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Robotics Software Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC

Beth Page tech

Software Engineer

Maryland City, MD · Remote

Software Engineer Location : Remote Type : Full Time : We are seeking a motivated Junior Software ... Experience with UiPath or robotic process automation (RPA) tools is a plus but not required.

MOLG Inc.

Software Engineer

Sterling, VA

Molg builds robotics microfactories and software to autonomously assemble and disassemble complex ... As a Software Engineer, you will be responsible for: * Developing and pushing quality code for Molg ...

Forterra

Autonomy Software Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

They are seeking an Autonomy Software Engineer to design, develop, and field software solutions that enable intelligent behavior in robotics and automation technologies. Responsibilities : • ...

Meso Scale Discovery

Software Engineer

Gaithersburg, MD · On-site +1

$78K - $116K/yr

Collaborate with hardware, systems, and electrical engineering teams to develop software interfaces for robotic platforms and IoT-enabled devices. * Support full-stack development activities ...

MSD

Software Engineer

Gaithersburg, MD · On-site

$78K - $116K/yr

Collaborate with hardware, systems, and electrical engineering teams to develop software interfaces for robotic platforms and IoT-enabled devices. * Support full-stack development activities ...

Forterra

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 ...

Metron

Autonomous Systems Software Engineer

Reston, VA

$180K - $213K/yr

We are seeking an experienced Software Engineer to design and develop algorithms, simulations, and visualization tools for autonomous robotics. The ideal candidate will be passionate about cutting ...

Leidos

Software Engineer

Columbia, MD

$107K - $195K/yr

Leidos has a new and exciting opportunity for a Software Engineer (SWE) in our Intelligence Sector ... Write and maintain automated test scripts for UI verification using tools such as Robot Framework ...

Leidos

Software Engineer

Columbia, MD · On-site

$107K - $195K/yr

Leidos has a new and exciting opportunity for a Software Engineer (SWE) in our Intelligence Sector ... Write and maintain automated test scripts for UI verification using tools such as Robot Framework ...

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

Robotics Software Engineer information

See Washington, DC salary details

$67.9K

$141K

$202.7K

How much do robotics software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for robotics software engineer in Washington, DC is $140,983.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $117,700.00 and $172,100.00 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.
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Robotics Software Engineer jobs near you
Software Engineer IV

Software Engineer IV

Oceaneering International, Inc.

Hanover, MD • On-site

$138K - $207K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago

Oceaneering rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 20 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

251st of 419 rated machine equipment manufacturers

Job description


This role is vital to producing software solutions that meet electrical, mechanical and CONOPs needs. The ideal candidate has a solid depth of understanding of robotic systems and underwater technologies.
Responsibilities
  • Apply working knowledge of the software lifecycle to develop and lead software efforts.
  • Make and implement decisions for designing and maintaining software architecture.
  • Lead small software development teams.
  • Actively interface with the electrical and mechanical leads, customer, and program manager
  • Ensure project CDRL's are delivered and accepted by the customer. This includes requirements management, software documentation, unit testing, software safety testing, and software qualification testing.
  • Lead trade studies for hardware such as navigation units, board stacks, and power monitors.
  • Support software testing on the factory floor, offsite, and offshore.
  • Perform analysis of user requirements, concept of operations documents, and high-level system architectures to develop system requirements specifications.
  • Guide system development and implementation planning through preparation of concept of operations, interfaces control documents, hazard analysis, and test plans and procedures.
  • Display excellent technical judgment, attention to detail, and ability to look at the "big picture" in system design.
  • Demonstrate ability to devise innovative solutions to problems when conventional solutions are insufficient.
  • Review progress and evaluate results of work accomplished by self and others.
  • Prepare reports and presents results to management and client.
  • Schedules can be demanding throughout the year and occasional work outside normal working hours should be anticipated.
  • Staff Engineers are also expected to take a leadership role within the software group. This includes helping craft and enforce policies and procedures for software development, mentorship, and potential functional management responsibilities of team members.

Qualifications
ESSENTIAL:
  • BS Degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) discipline. Commensurate experience will be considered.
  • 8+ years of practical experience in software engineering.
  • Experience with C and C++.
  • Solid written and oral communications skills, including ability to effectively document, convey, and present engineering concepts and products to team members and customers.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a United States Government Department of Defense Security Clearance.
  • Must be a US citizen.

PREFERRED:
  • Experience developing in underwater vehicle or robotic software frameworks and expanding framework capabilities.
  • Experience working on Department of Defense software efforts.
  • Experience with Linux OS or bare metal firmware.
  • Experience with microprocessors and single-board computer (SBC) based control systems that interface to sensors and hardware (e.g. cameras, navigation sensors, valve packs, other boards).
  • Ability to implement and debug communication protocols including: UDP and multicast, TCP, serial protocols, SPI, I2C, CAN, etc.
  • Experience with pub/sub communication middleware such as RTI, MQTT, or ProtoBuf.
  • Experience with microservices based architectures utilizing containerization and orchestration.
  • Experience with Model-Based System Engineering.
  • Experience with CI/CD, specifically utilizing Jira, GitHub and Artifactory.

ADDITIONAL:
  • Additional duties as assigned.

We offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package. Employee benefits vary by role, however, may include Health and Wellness, Mental Health, Retirement Savings, Life and Disability, Paid Maternity and Parental Leave, Paid Time Off, Tuition Reimbursement, and an Employee Assistance Program.
Compensation $138,300.00 - 207,500.00

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