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Robotics Software Engineer Jobs in San Jose, CA (NOW HIRING)

Robotics Software Engineer

Milpitas, CA ยท On-site

$120K - $195K/yr

We are seeking a Robotics Software Engineer to build the software that powers robot behavior in the real world. In this role, you will develop, integrate, and improve production-grade robotics ...

Robotics Software Engineer

Milpitas, CA ยท On-site

$120K - $195K/yr

We are seeking a Robotics Software Engineer to build the software that powers robot behavior in the real world. In this role, you will develop, integrate, and improve production-grade robotics ...

Robotics Software Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA ยท On-site

$180K - $250K/yr

They're hiring Junior - Senior Robotics Software Engineers . You're a strong fit if you have: * Robot manipulation / robotic arms * Motion planning, perception / vision or calibration * Real-world ...

New

Robotics Software Engineer

San Francisco, CA ยท On-site

$180K - $250K/yr

They're hiring Junior - Senior Robotics Software Engineers . You're a strong fit if you have: * Robot manipulation / robotic arms * Motion planning, perception / vision or calibration * Real-world ...

New

Robotics Software Engineer

Santa Clara, CA ยท On-site

$180K - $250K/yr

They're hiring Junior - Senior Robotics Software Engineers . You're a strong fit if you have: * Robot manipulation / robotic arms * Motion planning, perception / vision or calibration * Real-world ...

New

Robotics Software Engineer

Fremont, CA ยท On-site

$180K - $250K/yr

They're hiring Junior - Senior Robotics Software Engineers . You're a strong fit if you have: * Robot manipulation / robotic arms * Motion planning, perception / vision or calibration * Real-world ...

New

Robotics Software Engineer

San Mateo, CA ยท On-site

$180K - $250K/yr

They're hiring Junior - Senior Robotics Software Engineers . You're a strong fit if you have: * Robot manipulation / robotic arms * Motion planning, perception / vision or calibration * Real-world ...

New

Robotics Software Engineer

Hayward, CA ยท On-site

$180K - $250K/yr

They're hiring Junior - Senior Robotics Software Engineers . You're a strong fit if you have: * Robot manipulation / robotic arms * Motion planning, perception / vision or calibration * Real-world ...

New

Robotics Software Engineer

San Jose, CA ยท On-site

$180K - $250K/yr

They're hiring Junior - Senior Robotics Software Engineers . You're a strong fit if you have: * Robot manipulation / robotic arms * Motion planning, perception / vision or calibration * Real-world ...

New

Robotics Software Engineer

Alameda, CA ยท On-site

$180K - $250K/yr

They're hiring Junior - Senior Robotics Software Engineers . You're a strong fit if you have: * Robot manipulation / robotic arms * Motion planning, perception / vision or calibration * Real-world ...

New

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 ...

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Showing results 1-20

Robotics Software Engineer information

See San Jose, CA salary details

$70.3K

$145.9K

$209.8K

How much do robotics software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for robotics software engineer in San Jose, CA is $145,940.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $121,900.00 and $178,100.00 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 San Jose, CA?

The most popular types of Robotics Software Engineer jobs in San Jose, CA are:

What job categories do people searching Robotics Software Engineer jobs in San Jose, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Robotics Software Engineer jobs in San Jose, CA are:

What cities near San Jose, CA are hiring for Robotics Software Engineer jobs?

Cities near San Jose, CA with the most Robotics Software Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Robotics Software Engineer job openings in San Jose, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $145,940 per year, or $70.2 per hour.

Robotics Software Engineer

San Francisco, CA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 19 hours ago


Job description

Roles and Responsibilities
  • Design and develop robust, scalable, and maintainable software for industrial robotic systems.
  • Implement motion planning, trajectory optimization, and real-time control algorithms.
  • Develop vision-based automation by integrating sensors (cameras) with robotics systems.
  • Optimize software for performance, reliability, and deployment on embedded and cloud-based platforms.
  • Apply strong software engineering principles, including code modularity, testing, version control, and CI/CD.
  • Conduct simulations and real-world experiments to validate robotic system performance.
  • Collaborate across disciplines, working with hardware engineers, controls engineers, etc.
  • Contribute to system architecture decisions, ensuring efficiency and scalability.
Minimum Qualifications
  • B.S. degree in Computer Science, Robotics, Electrical/Mechanical Engineering, or related fields.
  • Strong programming skills in Python with a focus on software engineering best practices.
  • Proficiency in robotics fundamentals, including kinematics, dynamics, control theory, and state estimation.
  • Proficiency in version control (Git), software testing, and debugging techniques.
  • Self-motivated problem solver who thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
  • Due to U.S. export control regulations (ITAR), this position is limited to U.S. Persons (U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents)
Optional Qualifications
  • M.S. degree in Robotics, Computer Science, or related field.
  • Experience with ROS (Robot Operating System) and/or other robotic middleware.
  • Strong understanding of motion planning algorithms, trajectory generation, and real-time control.
  • Familiarity with industrial robot arms, PLCs, or real-time control frameworks.
  • Experience optimizing software for edge devices.
  • Knowledge of distributed computing architectures.