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Virtual Robotics Engineer Jobs in Orlando, FL (NOW HIRING)

... as virtual reality, augmented reality, artificial intelligence, autonomous vehicles ... Bachelor's degree in Math, Physics, Computer Science, or Engineering; ideally, an MBA or Master ...

Virtual Robotics Engineer information

See Orlando, FL salary details

$27.1K

$98.6K

$157.8K

How much do virtual robotics engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for virtual robotics engineer in Orlando, FL is $98,584.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,900.00 and $118,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a virtual robotics engineer?

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 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 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.

Can a virtual robotics engineer work remotely?

Yes, virtual robotics engineers can often work remotely, especially if their role involves designing software, programming, simulation, or remote collaboration. However, some tasks may require on-site presence for hardware setup, testing, or maintenance, depending on the company's policies and project requirements.

Is there a high demand for virtual robotics engineers?

Virtual robotics engineers are in growing demand as industries increasingly adopt automation, simulation, and remote development tools. Skills in robotics programming, CAD, and simulation software like ROS or Gazebo enhance employability in this expanding field.

What are the most commonly searched types of Robotics Engineer jobs in Orlando, FL?

The most popular types of Robotics Engineer jobs in Orlando, FL are:

Infographic showing various Virtual Robotics Engineer job openings in Orlando, FL as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 55% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 43% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,584 per year, or $47.4 per hour.

Staff Field Solutions Engineer (R5343)

Shield AI

Orlando, FL • On-site

$180K - $270K/yr

Full-time

Posted 29 days ago


Job description

Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Shield AI's technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube. 

Job Description:

Shield AI is hiring a Hivemind Field Solutions Engineer to support technical sales, customer engagements, demonstrations, and capture activities for Hivemind across the Americas region.

This role will serve as a customer-facing technical expert for Hivemind, helping translate customer mission needs into credible, technically feasible solutions. The FSE will partner closely with Business Development, Product, Engineering, Customer Engagement, and Program teams to support demos, technical interchange meetings, RFIs, RFPs, white papers, and customer-specific solution development.

This position requires a strong technical foundation in autonomy, mission software, simulation, and AI-enabled systems. The ideal candidate will bring direct experience with Department of War simulation environments, live-virtual-constructive training and test ecosystems, synthetic environments, image-generation systems, and/or synthetic data workflows. This person should be comfortable explaining complex technical systems to customers, shaping demos around mission objectives, and feeding customer insights back into product and engineering teams.

The Field Solutions Engineering team acts as a BD force multiplier, bridging Shield AI's technical roadmap to customer needs and ensuring customer-facing solutions are accurate, feasible, and mission-relevant.

This role will be based in Orlando, Florida.

Required qualifications:
  • 7+ years of experience in solutions engineering, field applications engineering, systems engineering, technical sales, autonomy, robotics, simulation, defense software, or related technical customer-facing roles.
  • Strong technical understanding of autonomy, AI-enabled systems, mission software, simulation environments, or complex defense technology systems.
  • Experience supporting customer-facing technical engagements such as demos, technical briefings, proposal support, integration discussions, or technical interchange meetings.
  • Demonstrated experience with one or more of the following areas: Department of War simulation systems, live-virtual-constructive environments, synthetic training environments, synthetic data generation, image-generation systems, simulation-based test and evaluation, or mission rehearsal workflows.
  • Ability to translate customer mission needs into technically feasible solution concepts, requirements, demos, and product feedback.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to technical, operational, BD, and leadership audiences.
  • Ability to work cross-functionally with Business Development, Product Management, Engineering, Customer Engagement, and Program teams.
  • Strong judgment in representing product capabilities, limitations, and roadmap dependencies to customers.
  • Ability to manage ambiguity, prioritize competing demands, and execute in a fast-paced environment.
  • Willingness and ability to travel for customer engagements, demonstrations, exercises, and internal meetings.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance.
Preferred qualifications:
  • Direct experience supporting Department of War simulation, modeling and simulation, test and evaluation, training, experimentation, or mission rehearsal programs.
  • Experience with LVC architectures, simulation interoperability, synthetic environments, constructive entities, digital twins, or operational test environments.
  • Experience with image-generation systems, synthetic imagery, AI-generated training data, computer vision datasets, sensor simulation, or perception model evaluation.
  • Hands-on experience with Python, Linux, APIs, SDKs, simulation tooling, autonomy software, robotics middleware, or technical prototyping.
  • Familiarity with autonomy development workflows, including simulation-in-the-loop, hardware-in-the-loop, software-in-the-loop, mission rehearsal, test automation, or scenario generation.
  • Experience working with U.S. DoD customers, defense primes, government labs, test ranges, training organizations, or operational units.
  • Experience supporting proposals, RFIs, RFPs, white papers, technical volumes, or capture activities.
  • Prior military, defense, aerospace, robotics, or advanced simulation experience.
  • Active U.S. security clearance.
$180,000 - $270,000 a year
#LI-KC5
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Full-time regular employee offer package:
Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity
 
Temporary employee offer package:
Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)
 
Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.
 
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Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know. 
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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