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Robotics Software Intern Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

RD Internship Medical Device Company

Irvine, CA · On-site

$18 - $23.25/hr

... intuitive software, and powerful data analytics - making it easier for clinicians to gain ... Project involvement in Research & Development, manufacturing support, or robotics * Device design ...

Robotics Software Intern information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$14

$26

$40

How much do robotics software intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for robotics software intern in Riverside, CA is $26.52, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.59 and $30.10 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a robotics software intern do?

A Robotics Software Intern assists in developing, testing, and debugging software for robotic systems. They often work with programming languages like Python, C++, or ROS (Robot Operating System) to write code that controls robot behavior and processes sensor data. Interns may also help integrate hardware with software, run simulations, and collaborate with engineers to improve robot performance. This role provides hands-on experience in robotics and software engineering, making it valuable for students interested in pursuing a career in robotics.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a robotics software intern?

To thrive as a Robotics Software Intern, you need a solid background in programming (often C++ or Python), knowledge of robotics fundamentals, and ongoing studies in computer science, engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with robotics platforms like ROS (Robot Operating System), simulation tools such as Gazebo, and version control systems like Git is typically expected. Initiative, effective problem-solving, and strong communication skills help interns collaborate and learn quickly in team environments. These skills are crucial for contributing to real-world robotics projects, adapting to evolving technologies, and maximizing your learning during the internship.

What types of projects and technologies can I expect to work on as a robotics software intern?

As a Robotics Software Intern, you will typically contribute to projects involving robot perception, control algorithms, simulation, or integration with hardware platforms. You may work with technologies such as ROS (Robot Operating System), C++, Python, and simulation tools like Gazebo or RViz. Interns often collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including hardware engineers and researchers, to develop, test, and refine software for real-world robotic applications. The role offers hands-on experience in debugging, code reviews, and iterative development, providing valuable exposure to industry-standard robotics workflows.

What is the difference between Robotics Software Intern vs Robotics Engineer?

AspectRobotics Software InternRobotics Engineer
CredentialsTypically pursuing or recent graduate in Computer Science, Robotics, or related fieldBachelor's or Master's in Robotics, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering
Work EnvironmentInternship programs, entry-level projects, collaborative teamsFull-time roles, designing and developing robotic systems
Industry UsageInternship positions in robotics companies, research labsEstablished roles in robotics development and manufacturing
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry-level opportunities, learning rolesCareer advancement, professional responsibilities

The main difference between a Robotics Software Intern and a Robotics Engineer lies in experience and responsibilities. Interns are typically students or recent graduates gaining hands-on experience, while engineers are full-time professionals responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining robotic systems. Internships serve as a stepping stone toward a career as a Robotics Engineer.

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Robotics Software Intern jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Robotics Software Intern job openings:

Infographic showing various Robotics Software Intern job openings in Riverside, CA 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 $55,154 per year, or $26.5 per hour.

Internship - Robot Control Systems (Fall 2026)

Irvine, CA • On-site

$47 - $53/hr

Full-time, Internship

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

Who are We?

Field AI is transforming how robots interact with the real world. We are building risk-aware, reliable, and field-ready AI systems that address the most complex challenges in robotics, unlocking the full potential of embodied intelligence. We go beyond typical data-driven approaches or pure transformer-based architectures, and are charting a new course, with already-globally-deployed solutions delivering real-world results and rapidly improving models through real-field applications.

Learn more at https://fieldai.com.

About the Job

At FieldAI, we build autonomous robotic systems that operate in demanding, real-world environments where tight integration between hardware and software is critical. We're looking for a Robotics Controls Intern to join our autonomy team and work directly alongside our senior engineers to tackle complex control challenges for large-scale, off-road vehicles. In this highly impactful internship, you will help bridge the gap between advanced control theory and field-deployable products. You will dive into system dynamics modeling, optimize GPU-accelerated control libraries, and develop computationally constrained control schemes for heterogeneous platforms, ranging from massive off-road vehicles to smaller, resource-limited robotic systems. Furthermore, you will play a critical role in designing and implementing low-latency safety layers that protect our robots in both tele-operated and fully autonomous modes. This is a hands-on role for a driven researcher or engineer who wants to see their code running on real vehicles in extreme, unstructured environments.

What You Have 
  • Currently pursuing a Ph.D. or Master's degree in Robotics, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a highly related field with a focus on control systems.

  • Deep theoretical understanding and practical experience with advanced control methodologies, particularly predictive and sampling-based control (e.g., MPPI, MPC).

  • Strong proficiency in GPU programming (specifically CUDA) with a track record of accelerating and optimizing complex algorithms for real-time execution.

  • Hands-on experience taking control algorithms out of simulation and deploying them onto physical robots in real-world environments.

  • Experience with system dynamics modeling, system identification, and training learning models for robotic platforms.

  • Strong software engineering skills in C++ and Python, with the ability to write clean, deployable code for robotics applications.

  • Hands-on experience with Linux, ROS1/2 and  Docker


The Extras That Set You Apart
  • Experience working with large-scale, off-road, or high-speed autonomous wheeled vehicles in unstructured environments.

  • Experience designing and implementing low-latency safety layers or safety controllers for autonomous or tele-operated systems.

  • Demonstrated ability to reduce compute costs and adapt computationally heavy control schemes for hardware-constrained systems.

  • Experience maintaining or significantly contributing to open-source robotics control libraries.

  • Familiarity working within established, fast-paced autonomy engineering teams and seamlessly integrating with existing software stacks.

  • Knowledge of containerization (Kubernetes) and modern DevOps practices.

$47 - $53 an hour

Compensation

The salary range for this role is $47.00-$53.00/hr. The actual offer for this position will be based on factors such as relevant experience, competencies, certifications, and how well the candidate meets the qualifications outlined above. Part of our compensation package also includes full benefits, equity, and generous time. 

 
Why Join Field AI?
We are solving one of the world's most complex challenges: deploying robots in unstructured, previously unknown environments. Our Field Foundational Models set a new standard in perception, planning, localization, and manipulation, ensuring our approach is explainable and safe for deployment.
 
You will have the opportunity to work with a world-class team that thrives on creativity, resilience, and bold thinking. With a decade-long track record of deploying solutions in the field, winning DARPA challenge segments, and bringing expertise from organizations like DeepMind, NASA JPL, Boston Dynamics, NVIDIA, Amazon, Tesla Autopilot, Cruise Self-Driving, Zoox, Toyota Research Institute, and SpaceX, we are set to achieve our ambitious goals.
 
Be Part of the Next Robotics Revolution
To tackle such ambitious challenges, we need a team as unique as our vision - innovators who go beyond conventional methods and are eager to tackle tough, uncharted questions. We're seeking individuals who challenge the status quo, dive into uncharted territory, and bring interdisciplinary expertise. Our team requires not only top AI talent but also exceptional software developers, engineers, product designers, field deployment experts, and communicators.
 
We are headquartered in always-sunny Irvine, Southern California and have US based and global teammates. 
 
Join us, shape the future, and be part of a fun, close-knit team on an exciting journey!
 
We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Candidates and employees are always evaluated based on merit, qualifications, and performance. We will never discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.
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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