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Robotics Software Engineer Jobs in Virginia (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 : • ...

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 ...

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 ...

Autonomous Systems Software Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$180K - $213K/yr

We are seeking an experienced Software Engineer to design and develop algorithms, simulations, and ... You'll be part of a team tackling critical robotics challenges, with the opportunity to see your ...

Torc Robotics, Inc. seeks Staff Software Engineer based out of U.S. headquarters in Blacksburg, VA. However, purely telecommuting/WFH position - EE may reside anywhere within U.S. Position requires ...

Torc Robotics, Inc. seeks Staff Software Engineer based out of U.S. headquarters in Blacksburg, VA. However, purely telecommuting/WFH position - EE may reside anywhere within U.S. Position requires ...

The Associate Software Engineer will support our Navy customer's tactical system that is comprised ... Experience with CI/CD tools, languages, and frameworks (Jenkins, Ansible, GitOps, Nexus, Robot ...

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 ...

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 ...

Showing results 21-40

Robotics Software Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$59.5K

$123.5K

$177.5K

How much do robotics software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for robotics software engineer in Virginia is $123,455.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $103,100.00 and $150,700.00 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.

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.

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 are the most commonly searched types of Robotics Software Engineer jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Robotics Software Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Robotics Software Engineer jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Robotics Software Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Robotics Software Engineer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $123,455 per year, or $59.4 per hour.

Autonomy Software Engineer

Forterra

Arlington, VA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

Job Summary:
Forterra is a company focused on unleashing autonomy at scale to transform the battlefield. They are seeking an Autonomy Software Engineer to design, develop, and field software solutions that enable intelligent behavior in robotics and automation technologies.
Responsibilities:
• Integrate and deploy our autonomy stack on customer-bound hardware platforms and validate it in real-world conditions.
• Work across the organization and directly with end-users to deliver new behaviors, payload integrations, and emerging mission use-cases.
• Take a holistic view of autonomous vehicle behavior—how sensing, compute, controls, and other subsystems interact—and drive overall performance improvements.
• Analyze test results, identify issues and root causes, and collaborate with engineering teams to drive problems to resolution
• Detect performance shortfalls, shape solution approaches, and implement enhancements in partnership with cross-functional teams.
• Partner across business development and engineering teams to translate customer requirements into delivered autonomy capabilities.
• Travel ranging from 10-25% and 25-50% depending on candidate preference and role placement.
Qualifications:
Required:
• B.S. in computer science, engineering, robotics, or related field or relevant experience/show of skill
• Experience in integrating software on hardware products
• Strong programming skills in languages such as C++, Python, or Java
• Solid core software engineering skills: software design, unit testing, debugging
• Ability to consistently deliver production-quality software in a continuously integrated environment
• Strong understanding of algorithms, data structures, and software design principles
• Demonstrates clean, maintainable code and documentation practices
Preferred:
• Experience in software development for robotics and autonomous systems
• Experience with ROS2
• Experience with state machines and motion / path planning
• Knowledge of navigation, mapping algorithms and robot perception
• Familiarity with real-time operating systems and embedded programming
Company:
Forterra delivers autonomous mission systems for defense. Founded in 2002, the company is headquartered in Clarksburg, USA, with a team of 501-1000 employees. The company is currently Growth Stage.