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Robotics Software Developer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Scout AI

Robotics Software Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$145K - $220K/yr

The Role We're looking for a Robotics Software Engineer to design and build the software that powers intelligent robotic systems. You'll work on perception, autonomy, control systems, and ...

SoloPoint Solutions

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Robotics Software Engineer

Newark, CA · On-site

$90 - $100/hr

12 months contract Qualifications: * BS/MS in Robotics or Software * Robotics and Computer Vision ... Perform technical performance benchmarking and analyses to support engineering decisions Company ...

OpenAI

Robotics Software Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$255K - $325K/yr

About the Role We're seeking talented Robotics Software Engineers to expand our robotics data collection and evaluation program. This highly technical role involves designing, implementing, and ...

Intuitive

Robotics Software Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

The ideal candidate is a self-driven software engineer with strong problem-solving skills, deep expertise C++ and robotics algorithms. Essential Job Duties * Quickly learn an existing software ...

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All JobsRobotics Software Developer JobsRobotics Software Developer Jobs in California

Robotics Software Developer information

See California salary details

$47.4K

$110.4K

$163.8K

How much do robotics software developer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for robotics software developer in California is $110,380.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $88,800.00 and $128,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Robotics Software Developer vs Mechatronics Engineer?

AspectRobotics Software DeveloperMechatronics Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Science, Robotics, or related field; programming certificationsBachelor's in Mechatronics, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering
Work EnvironmentSoftware development teams, labs, robotics companiesDesign, integrate mechanical and electronic systems, manufacturing settings
Industry UsageRobotics firms, automation companies, research labsManufacturing, automation, product design
Common Search/ComparisonYesNo

Robotics Software Developers focus on programming and developing software for robotic systems, while Mechatronics Engineers work on designing and integrating mechanical, electronic, and software components. Both roles often collaborate but differ mainly in their core responsibilities and skill sets.

What are some common challenges faced by Robotics Software Developers in integrating hardware and software components?

Robotics Software Developers often encounter challenges related to ensuring seamless communication between software algorithms and diverse hardware components like sensors, actuators, and controllers. Differences in hardware specifications, real-time constraints, and debugging low-level hardware interactions can add complexity to development. Collaborating closely with hardware engineers is essential to address issues quickly and optimize system performance. Staying up to date with new frameworks and tools, such as ROS (Robot Operating System), also helps streamline integration and testing.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as software engineering, petroleum engineering, and aerospace engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and in high-demand industries. Executive-level engineering roles or those with significant leadership responsibilities may also reach this compensation level.

What does a Robotics Software Developer do?

A Robotics Software Developer designs, develops, and maintains the software that controls robotic systems. They write code that enables robots to sense their environment, make decisions, and perform tasks autonomously or semi-autonomously. These developers often work with embedded systems, artificial intelligence, and machine learning to improve robot performance. Their work is essential for applications ranging from manufacturing automation to healthcare and service robots.

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

To thrive as a Robotics Software Developer, you need strong programming skills in languages such as C++, Python, or ROS, along with a background in computer science, engineering, or robotics. Familiarity with robotics simulation platforms (e.g., Gazebo), version control systems (e.g., Git), and experience with sensor integration and real-time operating systems are typically required. Problem-solving, teamwork, and effective communication are essential soft skills to excel in multidisciplinary environments. These abilities ensure reliable development, integration, and deployment of robotic systems that meet both technical and user requirements.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior robotics software developers with extensive experience, specialized skills in AI, machine learning, and real-time systems, and often working in high-demand industries or companies can earn $300,000 or more annually. Achieving this level typically requires advanced degrees, certifications, and a strong track record of project success.

How much do robotic programmers make?

Robotic programmers, or robotics software developers, typically earn a median annual salary of around $80,000 to $120,000, depending on experience, location, and industry. Skilled programmers with expertise in programming languages like C++ and Python, as well as knowledge of robotic systems and tools, tend to earn higher salaries.

Can a software engineer work in robotics?

Yes, a software engineer can work in robotics by developing control algorithms, embedded systems, and software for robotic hardware. Skills in programming languages like C++ and Python, as well as knowledge of robotics frameworks such as ROS, are often required. Many robotics roles also require understanding of sensors, actuators, and real-time systems.
What are popular job titles related to Robotics Software Developer jobs in California? For Robotics Software Developer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Robotics Software Developer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Robotics Software Developer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Robotics Software Developer jobs? Cities in California with the most Robotics Software Developer job openings:
Robotics Software Developer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Robotics Software Developer job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 4% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $110,380 per year, or $53.1 per hour.
Robotics Software Engineer - Grasping

Robotics Software Engineer - Grasping

Intrinsic

Mountain View, CA • On-site

$174K - $237K/yr

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

Intrinsic is an AI robotics group at Google aiming to reimagine the potential of industrial robotics. Our team believes that advances in AI, perception and simulation will redefine what's possible for industrial robotics in the near future - with software and data at the core.
Our mission is to make industrial robotics intelligent, accessible, and usable for millions more businesses, entrepreneurs, and developers. We are a dynamic team of engineers, roboticists, designers, and technologists who are passionate about unlocking the creative and economic potential of industrial robotics.
Role
As a Robotics Software Engineer, you will develop innovative algorithms and strategies to facilitate robust grasping and manipulation in complex, real-world manufacturing environments. You will be responsible for abstracting the inherent complexity of robotic manipulation into intuitive, seamless workflows. By building a software layer that possesses a deep understanding of manufacturing tasks, you enable users to transition from design to execution without needing deep subject matter expertise. Working alongside a diverse team of roboticists and application engineers, you will integrate and validate solutions across various industrial tasks and contribute to the launch of impactful robotics products.
How your work moves the mission forward
  • Design and implement robust and efficient production-ready algorithms for robotic grasping and manipulation.
  • Identify opportunities to apply cutting-edge advancements in robotics and apply them to practical industrial problems.
  • Transform complex partner requirements into highly reliable and functional technical outcomes.
  • Improve our robotics software framework and contribute to a reliable product.
Skills you will need to be successful
  • Master's degree in Robotics, Computer Science, or a related field, with 5+ years of experience in robotic manipulation.
  • Strong foundation in linear algebra, spatial transformations, and rigid body dynamics.
  • Hardware Experience: Direct experience testing and iterating on physical robots.
  • 3 years of professional experience programming robotics software in C++ and Python, with a proven track record of shipping production-quality code.
Skills that will differentiate your candidacy
  • PhD in Robotics and Machine Learning, Reinforcement Learning, or a related field with a focus on robotic manipulation.
  • ML Frameworks: Deep expertise with JAX, TensorFlow, or PyTorch.
  • Experience in developing the entire stack: ranging from writing kinematics, motion generation, to system integration and testing.

The base salary for this full-time position is between $174,400 - $237,800 (USD) + 15% bonus + equity + benefits. Your recruiter will share more about the specific salary range + bonus + equity for your targeted location and role during the hiring process.
At Intrinsic, we are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. Employment at Intrinsic is based solely on a person's merit and qualifications directly related to professional competence. Intrinsic does not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, creed, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or related condition (including breastfeeding), or any other basis protected by law. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. It is Intrinsic's policy to comply with all applicable national, state and local laws pertaining to nondiscrimination and equal opportunity.
If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please contact us at: candidate-support@intrinsic.ai.

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