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Virtual Robotics Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Meta

AI Research Scientist, Robotics

Menlo Park, CA

$184K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, relevant technical field, or ... Now, Meta is moving beyond 2D screens toward immersive experiences like augmented and virtual ...

Meta

AI Research Scientist, Robotics

Menlo Park, CA · On-site

$184K - $257K/yr

... Engineering, relevant technical field, or equivalent practical experience • PhD degree in the ... Now, Meta is moving beyond 2D screens toward immersive experiences like augmented and virtual ...

Meta

AI Research Scientist, Robotics

Menlo Park, CA

$219K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, relevant technical field, or ... Now, Meta is moving beyond 2D screens toward immersive experiences like augmented and virtual ...

Machina Labs

Full Stack Engineer

Chatsworth, CA · On-site

They are seeking a Full Stack Engineer to develop systems for their robotic sheet metal forming platform, bridging the gap between virtual and physical manufacturing processes. Responsibilities : • ...

Machina Labs

Full Stack Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Engineering moves at software speed. Manufacturing doesn't. Yet. Machina Labs is changing that. We ... virtual and the physical, writing software that directly influences how giant robots shape real ...

Machina Labs

Full Stack Engineer

Chatsworth, CA · On-site

$130K - $150K/yr

Engineering moves at software speed. Manufacturing doesn't. Yet. Machina Labs is changing that. We ... virtual and the physical, writing software that directly influences how giant robots shape real ...

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$28.6K

$104.2K

$166.8K

How much do virtual robotics engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 29, 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.

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 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.

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 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
AI Research Scientist, Robotics

AI Research Scientist, Robotics

Meta

Menlo Park, CA

$184K/yr

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago

Meta rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 43 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

118th of 183 rated software companies

Job description

Meta is seeking a Research Scientist to join Meta Superintelligence Labs. Individuals in this role are expected to be recognized experts in identified research areas such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotics, and embodied AI, particularly including areas such as transfer learning, learning from demonstration, reinforcement learning, action-conditioned world models, perception, representation learning, robot control, navigation, mobile manipulation, dexterous manipulation, and vision-language models. You should have a keen interest in producing new, open science to make embodied agents more intelligent.
AI Research Scientist, Robotics Responsibilities:
  • Perform fundamental and applied research to push the scientific and technological frontiers of embodied artificial intelligence
  • Invent/improve novel data-driven paradigms for robotics, leveraging a variety of modalities (images, video, text, audio, tactile, etc)
  • Investigate paradigms that can deliver a spectrum of embodied behaviors - from simulated characters to real robots, and from short-horizon, low-level to long-horizon, high-level intelligence
  • Develop algorithms based on state-of-the-art machine learning and neural network methodologies
  • Define, build and benchmark new capabilities needed for the next generation of AI
  • Conduct research towards long-term research goals while identifying intermediate milestones
  • Lead, plan, and execute novel research based on long-term objectives of the organization

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, relevant technical field, or equivalent practical experience
  • PhD degree in the field of Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Computer Vision, Machine Learning, Language, a related field, or equivalent practical experience
  • Experience with any of the following research areas: robotics, motion planning, embodied AI, human-robot interaction, sim-to-real transfer, learning from demonstration, reinforcement learning, dexterous manipulation, digital agents, vision language models, computer vision, egocentric perception, and/or LLMs
  • 2+ years of industry experience in relevant robotics related research areas, such as: robot learning, reinforcement learning, imitation learning, action-conditioned world models, task and motion planning, sim-to-real transfer robotic control, manipulation, navigation, or generally embodied AI
  • Must obtain work authorization in the country of employment at the time of hire and maintain ongoing work authorization during employment

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Proven track record of achieving significant results as demonstrated by grants, fellowships, patents, as well as publications at leading workshops, journals or conferences in Machine Learning (NeurIPS, ICML, ICLR), Robotics (ICRA, IROS, RSS, CoRL), Computer Vision (CVPR, ICCV, ECCV)
  • 5+ years of industry experience in relevant robotics related research areas, such as: robot learning, reinforcement learning, imitation learning, action-conditioned world models, task and motion planning, sim-to-real transfer robotic control, manipulation, navigation, or generally embodied AI
  • Experience solving complex problems and comparing alternative solutions, tradeoffs, and different perspectives to determine a path forward
  • Demonstrated research and software engineering experience via an internship, work experience, coding competitions, or widely used contributions in open source repositories (e.g. GitHub)
  • Experience with robotics frameworks like ROS, along with experience working with robot simulations and real-world hardware
  • Experience building systems based on machine learning and/or deep learning methods
  • Experience with deep learning frameworks (such as pytorch, tensorflow) and Python
  • Experience with manipulating and analyzing complex, large scale, high-dimensionality data from varying sources
  • Experience working and communicating cross functionally in a team environment

About Meta:
Meta builds technologies that help people connect, find communities, and grow businesses. When Facebook launched in 2004, it changed the way people connect. Apps like Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp further empowered billions around the world. Now, Meta is moving beyond 2D screens toward immersive experiences like augmented and virtual reality to help build the next evolution in social technology. People who choose to build their careers by building with us at Meta help shape a future that will take us beyond what digital connection makes possible today—beyond the constraints of screens, the limits of distance, and even the rules of physics.
Meta is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, sexual stereotypes, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local law. Meta participates in the E-Verify program in certain locations, as required by law. Please note that Meta may leverage artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies in connection with applications for employment.
Meta is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities in our recruiting process. If you need any assistance or accommodations due to a disability, please let us know at accommodations-ext@meta.com.
$184,000/year to $257,000/year + bonus + equity + benefits
Individual compensation is determined by skills, qualifications, experience, and location. Compensation details listed in this posting reflect the base hourly rate, monthly rate, or annual salary only, and do not include bonus, equity or sales incentives, if applicable. In addition to base compensation, Meta offers benefits. Learn more about benefits at Meta.

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