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Robotics Software Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC

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Robotics Engineer

Sterling, VA · On-site

Work with a talented cross-functional team of software, mechanical, electrical, and robotics engineers to develop our core technologies in robotics, assembly intelligence, computer vision, and ...

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All JobsRobotics Software Engineer JobsRobotics Software Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC

Robotics Software Engineer information

See Washington, DC salary details

$67.7K

$140.5K

$202K

How much do robotics software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for robotics software engineer in Washington, DC is $140,505.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $117,300.00 and $171,500.00 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.

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Robotics Software Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Robotics Software Engineer job openings in Washington, DC 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 $140,505 per year, or $67.6 per hour.

Autonomous Robotics Software Engineer

Advanced Robotics Group, LLC

Washington, DC • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

 Autonomous Robotics Software Engineer (Robotics / Autonomy / C++)

Advanced Robotics Group, LLC is seeking highly skilled Autonomous Robotics Software Engineers to join a small, high-performing team building autonomous robotics systems, computer vision solutions, and large-scale data platforms.

We are a deep-tech robotics company building industrial, fully autonomous systems designed to operate in harsh, real-world environments. Alongside our robotics platforms, we are developing a proprietary big data and analytics system that processes hundreds of terabytes of data to generate actionable insights.

Over the past decade, we have solved complex robotics and analytics challenges considered out of reach by much of the industry. We are now scaling our technology and preparing for global deployment.

If you’re interested in solving technically complex problems at the intersection of robotics, AI, and large-scale data systems—you’ll fit right in.

Why Join Us

· Work on cutting-edge robotics and autonomous systems
· Solve real-world, high-impact engineering problems
· Generous compensation, including stock options, plus full medical, vision, and disability coverage
· Collaborative, high-performance engineering culture
· Modern R&D facility (14,000+ sq ft) in Houston
· Daily team lunches and a stocked kitchen

Key Responsibilities

· Work on systems that directly impact real-world operations and safety
· Design and implement autonomous capabilities for high-performance robotic platforms
· Develop algorithms for localization, mapping, path planning, and navigation
· Integrate perception, sensing, and control systems into cohesive solutions
· Design and execute simulation and real-world testing to validate system robustness and reliability
· Build production-grade autonomy software from prototype to deployment
· Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to deliver integrated solutions
· Extend and integrate open-source robotics frameworks with proprietary systems

Required Qualifications

· BS/MS/PhD in Computer Science, Robotics, or related field
· Proven experience in robotics software development with successful project delivery
· Strong software engineering fundamentals (architecture, testing, debugging, code quality)
· Experience with localization, mapping, and state estimation techniques
· Experience with path planning and navigation algorithms
· Experience with system integration and system-level design
· Experience with ROS or similar robotics frameworks, with the ability to extend beyond them
· Fluency in modern C++ and performance optimization techniques
· Ability to work independently on open-ended engineering problems
· Strong problem-solving skills and systems-level thinking
· Demonstrated ability to learn and apply new technologies quickly
· High level of professional integrity and confidentiality

Preferred Qualifications

· 5+ years of related experience
· Experience building robotics systems deployed in real-world environments
· Experience with CI/CD pipelines and automated testing
· Experience with embedded or real-time systems
· Experience with robotics simulation environments
· Hands-on experience with robotic platforms and field testing

Location

Main development center, Houston, Texas (on-site)


Company Description

Due to the confidential nature of our activities, we aren’t able to share specifics with you now but know that these robotics solutions will have a significant impact on both safety and the environment, thus making the world better.