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Robotics Researcher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Nvidia

Senior Robotics Research Scientist

Seattle, WA · On-site

$112K - $142K/yr

Are you a creative and collaborative researcher interested in seeking new challenges? If so, we want to hear from you! Please join us and be at the forefront of robotics research that will impact ...

Optimal Inc.

Robotics software Engineer

Warren, MI · On-site

Robotics Software Engineer - Manipulation & Automation Position Overview We are seeking a Robotics Software Engineer to support advanced robotics R&D initiatives focused on robotic manipulation ...

Optimal Inc.

Robotics software Engineer

Warren, MI · On-site

Robotics Software Engineer - Manipulation & Automation Position Overview We are seeking a Robotics Software Engineer to support advanced robotics R&D initiatives focused on robotic manipulation ...

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Meta

AI Research Scientist, Robotics

$184K/yr

This role requires a systems-oriented researcher who can drive technical direction, define strategy for scaling tactile data, and influence how foundation models are built for robotics. You will work ...

Meta

AI Research Scientist, Robotics

Redmond, WA

$184K/yr

This role requires a systems-oriented researcher who can drive technical direction, define strategy for scaling tactile data, and influence how foundation models are built for robotics. You will work ...

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Robotics Researcher information

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$30K

$113.1K

$164.5K

How much do robotics researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for robotics researcher in the United States is $113,102.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,000.00 and $154,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Robotics Researchers?

Robotics Researchers are professionals who study, design, and develop robots and robotic systems. They work on advancing the technology behind robots, exploring areas such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, computer vision, sensors, and mechanical design. Their goal is to improve how robots perceive, interact with, and respond to their environment, enabling robots to perform tasks in industries like manufacturing, healthcare, and space exploration. Robotics Researchers typically work in academic, corporate, or government research labs, collaborating with engineers and scientists from various fields.

What is the difference between Robotics Researcher vs Robotics Engineer?

AspectRobotics ResearcherRobotics Engineer
CredentialsAdvanced degrees (Master's/Ph.D.) often requiredBachelor's or Master's degree in engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, universities, R&D departmentsIndustrial settings, manufacturing, product development
Primary FocusDeveloping new algorithms, theories, and prototypesDesigning, building, and testing robotic systems
Employer & Industry UsageAcademic institutions, research organizations, tech companiesManufacturers, tech firms, automation companies

While both roles involve robotics, a Robotics Researcher primarily focuses on advancing knowledge through research and innovation, often in academic or R&D settings. In contrast, a Robotics Engineer applies existing knowledge to develop practical robotic systems and solutions in industry.

What are some common challenges Robotics Researchers face when transitioning their work from simulation to real-world implementation?

A common challenge for Robotics Researchers is ensuring that algorithms and systems developed in simulation perform reliably on physical robots. Real-world environments introduce unpredictable variables such as sensor noise, hardware limitations, and dynamic obstacles that are often simplified or absent in simulations. Researchers must frequently iterate on their designs, conduct extensive testing, and collaborate with hardware engineers to bridge this gap. Adapting to these challenges requires flexibility, attention to detail, and strong problem-solving skills.

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

To thrive as a Robotics Researcher, you need a strong background in robotics, computer science, engineering, and mathematics, usually supported by a relevant advanced degree (Master's or PhD). Proficiency in programming languages (such as Python, C++), simulation tools (like ROS, Gazebo), and machine learning frameworks is typically required. Creativity, problem-solving, and effective collaboration are essential soft skills that set successful researchers apart. These skills and qualities are crucial for driving innovation, overcoming technical challenges, and advancing the field of robotics.
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Robotics Researcher jobs near you
Infographic showing various Robotics Researcher job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, and 9% Part Time. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,102 per year, or $54.4 per hour.

AI Research Scientist - United States

Flexion Robotics

San Francisco, CA

Full-time

Medical, Vision, Retirement

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

About Flexion:

At Flexion, we're building the intelligence layer powering the next generation of humanoid robots. Our mission is to accelerate the transition from fragile prototypes to real-world humanoid deployment. We are founded by leading scientists in robot reinforcement learning (ex-Nvidia, ex-ETH Zurich), and backed by leading international VC firms. In just months, we've gone from our first line of code to deploying real humanoid capabilities.
Fifty of the world's best robotics researchers are already building the future at Flexion's headquarters in Zurich. Among them are Nikita Rudin, David Hoeller, Julian Nubert, and Korrawe Karunratanakul -  scientists who have redefined what humanoid robots can do. Now we are building their counterpart team in the United States, in San Francisco.

The Role:

If you are among the most capable, and ambitious robotics researchers in the country, someone who has stared at the limits of what robots can do today and decided that simply wasn't good enough, we want to hear from you.

You will join the first wave of US research scientists at Flexion, set the agenda together, own the problems that matter most, and deploy real solutions on real hardware. You will work directly with a world class team across two continents on challenges that have no published answers yet.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Drive original research in learning-based robotics -  from concept to hardware deployment
  • Own your research direction: define problems, design experiments, and iterate fast
  • Collaborate directly with Flexion's Zurich research team across Manipulation, Motion Generation, and Perception
  • Contribute to a shared culture of scientific rigour, velocity, and impact

Requirements

  1. PhD in Robotics, Machine Learning, or a closely related field -  completed or near completion
  2. Proven track record of deploying learning-based controllers on real robotic hardware
  3. Expert-level knowledge in:
    • Reinforcement learning
    • Physics-based simulation (Isaac Gym/Lab, MuJoCo, or equivalent)
    • Python and PyTorch, including training large-scale neural networks
  4. Deep expertise in at least two areas of the following: 
    • Diffusion models
    • Flow matching
    • Dexterous manipulation
    • Sim-to-real transfer and real-to-sim calibration
    • Whole-body control and loco-manipulation
    • Synthetic data generation for robot learning
    • Vision Language Model Fine-Tuning (SFT and RL-based)
    • Transformer-based 3D Scene Understanding

Benefits

  • Competitive compensation package
  • Comprehensive health and retirement plan benefits
  • A front-row seat at one of the world's most ambitious robotics companies
  • An energetic, collaborative team with a relentless bias for action
  • The opportunity to build something no one has ever done in this field -  alongside the world's leading researchers

Apply