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Senior Robotics Software Engineer Jobs in California

RoboForce

Robotics Software Engineer

Milpitas, CA · 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 ...

RoboForce

Robotics Software Engineer

Milpitas, CA · 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 ...

Advanced Robotics Group, LLC

Be Seen First

Autonomous Robotics Software Engineer

Berkeley, CA · On-site

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 ...

Saildrone

Senior Software Engineer, Robotics

Alameda, CA · On-site

$176K - $226K/yr

THE POSITION Saildrone is seeking a Senior Robotics Software Engineer to join our Core Vehicle Systems team. You will play a critical role in integrating new sensors and hardware subsystems into our ...

Advanced Robotics Group, LLC

Be Seen First

Autonomous Robotics Software Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

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 ...

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All JobsRobotics Software Engineer JobsSenior Robotics Software Engineer JobsSenior Robotics Software Engineer Jobs in California

Senior Robotics Software Engineer information

See California salary details

$74.5K

$141.4K

$189.5K

How much do senior robotics software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior robotics software engineer in California is $141,415.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $120,900.00 and $159,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior robotics software engineer?

Senior Robotics Software Engineers are experienced professionals who design, develop, and maintain software systems that control robots and automated machinery. They work on advanced algorithms, perception, motion planning, and integration with hardware to enable robotic systems to perform complex tasks safely and efficiently. These engineers often lead technical projects, mentor junior team members, and collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams to bring innovative robotic solutions to life. Their expertise is crucial in industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, and autonomous vehicles.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior robotics software engineer?

To thrive as a Senior Robotics Software Engineer, you need advanced programming skills (often in C++, Python, or ROS), a strong background in computer science or engineering, and extensive experience with robotics algorithms. Familiarity with simulation tools (like Gazebo or MATLAB), version control systems, and relevant certifications in robotics or AI are highly valuable. Problem-solving, leadership, and excellent communication skills help drive complex projects and mentor junior engineers. These skills are essential to develop robust robotic systems, ensure seamless team collaboration, and deliver innovative solutions in a rapidly evolving field.

What are some typical challenges a senior robotics software engineer faces when integrating software with hardware systems?

A Senior Robotics Software Engineer often encounters challenges when ensuring that the software communicates reliably and efficiently with a variety of hardware components, such as sensors, actuators, and embedded controllers. Debugging real-time issues, handling latency, and synchronizing multiple subsystems are common hurdles. Additionally, adapting software to accommodate frequent hardware changes or updates and maintaining robust system performance under different operating conditions require both technical depth and strong cross-disciplinary collaboration with hardware engineers and technicians.

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

AspectSenior Robotics Software EngineerRobotics Software Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Robotics, Computer Science, or related field; experience preferredBachelor's in relevant field; entry-level to mid-level experience
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, manufacturing, or tech companies focusing on robotics developmentSimilar environments, often in startups or established tech firms
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in robotics companies, automation firms, and research institutionsCommon in similar industries, often as entry to mid-level roles

The main difference between a Senior Robotics Software Engineer and a Robotics Software Engineer lies in experience and responsibility. Senior roles typically require more experience, leadership, and project management skills, whereas entry-level roles focus on developing core technical skills. Both roles are vital in robotics development across various industries.

What are the most commonly searched types of Robotics Software Engineer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Robotics Software Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Senior Robotics Software Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Senior Robotics Software Engineer job openings:

Senior Robotics Software Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Robotics Software Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 90% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $141,415 per year, or $68 per hour.

Robotics Software Engineer

RoboForce

Milpitas, CA • On-site

$120K - $195K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

Why RoboForce
RoboForce is an AI robotics company developing Physical AI-powered Robo-Labor for dull, dirty, and dangerous work. The company's robots are engineered for demanding industrial environments, with a focus on real-world deployment and scalability.
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 capabilities across autonomy, systems, and developer infrastructure. You will work closely with cross-functional teams to turn promising prototypes into reliable software that runs on deployed robots operating in complex outdoor environments.
This is a hands-on engineering role for someone who enjoys writing production code, debugging challenging real-world problems, and seeing their work directly improve robot performance in the field.
Responsibilities
  • Robotics Software Development: Design, implement, and maintain production software for real-world robotic systems using C++ and Python, with a focus on performance, reliability, and maintainability.
  • System Integration: Integrate and refine robotics capabilities across perception, planning, controls, teleoperation, and platform software to ensure robust behavior on physical robots.
  • Robustness & Reliability Engineering: Improve software quality through testing, validation, fault handling, performance tuning, and edge-case analysis to make systems dependable in unstructured outdoor environments.
  • Debugging & Root Cause Analysis: Investigate complex failures across software, sensors, networking, timing, and hardware interfaces, and drive issues to resolution through disciplined technical analysis.
  • Tooling & Infrastructure: Build internal tools, scripts, and workflows that improve developer velocity, testing efficiency, observability, and release quality across the robotics software stack.
  • On-Robot Validation: Work directly with hardware to validate new features, evaluate system behavior, and iterate quickly between development and real-world testing.

Requirements
  • Education: B.S. or M.S. in Robotics, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent practical experience.
  • Experience: 2+ years of professional experience in robotics, autonomous vehicles, drones, or complex embedded systems, with a demonstrated track record of deploying physical hardware products into the field.
  • Programming Proficiency: Strong command of both C++ and Python, with the ability to read, debug, and write production-level C++ for core robot systems, alongside robust Python tooling.
  • Robotics Software Fundamentals: Experience working with one or more core robotics domains such as perception, motion planning, controls, localization, state estimation, system integration, or robot behavior.
  • Linux Systems Expertise: Strong comfort working in Linux development environments, including command-line tools, debugging workflows, scripting, and system-level troubleshooting.
  • Debugging Mindset: Proven ability to diagnose and resolve problems that span software, hardware, sensors, and distributed system interactions.
  • Collaboration: Requires 5 days/week in-office collaboration with the team.

Bonus Qualifications
  • Outdoor Robotics Experience: Background in autonomous driving, drones, mobile robotics, or other systems deployed in outdoor or unstructured environments.
  • Infrastructure Familiarity: Experience with Docker, Kubernetes, CI/CD systems, or software release workflows for robotics platforms.
  • Developer Tooling: Experience building tools for testing, simulation, telemetry, debugging, or log analysis.
  • Visualization & Diagnostics: Experience with robotics visualization and diagnostics tools such as Foxglove, Grafana, RViz, or custom internal interfaces.
  • Production Deployment Experience: Experience taking robotics software from prototype to production and supporting reliability at fleet scale.

Benefits
  • Competitive stock options/equity programs.
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k) plan.
  • Visa sponsorship and green card support for qualified candidates.
  • Lunches and dinners, a fully stocked kitchen, and regular team-building events.

Compensation: Salary $120,000-$195,000 USD + Bonus + Equity
The base salary range above represents the expected compensation for this full-time U.S. position. Final compensation will be determined based on role scope, level, location, job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training, and may fall outside the listed range in exceptional cases.

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