusive culture and a diverse workforce. We aim to create a global team where everyone belongs and has equal opportunities, inspiring our talent to be their true selves. Together, we are building a better tomorrow for our customers, partners, and communities.
Samsung Research America is committed to employing a diverse workforce, and provide Equal Employment Opportunity for all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, status as a qualified individual with a disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.
For more information regarding protection from discrimination under Federal law for applicants and employees, please refer to this link: Pay Transparency

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