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Robotics Software Engineer Intern Jobs in California

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 ...

Intuitive

Robotics Software Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA

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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Robotics Software Engineer Intern information

What is the difference between Robotics Software Engineer Intern vs Robotics Software Engineer?

AspectRobotics Software Engineer InternRobotics Software Engineer
Required CredentialsEnrolled in or recent graduate of a relevant degree (e.g., Computer Science, Robotics)Bachelor's or Master's in Robotics, Computer Science, or related field; experience preferred
Work EnvironmentInternship programs, often part-time or summer roles, in tech or robotics companiesFull-time professional roles in robotics development teams across industries
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by companies to train and evaluate potential future employees in roboticsUsed by companies to develop and maintain robotics systems and products

The main difference between a Robotics Software Engineer Intern and a Robotics Software Engineer is experience level and job responsibilities. Interns are typically students gaining hands-on experience, while engineers are full-time professionals responsible for designing and implementing robotics software.

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

To thrive as a Robotics Software Engineer Intern, you need a solid grounding in computer science, robotics fundamentals, and programming languages such as C++ or Python, often supported by coursework or related project experience. Familiarity with robotics middleware (like ROS), simulation tools (e.g., Gazebo), and version control systems (like Git) is typically expected. Problem-solving ability, eagerness to learn, and effective teamwork are vital soft skills in this role. These competencies enable interns to contribute meaningfully to development projects and quickly adapt to the fast-evolving field of robotics.

What does a Robotics Software Engineer Intern do?

A Robotics Software Engineer Intern assists in designing, developing, and testing software that controls robots and robotic systems. Their tasks often include writing code for robot behaviors, integrating sensors, troubleshooting issues, and collaborating with engineers to optimize robotic performance. Interns may work with simulation tools and real robots, contributing to projects in industries like manufacturing, healthcare, or autonomous vehicles. The internship provides hands-on experience and helps interns build foundational skills in programming, robotics, and teamwork.

What types of projects and technologies can a Robotics Software Engineer Intern expect to work with during their internship?

As a Robotics Software Engineer Intern, you can expect to work on hands-on projects involving real-time robot control, perception systems, or simulation environments. Interns often collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to develop and test software for autonomous navigation, sensor integration, or robot behavior algorithms. You'll likely use programming languages such as Python or C++, and may work with robotics middleware like ROS (Robot Operating System). This role provides valuable exposure to both software development and hardware integration, offering insights into the full robotics development lifecycle.
What are the most commonly searched types of Robotics Software Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Robotics Software Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Robotics Software Engineer Intern jobs? Cities in California with the most Robotics Software Engineer Intern job openings:
Robotics Software Engineer Intern jobs near you
Infographic showing various Robotics Software Engineer Intern job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution.
Robotics Software Engineer

Robotics Software Engineer

Intuitive

Sunnyvale, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

Company Description
Primary Function of the Position
In this role, you will help develop a next-generation medical robotics platform. You'll collaborate within a small, fast-paced team to iteratively design and build complex robotic prototypes. 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 codebase to implement and adapt the software stack
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with controls, mechanical, and software engineers to design, build, and iterate on exploratory prototypes
  • Design and lead experiments to methodically characterize system performance, accuracy, and reliability, and to de-risk key aspects of a novel robotic platform
  • Refine prototype software into robust, production-quality code
  • Architect clean, modular, and testable software interfaces and system designs for a distributed robotic platform
  • Contribute to the long-term software architecture and platform strategyDevelop and maintain formal design control documentation in compliance with medical device standards
  • Develop and maintain formal design control documentation in compliance with medical device standards

Job Description
Required Skills and Experience
  • Deep expertise in C++, object-oriented programming, software architecture design, and testing
  • Strong working knowledge of robotics algorithms, including forward kinematics
  • Excellent communication skills
  • High levels of independence and technical ownership
  • Full-stack mentality, with flexibility to contribute to different areas of the codebase

Required Education and Training
  • MS or PhD in computer science, mechanical engineering, or equivalent

Working Conditions
  • None

Preferred Skills and Experience
  • Four years of experience developing software applications
  • Familiarity with development in a Linux environment
  • Experience developing software for medical devices
  • Experience with design documentation, including formal requirements and testing
  • Experience with GUI development (Qt/QML)
  • Experience with OpenGL and 3D rendering
  • Experience with state estimation and sensor fusion algorithms

Qualifications
Additional Information
Due to the nature of our business and the role, please note that Intuitive and/or your customer(s) may require that you show current proof of vaccination against certain diseases including COVID-19. Details can vary by role.
Intuitive is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees, and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type, without regard to race, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, color, age, religion, protected veteran or disability status, genetic information or any other status protected under federal, state, or local applicable laws.
Mandatory Notices
U.S. Export Controls Disclaimer: In accordance with the U.S. Export Administration Regulations (15 CFR §743.13(b)), some roles at Intuitive Surgical may be subject to U.S. export controls for prospective employeeswho are nationals from countries currently on embargo or sanctions status.
Certain information you provide as part of the application will be used for purposes of determining whether Intuitive Surgical will need to (i) obtain an export license from the U.S. Government on your behalf (note: the government's licensing process can take 3 to 6+ months) or (ii) implement a Technology Control Plan ("TCP") (note: typically adds 2 weeks to the hiring process).
For any Intuitive role subject to export controls, final offers are contingent upon obtaining an approved export license and/or an executed TCP prior to the prospective employee'sstart date, which may or may not be flexible, and within a timeframe that does not unreasonably impede the hiring need. If applicable, candidates will be notified and instructed on any requirements for these purposes.
We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with fair chance laws.
Preference will be given to qualified candidates who do not reside, or plan to reside, in Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, or Tennessee.
This position may be filled at a different job level than listed here depending on
business need and/or on the selected candidate's experience, knowledge and skills.
Compensation will be based primarily on the job level at which the role is filled and the
candidate's qualifications, consistent with applicable law.
We provide market-competitive compensation packages, inclusive of base pay, incentives, benefits, and equity. It would not be typical for someone to be hired at the top end of range for the role, as actual pay will be determined based on several factors, including experience, skills, and qualifications. The target compensation ranges are listed.

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