Robotics Engineer Jobs in Virginia
Robotics Engineer jobs in Virginia are active and growing, with strong demand from defense contractors, aerospace systems integrators, and advanced manufacturing firms serving entry-level through senior principal engineers. The Northern Virginia corridor, Hampton Roads, and the Richmond metro drive the bulk of hiring, with established employers like Leidos, Northrop Grumman, and BAE Systems maintaining deep engineering rosters across the state. The most sought-after specialties include autonomous systems, industrial automation, and human-robot interaction for defense and logistics applications. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find Robotics Engineer JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 12+ Robotics Engineer jobs
- 538540
- Suffolk, Virginia, United States
- Electrical and ComputerEngineering
- Engineering
- Other
- Research / Scientific
- Full-Time (Salaried)
- Virginia Tech
Job Description
The Center for Marine Autonomy and Robotics (CMAR) at Virginia Tech seeks a Marine Robotics Engineer to design, develop, integrate, test, and deploy electrical, embedded, and software systems for autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) and related marine robotic platforms supporting sponsored engineering research. The position applies engineering principles to translate project requirements into assigned system designs, prototypes, and validated technical solutions.
Working with faculty, senior engineering and research personnel, students, and project collaborators, the engineer will carry out defined technical assignments with professional judgment and appropriate review of designs, testing, and safety-critical decisions. Work includes embedded electronics, firmware, power and communications, sensors, actuators, onboard computing, robotic software, and system-level integration. The position is a restricted staff appointment contingent upon continued funding and satisfactory performance.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, robotics, computer science, or a closely related field, and/or an equivalent level of training and experience.
- Demonstrated knowledge of electrical, embedded, or robotic systems gained through coursework, capstone projects, undergraduate research, internships, or employment.
- History of working ability to develop, test, or troubleshoot software using a programming language such as Python, C++, or MATLAB, demonstrated through academic or applied projects.
- Demonstrated ability to interpret technical requirements, document engineering work, analyze test results, and communicate findings within a multidisciplinary team.
- Demonstrated ability to follow laboratory and field safety requirements and work collaboratively on technical projects.
- This position requires eligibility to access and handle Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), which requires U.S. citizenship. The position may also require the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with ROS/ROS2, Linux, Git, or embedded firmware development.
- Experience integrating sensors, actuators, motor controllers, onboard computers, or communications interfaces.
- Experience with marine robotic platforms, autonomous systems, field testing, or challenging-environment robotics.
- Experience with PCB design, autonomy, perception, localization, or system-level verification.
Pay Band
4
Overtime Status
Exempt: Not eligible for overtime
Appointment Type
Restricted
Salary Information
$80,000-$105,000, Commensurate with Experience
Hours per week
40
Review Date
November 25, 2026
Additional Information
The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.
About Virginia Tech
Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.
Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.
Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.
If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Cole Tankersley at cpt19@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.
- 538540
- Suffolk, Virginia, United States
- Electrical and ComputerEngineering
- Engineering
- Other
- Research / Scientific
- Full-Time (Salaried)
- Virginia Tech
Job Description
The Center for Marine Autonomy and Robotics (CMAR) at Virginia Tech seeks a Marine Robotics Engineer to design, develop, integrate, test, and deploy electrical, embedded, and software systems for autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) and related marine robotic platforms supporting sponsored engineering research. The position applies engineering principles to translate project requirements into assigned system designs, prototypes, and validated technical solutions.
Working with faculty, senior engineering and research personnel, students, and project collaborators, the engineer will carry out defined technical assignments with professional judgment and appropriate review of designs, testing, and safety-critical decisions. Work includes embedded electronics, firmware, power and communications, sensors, actuators, onboard computing, robotic software, and system-level integration. The position is a restricted staff appointment contingent upon continued funding and satisfactory performance.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, robotics, computer science, or a closely related field, and/or an equivalent level of training and experience.
- Demonstrated knowledge of electrical, embedded, or robotic systems gained through coursework, capstone projects, undergraduate research, internships, or employment.
- History of working ability to develop, test, or troubleshoot software using a programming language such as Python, C++, or MATLAB, demonstrated through academic or applied projects.
- Demonstrated ability to interpret technical requirements, document engineering work, analyze test results, and communicate findings within a multidisciplinary team.
- Demonstrated ability to follow laboratory and field safety requirements and work collaboratively on technical projects.
- This position requires eligibility to access and handle Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), which requires U.S. citizenship. The position may also require the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with ROS/ROS2, Linux, Git, or embedded firmware development.
- Experience integrating sensors, actuators, motor controllers, onboard computers, or communications interfaces.
- Experience with marine robotic platforms, autonomous systems, field testing, or challenging-environment robotics.
- Experience with PCB design, autonomy, perception, localization, or system-level verification.
Pay Band
4
Overtime Status
Exempt: Not eligible for overtime
Appointment Type
Restricted
Salary Information
$80,000-$105,000, Commensurate with Experience
Hours per week
40
Review Date
November 25, 2026
Additional Information
The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.
About Virginia Tech
Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.
Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.
Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.
If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Cole Tankersley at cpt19@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.
See All 12 Robotics Engineer Jobs in Virginia
Find roles in Virginia that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Robotics Engineer JobsRobotics Engineer Jobs by City in Virginia
Where Virginia roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Robotics Engineer Job Market in Virginia
A snapshot from current Virginia openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
What Virginia Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in robotics engineer jobs across Virginia.
- Bachelor's or master's degree in robotics, mechanical, electrical, or computer engineering
- Hands-on experience with ROS, ROS2, or equivalent robotics middleware frameworks
- Proficiency in C++ and Python for real-time robot control and simulation
- Experience with motion planning, sensor fusion, or autonomous navigation systems
- Ability to obtain or hold an active U.S. security clearance for defense programs
- Familiarity with CAD tools such as SolidWorks or CATIA for mechanical design work
Robotics Engineer Jobs in Virginia: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a robotics engineer in Virginia?
Virginia does not require a state-specific license to work as a robotics engineer, though engineers who stamp public-facing designs may pursue Professional Engineer licensure through the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation. Most employers in Virginia expect a bachelor's degree in mechanical, electrical, computer, or systems engineering. Relevant certifications in robotics platforms, autonomous systems, or controls strengthen a candidate's profile, particularly for defense-oriented roles across Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads.
How much do robotics engineers make in Virginia?
Robotics engineers in Virginia earn a median of about $104,180 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $77,840 for the lowest 10% to over $160,770 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire robotics engineers in Virginia?
Employers hiring robotics engineers in Virginia right now include Framatome North America, Amazon, and Virginia Tech, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Virginia's concentration of defense and intelligence contractors means many openings also require or prefer candidates eligible for a security clearance.
Which Virginia cities have the most robotics engineer jobs?
Arlington, Lynchburg, and Suffolk are the Virginia cities with the most robotics engineer openings, driven by Northern Virginia's dense cluster of defense contractors and federal agencies, Hampton Roads' naval shipbuilding and unmanned systems work, and Richmond's expanding advanced manufacturing and logistics automation sector.
Are there remote robotics engineer jobs in Virginia?
Yes, but they're rare. Robotics engineering is largely hands-on work involving physical systems, test environments, and secure facilities, which limits fully remote arrangements. About 33% of robotics engineer openings tied to Virginia are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, and those openings tend to involve software-heavy roles such as simulation engineering, motion planning algorithm development, or robotics software architecture rather than hardware integration or lab work.
How can I get hired as a robotics engineer in Virginia with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is a university cooperative education or internship program with a Northern Virginia defense contractor or a Hampton Roads shipbuilding firm, where new graduates regularly transition into full-time associate engineer roles. Companies like Leidos and Northrop Grumman run structured new-graduate hiring pipelines for engineering talent. Adjacent roles in controls, systems integration, or test and evaluation engineering are common stepping stones. Building a hands-on portfolio using ROS-based projects and contributing to robotics competitions or university labs strengthens a Virginia application meaningfully.
Where can I find and apply to robotics engineer jobs in Virginia?
You can find and apply to robotics engineer jobs in Virginia on Migrate Mate, which lists current Virginia openings across defense, manufacturing, and technology employers. Find roles that fit your background and apply directly to each one.
See All 12 Robotics Engineer Jobs in Virginia
Find roles in Virginia that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Robotics Engineer Jobs