Robotics Engineer Jobs in California
Robotics Engineer jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in aerospace and defense, semiconductor manufacturing, automotive automation, and warehouse logistics, with openings from entry-level controls technicians through principal systems engineers. The largest hiring hubs are the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, and San Diego, where employers like Intuitive Surgical, Northrop Grumman, and Tesla have long-established engineering operations. The most in-demand specialties right now are autonomous systems, computer vision, and ROS-based motion planning. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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About Plasmidsaurus
Plasmidsaurus is on a mission to accelerate new cures and promote a healthier planet by unlocking a new level of productivity for scientists. Our sequencing services are used daily by thousands of innovators, including Nobel laureates, Fortune 100 pharma, and over 70,000 scientists.
We began by revolutionizing plasmid sequencing, making it exponentially cheaper and faster, with innovative sequencing technologies and a global network of laboratories that turn samples into answers in hours, not weeks.
Now we are expanding that same disruptive model across all of genomics. With the launch of our new RNA-seq service, we are taking a bold step toward our vision to sequence everything, providing scientists everywhere with faster, simpler, and more affordable access to the data that powers discovery.
Every team member at Plasmidsaurus plays a crucial role in driving the future of biotech research. Together, we are building the world’s most efficient sequencing engine that operates overnight, scales globally, and helps scientists make breakthroughs faster than ever before.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
As a Lab Robotics Engineer at Plasmidsaurus, you will play a crucial role in automating and optimizing our sample processing pipeline. You'll be directly responsible for developing, deploying, and maintaining automation processes across our global network of labs.
Your responsibilities will span:
- Writing production-quality Python code to control our robotic platforms, integrating with various lab instruments
- Designing robotic systems using various hardware components and embedded systems, including Raspberry Pis, Arduinos, and custom-designed electronic & mechanical parts
- Collaborating with our world-class scientists to productionize new lab protocols, leveraging your expertise in automation to scale and refine these processes
- Building and managing a fleet of robots and monitoring systems to proactively identify and address issues with robots in the field
Culture
You are someone who:
- Enjoys high agency and high ownership work
- Is curious about learning from other people’s expertise in scientific/biological domains
- Is excited to make an impact on the scientific community, enabling the next generation of medicines, biotechnology, and even plant-based-meats!
- Can lead projects from idea to production independently
- Is a life-long learner
- Is excited to work in a tight-knit fast-paced environment with a motivated team
- Values clear communication and helping others learn new skills
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- BS, MS, or PhD in Computer Science, Robotics, Biology, or relevant work experience
- 3+ years of experience programming in Python (web frameworks like Flask/Django a plus!)
- Familiarity with molecular biology protocols with 1+ years lab experience
- 1+ years of experience automating, optimizing and scaling lab procedures using liquid handling systems (OpenTrons, Hamilton, etc.) and lab robotics
- Experience with orchestration and deploying software to multiple devices in the field (e.g. Docker, Ansible)
- Experience with cloud platforms and infrastructure-as-code (e.g., AWS, Terraform)
- Experience writing software for Raspberry Pi
- Experience with building & maintaining QA, telemetry, and monitoring systems to ensure device stability
- Experience working with Linux servers
- Experience with 3D printing (e.g., Fusion 360) and basic CAD modeling
- Some experience with simple computer vision (e.g., OpenCV)
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Some experience with C# and .NET frameworks for scripting automation equipment
- Interest in learning about biotechnology and DNA sequence analysis
Why Plasmidsaurus?
- IMPACT: Your work will directly contribute to accelerating biotech research. This research is one of humanity’s most powerful tools for stopping climate change and developing novel therapies.
- INNOVATION: Work on the cutting edge of biotech and software, introducing indispensable tools to top-tier researchers.
- COMMUNITY: Join a passionate, resourceful team that values close, interactive relationships with our customers and each other.
We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't perfectly align with the job description as we seek out diverse and creative perspectives. Team members who love to learn and collaborate in an inclusive environment will thrive with us. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. If you need additional accommodations to feel comfortable during your interview process, please let us know at careers@plasmidsaurus.com.
COMPENSATION
- Compensation Range: $175K - $235K
About Plasmidsaurus
Plasmidsaurus is on a mission to accelerate new cures and promote a healthier planet by unlocking a new level of productivity for scientists. Our sequencing services are used daily by thousands of innovators, including Nobel laureates, Fortune 100 pharma, and over 70,000 scientists.
We began by revolutionizing plasmid sequencing, making it exponentially cheaper and faster, with innovative sequencing technologies and a global network of laboratories that turn samples into answers in hours, not weeks.
Now we are expanding that same disruptive model across all of genomics. With the launch of our new RNA-seq service, we are taking a bold step toward our vision to sequence everything, providing scientists everywhere with faster, simpler, and more affordable access to the data that powers discovery.
Every team member at Plasmidsaurus plays a crucial role in driving the future of biotech research. Together, we are building the world’s most efficient sequencing engine that operates overnight, scales globally, and helps scientists make breakthroughs faster than ever before.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
As a Lab Robotics Engineer at Plasmidsaurus, you will play a crucial role in automating and optimizing our sample processing pipeline. You'll be directly responsible for developing, deploying, and maintaining automation processes across our global network of labs.
Your responsibilities will span:
- Writing production-quality Python code to control our robotic platforms, integrating with various lab instruments
- Designing robotic systems using various hardware components and embedded systems, including Raspberry Pis, Arduinos, and custom-designed electronic & mechanical parts
- Collaborating with our world-class scientists to productionize new lab protocols, leveraging your expertise in automation to scale and refine these processes
- Building and managing a fleet of robots and monitoring systems to proactively identify and address issues with robots in the field
Culture
You are someone who:
- Enjoys high agency and high ownership work
- Is curious about learning from other people’s expertise in scientific/biological domains
- Is excited to make an impact on the scientific community, enabling the next generation of medicines, biotechnology, and even plant-based-meats!
- Can lead projects from idea to production independently
- Is a life-long learner
- Is excited to work in a tight-knit fast-paced environment with a motivated team
- Values clear communication and helping others learn new skills
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- BS, MS, or PhD in Computer Science, Robotics, Biology, or relevant work experience
- 3+ years of experience programming in Python (web frameworks like Flask/Django a plus!)
- Familiarity with molecular biology protocols with 1+ years lab experience
- 1+ years of experience automating, optimizing and scaling lab procedures using liquid handling systems (OpenTrons, Hamilton, etc.) and lab robotics
- Experience with orchestration and deploying software to multiple devices in the field (e.g. Docker, Ansible)
- Experience with cloud platforms and infrastructure-as-code (e.g., AWS, Terraform)
- Experience writing software for Raspberry Pi
- Experience with building & maintaining QA, telemetry, and monitoring systems to ensure device stability
- Experience working with Linux servers
- Experience with 3D printing (e.g., Fusion 360) and basic CAD modeling
- Some experience with simple computer vision (e.g., OpenCV)
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Some experience with C# and .NET frameworks for scripting automation equipment
- Interest in learning about biotechnology and DNA sequence analysis
Why Plasmidsaurus?
- IMPACT: Your work will directly contribute to accelerating biotech research. This research is one of humanity’s most powerful tools for stopping climate change and developing novel therapies.
- INNOVATION: Work on the cutting edge of biotech and software, introducing indispensable tools to top-tier researchers.
- COMMUNITY: Join a passionate, resourceful team that values close, interactive relationships with our customers and each other.
We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't perfectly align with the job description as we seek out diverse and creative perspectives. Team members who love to learn and collaborate in an inclusive environment will thrive with us. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. If you need additional accommodations to feel comfortable during your interview process, please let us know at careers@plasmidsaurus.com.
COMPENSATION
- Compensation Range: $175K - $235K
See All 366+ Robotics Engineer Jobs in California
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Find Robotics Engineer JobsRobotics Engineer Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Robotics Engineer Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Amazon36
- FieldAI22
- Skild AI19
- Agility Robotics18
- Cushman & Wakefield15
Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software156
- Artificial Intelligence63
- Science & Research46
- Manufacturing33
- Electronics & Hardware22
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in robotics engineer jobs across California.
- Bachelor's or master's degree in robotics, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or computer science
- Hands-on experience with ROS or ROS2 for motion planning and sensor integration
- Proficiency in Python and C++ for real-time control systems and simulation
- Experience with robot kinematics, dynamics, and trajectory planning in production or lab environments
- Familiarity with computer vision libraries such as OpenCV or perception frameworks like PCL
- Ability to collaborate across hardware and software teams in a fast-paced California engineering environment
Robotics Engineer Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a robotics engineer in California?
Most robotics engineer roles in California require at least a bachelor's degree in robotics, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or computer science, and many mid-to-senior positions prefer a master's. California does not issue a state-specific robotics engineer license, but working in certain defense or aerospace contexts may require professional engineer registration through the California Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists. Building a strong portfolio of ROS-based or computer vision projects is a practical edge in the Bay Area and Los Angeles markets.
How much do robotics engineers make in California?
Robotics engineers in California earn a median of about $130,900 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $82,070 for the lowest 10% to over $203,620 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire robotics engineers in California?
Employers hiring robotics engineers in California right now include Amazon, FieldAI, and Skild AI, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. California's concentration of aerospace primes, semiconductor fabs, medical device makers, and autonomous vehicle programs means demand is spread from the Bay Area down through the greater Los Angeles basin.
Which California cities have the most robotics engineer jobs?
San Francisco, Santa Clara, and Mountain View have the most robotics engineer openings in California. The Bay Area leads because of its dense cluster of autonomous systems startups, semiconductor firms, and surgical robotics companies, while Los Angeles draws on a large aerospace and defense industrial base and San Diego benefits from proximity to defense contractors and biomedical device manufacturers anchored there.
Are there remote robotics engineer jobs in California?
Yes, but they're rare. Robotics engineering is fundamentally hands-on work involving physical hardware, lab testing, and integration, which limits how much can be done remotely. About 16% of robotics engineer openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 2026, and those positions tend to cover software-heavy functions like simulation, computer vision algorithm development, or motion planning that don't require daily access to a physical robot.
How can I get hired as a robotics engineer in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is a new-graduate or associate engineer role at one of California's large aerospace or automation employers, many of which run structured new-grad programs specifically for candidates without professional experience. Companies like Northrop Grumman and Intuitive Surgical hire through campus recruiting at UC Berkeley, UCLA, and UCSD, while smaller Bay Area robotics startups often bring on junior engineers who can demonstrate ROS proficiency through a strong GitHub portfolio or senior capstone project. Adjacent roles in controls technician or mechatronics support work also provide a direct bridge into engineering tracks at California manufacturers.
Where can I find and apply to robotics engineer jobs in California?
You can find and apply to robotics engineer jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings across aerospace, manufacturing, autonomous systems, and medical robotics. Find roles that fit your background and apply directly from the listing.
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