Guide to a Robotics Engineering Career

Robotics engineers help create robotic systems used to perform human and nonhuman duties. Some common responsibilities associated with this role include the following:

• Design and build robots

• Maintain and repair robots

• Develop new applications for existing robots

• Research to expand the potential of robotics 

Some robotics engineers specialise in creating specific parts of a robot.

As a robotics engineer, you could contribute to any aspect of the robot, from initial design to writing control software. You’ll evaluate robotic systems, make any necessary improvements, and perform tests to ensure the robots function correctly and meet industry standards before people use them.

Robotics engineers create robots for various purposes, from exploring other planets to working in factories. You can make a significant difference in the world as a robotics engineer.

What is robotics engineering? 

The robotics engineering field is complex. It combines many disciplines, including computer, electrical, and mechanical engineering. It involves designing, building, and engineering robots. It’s also a valuable research-related design role. 

What does a robotics engineer do? 

As a robotics engineer, you may develop robotic applications across many industries, including automotive, aerospace, manufacturing, defence, and medicine. 

You may spend much of your time working at a computer designing new products or at a workstation assembling prototypes for testing purposes. Some robotics engineers work on-site at manufacturing plants overseeing robots as they operate on assembly lines.

Attending professional conferences will help you keep up with developments in the field. These conferences provide opportunities to share new ideas with other experts and learn about the latest technology.

Working as a robotics engineer, you can specialise in areas such as:

• Mobility locomotion

• Sensing and perception

• Operator interface

• Manipulators and effectors

• Programming

Types of robotic engineers

There are many different types of robotics engineering, with specialties that fit your interests and skills. 

For instance, some robotics engineers design robotic arms for the auto industry, others help create robots for space exploration, and others develop specialised robots to help perform surgery or assist the military.

Robotics engineering combines electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and computer systems engineering. Many specialties have emerged as the field has grown and expanded, including but not limited to: 

• Air traffic management systems

• Artificial intelligence robotics

• Automation

• Bio-cybernetics

• Computer software development

• Computer-aided manufacturing

• Control systems

• Defence

• Farming

• Health care

• General robotics

• Intelligent systems

• Medical robotics

• Microrobotics

Robots are used in various fields, creating many opportunities for robotics engineers. You may work in:

• A manufacturing plant building, maintaining, and fixing robots

• A technology company designing personal and domestic robots 

• A university performing research on human-machine interaction and robotic advances

• Industrial research developing and building new robotic design concepts

Many robotic engineers will work in some type of laboratory setting and spaces conducive to frequently manufacturing and testing their robots. Robotics engineers also have an in-office space to plan prototypes or hold brainstorming sessions. 

What skills are required for robotics engineers?

As robotics engineering is a cutting-edge, multidisciplinary field, you need to be curious and committed to continuous learning. More specifically, you may want to have these skills:

• Interest in how things work: As a robotics engineer, you'll be responsible for designing, assembling, testing, and maintaining robots. You need to understand mechanics, electronics, sensory feedback systems, and how these complex machines operate. 

• Imagination: You must be able to visualise how a robot moves and interacts with its environment.

• Decision-making skills: Many problems don't have clear solutions. In these situations, it's up to you to evaluate different options and make the best decision.

• Maths skills: As a robotics engineer, you’ll use advanced maths daily as you design and analyse the performance of robots. Algebra, geometry, measurement, and statistics are also common, as are calculus or trigonometry.

• Computer skills: Robotics engineers use computer software to create detailed designs of robots and robotic systems before building those systems. They also use specialised software programs to test how robots perform in different environments.

• A practical focus: You need to use critical and logical thinking to debug machines and get them working properly. You’ll often have to make decisions that compromise performance in one area and be able to ascertain the best path forward.

• Communication skills: As an engineer, you must be able to clearly communicate your designs to other professionals.

You’ll also need domain-specific skills. For example, if you’re working on designing robotic brain interfaces, you may require knowledge of flexible conducting metals used as neural probes. You’ll need to understand programming languages and artificial intelligence to work on autonomous robots. You can often learn domain-specific technical skills on the job, although some employers want prior experience in the area you’ll be working.

Where does a robotics engineer work?

A lot of positions conduct advanced robotics research in universities. Here are some industries where you’ll find robotics engineering jobs.

• Automotive manufacturers are among the largest employers of robotics engineers. These companies use robots to manufacture vehicles and their parts.

• Robotics engineers also work for defence contractors who build military weapons that require remote or automated operations. Military drones and missile systems commonly use robotic technology.

• Aerospace firms employ robotics engineers to design and manufacture spacecraft, satellites, and missiles. Robots also help assemble aircraft and perform maintenance on them.

• Medical equipment manufacturers rely on robotics engineers to create artificial limbs and prosthetics. Surgical operations have increasingly used robotic surgical systems. 

• Robotics engineers can also find employment at research firms that study robotic technology and its possible applications in different industries.

Salary and career outlook for robotic engineers

Robotics engineering is growing rapidly. Experts anticipate the annual revenue growth rate for robotics in the UK to be 8.34 percent until 2027 [1]. 

The UK's average annual robotics engineering salary is £38,141 [2]. Some jobs in robotics engineering and their average UK salaries include:

• Robotics electrical engineer: £37,027 [3]

• Robotics software engineer: £45,431 [4]

• Automation engineer: £42,302 [5]

• Computer vision engineer: £50,022 [6]

How to become a robotics engineer

You’ll need an undergraduate or postgraduate qualification to become a robotics engineer. If you intend to work in a robotics software role, you’ll need a background in computer science. If you want to design robotic components, you’ll focus your studies on mechanical or electrical engineering.

Attend university.

Several universities offer undergraduate qualifications in robotics engineering. Many aspiring robotics engineers pursue a mechanical or electrical engineering degree focusing on robotics. You can choose from various majors and still have access to a robotics career, including:

• Electrical/electronics engineering

• Mechanical engineering

• Computer science

• Artificial intelligence and robotics

• Mathematics

• Design and technology

• Computing and programming 

To build relevant skills in robotics, you’ll likely need to take mathematics and physics courses and more specialised classes related to robotics, such as mechanical design and programming languages. 

If you choose a degree in electrical or computer engineering with robotics, your coursework will focus on components within robots, such as actuators, sensors, and circuit boards.

Employers typically don't mind whether you have a specific bachelor's degree. They want you to have the necessary skills and know-how to perform the job. Most robotics engineers hold at least a bachelor's degree in engineering.

What is a robotics engineering degree?

A robotics engineering degree programme teaches you how to design and build robots. Your courses will teach you about mechanical and electrical engineering, chemistry, computer science, and physics. The type of robotics engineer you become depends on your educational background, industry experience, and the area of specialisation you choose. A robotics major can keep different robotics specialisations open to you.

Gain experience.

While some employers may hire new graduates, many look for candidates with experience. One way to enter a career in robotics engineering is to get a job as a robotics technician first. To do this, you can earn a certificate or diploma by taking college courses. Earning a Level 3 Certificate in Robotics and Automation, a Level 4 Diploma in Computing, or a Higher National Certificate in Electrical or Electronic Engineering can provide you with the necessary qualifications for a technician position. After gaining experience, you can pursue further training to enter a role as an engineer.

Another way to enter the robotics field is through a degree apprenticeship in robotics. Apprenticeships in control and technical support engineering, software development, and electro-mechanical engineering can help you begin to develop field-specific skills. Apprenticeships provide hands-on experience working with robots and may help you build professional relationships with mentors who can guide you as you start your career. 

Consider a postgraduate degree. 

Many employers prefer to hire applicants who have completed a master's or doctorate programme in robotics engineering or a related field. Graduate programmes allow you to gain valuable knowledge and skills through advanced coursework and research opportunities. Master’s programmes typically take one to two years, and doctoral degrees take three to six years.

Consider professional registration or certifications. 

Robotics engineers aren’t required to get licensure. However, earning professional credentials may improve your job prospects. For example, engineers can earn their Chartered Engineer (CEng) designation after completing theoretical and practical training requirements.

Is robotics engineering right for me?

Careers in robotics engineering can be very rewarding. Here are some things to keep in mind as you consider this career path:

• You’ll need to commit yourself to lifelong learning. The world of technology is constantly changing and evolving. To remain competitive and relevant, you’ll need to devote yourself to staying current with technological advancements.

• Focus on solutions. You may encounter problems from time to time. When you do, you may need to be able to take a step back and focus on finding the solution rather than getting bogged down by the problem.

Robotics engineering could be the right career for you if:

• You have a strong commitment to lifelong learning.

• You thrive in an intellectually challenging environment.

• You have high initiative, integrity, professionalism, and accountability.

• You can prioritise competing demands and projects and organise your time effectively.

• You have well-developed analytical, organisational, and problem-solving skills.

Next steps

Understanding the building blocks can help you start learning the fundamentals and technical skills of a robotics career. You may want to consider the Modern Robotics: Mechanics, Planning, and Control Specialisation offered by Northwestern or the Robotics Process Automation (RPA) Specialisation offered by UI Path on Coursera.