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Robotics Software Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Scout AI

Robotics Software Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

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 ...

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 ...

Coram AI

Robotics Software Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

As a Robotics Software Engineer, you will develop high-performance, real-time software for edge devices, focusing on distributed system design and performance optimization. Responsibilities : • ...

SoloPoint Solutions

Be Seen First

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 ...

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 Engineer JobsRobotics Software Engineer Jobs in California

Robotics Software Engineer information

See California salary details

$59.2K

$122.9K

$176.7K

How much do robotics software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for robotics software engineer in California is $122,893.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $102,600.00 and $150,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Robotics Software Engineer, you need a strong background in computer science, robotics, and mathematics, often supported by a relevant degree and experience in algorithm development. Proficiency with programming languages like C++, Python, and ROS (Robot Operating System), as well as familiarity with simulation tools and version control systems, is essential. Problem-solving ability, teamwork, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for collaborating on complex projects and adapting to evolving technologies. These skills and qualities are vital for designing, implementing, and maintaining reliable robotic systems that perform effectively in real-world environments.

Can a software engineer work in robotics?

A robotics software engineer develops and maintains software for robotic systems, often using programming languages like C++ and Python, and working with hardware interfaces and control algorithms. This role typically requires knowledge of robotics frameworks such as ROS and experience with embedded systems or sensors. Software engineers with these skills can work in robotics companies, research labs, or automation environments.

What Does a Robotics Software Engineer Do?

The job duties of a robotics software engineer are working to develop software for robot control and automation. In this job, your responsibilities include working on an embedded system that controls automated equipment. You may build new software or test, improve, or debug current software. Most robotics software engineers work for the manufacturing industry and focus on robots that companies use in product production. You may work in other fields that use robotics as well. This job may include responsibilities such as developing a user interface that non-technical employees can use to set up the equipment.

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

AspectRobotics Software EngineerMechatronics Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Robotics, Computer Science, or related field; programming skillsBachelor's in Mechatronics, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering; multidisciplinary knowledge
Work EnvironmentSoftware development teams, robotics labs, research facilitiesDesign, integrate mechanical and electronic systems, often in manufacturing or automation
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, robotics firms, research institutionsManufacturing, automation, aerospace, automotive industries

While both roles involve robotics, a Robotics Software Engineer primarily focuses on developing software for robotic systems, whereas a Mechatronics Engineer designs and integrates mechanical, electronic, and software components. The roles often overlap but differ in their core focus areas and skill sets.

Is robotics a dead field?

Robotics is an active and growing field with ongoing advancements in automation, AI integration, and sensor technologies. Robotics Software Engineers are in demand across industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, and logistics, requiring skills in programming languages like C++ and Python, as well as familiarity with robotic frameworks like ROS.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior robotics software engineers with extensive experience, advanced skills in programming languages like C++ and Python, and expertise in areas such as machine learning or autonomous systems can earn $300,000 or more annually. High compensation is often associated with leadership roles, specialized knowledge, and working in industries like aerospace, defense, or high-tech manufacturing.

What are some common challenges faced by Robotics Software Engineers when integrating software with hardware systems?

Robotics Software Engineers often encounter challenges related to ensuring seamless communication between software algorithms and physical hardware components. These can include dealing with sensor noise, managing real-time constraints, debugging hardware-software mismatches, and ensuring reliable performance in unpredictable environments. Close collaboration with electrical and mechanical engineers is essential to quickly resolve integration issues and to test software on physical robots. Adapting to rapid hardware changes and troubleshooting in live environments require strong problem-solving skills and effective cross-disciplinary teamwork.

What does a Robotics Software Engineer do?

A Robotics Software Engineer designs, develops, and maintains the software that controls and powers robots. This includes writing code for robot perception, control algorithms, and integration with hardware components. They work closely with hardware engineers to ensure seamless interaction between the robot's physical and digital systems. Their work often involves programming in languages such as C++, Python, or ROS (Robot Operating System) and testing robots in real-world or simulated environments.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior robotics software engineers with extensive experience, specialized skills in AI, machine learning, or embedded systems, and often working in high-demand industries or at large tech companies can earn $500,000 or more annually. Compensation at this level typically includes base salary, bonuses, and stock options, especially in competitive markets or leadership roles.
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Robotics Software Engineer jobs near you

Robotics Software Engineer

Scout AI

Sunnyvale, CA • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

The future of defense will be decided by those who field intelligent machines at scale. At Scout AI, we're developing Fury, the first robotic foundation model for defense, to give U.S. forces overwhelming, adaptable, and autonomous power across every domain. Fury enables human operators to command fleets of robots through natural language, and empowers those machines to sense, decide, and act together as one. This mission will ask everything of us: urgency, precision, and relentless work.

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 infrastructure that allow robots to operate reliably in complex environments. This role is ideal for engineers who enjoy solving real-world problems at the intersection of robotics, AI, and scalable software systems. Your work will run on robots in complex, adversarial environments. Expect to move fast, test ideas aggressively, and break new ground as we create the first robotic foundation model for defense. We're a startup. You'll be moving fast, context-switching daily, and helping define the culture and process as we go. This is a rare opportunity to come in early and architect the future of defense.

Responsibilities

  • Design and deploy software for advanced drone hardware, promoting autonomous flight capabilities and delivery operations
  • Develop software for robotic perception, planning, and control
  • Develop dynamic memory, communication, and tool use faculties for AI agents
  • Build and maintain robotics infrastructure, simulation, and testing environments
  • Integrate sensors such as cameras, LiDAR, and IMUs into robotic systems
  • Implement and optimize algorithms for localization, mapping, and navigation
  • Work on autonomy pipelines from perception to action
  • Collaborate with hardware, AI, and product teams to ship robotic capabilities
  • Improve system reliability, performance, and real-world robustness
  • Contribute to deployment and monitoring of robotic systems in production environments

Qualifications

  • Strong programming skills in C++, Python, or similar languages
  • Experience developing robotics systems or autonomy software
  • Experience working with real-world robotics hardware or simulation environments
  • Strong debugging and system-level problem-solving skills
  • Ability to work across multiple layers of the robotics stack
  • Legal authorization to work in the United States is required. Certain job duties may involve access to U.S. export-controlled information

Why Join Scout

  • Work on the world's most important frontier, ensuring U.S. and allied dominance in the age of intelligent machines
  • Be a core part of a team building the first defense-specific robotic foundation model
  • Collaborate with some of the top engineers in autonomy, AI, and national security
  • See your work deployed on real systems
  • Help define the future of intelligent defense systems
  • Backed by Draper Associates, Booz Allen Ventures, and other top investors

Benefits

  • Competitive base salary and bonus
  • Meaningful equity
  • Premium medical, dental, and vision plans with $0 paycheck contribution
  • Competitive PTO and company holiday calendar
  • Catered lunch daily and fully stocked kitchen
  • Unlimited AI tokens
  • EV charging
  • Relocation assistance (depending on role eligibility)

Apply