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Virtual Robotics Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Lucid Motors

Sr. Virtual Commissioning Engineer

Newark, CA · On-site

$117K - $161K/yr

As a Senior Virtual Commissioning Engineer , you will play a lead role in advancing Lucids goal of ... Knowledge of interfacing PLCs with robots including standard and safety IO to manage robot program ...

Pronto

Robotics Test Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

The Robotics Test Engineer will design and implement testing infrastructure and simulation ... against virtual scenarios, with deterministic playback and meaningful coverage of real-world ...

Pronto

Robotics Test Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

The Robotics Test Engineer will design and build testing infrastructure and simulation environments ... against virtual scenarios, with deterministic playback and meaningful coverage of real-world ...

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All JobsRobotics Engineer JobsVirtual Robotics Engineer JobsVirtual Robotics Engineer Jobs in California

Virtual Robotics Engineer information

See California salary details

$28.6K

$104.2K

$166.8K

How much do virtual robotics engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for virtual robotics engineer in California is $104,222.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,400.00 and $125,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Can a robotics engineer work remotely?

Robotics engineers can often work remotely, especially in roles focused on software development, simulation, and design using tools like CAD and programming languages. However, positions requiring hands-on work with hardware, assembly, or testing may require on-site presence. Remote work availability depends on the employer and specific job responsibilities.

What are some typical challenges faced by Virtual Robotics Engineers when collaborating remotely with cross-functional teams?

Virtual Robotics Engineers often work with diverse teams including software developers, hardware engineers, and project managers, many of whom may be distributed across different locations. A common challenge is ensuring clear communication and alignment on project requirements, especially when integrating virtual simulations with real-world robotics systems. To address this, engineers frequently use collaborative tools, maintain thorough documentation, and participate in regular sync meetings. Fostering strong teamwork and proactively clarifying technical details can help minimize misunderstandings and keep projects on track.

Is robotics a dead field?

Robotics is an active and growing field with applications in manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, and research. Robotics engineers develop and maintain automated systems using skills in programming, sensors, and control systems, and demand for these professionals continues to increase as automation advances.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior robotics engineers, including virtual robotics engineers with extensive experience and advanced skills in automation, AI, and programming, can earn $300,000 or more annually. High compensation often requires specialized expertise, leadership roles, and working in industries such as aerospace, defense, or high-tech manufacturing.

What are virtual robotics engineers?

Virtual robotics engineers are professionals who design, develop, and test robotic systems using virtual simulation environments. Instead of building physical robots, they use specialized software to model, program, and analyze robot behavior in a digital space. This allows for rapid prototyping, troubleshooting, and optimization before any physical construction occurs. Virtual robotics engineers often work in fields like automation, manufacturing, artificial intelligence, and research, ensuring that robotic systems function as intended before real-world deployment.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior robotics engineers, especially those with extensive experience, advanced skills in automation, AI, and machine learning, can earn $500,000 or more annually. High compensation is often found in leadership roles, specialized industries, or companies with significant automation investments, and may include bonuses and stock options.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Virtual Robotics Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Virtual Robotics Engineer, you need strong proficiency in robotics principles, programming (such as Python, C++, or ROS), and a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with simulation tools like Gazebo, V-REP, or Unity, along with experience using CAD software and version control systems, is typically required. Excellent problem-solving, collaboration, and adaptability are crucial soft skills for excelling in virtual team environments and tackling complex tasks. These skills and qualifications are essential for designing, testing, and deploying effective robotic solutions in a virtual setting, ensuring both innovation and reliability.

What is the difference between Virtual Robotics Engineer vs Robotics Software Developer?

AspectVirtual Robotics EngineerRobotics Software Developer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Robotics, Computer Science, or related; certifications in robotics or programmingBachelor's in Computer Science, Robotics, or related; programming certifications
Work EnvironmentRemote or on-site, designing and testing virtual robotics systemsPrimarily software development, often remote or on-site
Employer & Industry UsageRobotics companies, research labs, tech firmsTech companies, startups, research institutions
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The Virtual Robotics Engineer focuses on designing, testing, and simulating robotics systems in virtual environments, often requiring knowledge of robotics hardware and simulation tools. In contrast, a Robotics Software Developer primarily writes and maintains software for robotics applications, emphasizing programming skills. Both roles often overlap in skills and industry usage but differ in their core responsibilities and work environments.

What are the most commonly searched types of Robotics Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Robotics Engineer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Virtual Robotics Engineer jobs in California? For Virtual Robotics Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Virtual Robotics Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Virtual Robotics Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Virtual Robotics Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Virtual Robotics Engineer job openings:
Virtual Robotics Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Virtual Robotics Engineer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $104,222 per year, or $50.1 per hour.
Software Engineer - Qualcomm Advanced Robotics Team - Multiple levels

Software Engineer - Qualcomm Advanced Robotics Team - Multiple levels

Qualcomm

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 18 hours ago

Qualcomm rating

9.6

Company rating: 9.6 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 209 rated software companies

Job description

Job Summary:
Qualcomm is a leading technology company focused on advanced robotics solutions. The Software Engineer will be responsible for defining the architecture and leading the development of Qualcomm’s robotics software platform, ensuring high performance and reliability across various robotics applications.
Responsibilities:
• Develop the software architecture for the Qualcomm Robotics platform interfaces, runtime, QoS, and safety envelopes across Linux + MCU subsystems; drive DDS/ROS 2 patterns for reliable, real‑time data flow on heterogeneous compute, and system mapping and optimization to Qualcomm Robotics platform.
• Develop the platform roadmap and technical design reviews across perception (VIO/VSLAM, DFS), mapping, semantic scene understanding, navigation, manipulation, and SDK components; ensure high performance and low power on our SoCs.
• Drive real‑world validation using sim‑in‑the‑loop and HIL; establish metrics for robustness, determinism, and regression across camera/IMU/LiDAR stacks and whole‑robot scenarios.
• Optimize for heterogeneous compute (CPU/GPU/DSP/NPU) and camera pipeline/ISP; guide teams on concurrency, memory/power budgets, and accelerator utilization for on‑device AI.
• Champion safety & reliability practices and interfaces compatible with relevant standards (e.g., ISO 26262/IEC 61508 alignment where applicable) and design for field diagnostics, observability, and OTA update paths.
• Mentor and grow senior engineers across core platform, perception, controls, and SDK setting crisp technical direction, code quality bars, and review culture.
• Engage customers & partners as the senior technical face of the platform clarify requirements, guide integrations, and translate learnings into the roadmap.
• Set the technical bar for platform correctness, determinism, and developer experience.
• Coach senior ICs and tech leads, building a strong review culture and CI/CD discipline for robotics.
• Partner with product and silicon teams to align software roadmaps with SoC capabilities and customer needs.
Qualifications:
Required:
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 6+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience.
• OR Master's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 5+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience.
• OR PhD in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 4+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience.
• 3+ years of work experience with Programming Language such as C, C++, Java, Python, etc.
Preferred:
• 5+ years in software engineering, with 4+ years building robotics platforms, Ubuntu, ROS2 or complex real‑time distributed systems; proven record shipping SDKs or core runtimes.
• Expert in C++ (modern) and Python with production experience in ROS 2 and DDS (QoS, discovery, message design, and tracing).
• Depth in : Physical AI embedded and virtual platforms, SLAM/visual‑inertial odometry, dense/stereo depth, semantic mapping, planning & controls, or manipulation—with demonstrable system‑level integration on embedded platforms.
• Strong background in Linux for robotics, real‑time considerations, and MCU/RTOS interactions (time sync, safety islands, bootloaders, field firmware management).
• Performance engineering on heterogeneous SoCs (CPU/GPU/NPU/DSP) and camera/ISP stacks; hands‑on profiling and optimization.
• BS/MS in CS, EE, Robotics, or related field (PhD a plus).
• Track record leading large cross‑functional efforts (architecture docs, design reviews, de‑risking, postmortems) that landed in customer products.
• Experience delivering developer‑facing SDKs and documentation; familiarity with Qualcomm robotics stacks and ROS 2 package ecosystems.
• Demonstrated results in on‑device AI for perception or policy (model optimization, quantization, or pipeline fusion) on edge devices.
• Contributions to ROS/ROS 2 or relevant open‑source robotics projects; publications/patents in SLAM, perception, manipulation, or real‑time systems.
Company:
Qualcomm designs wireless technologies and semiconductors that power connectivity, communication, and smart devices. Founded in 1985, the company is headquartered in San Diego, USA, with a team of 10001+ employees. The company is currently Late Stage.

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About Qualcomm

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Qualcomm is enabling a world where everyone and everything can be intelligently connected. You interact with products and technologies made possible by Qualcomm every day, including 5G-enabled smartphones that double as pro-level cameras and gaming devices, smarter vehicles and cities, and the technology behind the smart, connected factories that manufactured your latest purchase. Our powerful connectivity solutions keep you connected—even in remote areas. Qualcomm 5G and AI innovations are the power behind the connected intelligent edge. You’ll find our technologies behind and inside the innovations that deliver significant value across multiple industries and to billions of people every day.

Industry

Technology, communication and media

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

San Diego, CA, US

Year founded

1985

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