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.
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Are you ready to be part of a company that's not just talking about the future, but actively shaping it? Join The AES Corporation, the largest US-based global power company with a team of 8,300 employees across 12 countries.
AES has been ranked #1 by BloombergNEF in renewable energy sales to corporations in the US and Americas for five consecutive years, providing electricity for millions of people worldwide.
We are proud to foster a strong workplace culture, earning prominent positions in Great Place to Work™ rankings across the markets where we operate. AES was also named one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies for the 13th consecutive year in 2026, highlighting our dedication to integrity, transparency, and responsible business practices.
Our spirit of innovation continues to earn industry recognition. AES is the only seven-time winner of the Edison Electric Institute’s Edison Awards in the twenty-first century, a distinction honoring global leadership in advancing the electric power industry.
If you're ready to be part of a company that's not just adapting to change, but driving it, AES is the place for you. We're not just building a more sustainable future, we're powering it. Apply now and energize your career with a true leader in global energy.
We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Robotics Validation & Release Engineer to join our team. In this role, you will lead the definition and execution of the end-to-end validation and release strategy for the software that powers Maximo, our solar module installation robotic system. This includes, but is not limited to, the testing and validation of perception, autonomy, controls, safety, and system services before any release is deployed to production robots operating on active construction sites.
You will establish clear release criteria, quality gates, and verification and validation plans that scale with fleet growth. You will be accountable for executing tests and validation activities across simulation, hardware-in-the-loop, lab systems, and field environments for all software releases and changes. You will also be responsible for ensuring that performance, reliability, and safety requirements are met prior to production deployment.
You will leverage your expertise in robotics, simulation, testing, and system validation to troubleshoot and solve complex challenges while working closely with cross-functional teams to ensure features are properly validated, improvements are clearly communicated, and software versions are tracked and controlled. You will play a key role in ensuring Maximo’s software is integrated, verified, and validated before deployment to production robots in the field. In this role, you will translate product-level requirements into structured validation plans, release criteria, and repeatable deployment processes for a rugged outdoor robotic platform.
A successful candidate is strongly motivated and passionate about solving robotics problems and pushing the boundaries of what is possible today. This individual will be entrepreneurial, mission-driven, and responsible for progressing, developing, and executing the validation and release roadmap for our solar module installation robotic system.
This person will take ownership of defining release criteria and quality gates, validating robotics solutions before deployment, and ensuring the system meets requirements and performance targets. In addition, this individual will be responsible for improving documentation, strengthening validation processes, and maintaining disciplined development and release practices.
A strong candidate has a solid technical understanding of robotics system architecture, development, and validation practices, combined with hands-on experience working with robotics stacks such as ROS 2, C++, real-time communication, mobility, and sensor fusion for autonomous mobile systems.
As a specialist in the Maximo business, this position will work collaboratively across the Maximo, external industry partners across the value chain, and AES teams, including engineering, business development, construction, finance, supply chain, and strategy.
Major Responsibilities
Define validation strategy and test coverage expectations across unit, integration, system, regression, and endurance testing
Own the software release process end-to-end, from release planning through deployment and post-release verification.
Build and maintain a release readiness framework (entry/exit criteria, go/no-go checklists, sign-offs, and rollback plans).
Develop and maintain CI pipelines and automated regression suites; ensure results are visible, actionable, and trusted.
Coordinate system-level verification across simulation, HIL, lab rigs, and field test robots; standardize test environments.
Establish performance benchmarks and acceptance thresholds for critical behaviors (accuracy, latency, stability, uptime, safety).
Partner with engineering and product leads to translate product requirements into testable acceptance criteria and validation plans.
Own release documentation including release notes, known issues, validation reports, and deployment playbooks.
Ensure safe deployment practices and alignment with applicable safety standards and operational constraints in the field.
Establish verification and validation practices: architecture reviews, test plans, performance benchmarks, and traceability from requirements to tests.
Design, develop, implement and troubleshoot robotics systems for various components, including robotics, servomotors, variety of automation sensors, vision systems, battery management and safety components.
Ensure seamless integration of robotic systems with other components and systems.
Conduct rigorous testing and validation of robotics systems to meet performance and safety requirements
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure the successful integration of robotics solutions into complex systems.
Build scenario libraries (terrain/slope, occlusions, lighting, sensor noise) + acceptance metrics
Simulation-to-field correlation (validate sensor models vs real logs)
Support transition from simulation to real-world testing by creating test procedures, instrumentation, and debugging workflows; help close gaps between simulation and field
Develop and maintain robotic system architecture, ensuring continuous improvement and innovation.
Design, develop and implement advanced algorithms for real-time tasks such as trajectory generation, motion control, robotics motion, and system optimization.
Research, develop, implement, and test new capabilities for industrial robotics
Requirements
Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Robotics, Computer Science, or a related field.
6+ years of work experience in robotics system.
Proven track record owning releases for systems that include embedded/real-time components and hardware interfaces.
Hands-on experience with automated testing frameworks, CI/CD, and test infrastructure (e.g., Python tooling, Docker, build systems).
Experience designing test plans and validation strategies for autonomy/robotics or safety-critical systems is strongly preferred.
Strong debugging skills across software/hardware boundaries; ability to reproduce and isolate field issues systematically.
Comfort with uncertainty and fast iteration; ability to balance speed and rigor while maintaining high quality standards.
Strong theoretical foundation in robotics software and system architecture.
Strong programming skills in languages such as C++, Python
Proficiency in ROS2 and experience with ROS hardware integration
Experience with robotics simulation and digital twins.
Experience with middleware and networking considerations (DDS, QoS, latency/jitter, time synchronization) in distributed robotic systems.
Proven track record of successfully delivering complex robotics systems to market
Knowledge of robotics platforms and sensor systems.
Founder’s mentality: Entrepreneurial passion for getting things done and a “make it happen” attitude with an intellectual curiosity to seek new opportunities.
Skill and Behavior: Capability to work dynamically and collaboratively across multiple teams in a fast-paced and technical business environment with minimal supervision. Excellent communication skills. Results-oriented, “can-do” attitude, and “get things done” mentality; comfortable with uncertainty and ambiguity; no compromise on attention to quality and details.
Technology fluency: Demonstrated ability to understand solar engineering and technology concepts, question assumptions, and make informed product and technology decisions. Technical understanding of automation, robotics, computer vision, machine learning and/or artificial intelligence, is a plus.
Be a part of the change and join Maximo at AES!
Start Date: ASAP
Travel: 60% travel
Languages: English required
Are you ready to be part of a company that's not just talking about the future, but actively shaping it? Join The AES Corporation, the largest US-based global power company with a team of 8,300 employees across 12 countries.
AES has been ranked #1 by BloombergNEF in renewable energy sales to corporations in the US and Americas for five consecutive years, providing electricity for millions of people worldwide.
We are proud to foster a strong workplace culture, earning prominent positions in Great Place to Work™ rankings across the markets where we operate. AES was also named one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies for the 13th consecutive year in 2026, highlighting our dedication to integrity, transparency, and responsible business practices.
Our spirit of innovation continues to earn industry recognition. AES is the only seven-time winner of the Edison Electric Institute’s Edison Awards in the twenty-first century, a distinction honoring global leadership in advancing the electric power industry.
If you're ready to be part of a company that's not just adapting to change, but driving it, AES is the place for you. We're not just building a more sustainable future, we're powering it. Apply now and energize your career with a true leader in global energy.
We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Robotics Validation & Release Engineer to join our team. In this role, you will lead the definition and execution of the end-to-end validation and release strategy for the software that powers Maximo, our solar module installation robotic system. This includes, but is not limited to, the testing and validation of perception, autonomy, controls, safety, and system services before any release is deployed to production robots operating on active construction sites.
You will establish clear release criteria, quality gates, and verification and validation plans that scale with fleet growth. You will be accountable for executing tests and validation activities across simulation, hardware-in-the-loop, lab systems, and field environments for all software releases and changes. You will also be responsible for ensuring that performance, reliability, and safety requirements are met prior to production deployment.
You will leverage your expertise in robotics, simulation, testing, and system validation to troubleshoot and solve complex challenges while working closely with cross-functional teams to ensure features are properly validated, improvements are clearly communicated, and software versions are tracked and controlled. You will play a key role in ensuring Maximo’s software is integrated, verified, and validated before deployment to production robots in the field. In this role, you will translate product-level requirements into structured validation plans, release criteria, and repeatable deployment processes for a rugged outdoor robotic platform.
A successful candidate is strongly motivated and passionate about solving robotics problems and pushing the boundaries of what is possible today. This individual will be entrepreneurial, mission-driven, and responsible for progressing, developing, and executing the validation and release roadmap for our solar module installation robotic system.
This person will take ownership of defining release criteria and quality gates, validating robotics solutions before deployment, and ensuring the system meets requirements and performance targets. In addition, this individual will be responsible for improving documentation, strengthening validation processes, and maintaining disciplined development and release practices.
A strong candidate has a solid technical understanding of robotics system architecture, development, and validation practices, combined with hands-on experience working with robotics stacks such as ROS 2, C++, real-time communication, mobility, and sensor fusion for autonomous mobile systems.
As a specialist in the Maximo business, this position will work collaboratively across the Maximo, external industry partners across the value chain, and AES teams, including engineering, business development, construction, finance, supply chain, and strategy.
Major Responsibilities
Define validation strategy and test coverage expectations across unit, integration, system, regression, and endurance testing
Own the software release process end-to-end, from release planning through deployment and post-release verification.
Build and maintain a release readiness framework (entry/exit criteria, go/no-go checklists, sign-offs, and rollback plans).
Develop and maintain CI pipelines and automated regression suites; ensure results are visible, actionable, and trusted.
Coordinate system-level verification across simulation, HIL, lab rigs, and field test robots; standardize test environments.
Establish performance benchmarks and acceptance thresholds for critical behaviors (accuracy, latency, stability, uptime, safety).
Partner with engineering and product leads to translate product requirements into testable acceptance criteria and validation plans.
Own release documentation including release notes, known issues, validation reports, and deployment playbooks.
Ensure safe deployment practices and alignment with applicable safety standards and operational constraints in the field.
Establish verification and validation practices: architecture reviews, test plans, performance benchmarks, and traceability from requirements to tests.
Design, develop, implement and troubleshoot robotics systems for various components, including robotics, servomotors, variety of automation sensors, vision systems, battery management and safety components.
Ensure seamless integration of robotic systems with other components and systems.
Conduct rigorous testing and validation of robotics systems to meet performance and safety requirements
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure the successful integration of robotics solutions into complex systems.
Build scenario libraries (terrain/slope, occlusions, lighting, sensor noise) + acceptance metrics
Simulation-to-field correlation (validate sensor models vs real logs)
Support transition from simulation to real-world testing by creating test procedures, instrumentation, and debugging workflows; help close gaps between simulation and field
Develop and maintain robotic system architecture, ensuring continuous improvement and innovation.
Design, develop and implement advanced algorithms for real-time tasks such as trajectory generation, motion control, robotics motion, and system optimization.
Research, develop, implement, and test new capabilities for industrial robotics
Requirements
Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Robotics, Computer Science, or a related field.
6+ years of work experience in robotics system.
Proven track record owning releases for systems that include embedded/real-time components and hardware interfaces.
Hands-on experience with automated testing frameworks, CI/CD, and test infrastructure (e.g., Python tooling, Docker, build systems).
Experience designing test plans and validation strategies for autonomy/robotics or safety-critical systems is strongly preferred.
Strong debugging skills across software/hardware boundaries; ability to reproduce and isolate field issues systematically.
Comfort with uncertainty and fast iteration; ability to balance speed and rigor while maintaining high quality standards.
Strong theoretical foundation in robotics software and system architecture.
Strong programming skills in languages such as C++, Python
Proficiency in ROS2 and experience with ROS hardware integration
Experience with robotics simulation and digital twins.
Experience with middleware and networking considerations (DDS, QoS, latency/jitter, time synchronization) in distributed robotic systems.
Proven track record of successfully delivering complex robotics systems to market
Knowledge of robotics platforms and sensor systems.
Founder’s mentality: Entrepreneurial passion for getting things done and a “make it happen” attitude with an intellectual curiosity to seek new opportunities.
Skill and Behavior: Capability to work dynamically and collaboratively across multiple teams in a fast-paced and technical business environment with minimal supervision. Excellent communication skills. Results-oriented, “can-do” attitude, and “get things done” mentality; comfortable with uncertainty and ambiguity; no compromise on attention to quality and details.
Technology fluency: Demonstrated ability to understand solar engineering and technology concepts, question assumptions, and make informed product and technology decisions. Technical understanding of automation, robotics, computer vision, machine learning and/or artificial intelligence, is a plus.
Be a part of the change and join Maximo at AES!
Start Date: ASAP
Travel: 60% travel
Languages: English required
See All 8 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 MOLG, HDT Global, and AES Corporation, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 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?
Sterling, Fredericksburg, and McLean 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 0% of robotics engineer openings tied to Virginia are remote or hybrid as of August 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 8 Robotics Engineer Jobs in Virginia
Find roles in Virginia that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Robotics Engineer Jobs