Top 10 Robotics & AI Jobs in Pittsburgh for 2026

Pittsburgh continues to be a leading hub for robotics and artificial intelligence, powered by world-class research institutions (like Carnegie Mellon University), a growing startup ecosystem, and an expanding roster of tech companies in automation, AI, and intelligent systems. In 2026, demand for robotics and AI talent is surging — spanning autonomous systems, perception, machine learning, optimization, and real-world deployment across sectors like logistics, healthcare, manufacturing, and defense.

Here are the Top 10 Robotics & AI Jobs in Pittsburgh for 2026 — each with a role overview, salary insight, and where you’re most likely to find these positions.

1. Robotics Software Engineer

Robotics Software Engineers build the algorithms and software frameworks that enable autonomous movement, real-time perception, and intelligent control for robots in factories, warehouses, autonomous vehicles, and robotic arms.

Salary Range: ~$110,000–$170,000+
Hiring: Robotics companies, automation integrators, logistics tech firms

2. Machine Learning Engineer – AI Systems

Machine Learning Engineers design, train, and deploy AI models for computer vision, natural language processing, reinforcement learning, and predictive analytics — powering smart systems across industries.

Salary Range: ~$115,000–$175,000+
Hiring: AI research labs, autonomous tech startups, enterprise AI teams

3. Autonomous Vehicle Perception Engineer

Perception Engineers work on sensor fusion, object detection, tracking, and environmental understanding for autonomous platforms like robots, drones, and self-driving vehicles.

Salary Range: ~$120,000–$185,000+
Hiring: AV companies, defense labs, logistics automation groups

4. Control Systems & Dynamics Engineer

These engineers develop algorithms that govern robot motion, stability, feedback control, and dynamic response — ensuring precision and safety in physical systems.

Salary Range: ~$110,000–$170,000+
Hiring: Robotics OEMs, research institutions, advanced manufacturing firms

5. AI Research Scientist – Robotics/AI

AI Research Scientists push the boundaries of intelligent systems, publishing new models and inventing algorithms that improve autonomy, learning, robustness, and optimization.

Salary Range: ~$130,000–$200,000+
Hiring: Research labs, universities, AI startups, enterprise R&D

6. Computer Vision Engineer

Computer Vision Engineers focus on perception, image/video understanding, 3D reconstruction, and scene interpretation — critical for autonomous robotics, inspection systems, and intelligent interfaces.

Salary Range: ~$115,000–$175,000+
Hiring: Robotics firms, autonomous systems labs, health-tech teams

7. Robotics Test & Validation Engineer

These engineers design and run test scenarios, characterize performance, diagnose issues, and validate robotic systems before they hit production or deployment.

Salary Range: ~$90,000–$135,000+
Hiring: Robotics manufacturers, autonomous testing facilities, automation integrators

8. AI Product Manager – Intelligent Platforms

AI Product Managers oversee the vision, development, and launch of AI/robotics products — balancing technical feasibility with user needs and business goals.

Salary Range: ~$110,000–$160,000+
Hiring: AI/robotics startups, enterprise automation groups, software product teams

9. Embedded Software / Firmware Engineer – Robotics

Embedded Engineers write real-time code for microcontrollers, FPGAs, and specialized hardware that controls sensors, actuators, and robotics subsystems.

Salary Range: ~$105,000–$165,000+
Hiring: Robotics OEMs, hardware startups, autonomous systems firms

10. AI Ethics & Safety Specialist

These professionals ensure AI and robotics systems are designed in ways that are safe, fair, explainable, and aligned with ethical and regulatory standards — a growing priority as autonomous systems proliferate.

Salary Range: ~$95,000–$140,000+
Hiring: AI research institutions, enterprise AI groups, regulatory consultancies

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