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Soft Robotics Jobs in New York (NOW HIRING)

The successful candidate will have a demonstrated background (as exemplified with a strong publication record) in one of the following areas, soft robots, legged robots, mechanism design and machine ...

Senior Robotics Engineer

New York, NY · On-site

$114K - $157K/yr

We are seeking a Senior Robotics Engineer to lead advances in perception, sensor fusion, and sensor ... Soft Skills: * Mission-first mindset focused on delivering strong customer and business outcomes.

Research Associate

New York, NY · On-site

$48K - $65K/yr

The successful candidate will have a demonstrated background (as exemplified with a publication record) in one of the following areas, soft robots, legged robots, mechanism design and machine design ...

Conduct human-subject experiments in medical robot applications The successful candidate will have a demonstrated background in one or more of the following areas, soft robots, legged robots ...

Robotics * Liquid Chromatography * Mass Spectrometry Soft Skills * customer service * communication * collaboration * judgment * professional appearance * follow‑up * problem‑solving * time ...

Controls Engineer

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$90 - $120/hr

Participate in capital projects including laser cutting, robotic welding, material handling, and ... Capital Project Support Soft Skills * Problem-Solving * Troubleshooting * Communication

Familiarity with workflow automation, RPA, or enterprise integration platforms (e.g., MuleSoft ... Stakeholder Alignment Soft Skills * Communication Skills * Mentoring * Ownership Mindset

Basic knowledge of robotics (Fanuc/Yaskawa/Kuka/Nachi) * Proactive individual capable of ... Project Management Soft Skills * Strong Communication Skills * Attention to Detail * Proactive ...

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Showing results 1-20

Soft Robotics information

See New York salary details

$91.9K

$105K

$127.5K

How much do soft robotics jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for soft robotics in New York is $105,027.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,500.00 and $111,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a soft robotics?

A Soft Robotics job involves designing, developing, and testing robots made from flexible, compliant materials. These robots are often used for tasks requiring delicate handling, adaptability, or safe human interaction. Professionals in this field work in areas like medical devices, automation, and bio-inspired robotics. They typically have backgrounds in mechanical engineering, materials science, or computer science. The role may involve programming, prototyping, and analyzing robotic systems for various applications.

What does a soft robotics do?

Professionals in Soft Robotics are often involved in designing, prototyping, and testing robotic systems that use flexible and compliant materials. Day-to-day work can include hands-on fabrication, modeling and simulation, and iterative experimentation to refine robotic mechanisms. Collaboration is key, as you’ll frequently work with experts from fields like electronics, biology, materials science, and computer science to solve complex engineering challenges. This role offers the opportunity to work in multidisciplinary teams, contributing to innovative projects that advance both research and real-world applications in areas like healthcare, manufacturing, and wearable technology.

What skills and qualifications are needed for soft robotics?

To excel in Soft Robotics, you need a strong background in mechanical engineering, materials science, and robotics, often supported by advanced degrees or specialized training. Familiarity with design and simulation software (e.g., SolidWorks, MATLAB), rapid prototyping tools, and experience with soft materials fabrication techniques are commonly expected. Creative problem-solving, teamwork, and effective communication are vital soft skills in this multidisciplinary field. These abilities are crucial for developing innovative robotic solutions, collaborating across diverse teams, and successfully translating concepts into functional prototypes.

Is soft robotics the future?

Soft robotics is an emerging field with growing applications in healthcare, manufacturing, and automation, making it a promising area for robotics professionals. As the technology advances, demand for skills in flexible materials, sensor integration, and control systems is expected to increase, shaping future job opportunities in the industry.

What are the most commonly searched types of Soft Robotics jobs in New York?

The most popular types of Soft Robotics jobs in New York are:

What cities in New York are hiring for Soft Robotics jobs?

Cities in New York with the most Soft Robotics job openings:

Infographic showing various Soft Robotics job openings in New York as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 92% In-person, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,027 per year, or $50.5 per hour.

Hardware Systems & Lab Engineer, Robotics & Operations

New York, NY • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

About Basis
Basis is a nonprofit applied AI research organization with two mutually reinforcing goals.
The first is to understand and build intelligence. This means to establish the mathematical principles of what it means to reason, to learn, to make decisions, to understand, and to explain; and to construct software that implements these principles.
The second is to advance society's ability to solve intractable problems. This means expanding the scale, complexity, and breadth of problems that we can solve today, and even more importantly, accelerating our ability to solve problems in the future.
To achieve these goals, we're building both a new technological foundation that draws inspiration from how humans reason, and a new kind of collaborative organization that puts human values first.
About the Role
The Hardware Systems & Lab Engineer combines two critical functions: designing and building robot hardware systems, and managing the safe, efficient operation of our robotics laboratory. You will create the physical platforms that embody our AI research while ensuring the lab environment enables rapid, safe experimentation.
We are looking for someone who combines hands-on engineering skills with operational excellence. The ideal candidate has experience building custom robotic systems, understands the full mechatronics stack from sensors to actuators, and knows how to run a lab where researchers can work safely and productively. You will design modular hardware for testbeds, build sensor/actuator systems for experiments, and maintain the infrastructure that makes physical AI research possible.
This role requires balancing creative hardware development with rigorous safety and operational standards. You will work closely with researchers to translate algorithmic requirements into physical systems, while maintaining an organized, safe, and efficient laboratory environment.
We seek individuals who excel at both building and operating, who treat safety as paramount, and who understand that great research requires great infrastructure.
We expect you to:
  • Have demonstrated expertise in robotic hardware development. Examples include:
    • Designing and building custom robotic platforms
    • Integrating sensors, actuators, and compute systems
    • Creating modular, reconfigurable hardware systems
    • Troubleshooting complex electromechanical systems
  • Possess strong mechatronics skills spanning mechanical design (CAD, fabrication, assembly), electrical engineering (circuit design, power systems, signal processing), and embedded systems (microcontrollers, real-time control, ROS).
  • Have experience with lab management and safety including developing safety protocols, maintaining equipment inventories, organizing workspaces, and training users on proper procedures.
  • Understand the research-hardware interface. You can translate researcher needs into hardware specifications, anticipate common failure modes, and design systems that balance capability with reliability.
  • Be skilled at rapid prototyping and iteration. You can quickly build proof-of-concept systems, identify issues through testing, and iterate designs based on experimental results.
  • Value documentation and maintainability. You create clear documentation for hardware designs, maintain accurate BOMs, and design systems that others can understand and modify.
  • Progress with autonomy while ensuring safety. You can manage multiple hardware projects, prioritize based on research needs, and make decisions that balance speed with safety.

In addition, the following would be an advantage:
  • Experience at leading robotics labs (academic or industry).
  • Background in research environments with understanding of experimental needs.
  • Expertise in specific areas like soft robotics, bio-inspired design, or micro-robotics.
  • Experience with ROS 2 and modern robot software stacks.
  • Teaching or training experience for lab safety and procedures.
  • Project management experience for complex hardware builds.
Responsibilities:
Hardware Development:
  • Design and build custom robotic platforms for experiments, including manipulators, mobile robots, and specialized end-effectors for research tasks.
  • Develop modular hardware systems for testbeds that can be reconfigured to test different morphologies and validate co-designed robot architectures.
  • Create sensor and actuator modules that integrate with research software, including cameras, force sensors, IMUs, and custom actuator designs.
  • Manage vendor relationships and procurement including sourcing components, managing budgets, coordinating with suppliers, and maintaining spare parts inventory.
  • Support hardware-software integration by working with researchers to ensure reliable communication between physical systems and control algorithms.

Lab Operations:
  • Establish and maintain safety protocols including lockout/tagout procedures, emergency stops, safety interlocks, and personal protective equipment requirements.
  • Organize and maintain lab infrastructure including workbenches, tool organization, storage systems, and specialized equipment like 3D printers and test fixtures.
  • Manage lab inventory and supplies ensuring adequate stock of common components, maintaining organization systems, and coordinating purchasing.
  • Train researchers on safe equipment use including robot operation procedures, tool usage, safety protocols, and emergency responses.
  • Maintain lab equipment including preventive maintenance schedules, calibration procedures, and coordinating repairs when needed.
  • Ensure compliance with institutional safety requirements, building codes, and relevant regulations for robotics laboratories.
Role Details
Exceptional candidates who may not meet all of the following criteria are still encouraged to apply.
  • FT/PT: Full-time.
  • In-person Policy: We are in the office four days a week. Be prepared to attend multi-day Basis-wide in-person events.
  • Location: New York City or Cambridge, MA (must be on-site for lab management).
  • Salary range: Competitive salary.

Non-Discrimination Notice
Basis Research Institute provides equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or genetics and prohibits discrimination based on all protected characteristics.
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