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Robotics Software Developer Jobs in Ashburn, VA (NOW HIRING)

They are seeking an Autonomy Software Engineer to design, develop, and field software solutions that enable intelligent behavior in robotics and automation technologies. Responsibilities : • ...

Computer Vision Engineer

Sterling, VA · On-site

$110K - $130K/yr

Join a cross-functional team of robotics, software, and mechanical engineers to build the computer vision and perception systems that powers Molg's robotic microfactories. As a Computer Vision ...

Molg builds robotics microfactories and software to autonomously assemble and disassemble complex ... As a Software Engineer, you will be responsible for: * Developing and pushing quality code for Molg ...

Space Systems Software Engineer

Tysons, VA · On-site

$173K - $205K/yr

DEGREE (Level Desired) Bachelor's Degree DEGREE (Focus) Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Robotics ...

Space Systems Software Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$180K - $213K/yr

DEGREE (Level Desired) Bachelor's Degree DEGREE (Focus) Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Robotics ...

Space Systems Software Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$178K - $211K/yr

DEGREE (Level Desired) Bachelor's Degree DEGREE (Focus) Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Robotics ...

Senior Robotics Engineer

Sterling, VA · On-site

$103K - $142K/yr

Molg builds robotics microfactories and software to autonomously assemble and disassemble complex ... As a Senior Robotics Engineer, you will be responsible for: * Delivering high-quality, testable ...

Autonomous Systems Software Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$180K - $213K/yr

They are seeking an experienced Software Engineer to design and develop algorithms, simulations, and visualization tools for autonomous robotics, engaging in the full software process and leading ...

Autonomous Systems Software Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$180K - $213K/yr

They are seeking an experienced Software Engineer to design and develop algorithms, simulations, and visualization tools for autonomous robotics, engaging in the full software process and leading ...

Molg builds robotics microfactories and software to autonomously assemble and disassemble complex ... As a Robotics Engineer, you will be responsible for: * Development, testing, and deployment of ...

Autonomy Software Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$120K - $165K/yr

The ideal candidate has a strong software development background, familiarity with robotics and autonomous systems, and proven track record of collaborating with a cross-functional team of engineers ...

Robotics Engineer The Opportunity: Support the research and development of unmanned systems across ... The world can't wait. You Have: * 3+ years ofexperiencein modern C++software development ...

Showing results 41-60

Robotics Software Developer information

See Ashburn, VA salary details

$49.1K

$114.4K

$169.8K

How much do robotics software developer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for robotics software developer in Ashburn, VA is $114,373.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $92,000.00 and $132,900.00 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 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 job categories do people searching Robotics Software Developer jobs in Ashburn, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Robotics Software Developer jobs in Ashburn, VA are:
What cities near Ashburn, VA are hiring for Robotics Software Developer jobs? Cities near Ashburn, VA with the most Robotics Software Developer job openings:
Infographic showing various Robotics Software Developer job openings in Ashburn, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $114,373 per year, or $55 per hour.

Software Engineer II, Autonomy Behaviors (R5202)

Shield AI

Washington, DC

$131K - $197K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube. 

About The Team

The Autonomy Capabilities team at Shield AI has assembled a diverse team of experts in software, robotics, control systems, optimization, and data analysis to create software solutions that greatly evolve the capabilities of our customers. The team is responsible for developing autonomous behaviors within Shield AI’s industry-leading mission autonomy software stack and deploying them across a breadth of platforms, including the Anduril Fury, Northrup Grumman Talon, Shield AI V-Bat, and other first and third-party autonomous vehicles. We work in close coordination with specialist teams in software integration, hardware, and test engineering to solve some of the hardest problems facing our customers.

About the Job:
As an Engineer II, you’ll help build and test the autonomy behaviors that power our unmanned systems, working closely with experienced engineers to bring new capabilities to life. You’ll focus on implementing and validating well-defined features while developing your skills in autonomy, robotics, and large-scale software systems. In this role, you’ll gain exposure to how autonomy software moves from concept to real-world deployment, contributing to systems that operate in complex, high-stakes environments.
What You'll Do:
  • Implement tactical autonomy software features that enable unmanned platforms to perform complex missions across air, land, sea, and space domains
  • Develop and test behaviors supporting coordination, target engagement, reconnaissance, and survivability in contested scenarios
  • Participate in the software development lifecycle, including implementation, testing, debugging, and supporting verification and validation efforts
  • Collaborate with senior engineers to integrate software components with broader system elements (e.g., sensor processing, communications, and actuation)
  • Write clean, maintainable, and well-tested code following established engineering standards and team practices
  • Support integration and testing across simulation and real-world environments
  • Work with cross-functional teams to understand requirements and support successful feature delivery
  • Continue building expertise in software engineering, autonomy, and robotics systems
  • Travel up to 20% to support testing, integration, and collaboration with partner teams
Required Qualifications:
  • BS in Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field
  • Experience in production-level C++ software development
  • 2-3 years of experience in one or more of the following: software sub-system scheduling and integration, behavior planning, task and resource allocation, motion planning, optimization, or flight controls
  • Experience with collaborative software development tools for version control, issue tracking, code reviews, release management
  • Ability to contribute to the design, development, and integration of complex software systems as part of a multi-disciplinary team
  • Demonstrated problem-solving skills and ability to learn new technologies in a fast-paced environment
  • Willingness to collaborate closely with teammates and support team objectives
  • Interest in growing technical skills and, over time, providing guidance to more junior engineers
  • Desire to work in a highly collaborative, fast paced, and mission-driven environment
  • Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Exposure to systems operating at different technology readiness levels (TRLs) through academic, research, or internship experience
  • Experience in the delivery of a military mission system
  • Familiarity with mission systems integration concepts, testing, or demonstrations
  • Experience (academic or project-based) in one or more of the following areas:
  • Motion planning, behavior planning, or multi-agent coordination
  • Expose to autonomy, control, or decision-making systems
  • Safety mechanisms such as collision avoidance or constraint enforcement
  • Familiarity with robotic software tools (e.g., ROS, OMPL, or similar frameworks)
  • Experience using simulation environments for development or testing
  • Basic understanding of navigation and/or communications systems
  • Awareness of the software or systems development lifecycle
  • Familiarity with systems engineering fundamentals
  • Exposure to high-assurance or safety-critical software concepts (e.g., DO-178C or similar)
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Full-time regular employee offer package:
Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity
 
Temporary employee offer package:
Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)
 
Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.
 
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Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know. 

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.