Robotics Engineers

Career summary

Robots can be used to do jobs such as:

• Assemble electronics
• Toxic waste clean-up
• Bomb disposal
• Build cars

Robotics engineers research new ideas for using robots. They design and build robotic prototypes (or models). Using the prototypes, engineers analyze how well the robot works and make adjustments as needed.

Depending on the field they work in, robotic engineers may study the human body in order to design robots that copy human movement.

Since robots are managed by computers, robotics engineers must be very good at computer science. Often, they write the software program that tells the robot what to do and how to do it. They fix or debug the program if there is a problem.

Robotics engineers may develop greener manufacturing processes to get the job done faster and leave less waste.

Related careers

This career is part of the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Electrical and Electronics Engineers
• Electronics Engineering Technologists
• Industrial Engineers
• Manufacturing Engineering Technologists
• Manufacturing Engineers
• Mechanical Engineers

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to robotics engineers.

• Build, configure, and test robot systems for different jobs like toxic waste clean-up or bomb disposal.
• Debug robotics programs.
• Provide technical support for robotics programs.
• Design tools to be used as part of the robot's “arm.”
• Design systems such as controls, sensors, and robotic bodies.
• Design software to control robotic systems for applications such as military defense and manufacturing.
• Create robotic systems to increase production and precision in factories. Products may include medicine, renewable energy systems, or electric cars.
• Analyze and survey laboratory robotics.
• Conduct research into the design, operation, or performance of robotic parts and systems. These include rovers, multiple mobile robots, robots that can be reconfigured, and robots that can interact with humans.

Common work activities

Robotics engineers perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Use computers
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Get information needed to do the job
• Think creatively
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Analyze data or information
• Provide information or drawings about devices, equipment, or structures
• Process information
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Document and record information
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Control machines and processes
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Evaluate information against standards
• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
• Schedule work and activities
• Develop goals and strategies
• Repair and maintain electronic equipment
• Teach others
• Explain the meaning of information to others
• Estimate sizes, quantities, time, cost, or materials needed
• Coordinate the work and activities of others
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Develop and build teams
• Repair and maintain mechanical equipment
• Provide advice and consultation to others
• Judge the value of objects, services, or people
• Communicate with people outside the organization
• Guide, direct, and motivate others
• Resolve conflicts and negotiate with others
• Coach others

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, robotics engineers:

Interpersonal relationships

• Are significantly responsible for work outcomes and the work done by others.
• Have a medium level of social interaction. They spend time working with other engineers and technologists, but also spend time alone analyzing data.
• Are somewhat responsible for the health and safety of others.
• Are occasionally placed in conflict situations.
• Communicate mostly by e-mail, telephone, or in-person discussions. They also write letters and memos, but less often.
• Often work as part of a project team.

Physical work conditions

• Regularly wear safety attire.
• Usually work indoors.
• Are sometimes exposed to loud or distracting sounds or noise levels.
• Are occasionally exposed to hazardous equipment.
• May share lab or office space with others.

Work performance

• Must be extremely accurate when performing the job. Errors significantly alter how a robotic device works.
• Rarely consult a supervisor before making a decision or setting tasks and goals.
• Meet strict weekly and monthly deadlines. This makes the work atmosphere somewhat competitive.
• Regularly make decisions that strongly impact coworkers and their company.
• Repeat the same mental and physical tasks.
• Sometimes must match the pace of work to the speed of equipment.

Hours/travel

• Generally have a set schedule each week.
• Usually work 40 hours a week. However, overtime is common, especially when nearing project deadlines.

Physical demands

Robotics engineers frequently:

• Sit for long periods of time.

It is important for robotics engineers to be able to:

• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for robotics engineers to be able to:

• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
• React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.

Skills and abilities

Robotics engineers need to:

Communicate

• Understand spoken information.
• Understand written information.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Write clearly so other people can understand.
• Listen to others and ask questions.
• Read and understand work-related materials.

Reason and problem solve

• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Recognize the nature of a problem.
• Recognize when important changes happen or are likely to happen in a system.
• Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
• Think of new ideas about a topic.
• Think of original, unusual, or creative ways to solve problems.
• Develop rules that group items in various ways.
• Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.
• Identify what must be changed to reach goals.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
• Remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.

Use math and science

• Choose a mathematical method or formula to solve problems.
• Use math skills to solve problems.
• Add, subtract, multiply, and divide quickly and correctly.
• Use scientific methods to solve problems.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Check how well one is learning or doing something.
• Manage the time of self and others.
• Motivate, develop, and direct people as they work.
• Go back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information without becoming confused.

Work with people

• Change behavior in relation to others' actions.
• Use several methods to learn or teach new things.
• Persuade others to approach things differently.
• Be aware of others' reactions and understand the possible causes.
• Teach others how to do something.

Work with things

• Watch gauges, dials, and output to make sure a machine is working properly.
• Inspect and evaluate the quality of products.
• Determine the causes of technical problems and find solutions for them.
• Design equipment and technology to meet user needs.
• Maintain equipment on a routine basis. Determine when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
• Analyze needs and requirements when designing products.
• Determine the tools and equipment needed to do a job.
• Write computer programs.

Perceive and visualize

• Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.
• Identify a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in distracting material.
• Quickly and accurately compare letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Artificial Intelligence and Robotics
• Industrial and Systems Engineering
• Manufacturing Engineering

Other programs of study to consider

• Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering
• Electromechanical Engineering Technology
• Engineering Physics
• Engineering, General
• Pre-Engineering
• Robotics Technology

Training

To work as a robotics engineer, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent;
• have at least a bachelor's degree in engineering; and
• have a license.

Education after high school

Most students prepare for this field by earning a bachelor's degree in engineering. There are very few robotics engineering bachelor's programs. However, the field of robotics is growing and preparation can also be gained through computer science, electronic engineering, and physics degree programs. Many four-year colleges and universities offer these programs of study. You may need between four and five years to complete this program.

Many workers in this occupation have some kind of advanced degree. Master's and PhD programs in engineering, artificial intelligence, and computer science are all good preparation for this field. With advanced degrees, robotics engineers can work in labs as lead engineers on projects. They can also teach at universities.

Work experience

Consider participating in an internship with an engineering firm while you are in college. An internship offers you a chance to apply what you have learned in the classroom to a work situation. It also allows you to build skills and make contacts with people in the field.

On-the-job training

Because this job is very specialized and involves several disciplines, on-the-job training may vary by employer and project.

Helpful high school courses

In high school, take classes that prepare you for college. A college preparatory curriculum  may be different from your state's graduation requirements . Robotics engineers use math and science frequently. Try to take math classes through Trigonometry and science classes through Physics.

You should also consider taking some advanced courses in high school. This includes Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses if they are available in your school. If you do well in these courses, you may receive college credit for them. Advanced courses can also strengthen your college application.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Blueprint Reading
• Computer Applications
• Computer Science
• Electronics
• Introduction to Mechanics

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups  that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Most employers require that robotics engineers have at least a bachelor's degree in engineering. Due to this occupation's complexity, many employers require a master's degree or even a doctorate. Employers also look for people with strong communication, computer, and mechanical skills. Certification or licensing may also be required.

Costs to workers

Some workers may wish to join a professional association, which may have annual dues.

#New occ 12/2010.

Licensing/certification

Engineers employed in responsible positions in government or in firms offering services to the public, or who stamp their work as being done by an engineer, must be licensed by the Washington State Department of Licensing.

Getting a license as an engineer-in-training requires:

• an engineering degree from a school approved by the Accrediting Board for Engineering Technology (ABET), or four years of practice in engineering working under a licensed engineer, or a combination of education and work experience; and
• passing a written exam.

Professional engineer licensing requirements include:

• completion of the engineer-in-training requirements;
• four additional years of active practice in engineering working under a licensed engineer or a combination of work experience and education; and
• passing a written exam.

Engineers who wish to be licensed as professional engineers must pay $65 to the State for an initial national exam application. After State approval, engineers must pay for the registration examination from the National Council of Examiners for Engineers and Surveyors. The license renewal fee is $116 every two years. Not all engineers in Washington must be licensed.

For licensing information, contact:

Washington State Department of Licensing
Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and
Land Surveyors Licensing Program 
PO Box 9025
Olympia, WA 98507-9025
360.664.1575

For information on testing, contact:

National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying 
PO Box 1686
Clemson, SC 29633-1686
800.250.3196

#2/11/20.

Wages

Currently, there is no specific statewide wage information available for robotics engineers. However, this occupation is part of the larger group called "all other engineers."

Wages vary by employer and area of the country. The engineer's level of training, experience, and responsibility also affect wages.

Robotics engineers who work full time usually receive benefits. Typical benefits include sick leave, paid vacation, and health insurance. Some employers also provide a retirement plan.

National wage information is not available specifically for robotics engineers. However, they are part of the larger group of "all other engineers."

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

Major employers:

• Aerospace product and parts manufacturers
• Engineering firms
• Federal government agencies
• Motor vehicle parts manufacturers
• Navigational and control equipment manufacturers

National outlook

Much of the job growth for robotics engineers will be due to the growing green sector of the economy, especially in the manufacturing and research industries. Robotics engineers will be needed to help develop greener manufacturing processes. Opportunities will be best for engineers with strong mechanical, computing, and communication skills.

Job openings will occur each year as workers leave this occupation or retire.

Employment and outlook information is not available specifically for robotics engineers. However, they are part of the larger group of "all other engineers."

Other resources

American Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) 
(This website provides a list of engineering-related programs accredited by ABET)
415 North Charles Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
410.347.7700

Association for Computing Machinery 
1601 Broadway, 10th Floor1
New York, NY 10019-7434
800.342.6626
212.626.0500

Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence 

BLS Career Outlook 2018 
You're a what? Robotics Technician

Careers in Space: A Universe of Options 

Discover Engineering 

eGFI - Dream Up the Future 

Engineer Girl! 
National Academy of Engineering

Engineering Your Future 

IEEE Computer Society 
2001 L Street NW, Suite 700
Washington, DC 20036
202.371.0101

Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers 
3 Park Avenue, 17th Floor
New York, NY 10016
212.419.7900

International Society of Automation 
67 TW Alexander Drive
PO Box 12277
Research Triangle Park, NC 27709
919.549.8411

MCMA: Motion Control and Motor Association 
900 Victors Way, Suite 140
Ann Arbor, MI 48108
734.494.6088

NASA Career Corner - Robotics 

National Academy of Engineering 
500 Fifth Street NW
Washington, DC 20001
202.334.3200

National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering 

National Robotics League 

Robotic Industries Association 
900 Victors Way, Suite 140
Ann Arbor, MI 48108
734.994.6088

Society of Women Engineers 
130 East Randolph Street, Suite 3500
Chicago, IL 60601
877.793.4636

Technology Student Association 
1904 Association Drive
Reston, VA 20191-1540
888.860.9010

Washington State Science & Engineering Fair 

References

Career cluster

• Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics

Career path

• Investigative (Science)

O*Net  occupation

• Robotics Engineers (17-2199.08) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 4 - Considerable preparation needed. A minimum of two to four years of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations.

Holland occupational cluster

• Investigative/Realistic/Conventional