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Robotics Software Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

SJ Robotics Software Engineer Full Time San Jose, CA, US 3 days ago Requisition ID: 1279 Salary Range: $105,000.00 To $125,000.00 Annually Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Collaborate closely with software, hardware, and controls engineers to deliver integrated robotic solutions. * Contribute to system architecture and technical design decisions. What We're Looking For ...

Collaborate closely with software, hardware, and controls engineers to deliver integrated robotic solutions. * Contribute to system architecture and technical design decisions. What We're Looking For ...

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 ...

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 ...

Showing results 21-40

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 Sep 6, 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 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 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 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.

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 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.

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 jobs?

Cities in California with the most Robotics Software Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Robotics Software Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $122,893 per year, or $59.1 per hour.

Senior Robotics Software Engineer

Ambi Robotics

Berkeley, CA

$140K - $190K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

We are a well-funded startup on a mission to build the nervous system for AI-powered robots in industrial applications.
 
Founded by leading robotics researchers, we are growing our dynamic, world-class team to deploy robots at scale. Join us in helping people handle more throughout the supply chain!
 
We are seeking a Senior Robotics Software Engineer to develop core robotics libraries and runtime application software for Ambi products. In this role, you will rapidly develop, test, and deploy software across the robotics software engineering stack for core product functionality to improve warehouse operations. You will work closely with the Software team and the CTO.
You are a good fit if you have:
  • Excitement about making a real-world impact for people in the warehouse, putting product function first
  • Eagerness to act as a generalist and solve a diverse set of challenging problems that amplify human potential with state-of-the-art robotics
  • A bias toward action: you prioritize fast development and testing on hardware versus incubating an idea until it is "ready"
  • Enthusiasm for owning all phases of the development process from design to implementation to testing to improvements
  • A desire for career growth and ownership of your work
  • Proficiency with Python, Linux, and Docker
  • Experience with C++ or Rust
  • A strong understanding of software engineering development practices (git, CI/CD), finite state machines, multiprocessing/multithreading, and socket programming
  • General experience across the robotics software stack, including controls, kinematics, motion planning, and rigid transformations / 3D geometry
  • Familiarity with project management and acting as tech lead on projects involving one or more other members
  • A BS in a related field with four years of experience in commercial robotics software development OR an MS/PhD in a related field with two years of experience in commercial robotics software development
  • (BONUS) Experience in advanced robotics software topics such as controls or motion planning
  • (BONUS) Experience with APIs, advanced networking, and application software architecture (e.g. Model-View-Controller)
  • (BONUS) Familiarity with computer vision, grasp planning, collision checking, and/or machine learning
In addition to competitive compensation, we offer benefits such as:
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401k with 5% matching by Ambi
  • Equity ownership
  • Unlimited PTO
  • Partial WFH
  • Access to a full gym at HQ
  • Free parking on site at HQ
  • Free lunches 2x per week
PLEASE NOTE:
  • All applications must be submitted online for equitable review. We do not accept or review submissions sent via email, including to individual team members or engineers. This policy ensures a fair and streamlined process for everyone. 
FOR RECRUITERS:
  • This position is direct-hire only; unsolicited resumes from recruiters will not be considered and may result in a fee waiver.
$140,000 - $190,000 a year
Position title and compensation will be matched to applicant's experience.
 
Ambi Robotics is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We encourage and embrace applicants of all backgrounds to apply!
 
Disclaimers
Ambi Robotics provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
 
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
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.
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