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Robotics Software Engineer Jobs in Massachusetts

Staff Engineer Robotics Software

Boston, MA · Hybrid

$160K - $240K/yr

The ASUS Robotics & AI Center is seeking an experienced and talented Staff Robotics Software Engineer to join our global research and development team. This role is critical to leading the design and ...

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Robotics Software Engineer information

See Massachusetts salary details

$65.5K

$136K

$195.5K

How much do robotics software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for robotics software engineer in Massachusetts is $135,995.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $113,600.00 and $166,000.00 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.
What are the most commonly searched types of Robotics Software Engineer jobs in Massachusetts? The most popular types of Robotics Software Engineer jobs in Massachusetts are:
What job categories do people searching Robotics Software Engineer jobs in Massachusetts look for? The top searched job categories for Robotics Software Engineer jobs in Massachusetts are:
What cities in Massachusetts are hiring for Robotics Software Engineer jobs? Cities in Massachusetts with the most Robotics Software Engineer job openings:
Robotics Software Engineer - ML and Grasping

Robotics Software Engineer - ML and Grasping

Pickle Robot Company

Charlestown, MA

$110K - $135K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 days ago


Job description

About this role:

Pickle is looking for a Robotics Software Engineer with a focus on Machine Learning and Grasping to join a small, high-impact team working at the intersection of classical robotics and modern AI. This role sits at the heart of one of our core technical challenges: how does the robot decide what and how to grasp? The answer involves a fusion of classical robotic techniques with state-of-the-art neural networks and models. If you are someone who has gotten their hands dirty with both ML systems and robotic platforms, and you want to work on problems that are technically deep and practically grounded, this is the role for you.

Responsibilities:
  • Develop and maintain software at the intersection of machine learning and robotics, with a focus on robot grasping - determining which gripper configuration and tools to use.

  • Integrate, improve, and harness SOTA ML models for our task domain. Modify the architectures, create training pipelines, deploy to robots, and continually iterate. 

  • Collaborate closely with a small, highly technical team (currently two engineers).

  • Contribute to simulation-based development and testing of grasping and manipulation systems.

  • Participate in code reviews, technical discussions, and cross-functional problem-solving with perception and motion planning teammates.

  • Extensively leverage AI coding tools and modern development workflows to maximize individual and team output.

Skills & Experience
  • Hands-on experience with machine learning - you have implemented complete ML systems before, understand the terminology, and are comfortable working with medium-scale cloud-based training pipelines.

  • Experience applying ML in the context of a robotic system is strongly preferred; a background that spans both the perception and motion planning domains is ideal.

  • Strong Python skills are essential. Cloud knowledge (especially GCP) is preferred. 

  • Familiarity with classical robotics concepts (motion planning, geometry, perception)

  • Experience with simulation tooling (Isaac Sim, MuJuCo, etc) for robotics development is a meaningful advantage.

  • BS required; MS preferred in Robotics, Computer Science, or a related field. 

  • Active use of AI coding assistants and modern development tooling in your day-to-day workflow is preferred.

  • Ability to work cross-functionally and communicate clearly across engineering teams with different specializations.

  • Willing to work in the office from our Charlestown, MA location at least three days per week.

$110,000 - $135,000 a year
Pay at Pickle
At Pickle Robot Company, we believe transparency builds trust. The salary range listed here is provided in accordance with Massachusetts law and reflects what we reasonably and in good faith expect to offer for this role. We often consider candidates at different levels of seniority, and final compensation will reflect the level at which a candidate is hired, along with factors like experience and location.
 
About Pickle Robot
Want to get in on the ground floor of a fast-growing, VC-backed robotics company? Join Pickle Robot! We build systems that companies and their teams love.
 
Pickle robots unload trucks. Every day, millions of trucks and containers are loaded and unloaded, often requiring manual labor-tough, dirty, dangerous, and hard to staff. Pickle automates this process using AI, machine learning, and robotics to deliver reliable products. Our Unload Systems work with teams on loading docks to make the job safer, faster, and more efficient.
 
Pickle provides best-in-class benefits including health, dental, & vision insurance; unlimited vacation, along with all federal and state holidays; 401K contributions of 5% your salary, travel supplies, and other items to make your working life more fun, comfortable, and productive.
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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