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 Jobs18
Companies Hiring7
$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

18 open Robotics Engineer jobs across 7 companies.

Physical Intelligence1w
Robot Integration Engineer
San Francisco·Physical Systems
Rhoda1w
Robot Controls Engineer
Palo Alto·Physical Systems
Rhoda1w
Robot Perception Engineer
Palo Alto·Physical Systems
Intrinsic2w
Field Engineer
Mountain View, California·Physical Systems
Physical Intelligence1mo
Mechatronics Intern
San Francisco·Physical Systems
Intrinsic1mo
Application Engineer
Mountain View, California·Physical Systems
Waymo1mo
Staff Robotics Engineer
Mountain View, CA, USA·Physical Systems
Rhoda1mo
Robotics Application Engineer
Palo Alto·Physical Systems
Intrinsic1mo
Automation and Controls Engineer
Mountain View, California·Physical Systems
Skild AI2mo
Robotics Software Engineer
Pittsburgh, San Francisco, Bengaluru·Physical Systems
Skild AI2mo
Robotics Manipulation & Controls Engineer
San Mateo·Physical Systems
Skild AI2mo
Robotics Engineer, Manipulation
Pittsburgh, San Francisco, Bengaluru·Physical Systems
Skild AI2mo
Robotics Engineer, Deployment & Testing - San Mateo
San Mateo·Physical Systems
Skild AI2mo
Robotics Engineer, Deployment & Testing - Bengaluru
Bengaluru·Physical Systems
Physical Intelligence4mo
Robot Test Engineer
San Francisco·Physical Systems
Physical Intelligence4mo
Controls Engineer
San Francisco·Physical Systems
Sunday Robotics6mo
SLAM Engineer
Redwood City, CA·Physical Systems
Periodic Labs8mo
Controls Engineer
Menlo Park·Physical Systems