Robotics Engineers: What They Do and How To Become One

Robotics engineering is becoming increasingly important in many industries. Robots help businesses automate tasks that are too difficult or dangerous for people to do or that require maximum precision.

The robots used in manufacturing and warehousing (such as for assembly lines) are continually improving and being used in more cutting-edge spaces. Health care professionals use surgical and industrial robots, and educators can use robots to provide interactive learning. Robots are also being used to push the boundaries of sea and space exploration.

As robotics engineers advance these systems, their applications will continue to expand, making robotics engineering an exciting field to enter. It will put you at the forefront of technological advancement and contribute to exciting products that can make a real difference in people's lives and the broader community.

This guide details 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 answer common questions people ask when they're interested in pursuing a robotics career.

What does a robotics engineer do?

Robotics engineers build 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 extensive fieldwork. They may also spend time in front of a computer, creating blueprints for electronics and designing 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.

4 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. The steps below are great ways to start your robotics career.

1. Start in high school (optional)

While many successful robotics engineers begin their careers in college or even later, the journey can start as early as high school.  

Many schools offer STEM courses or vocational programs that provide the fundamentals required for robotics. There, you can learn programming languages (such as Python, Java, and MatLab) and math applications, and explore related topics like electrical engineering. 

Some high schools also have robotics clubs that expose you to intelligent systems and offer more hands-on experiences, as well as the tools and know-how to experiment with robotics that might be hard to find elsewhere. Many high school clubs also participate in competitions that can be great highlights on 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. Common paths for engineers include a college engineering program such as a bachelor of science degree in one of the following:

• Computer science
• Computer engineering
• Mechanical engineering
• Electrical engineering
• Mechatronics

The field you choose will depend on the type of robotics work you wish to pursue, like software, mechanical, or electrical engineering.

Many robotics 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, many online programs offer degrees that you can take remotely. For example, Colorado State offers an online bachelor's program for computer science.

3. Advance with a graduate degree or certifications

Many robotics engineers enter the job market right after earning their bachelor's degree with a master'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 working or researching in your chosen field and apply to their program. Once you're enrolled, part of your curriculum might 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. 

If you're already in a related field and want to expand your skill set, you can also find online courses and programs where you can earn additional certifications. Three great examples from Coursera include:

• University of Pennsylvania's Robotics Specialization certification program
• Northwestern University's Modern Robotics: Mechanics, Planning, and Control Specialization certification program
• Collaborative Robotics in Industry Specialization certification course

4. Find jobs

To launch your career in robotics, follow these steps to gain experience, showcase your skills, and find opportunities in the field:

• Gain practical work experience. Leverage internships or lab work with professors during school. This experience will help you prove your ability to join a team and take on responsibilities.
• Prepare your resume. Detail practical applications of robotics, including competitions, labs, experiments, and relevant work history. List relevant courses and specific robotics experience, as well as hard and soft skills such as time management and project management.
• Create a professional online presence. Set up accounts on platforms like LinkedIn. This online networking can help you land job opportunities.
• Apply for entry-level robotics roles. Use your resume and online presence to find jobs. Demonstrate your readiness to take on more responsibility in the field.
• Freelance. Sign up for freelance marketplaces like Upwork. Connect with professionals and market your expertise directly to potential clients and businesses. 

You can do these things during step three as well since you can gain work experience and work on your resume as you advance your education. 

Job outlook for robotics engineers

The need for robotics engineers is growing due to the increasing use of machine learning and 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, 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 problem-solving with robotic technology.

How much do robotics engineers make?

Robotics engineers are in demand since their job 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. If you're a new engineer or live in an area with low cost of living, you can expect a low-end 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 common 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 typically takes 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 bachelor's degree in four years or pursuing a graduate degree afterward.

Is becoming a robotics engineer hard?

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

For example, a software engineer should have a deep 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.

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

In general, computer engineers design and implement computer systems, including software systems and computer networks. They may also use other engineering disciplines, such as electrical engineering, to design more complex computer hardware, such as microprocessors and circuit boards.

Robotics engineers solely build robotic systems. They blend mechanical, electrical, and software engineering to create machines that automate tasks. 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 hold, including:

• 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 maintain robots to keep them running efficiently.
• Research and development specialist. Engineers in this role conduct research to build new and innovative robots that push the current limits.

Find robotics engineering jobs on Upwork

Robotics engineering is an exciting field at the forefront of technology. When combined with AI, modern robots improve business productivity and automate many tasks that would otherwise require humans.

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.