Applied Methods
~The MetaPhysical SystemsRobotics Engineer

Robotics Engineer

Robotics engineers in this role design and implement the complete software and control systems that make physical robots function in real-world environments—from manipulation and locomotion to perception and autonomous navigation. They write production-level C++ and Python code for controllers, planners, and perception stacks, translating machine learning models developed by researchers into deployed robotic behavior. Working closely with ML engineers and hardware teams, they tackle the full robotics stack: tuning control algorithms, debugging electromechanical systems, optimizing performance on real hardware, and ensuring robots operate reliably across deployment sites. This role differs from simulation-focused positions by requiring hands-on hardware integration, real-time system debugging, and direct responsibility for robot behavior in production environments rather than purely algorithmic research.

$ titles --canonical
Robotics EngineerRobotics Software EngineerControls EngineerMotion Planning EngineerSenior Robotics EngineerRobotics Manipulation EngineerLocomotion EngineerMechatronics EngineerAutonomous Vehicle Engineer
Open Jobs27
Companies Hiring11
$02

Skills

What companies are looking for in this role.

$ skills --core

Developing software solutions for robot manipulation, perception, and planning

95%

Integrating hardware and software subsystems for robotic platforms

93%

Designing and implementing real-time control algorithms for robotic systems

92%

Troubleshooting and debugging complex electromechanical systems

89%

Designing and building mechanical and electromechanical subsystems

88%

Creating and executing comprehensive test plans and validation processes

87%

Designing industrial automation workcells and production-ready systems

85%

Performing root cause analysis and failure investigation on robotic systems

81%
$ skills --emerging

Deploying machine learning models and learned policies on robot hardware

84%

Developing sensor fusion and multi-modal perception systems

76%

Building data collection pipelines and managing large-scale robotic experiments

73%

Implementing visual servoing and force-control feedback loops

72%

Optimizing real-time performance and resource utilization in production systems

71%
$ skills --soft

Collaborating across cross-functional teams to integrate hardware and software components

91%

Communicating technical designs and results to internal and external stakeholders

88%

Taking ownership of full-stack subsystems and end-to-end system development lifecycle

84%

Managing projects from concept through deployment and production handoff

83%

Rapidly prototyping and iterating on hardware designs based on experimental data

79%
$03

Technology

The tools and technologies that define this role.

$ tech --language
C++very high
Pythonvery high
Javalow
$ tech --framework
ROS (Robot Operating System)high
PyTorchlow
TensorFlowlow
$ tech --platform
PLC (Programmable Logic Controller)high
Ignition SCADAmoderate
Intrinsic Platformmoderate
Dockerlow
Kuberneteslow
$ tech --tool
CAD (SolidWorks, OnShape, NX)high
HMI (Human Machine Interface)high
3D Printing (SLA, FDM)moderate
FEA (Finite Element Analysis)moderate
Git/GitHubmoderate
Laser Cuttingmoderate
MATLABmoderate
Gazebolow
Jenkinslow
$ tech --concept
Machine Learningvery high
CAN Bushigh
Computer Visionhigh
Inverse Kinematicshigh
Motion Planninghigh
PID Controlhigh
BLDC Motor Controlmoderate
Ethernetmoderate
I2Cmoderate
LQR (Linear Quadratic Regulator)moderate
MPC (Model Predictive Control)moderate
SLAMmoderate
SPImoderate
OPC UAlow
$04

Open Jobs

27 open Robotics Engineer jobs across 11 companies.

Mecka1w
Computer Vision & Robotics Navigation Engineer
New York·Physical Systems
Graphcore1w
Staff Robotics Engineer
Austin, Texas, United States·Physical Systems
CHAOS Industries2w
Control Systems Engineer
El Segundo, California, United States·Physical Systems
Shield AI2w
Staff Software Engineer, Autonomous Pilot Integration (R5208)
Washington, DC·Physical Systems
Shield AI2w
Senior Staff Software Engineer, Autonomous Pilot Integration (R5193)
Washington, DC·Physical Systems
Shield AI2w
Senior Software Engineer, Autonomous Pilot Integration (R5200)
Washington, DC·Physical Systems
Skild AI2w
Research Robotics/Computer Vision Engineer
San Mateo·Physical Systems
Xaira Therapeutics2w
Senior Automation Engineer
South San Francisco, California, United States·Physical Systems
Shield AI2w
Senior Staff Engineer, Software Autonomy (R5125)
New Delhi·Physical Systems
Skild AI3w
System Identification & Controls Engineer
San Mateo, CA·Physical Systems
Physical Intelligence1mo
Robot Integration Engineer
San Francisco·Physical Systems
Rhoda1mo
Robotics & Control Engineer
Mountain View·Physical Systems
Rhoda1mo
Robot Perception Engineer
Mountain View·Physical Systems
Shield AI1mo
Senior Software Engineer, Autonomy Behaviors (R4588)
Boston, MA·Physical Systems
Shield AI1mo
Software Engineer II, Autonomy Behaviors (R5201)
Boston, MA·Physical Systems
Waymo2mo
Staff Robotics Engineer
Mountain View, CA, USA·Physical Systems
Rhoda2mo
Robotics Application Engineer
Mountain View·Physical Systems
Intrinsic2mo
Automation and Controls Engineer
Mountain View, California·Physical Systems
Skild AI3mo
Robotics Manipulation & Controls Engineer
San Mateo·Physical Systems
Skild AI3mo
Robotics Engineer, Deployment & Testing - San Mateo
San Mateo·Physical Systems