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Senior Robotics Software Engineer Jobs in Sunnyvale, CA

Kawasaki

Senior Robotics Software Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$140 - $180/hr

Senior Robotics Software Engineer Full Time California, San Jose, CA, US 8 days ago Requisition ID: 1286 Salary Range: $140,000.00 To $180,000.00 Annually Applicants must be authorized to work in the ...

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All JobsRobotics Software Engineer JobsSenior Robotics Software Engineer JobsSenior Robotics Software Engineer Jobs in Sunnyvale, CA

Senior Robotics Software Engineer information

See Sunnyvale, CA salary details

$88.6K

$168.2K

$225.3K

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

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior robotics software engineer in Sunnyvale, CA is $168,174.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $143,800.00 and $189,500.00 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 Sunnyvale, CA?

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

What cities near Sunnyvale, CA are hiring for Senior Robotics Software Engineer jobs?

Cities near Sunnyvale, CA 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 Sunnyvale, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $168,174 per year, or $80.9 per hour.

Senior Robotics Software Engineer

Bonsai Robotics

San Jose, CA • On-site

$175 - $210/hr

Other

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

Senior Robotics Software Engineer

Bonsai Robotics San Jose, California, United States


About this position

Bonsai Robotics develops affordable, vision-based autonomy that makes off-road equipment smarter, safer, and more productive. We are redefining outdoor autonomy with Bonsai Intelligence, a connected platform that’s inspired by biology to see, think, and act with precision like a human. We bring together advanced perception, embodied AI, integrations with equipment manufacturers, and our compact, modular Amiga vehicles to deliver reliable automation to the world’s most demanding field operations- reducing costs and increasing operational efficiencies.


About the role

We are looking for a talented Senior Robotics Software Engineer with expertise in robotics software development to join our innovative team. In this role, you will design and develop the autonomous tractor software guiding all behavior in agricultural and other complex network and GPS denied environments. You’ll own mission critical systems for navigation, task execution, and state management across many unique form factors and customer needs. You’ll work with a state of the art AI and ML team building the future of general purpose robotics .


What you'll do

  • Design and build the autonomous software powering the Bonsai Intelligence fleet across a multitude of applications and environments

  • Write well documented and tested production C++, Python, and Rust software in a ROS2 environment

  • Bring innovative solutions and collaboratively tackle a wide range of robotics challenges

  • Review colleagues code and design documentation for correctness and cohesion with the system design

  • Support, debug, and problem solve across a growing global fleet of autonomous tractors, and precision ag equipment

  • Use data to drive development decisions and to prove out novel approaches to difficult problems

  • Tackle complex engineering problems with a mindset focused on safety, reliability, and extensibility

  • Teach and learn in equal measure alongside an excellent robotics team with a wide range of skills and backgrounds


Qualifications

  • You have 4 or more years of relevant experience across applied robotics and software engineering positions

  • You hold a BS, MS, or PhD in related field

  • You have shipped real production robots to real customers

  • You are familiar with C++ and ROS2 software development best practices, including testing and CI/CD pipelines

  • You have experience debugging problems outside of your area of expertise and across the hardware / software boundary

  • You are comfortable working in a Linux environment


Bonus

  • You have expertise in solving path planning and optimization problems in low latency constrained compute environments

  • You have experience developing with Rust in a production environment


Bonsai Robotics is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin or nationality, ancestry, age, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status or any other category protected by law.


Salary Information

The pay range for this role is: 175,000 - 210,000 USD per year (San Jose, CA)


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