Robotics Engineers research, design, develop, or test robotic applications. Following information reflects a traditional definition and relevant information about robotics engineers. New robotics applications are forcing the definition of this occupation to change, with the developments of collaborative robots (co-bots), unmanned vehicles including drones, soft robotics and grippers, self-folding and reconfiguring robots as well as the boom of service robotics outpacing industrial robotics.
Sample of reported job titles:
- Automation Engineer
- Automation Engineering Manage
- Autonomous Vehicle Design Engineer
- Design Engineer, Engineering Manager
- Engineering Vice President
- Factory Automations Engineer
- Research Engineer
- Robotic Systems Engineer
- Robotics and Systems Lead
Some of the common tasks carried out:
- Review or approve designs, calculations, or cost estimates.
- Process or interpret signals or sensor data.
- Create and debug robotics programs.
- Build, configure, or test robots or robotic applications.
- Create back-ups of robot programs or parameters.
Critical technology skills required:
- Analytical or scientific software
- Computer aided design (CAD) software
- Development environment software
- Industrial control software
- Operating system software
Critical knowledge required:
- Engineering and Technology
- Design
- Computers and Electronics
- Mathematics
- Mechanical
Skills needed:
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Complex Problem Solving
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Monitoring
Abilities needed:
- Problem Sensitivity
- Deductive Reasoning
- Inductive Reasoning
- Information Ordering
- Oral Comprehension
Educational level of the surveyed Robotics Engineers:
- Bachelor's degree: 50%
- Associate's degree: 17%
- Master's degree: 17%
Related occupations:
- Electronics Engineers, Except Computer Manufacturing Engineers
- Photonics Engineers
- Electronics Engineering Technologists
- Manufacturing Engineering Technologists
Employment data:
- Median wages (2019): $47.62 hourly, $99,040 annual
- Employment (2018): 157,800 employees
- Projected growth (2018-2028): Average (4% to 6%)
- Projected job openings (2018-2028): 11,700
- Top industries (2018): Government