Robotics Engineers: What They Do and How To Become One

Robotics engineering is playing an increasingly important role in advancing many industries. Robots allow businesses to automate tasks that are too difficult or dangerous for people to do, or that need a precision that people can’t match.

The robots used in manufacturing and warehousing are continually being improved. And robotics are finding uses in increasingly cutting-edge spaces. Health care professionals use surgical robots, educators can use robots to provide interactive learning, and robots are being used to push the boundaries of sea and space exploration.

As robotics engineers create ever more advanced systems, the applications will continue to rise. This makes robotics engineering an exciting field to enter. You’ll be at the forefront of technological advancement and contribute to exciting products that can make a real difference in people’s lives, and to the broader community.

This guide will go into detail about what it takes to pursue the field of robotics as a career path. We’ll discuss the steps to take to get started, including getting an education, finding practical work experience, and advancing your career. We’ll also uncover the answers to common questions people ask when they’re interested in pursuing a robotics career.

What does a robotics engineer do?

Robotics engineers have the responsibility of building robotic applications in various industries. They participate in every part of the process, including designing, building, and maintaining robotic systems.

Robotics professionals may spend their days assembling prototypes for testing and doing a lot of fieldwork. Or, they may spend more time in front of the computer designing blueprints for electronics and robots.

Robots are extremely versatile, and robotics engineers work in nearly every industry, including:

• Health care. Robot development is used for surgical assistance, patient diagnosis, and patient health monitoring.
• Supply chain logistics. Robots are developed for loading and unloading of cargo, package delivery, and inspections.
• Construction. Robotic tools are helpful for demolition, concrete pouring, and other dangerous tasks.
• Agriculture. Robotic assistants are created for crop harvesting, fertilization, and field surveys.
• Aerospace. Robots are being used or developed for scientific research and exploration, precision manufacturing, and space mining, among other things.

Robotics have been used in industry for nearly 70 years. And with recent advances in artificial intelligence (AI), their application is expected to increase dramatically. Robotics engineers will be at the forefront of this growth, taking new AI software and integrating it into robots to make them more effective. Robotics offer increased productivity, a safer working environment, and a more effective workforce.

5 Steps to becoming a robotics engineer

Although robotics is an exciting career, building your skill set and finding your first job will take time and perseverance. Follow the five steps below to get started with your robotics career.

1. Start in high school

While many successful robotics engineers begin their careers in college or even later, it’s a journey that can start as early as high school.  Many schools offer STEM courses or vocational programs that provide the foundation required for robotics.

You can learn programming languages and math applications (Python, Java, MatLab), electrical engineering, and related topics. Some high schools also have robotics clubs that offer more hands-on experiences.

These robotics programs provide you with the tools to experiment with robotics that might be hard to find elsewhere. Plus, some of these clubs even participate in competitions that can be great highlights for your college application.

2. Pursue a bachelor’s degree

A bachelor’s degree will be key to your career as a robotics engineer. You’ll need to know many specialized skills to work in the field, and college provides a solid foundation.

You can pursue many degree programs to get started in robotics. Some common paths for engineers are computer science, computer engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and mechatronics. The exact field you choose will depend on the type of robotics work—like software, mechanical, or electrical engineering—you wish to pursue.

Many bachelor’s engineering degree programs also offer hands-on experience through internships. Working at companies will bring real experience in the field and give you a leg up when you first enter the job market.

There are many ways to take part in a bachelor’s program. You can go the traditional route and go to school in person. However, there are also many online programs that offer degrees to take remotely. For example, Colorado State offers an online bachelor’s program for computer science.

If you’re already in a related field and want to expand your skillset, you can also browse online course platforms like Coursera to find robotics certifications.

3. Advance with a master’s or graduate degree

Many robotics engineers enter the job market right after earning their bachelor’s degree. However, if you already know you’re interested in a particular subfield in robotics, you might consider specializing further with a master’s degree.

During your master’s degree program, you’ll spend time learning a more specialized skillset, often working directly with professors on real-world projects.

For example, you may choose to learn more about autonomous automotive systems. When you apply to a graduate program, you’ll look for professors who are working or doing research in that field. You’ll apply to be a part of their program, and part of your curriculum will include helping the professor’s lab meet their project’s goals.

A degree like this can provide extra experience plus the opportunity to network with people who are deeply engaged in your field.

4. Gain practical work experience

Gaining practical work experience will be your next step after getting an education. If you were able to get an internship in school, or worked with a professor in their lab, you’re already part of the way there. However, you’ll need to prove that you can become part of a team and take on more responsibility with an entry-level robotics role.

Start by preparing your resume. Detail all the practical applications you’ve used robotics for—including competitions, labs, experiments, and relevant work history. Follow by detailing the courses you’ve taken and specific robotics experience you have.

Once you have a resume, you can start putting yourself out there by creating accounts on platforms like LinkedIn. Professional networking sites like this can help you find full-time job opportunities.

At the same time, you can also take a more independent route and sign up for freelance marketplaces like Upwork. Here, you can connect with other professionals while directly marketing your expertise to businesses and gaining practical experience.

5. Explore job opportunities

The world of robotics spans most industries and has many ways to contribute to the field. You can focus on programming, hardware design, or other specialty fields that interest you.

Once you have your foot in the door at your first job, you’ll gain valuable experience, but you shouldn’t see this as the end of your journey. As you work in the field, you may see projects or positions that pique your interest, and you should keep your eyes open for job opportunities that continue to interest you.

Here are a few of the roles you can consider:

• Robotics software engineer
• Robot AI programmer
• Robotic hardware engineer
• Design engineer
• Robotic repair technician
• Automation engineer

Think of your initial job as your launching point. You’ll learn all you need to know until you transition into the role that best suits your interests as you advance further in the robotics industry.

Job outlook for robotics engineers

The need for robotics engineers is growing due to the increasing amount of AI automation in business. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job market for mechanical engineers—which includes robotics engineers—is expected to grow by 10% through 2032. This is much faster than the average occupation.

That means there will be plenty of job opportunities for experienced engineers, as it's a highly sought-after profession. And with the diverse number of industries using robotics today, you aren’t limited to a single industry. You’ll have job opportunities wherever a company invests in robotic technology.

How much do robotics engineers make?

Robotics engineers are an in-demand job that requires specialized skills. As a result, you can expect a good salary in this role.

The average robotics engineer salary in the United States is about $107,000. On the low end, if you’re a new engineer or live in an area with low cost of living, you can expect a salary of $94,364. If you have more experience and live in a more populated area, your salary can reach $125,194.

Of course, this can also vary depending on the specific robotics role you choose to take on. For example, the average salary of a robotics technician is about $62,000. However, the average salary of a robotics systems engineer is $89,000.

Robotics engineer FAQ

Now that we’ve covered how to become a robotics engineer and key details about the job, let’s look at some of the most commonly asked questions from potential robot engineers.

How long does it take to become a robotics engineer?

An individual pursuing a robotics engineering career can expect to achieve their goal in around four years. This is how long it will take to get a bachelor’s degree and find a job in the industry.

However, that time can vary based on other factors, such as not completing a degree in four years or pursuing a graduate degree.

Is becoming a robotics engineer hard?

Becoming a robotics engineer can be challenging. Good engineers need a variety of skills depending on the type of engineer they become.

For example, a software engineer should have an understanding of computer science. They must know data structures, AI algorithms, and other computer science topics. On the other hand, a hardware engineer will need to understand mechanical and electrical engineering.

Each of these skill sets take time and effort to learn, and can be challenging.

What is the difference between a robotics engineer and a computer engineer?

In general, computer engineers focus on designing and implementing computer systems. These include software systems, computer networks, and desktop computers. They may also work on more complex computer hardware design, like microprocessors and circuit boards, using other engineering disciplines, such as electrical engineering.

Robotics engineers focus solely on building robotic systems. They blend mechanical, electrical, and software engineering to create machines that automate tasks for businesses. Some of the skills required include the same engineering skills as computer engineers.

What are some jobs a robotics engineer can do?

There are many jobs robotics engineers can do.

• Robot designer. Robot designers focus on developing, designing, and building a robot made to work in different environments.
• Electronics engineer. These engineers work on building the electrical systems that run a robot.
• Mechanical engineer. In this role, engineers build a reliable body for a robot that can stand up to the intended use.
• Software developer. Software developers create the software that helps the robot perform tasks.
• Robot technician. These robotics professionals work on the maintenance of robots to keep them running efficiently.
• Research and development specialist. Engineers in this role focus on research to build new and innovative robots that push the boundaries of the current limits.

Find robotics engineering jobs on Upwork

Robotics engineering is an exciting field that stands at the forefront of technology. When combined with AI, modern robots are improving productivity for businesses and automating many tasks that would otherwise require humans to do.

If you have the skills to do great robotics work, browse Upwork’s Talent Marketplace for robotics engineering jobs to find your next client.

If you’re a business looking for robotics experts, browse expert robotics engineers on Upwork to find the skills your business needs.

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