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Virtual Robotics Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

We are seeking a staff Research Engineer with deep expertise in software engineering, robotic ... Now, Meta is moving beyond 2D screens toward immersive experiences like augmented and virtual ...

S. in Robotics, Mechatronics, Aerospace Engineering, or related field; 18+ years of experience in ... Deep understanding of modeling, simulation, virtual testing, and hardware-in-the-loop validation ...

$99K - $122K/yr

Relocation assistance will be available Virtual/Telework Opportunity: No - Not eligible for ... robots, engines, machines and mechanical, thermal hydraulic or heat transfer systems for production ...

$99K - $122K/yr

Relocation assistance will be available Virtual/Telework Opportunity: No - Not eligible for ... robots, engines, machines and mechanical, thermal hydraulic or heat transfer systems for production ...

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Virtual Robotics Engineer information

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$29K

$105.6K

$169K

How much do virtual robotics engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for virtual robotics engineer in the United States is $105,605.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,500.00 and $127,000.00 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.
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Cities with the most Virtual Robotics Engineer job openings:

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Infographic showing various Virtual Robotics Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 47% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 51% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,605 per year, or $50.8 per hour.

Research Engineer Robotics (Systems)

Redmond, WA

Meta
Internet and IT • 10K+ employees

$183K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday


Meta rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Reality Labs Research (RL-R) brings together a diverse and highly interdisciplinary team of researchers and engineers to create the future of dexterous robotic manipulation.We are seeking a staff Research Engineer with deep expertise in software engineering, robotic systems integration, and machine learning. This role is highly interdisciplinary — you will own the end-to-end technical architecture spanning full-stack robotics development, deployment of learned control policies, and hands-on integration of robotic embodiments with human wearable sensing systems.As a staff individual contributor, you will set the technical direction for complex multi-disciplinary systems, drive innovations that bridge research and production, and mentor engineers across teams. You'll collaborate closely with researchers, engineers, and designers, leveraging cutting-edge technology and advanced research facilities.
Research Engineer Robotics (Systems) Responsibilities:
  • Architect & Own Real-Time Robotic Systems: Design and maintain real-time dexterous manipulation pipelines that integrate perception, planning, and control across multiple robotic platforms. Drive architectural decisions that enable rapid research iteration at scale
  • Lead Data Capture & Retargeting Infrastructure: Architect motion capture integration, novel hardware prototypes, and human demonstration data collection systems. Build scalable processing pipelines for large multimodal datasets that enable efficient model training and real2sim transfer
  • Drive ML-Systems Integration: Deploy and iterate on learned control policies (imitation learning, MPC, reinforcement learning) within full robotic systems. Partner with research teams to bridge the gap between algorithmic advances and real-world system performance
  • Optimize Performance & System Reliability: Own runtime performance, debug complex system behaviors across the stack, and develop interactive demos and benchmarks that demonstrate research progress
  • Set Technical Direction: Identify and drive cross-cutting technical improvements. Influence roadmap and priorities through deep system understanding and proactive problem identification
  • Collaborate & Mentor Cross-Functionally: Work with diverse research and engineering teams to refine modules, drive end-to-end system improvements, and elevate the technical capabilities of the broader team

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, relevant technical field, or equivalent practical experience
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Robotics, or related technical field (or equivalent practical experience)
  • 5+ years of experience in robotics engineering, including hands-on work with robotic platforms in industry or academic research settings
  • Demonstrated experience with machine learning systems in a robotics context (e.g., learned control policies, perception models, or ML-driven planning)
  • Full-stack systems engineering experience designing, building, and maintaining large-scale software-hardware systems
  • Track record of driving complex, ambiguous technical projects from conception through delivery with minimal direction
  • Experience communicating technical decisions and system designs to cross-functional stakeholders across research and engineering functions (e.g., design documents, technical reviews, project proposals)

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience building and operating systems that bridge research exploration and reliable deployment
  • Background in computer vision, imitation learning, reinforcement learning, model-predictive control, or sim-to-real transfer
  • Master's or Ph.D. in Robotics, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field
  • Demonstrated ongoing AI skill development (e.g., prompt/context engineering, agent orchestration) and staying current with emerging AI technologies
  • Experience in dexterous manipulation, learned robotic policy deployment, or control theory applied to real hardware
  • Experience designing data collection protocols and building high-quality ML datasets at scale
  • History of mentoring engineers and influencing technical direction beyond your immediate team
  • Deep familiarity with robotics frameworks (e.g., ROS/ROS2) and real-time robotic control systems
  • Experience adhering to and implementing responsible, ethical AI practices (e.g., risk assessment, bias mitigation, quality and accuracy reviews)
  • Demonstrated ability to integrate AI tools to optimize/redesign workflows and drive measurable impact (e.g., efficiency gains, quality improvements)

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.
$183,997/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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