The field of robotics is rapidly expanding, offering many exciting job opportunities for individuals possessing the right skills and experience.
Qualifications necessary for robotics jobs can vary based on the specific role. However, a bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, or a related field is generally required. For certain positions, a master’s degree or higher might be necessary.
Employers highly value relevant work experience within the robotics industry. Internships or co-op placements serve as excellent avenues to acquire this valuable experience.
Proficiency in technical skills such as programming, hardware design, and mechanics is essential for most robotics positions. Robotics engineers must adeptly identify and resolve complex problems.
Effective communication, catering to technical and non-technical audiences, is crucial for robotics engineers. They must articulate technical concepts clearly to individuals with varying technical expertise.
Here are some of the most prominent jobs in robotics, and here are some ways you can get each of these jobs.
1. Robotics Engineer
Robotics engineers are responsible for designing, developing, and testing robots while integrating them into existing systems and processes. Typically holding a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or computer science, these professionals require a solid foundation in their respective fields.
Proficiency in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or computer science is crucial for robotics engineers, along with familiarity with specialized robotics concepts such as control systems, sensors, and actuators.
In the United States, the average annual salary for a robotics engineer stands at $100,640. However, salaries can fluctuate based on experience, location, and the specific role. Seasoned robotics engineers may earn upwards of $150,000 annually, whereas those with less experience might start around $60,000 per year.
To pursue a career as a Robotics Engineer:
- Obtain a bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, or a related field.
- Participate in internships or co-op placements within the robotics industry.
- Cultivate robust technical skills in programming, hardware design, and mechanics.
- Accumulate relevant work experience in the field of robotics.
2. Robotics Technician
Robotics technicians specialize in installing, maintaining, and repairing robots, ensuring their safe and efficient operation while troubleshooting any issues. Typically equipped with an associate’s degree in robotics or a related field, these professionals possess a foundational understanding of mechanical and electrical systems and expertise in troubleshooting and repair procedures.
In the United States, the average annual salary for a robotics technician stands at $52,960. However, earnings can fluctuate based on experience, location, and the specific role. Seasoned robotics technicians may command salaries upwards of $70,000 annually, while newcomers might start around $40,000 yearly.
To pursue a career as a Robotics Technician:
- Obtain an associate’s degree in robotics or a related field.
- Engage in internships or co-op placements within the robotics industry.
- Develop a fundamental grasp of mechanical and electrical systems.
- Accumulate relevant work experience in the robotics industry.
3. Software Engineer
Software engineers specializing in robotics are responsible for developing software that governs the operations of robots, focusing on integrating this software with hardware and sensors. Typically holding a bachelor’s degree in computer science or software engineering, these professionals require a robust foundation in computer science and proficiency in programming languages like C++, Java, and Python. Moreover, they need familiarity with specialized software tools and libraries specific to robotics.
In the United States, a software engineer’s average annual salary is $110,140. However, earnings can vary based on experience, location, and the specific role. Experienced software engineers in robotics may earn upwards of $150,000 annually, while entry-level professionals might start at around $60,000 annually.
To pursue a career as a Software Engineer:
- Attain a bachelor’s degree in computer science or software engineering.
- Cultivate strong programming skills in languages like C++, Java, and Python.
- Accumulate relevant work experience in software development.
- Develop familiarity with robotics-specific software tools and libraries.
4. Hardware Engineer
Hardware engineers specializing in robotics are responsible for designing, developing, testing, and debugging the physical components that constitute robots. Typically equipped with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or a related field, these professionals require a robust foundation in electrical engineering. They should possess expertise in electronics design, circuit analysis and familiarity with specialized hardware components essential in robotics, such as sensors and actuators.
In the United States, a hardware engineer’s average annual salary is $102,850. However, earnings can fluctuate based on experience, location, and the specific role. Experienced hardware engineers in robotics may command salaries upwards of $150,000 annually, while entry-level professionals might start around $60,000 annually.
To pursue a career as a Hardware Engineer:
- Obtain a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or a related field.
- Develop strong skills in electronics design and circuit analysis.
- Accumulate relevant work experience in hardware design.
- Cultivate familiarity with robotics-specific hardware components such as sensors and actuators.
5. Sales Engineer
Sales engineers specializing in robotics are responsible for selling robots and robotic systems to businesses while providing technical support and training to customers. Typically holding a bachelor’s degree in engineering, business, or a related field, these professionals require a strong comprehension of robotics technology and its diverse applications. Additionally, they must possess excellent communication skills to effectively engage with customers and discern their specific requirements.
In the United States, a sales engineer’s average annual salary is $88,880. However, earnings can fluctuate based on experience, location, and the specific role. Seasoned sales engineers specializing in robotics may earn upwards of $120,000 annually, while those new to the field might start around $50,000 annually.
To pursue a career as a Sales Engineer:
- Attain a bachelor’s degree in engineering, business, or a related field.
- Develop a strong understanding of robotics technology and its applications.
- Accumulate relevant sales experience.
- Cultivate effective communication and exceptional customer service skills.
6. Mechatronics Engineer
Mechatronics engineers design and develop integrated systems that merge mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering principles. They apply their expertise across various products, including robots, medical devices, and manufacturing systems. Typically holding a bachelor’s degree in mechatronics or a related field, these professionals require a robust foundation in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and computer science. Additionally, they need familiarity with robotics-specific concepts such as control systems, sensors, and actuators.
In the United States, a mechatronics engineer’s average annual salary is $83,640. However, earnings can vary based on experience, location, and the specific role. Experienced mechatronics engineers may command salaries upwards of $120,000 annually, while entry-level professionals might start around $50,000 per year.
To pursue a career as a Mechatronics Engineer:
- Attain a bachelor’s degree in mechatronics or a related field.
- Develop a strong foundation in mechanical, electrical, and computer science.
- Accumulate relevant work experience in mechatronics engineering.
- Familiarize with robotics-specific concepts such as control systems, sensors, and actuators.
7. Process Automation Engineer
Process automation engineers specialize in developing and implementing automated systems across manufacturing and various industries. They identify processes suitable for automation and then design and deploy the required software and hardware solutions. Typically holding a bachelor’s degree in engineering or computer science, these professionals require a robust foundation in either field. Additionally, they need familiarity with automation concepts and tools.
In the United States, a process automation engineer’s average annual salary is $94,690. However, earnings can fluctuate based on experience, location, and the specific role. Seasoned process automation engineers may earn upwards of $130,000 annually, while those starting might earn around $60,000 annually.
To pursue a career as a Process Automation Engineer:
- Obtain a bachelor’s degree in engineering or computer science.
- Develop a strong foundation in automation concepts and tools.
- Accumulate relevant work experience in process automation.
- Cultivate problem-solving and analytical skills.
8. Automation Project Engineer
Automation project engineers oversee the execution of automation projects, managing planning, scheduling, and execution while troubleshooting issues to ensure projects meet deadlines and stay within budget. Typically holding a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field, these professionals require a solid foundation in engineering. Additionally, they should possess familiarity with project management concepts and tools.
The average annual salary for an automation project engineer in the United States is $102,330. However, salaries can vary based on experience, location, and the specific role. Experienced automation project engineers earn upwards of $140,000 annually, while entry-level professionals earn around $60,000 annually.
To pursue a career as an Automation Project Engineer:
- Obtain a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field.
- Develop a strong foundation in project management concepts and tools.
- Accumulate relevant work experience in project management.
- Cultivate leadership and effective communication skills.
9. Embedded Design Engineer
Embedded design engineers create and refine software tailored for embedded systems like robots and other resource-limited devices, optimizing software performance and efficiency. Typically holding a bachelor’s degree in computer science or electrical engineering, these professionals require a solid foundation in either field. Additionally, they need expertise in embedded systems programming and design.
In the United States, an embedded design engineer’s average annual salary is $101,432. However, earnings can fluctuate based on experience, location, and the specific role. Experienced embedded design engineers earn upwards of $140,000 annually, while entry-level professionals might start around $60,000 per year.
To pursue a career as an Embedded Design Engineer:
- Attain a bachelor’s degree in computer science or electrical engineering.
- Develop a strong foundation in embedded systems programming and design.
- Accumulate relevant work experience in embedded systems design.
- Cultivate problem-solving and analytical skills.
10. Deployment Engineer
Deployment engineers handle the deployment and configuration of robots and robotic systems in production environments. Their responsibilities include ensuring proper installation configuration and providing training and support to users. Typically holding a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field, these professionals require a solid foundation in engineering. Additionally, they should possess familiarity with systems administration and configuration.
In the United States, a deployment engineer’s average annual salary is $82,710. However, earnings can vary based on experience, location, and the specific role. Experienced deployment engineers earn upwards of $110,000 annually, while entry-level professionals earn around $50,000 annually.
To pursue a career as a Deployment Engineer:
- Attain a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field.
- Develop a strong foundation in systems administration and configuration.
- Accumulate relevant work experience in systems deployment.
- Cultivate problem-solving and technical troubleshooting skills.
