How to Start a Career As a Robotics Engineer

Suppose you are looking for a career that is constantly at the forefront of innovation. In that case, you should consider becoming a robotics engineer—or hiring one for your company. Robotics engineers are responsible for designing and building robots used in manufacturing and other industries. If you’re interested in pursuing a career in robotics engineering or hiring one with a staffing company, here is what you need to know.

What is a robotics engineer?

A robotics engineer is someone who designs and builds robots. Robotics engineers are responsible for innovative ways to create robots that can be used in the manufacturing industry. Therefore, they must study robotics and have a strong understanding of engineering principles and apply them to the design of robots.

Robotics Engineer Duties & Responsibilities

A robotics engineer’s job duties may vary depending on their employer. Still, typically they will be involved in the following tasks:

• Designing Robots: Robotics engineers must design robots that are efficient and effective. They must ensure that their designs meet all safety requirements.
• Building Robots: Once a robot has been designed, it is up to the robotics engineer to build it. This includes assembling the various parts and components of the robot and ensuring that it functions properly.
• Maintaining Robots: When a robot breaks down or needs to be repaired, it is up to the robotics engineer to fix it. This may require them to perform maintenance on a regular basis in order for their robots to remain functional.

How to Become a Robotics Engineer

Earn a degree in robotics engineering

To become a robotics engineer, you’ll need to earn a degree in robotics or computer engineering. This is the best way to gain the necessary skills and knowledge required for a robotics engineer job.

However, some employers may accept candidates with associate degree programs who have relevant work experience instead of higher education credentials. Engineering programs in computer science or another technical field would also be helpful when applying for this type of position.

Earn Certifications

There are also several certifications or online courses that you can earn which will demonstrate your proficiency in the field. Some of these include the Robotics Certificate Course by Columbia University or ROS-Robot Operating System Course by edX. Having certifications in the relevant field will make you more hirable and could lead to promotions or pay increases.

Get Experience in Robots Engineering

Robotics engineers typically have several years of experience before a company hires them. If you want to make yourself more competitive, getting as much hands-on experience as possible is advisable. Having experience will allow you to develop your skills and knowledge in the field.

One way to get experience is by seeking out internships. Internships will allow you to learn from experienced professionals and lead to a full-time job offer.

Look for Robotics Engineer Jobs

Once you have completed your education and gained experience, it is time to start looking for robotics engineer jobs. There are many different places to find these jobs, so take your time and explore all your options. Apply for as many jobs that interest you, but be sure to tailor your resume and cover letter for each position.

Create An Online Portfolio

This will allow potential employers to see what you are capable of before they even meet in person.

Grow Your Technical and Analytical Skillsets

To be successful as a robotics engineer, you must have strong technical and analytical skills. These skills will allow you to design efficient and effective robots that meet all safety requirements. Also, problem-solving is essential as robots often need maintenance and repairs.

Developing these skills takes time, so be patient and learn new things. Join robotics-related communities and read industry journals to stay up-to-date on the latest developments.

Network with Other Robotics Engineering Professionals

The robotics engineering field is small, so it is essential to network with other robotics engineers to grow your career. Attending industry events and conferences is one way to connect with other professionals who can help you advance your career.

Stay Up-to-date on the Latest Robotics News and Developments

Robotics technology is constantly changing and evolving, so robotics engineers need to stay up-to-date on all of these developments. You should also follow the blogs of successful robotics organizations like Sarcos Robotics and Shadow Robot Company. These companies will give you valuable insights into how they run their businesses.

Robotics Engineer Salary

The salary range for robotics engineers varies depending on their experience and education level. The average annual earnings in 2022 are $105,000.

 

The Job Outlook for Robotics Engineers

The robotics engineering field is growing rapidly. As a result, there will likely be a high demand in the coming years. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of robotics engineers is projected to grow by 4% from 2018-2028.

The top industries that employ robotics engineers include computer systems design and related services. In addition, management consulting services, scientific research and development, electronics manufacturing, and machinery manufacturing companies are all looking for qualified candidates.

Related Robotics Engineering Careers

Robotics Engineer

A robotics engineer is responsible for designing, programming, and building robots. These professionals create prototypes of industrial robots as well as autonomous vehicles. They also work in various industries such as health care, education, and manufacturing.

Responsibilities:

• Building and testing robots
• Evaluate integrated systems
• Programming robots to perform specific tasks
• Providing technical support for robotic systems

Skills needed:

• Programming knowledge
• Problem-solving skills
• Knowhow of AI
• Mechanical engineering knowledge

Salary: The average salary of a robotics engineer in 2022 in the United States is $105,000.

Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical engineers build and design mechanical devices. They also supervise the manufacturing of these devices. They work in various industries, including aerospace, biomedical, nuclear and automotive.

Responsibilities:

• Creating computer-aided design
• Knowhow of programmable logic controllers
• Developing specifications for machinery used in production
• Supervising the manufacturing of products

Skills needed:

• Mechanical engineering knowledge
• Mathematics and physics skills
• Critical thinking skills
• Problem-solving skills
• Excellent teamwork skills

Salary: The average annual salary for a mechanical engineer in 2022 in the United States is $82,000.

Electrical Engineer

An electrical engineer is responsible for the electrical control systems used in robots. They need to know about circuit theory, microcontroller programming, and motor control systems. Electrical engineers work in various industries such as automotive, aerospace, and telecommunications.

Responsibilities:

• Designing control systems for robots
• Programming microcontrollers
• Troubleshooting electrical faults

Skills needed:

• Electrical engineering knowledge
• Mathematics and physics skills
• Critical thinking skills
• Excellent understanding of circuits
• Problem-solving skills

Salary: The average annual wage for an electrical engineer in 2022 in the United States is $90,000.

Software Engineer

Software engineers create the software solutions used in robots. They also test, develop and maintain the software systems. They work in various industries like finance, e-commerce, video gaming, and healthcare.

Responsibilities:

• Developing and maintaining software programs for robots
• Troubleshooting issues with software systems used by robots

Skills needed:

Programming knowledge

Problem-solving skills

Knowhow of software testing and debugging skills is needed

Critical thinking skills

Salary: The average annual salary for a software engineer in 2022 in the United States is $118,000.

Manufacturing Engineer

A manufacturing engineer is responsible for designing and developing processes used to produce various products. These professionals work in multiple industries, including automotive, food and beverage, and aerospace.

Responsibilities:

• Designing manufacturing processes for robots
• Supervising robot deployment at factories

Skills needed:

• Mechanical engineering knowledge
• Mathematics and physics skills
• Critical thinking skills
• Problem-solving skills

Salary: The average annual salary for a manufacturing engineer in 2022 in the United States is $80,000.

Automation Engineer

An automation engineer is responsible for the overall design of automated robotic systems. These professionals make sure that automated systems meet the project’s specific needs.

Responsibilities:

• Designing the automation control systems for robots
• Testing these automation systems
• Addressing the quality from time to time

Skills needed:

• Excellent AI knowledge
• Programming and coding skills
• Analytical and critical thinking skills

Salary: The average annual salary for an automation engineer in 2022 in the United States is $92,000.

Controls Engineer

A controls engineer is responsible for designing the control systems for robots. They work actively to conduct research and development of these systems to meet the project’s specific needs.

Responsibilities:

• Designing control systems for robots
• Programming microcontrollers used by robots

Skills needed:

• Excellent troubleshooting skills
• Mathematics and physics skills
• Critical thinking skills

Salary: The average annual salary for a controls engineer in 2022 in the United States is $90,000.

Commonly asked interview questions for a robotics engineering role

What experience do you have in robotics?

Sample answer: “I have experience in building robots for personal projects. I also had the opportunity to build a Lego NXT robot for my final year project at college. I learned how to use sensors and create different programs for the robot.”

Or

“I only have a limited amount of experience in robotics, but I’m very passionate about it and have been learning as much as possible. I’m confident that I can quickly pick up whatever is needed for the role.”

What do you think are the essential skills for a robotics engineer?

Sample answer: “I would say creativity, problem-solving skills, and teamwork are some of the most important skills for a robotics engineer.”

Or

“I think creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork are some of the most important skills as they will help make sure that you can design solutions to problems that come up while working on a project. You’ll also need these qualities when interacting with other people in order to collaborate on projects effectively.”

How much do you know about robotics?

Sample answer: “I have a basic understanding of how robots work. My bachelor’s degree has given me some technical knowledge in the field. But I am looking forward to working with more experienced engineers who can help me further develop my skills.”

Or

“I have a lot of knowledge about robotics, but I’m always looking to learn more. I would love an opportunity to work with other engineers who can mentor me and help expand my skills.”

How do you stay up-to-date in the field?

Sample answer: “I try to keep up with current events through reading articles in tech journals and magazines. I also attend webinars and conferences whenever possible.”

What interests you about robotics?

Sample answer: “I am fascinated by how robots can be used to solve everyday problems. I also enjoy learning about new technologies and the future of robotics.”

What are some challenges facing the field of robotics?

Sample answer: “Some challenges facing the field include finding ways to make robots more affordable for consumers. As well as developing new technologies like artificial intelligence that will allow robots to perform tasks beyond what humans can do today.”

Or

“I think one of the most difficult tasks for robotics is to make it more accessible so that more people may use them. Another issue would be to develop new technologies like AI, which might help us solve issues quicker than ever before!”

What are your career goals in this field?

Sample answer: “My long-term goal is to become a leader in this field and contribute towards making robotics more accessible for everyone. I also want to help develop new technologies that will make robots even more useful in the future.”

What do you think makes you a good fit for this role?

Sample answer: “I have a lot of experience in the industry, and I’m confident that my skills will allow me to be very successful in this role. I’m also very passionate about robotics, and I believe that this will help me excel in my career.”

What personal projects have you undertaken with robotics?

Sample answer: “I built a small robot for my university project that was able to move around on its own, detect obstacles and respond accordingly based on sensors input.”

What do you think will be the future of robotics?

Sample answer: “I’m very excited about the future of robotics. I feel that we will see more robots created in the future that may be utilized for a variety of applications like manufacturing and health care. I also think there will be a lot more integration of robots into our lives, especially when it comes to things like transportation and entertainment.”

Explain some robotic mechanism components of a robot arm.

Sample answer: “The robotic arm is made up of the following components: a base, shoulder joint, elbow linkage, and wrist joint.”

Explain the difference between a robot arm and an industrial robot.

Sample answer: “A robot arm is used for more precise movements than an industrial robot that can quickly move heavy loads over long distances but with less accuracy.”

What is the role of AI in robotics?

Sample answer: “AI is often used in robotics to enable machines to make judgments on their own. This may be accomplished by programming the robot with instructions or machine learning, which lets the robot learn from past experiences. AI is also used to improve the accuracy of movements made by a robotic arm.”

How do you think robotics will impact society in the future?

Sample answer: “I think that robotics will have a big impact on society in the future. Robots are already being used for tasks like manufacturing cars or cleaning houses, and I think we’ll see a lot more of this kind of thing happening in the future.”

What do you think are the benefits of robotics?

Sample answer: “I see many advantages in the use of robotics. Robotics may help us accomplish tasks that are difficult or dangerous for humans to do and allow us to explore places where we wouldn’t be able to go without them. I believe that the number of robots used in manufacturing processes and their capabilities will continue to increase in the future.”

A career path in robotics engineering can be very rewarding both professionally and financially. If you’re interested in pursuing this type of career, make sure to do your research and obtain the necessary education and training.

With the right skills and experience, you can become a successful robotics engineer. When you’re ready to work for a new company or kickstart your career, head over to the Insight Global job board, where you will find thousands of listings.

 

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