STEM OPT Robotics Engineer Jobs
Robotics Engineer roles in automation, manipulation, and autonomous systems qualify for STEM OPT's 24-month extension when your degree falls under an eligible CIP code. Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify, and you'll work under a signed I-983 training plan tied directly to your engineering degree.
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Get Access To All JobsAbout 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 221+ STEM OPT Robotics Engineer Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as a Robotics Engineer
Verify your CIP code before applying
Check that your degree's CIP code appears on the official STEM Designated Degree Program List. Robotics-adjacent degrees in mechanical, electrical, or computer engineering each carry different codes, and your DSO needs the right one to authorize your extension.
Confirm E-Verify enrollment before accepting offers
Ask the recruiter for the company's E-Verify employer ID number before signing anything. Many robotics startups and defense contractors aren't enrolled, which disqualifies them as STEM OPT sponsors regardless of their technical credibility or interest in hiring you.
Align your I-983 training goals to the job description
Your I-983 training plan must connect specific learning objectives to your STEM degree. For robotics roles, map plan goals to motion planning, sensor integration, or controls systems work listed in the offer letter so USCIS can see a direct educational connection.
Target defense and manufacturing companies with active LCA filings
Use the OFLC Wage Search to identify employers who have filed Labor Condition Applications for Robotics Engineers. Companies with recent LCA activity in your target metro already have payroll infrastructure and HR familiarity with work authorization processes for this role.
Search for robotics roles on Migrate Mate
Migrate Mate filters Robotics Engineer listings to employers verified for STEM OPT hiring. You can browse by location and industry sector, so you're not wasting applications on companies that have never navigated OPT extension paperwork before.
Start the cap-gap conversation early with your employer
If your OPT expires while an H-1B visa petition is pending, cap-gap rules let you keep working. Raise this timeline with your employer during the offer stage, not after your EAD expiration date is three weeks away, so HR can file on time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my engineering degree qualify me for the STEM OPT extension as a Robotics Engineer?
It depends on your specific degree's CIP code, not just the field name. Degrees in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer engineering, and computer science commonly qualify, but a general engineering technology degree may not appear on the STEM Designated Degree Program List. Your DSO can confirm whether your exact degree and institution combination is eligible before you apply for the 24-month extension.
What does the I-983 training plan need to include for a Robotics Engineer role?
The I-983 must document specific learning objectives that connect your day-to-day robotics work to your STEM degree. For this role, that means detailing how tasks like motion planning, ROS development, sensor fusion, or controls systems engineering build on your academic training. Your employer also must provide a supervising mentor and attest to the training's educational value. USCIS can audit these plans, so vague or boilerplate language increases your risk.
How do I verify that a robotics company is enrolled in E-Verify before I accept a job offer?
Ask the recruiter directly for the company's E-Verify employer ID number. You can also search the E-Verify employer search tool, which is publicly accessible through the E-Verify program website. Many robotics startups and early-stage automation companies aren't enrolled, so this check matters before you commit. If the employer won't confirm enrollment or can't provide the ID, they can't legally sponsor your STEM OPT extension.
What happens to my work authorization if my STEM OPT expires while my H-1B is pending?
If your employer filed an H-1B petition on your behalf before your OPT EAD expired, cap-gap protection extends your work authorization automatically until October 1 of that fiscal year. You don't need a new EAD during this window, but your employer must have filed before the deadline. USCIS issues a cap-gap extension to your I-20, which your DSO updates. Traveling internationally during cap-gap carries re-entry risk, so consult your DSO first.
Where can I find Robotics Engineer jobs where the employer already understands STEM OPT?
Migrate Mate lists Robotics Engineer roles filtered for employers familiar with STEM OPT hiring and E-Verify enrollment. Working with employers who have prior OPT experience matters because they already know how to complete the I-983, handle the E-Verify Form I-9 process, and meet the 24-month reporting obligations. That reduces onboarding friction and lowers the chance of a compliance gap that could disrupt your status.