Robotics Engineer Job Description, Skills, and Salary
Get to know about the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills requirements of a robotics engineer. Feel free to use our job description template to produce your own. We also provide you with information about the salary you can earn as a robotics engineer.
Who is a Robotics Engineer?
A robotics engineer is an individual who works behind the scenes to design or formulate robots and robot systems that are responsible for performing duties that humans cannot complete or cannot do at all.
Robotics engineers research, design, develop, and build mechanical devices, applications, and robotics systems that are executed to perform numerous tasks in industries such as agriculture, mining, manufacturing, and the military. For instance, Robots can be created to help humans in performing tasks in a busy industry. Robotics engineers can be proficient in diverse technical areas that other engineers may not demand. Robotics engineers serve as a bridge or link between computer science, electronics, mechanics, and cognitive psychology.
Robotics spend most of their time designing the plans and processes that are required to build robots and to work effectively. Some robotics engineers also design machines that harmonize the robots. Before a robotics engineer creates a robot; he or she decides what the robot will be used for. Robots are used to bring about solutions to problems that human energy cannot meet up with. Robotics engineers create robots that will bring solutions to human problems and they do this by undergoing an in-depth analysis of the task the robot will be given.
Robotics engineers utilize the 3D CAD (computer-aided design) tools that enable them to design right down the circuit level. CAM (computer-aided manufacturing) tools are utilized to build robots. They also work with other individuals, such as engineers, project managers, and clients to ascertain the basic needs and requirements of a robotics project. They also create blueprints for the prototypes and they also formulate ideas for the upper management and stakeholders. They also perform other responsibilities such as installing, repairing robotic systems, and maintaining.
Robotics Engineer Job Description
Below are the robotics engineer job description examples you can use to develop your resume or write a robotics engineer job description for your employee. Employers can also use it to sieve out job seekers when choosing candidates for interviews.
The following are the duties and responsibilities of a robotics engineer:
- Creating, configuring, and testing robots
- Designing, software systems to control their robotic systems, such as those robots used for manufacturing
- Designing automated robotic systems that are used to improve the production and precision levels within a specific industry
- Evaluating and evaluating the prototypes and robotic systems they have created. This is generally a never-ending task since technology is frequently changing and progressing
- Examining and approving cost estimates and design calculations
- Assisting as technical support for the robotic systems they have created
- Teaching schemes paths to robots
- Conducting research into the design, operation, and performance of robotic mechanism components or systems
- Formulating cost-effective and efficient processes to produce machines
- Executing integration tests and quality control
- Programming complicated robotics systems
- Analyzing and calibrating systems for maximum efficiency
- Applying machine learning techniques
- Developing complete documentation for robotic systems
- Monitoring the usage of robotic systems and optimizing their functionality
- Troubleshooting deficiencies in the robot design
- Keeping abreast of improvements in robotics and relevant field of engineering
Qualifications
- Degree in automation, mechanical, robotics, electrical engineering, computer science,or a similar field
- Two or more years of industry experience
- Outstanding, interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills
- Verified ability to develop mechanical and electrical systems
- Demonstrated skills in writing software and programming systems
- Mastery in drafting programs such as AutoCAD
- Powerful analytical and creative problem-solving skills
- Eligible to apply advanced mathematical concepts
- Proficiency to work independently with a team
- An analytical mind
- Ability to develop and evaluate integrated systems
- Resourcefulness
- Excellent communication skills
- Well-versed in computer science, applied physics, and mechanics
Essential Skills
- Math: Robotics engineers utilize their time in analyzing and troubleshooting robotic equipment. To achieve this, they must possess extensive knowledge of mathematics. They should focus on mathematics areas such as calculus, algebra, geometry, algebra, and physics. This set of skills allows engineers to evaluate concepts that to how robots function, comprehend how robots move, and address various issues such as how to predict the mobility of a robot in certain circumstances.
- Programming: Another important skill engineers need to comprehend is programming language. They need to understand programming languages such as Python and java. They need to utilize these programs to formulate robots that work in conjunction with electronics, software, and hardware.
- Active Learning: as a result of the fact that there are numerous topics on how engineers can succeed in their positions, they need active learning skills to continue to advance in these skills. Most times, robotics engineers need to learn the fundamental of their position’s requirements in the course of their education. Active learning skills them to continue to learn all the components of robotics engineering as well as work on other important projects.
- Problem-solving: Robotics engineers build robotic equipment and they spend the majority of their time troubleshooting it. They demand a great deal of problem-solving skills to be able to identify any issue or challenge with these roots and come up with the solutions to solve all these issues. Sometimes, robotic engineers may not understand immediately what the problem is and that is why they must possess excellent problem-solving skills to be able to strive till they comprehend complex issues.
- Teamwork: Many robotics engineers work with other professionals in the field to complete a robotic project. They do not work in isolation and they work with project managers, product developers, and members of the robotics team. Working with a group of professionals in a team demands that they possess active listening and communication skills because this will make the teamwork run smoothly. This also helps robotics engineers to perform efficiently in a group and contribute greatly to its success.
- System Thinking: Robotics engineers perform the role of project managers or system engineers. Robots are very complex systems and to work with them demands knowledge of diverse disciplines. You have to be good at electrics, electronics, mechanics, programming, sensing, psychology, and cognition. Good robotics can comprehend how all these different systems work together and he also knows the theory behind all of them. This is what makes a project manager and system good. Good robotics must be well versed in all the different aspects. They must possess skills like Systems Analysis and Systems Evaluation which is very integral for robotics.
- Technology Design: You be proficient at technology design to be able to design systems that will work and this is very vital when building a robotic system. It also means that you must be able to comprehend why something is not working properly and bring about the necessary solutions to repair it. These skills are very essential for a robotics engineer.
Additionally, robotics demands a wide range of technologies so if you possess skills in technology design; it will help you to identify a problem and then propose effective solutions to them.
- Good communication skills
- Judgment and Decision-making
How to Become a Robotics Engineer
- Earn a Robotics Engineer Education
Robotics engineering is an entirely new field of study and there different programs that prepare learners for a career in this discipline. Robotics engineering is a complex field and it requires an individual to possess a background in engineering, mathematics, and computer science. For most people, the first step to becoming a robotics engineer is to acquire a bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, mathematics, mechanical engineering, or a related field. Studying computer science for instance will build you in the aspect of coding while engineering will enable you to build robotics hardware. Pursuing a postgraduate degree can go a long way to preparing you for a career in robotics and increase your job prospects.
- Gain the Relevant Skills
Once you have acquired your bachelor’s degree, you need to build on your skills. To achieve this, you can get a mentor in the field or in your spare time get an internship placement in a robotics organization. You should focus on areas such as statistics, process control, engineering, material science, and automation. You can develop these skills by enrolling in computer classes to learn coding and programming.
You can also get more contacts and connect with professionals in your field to impart some skills to you. Another great way to build your skills is to pursue projects in robotics. You must, first of all, make several mistakes before you become perfect at designing a robot, keep practicing till you become perfect in the art of designing a robot. This will give you the requisite experience you need and impress your potential employer once you apply for a job.
- Join a Network of Professionals
Networking opens doors in a job candidate’s career. Having professional contacts in the field of robotics engineering will help you to easily secure a job and also impart some skills to you.
You can join the Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AAAI) founded in 1979. This association hosts a yearly conference and is geared toward building the scientific understanding of mechanisms that correlates to intelligent behavior and their embodiment in machines.
You can also join the IEEE Robotics and Automation Society which has an aim that is similar to AAAI. Attending workshops and conferences of these societies will connect you to thousands of robotics engineers and help you learn from a professional network.
- Apply for Jobs
Robotics is a highly competitive field and when applying for jobs, you must be very smart. The first step is to identify what kind of job you are interested in and the position you are qualified for. Build your resume and highlight all the relevant qualifications, experience, and skills you possess that relate to robotics. Do a thorough search on job sites to comprehend the skills and qualifications they demand. Once you have found the list of jobs you are interested in, you can draft your cover letter, attach it to your resume and then apply.
Additionally, take your time to prepare for the robotics interview because the interview can be tedious. Review some of the robotics top questions on LinkedIn and practice them. Once you are on the interview scene, it will be very easy for you to ace the interview.
Where to Work as a Robotics Engineer
Robotics engineers can work in the automotive, food packaging, electronics, and appliance industry. Robotics engineers spend most of their time in the lab or an office. The time they spend in the lab is working on small mechanical parts that are the integral components of larger robots they are creating. The time they spend in the office is conducting research and planning.
Robotics Engineer Salary
The salary of a robotics engineer varies across countries, below are some examples:
United States
- The average robotics engineer salary is $105,000 annually and $53.85 per hour. Entry-level positions start careers at $82,721 per year while most professional workers make up to $161,544 per year.
- The average robotics engineer salary in Washington is $105,000 per year or $53.85 per hour. Entry-level positions start their careers at $77,500 per year while most professional workers make up to $175,000 per year.
- The average robotics engineer salary in California is $149,260 per year or $76.54 per hour. Entry-level positions start their careers at $102,500 per year while most professional workers make up to $175,000 per year.
- The average robotics engineer salary in New York is $115,000 per year or $58.97 per hour. Entry-level positions start careers at $90,000 per year while most professional workers make up to $160,000 per year.
- The average robotics engineer salary in Connecticut is $130,000 per year or $66.67 per hour. Entry-level positions start their careers at $91,600 per year while most professional workers make up to $160,000 per year.
United Kingdom
- The average robotic engineer’s salary in the United Kingdom is £40,000 annually and £20.51 per hour. Entry-level positions start their careers at £31,500 per year while most professional workers make up to £60,317 per year.
- The average salary for a Robotics Engineer is £50556 per year in London
Canada
- The average robotics engineer salary in Canada is $62,938 annually and $32.28 per hour. Entry-level positions start their careers at $49,725 per year, while most professional workers make up to $80,000 per yea
- The average pay for a Robotics Software Engineer is $118,684 annually and $57 per hour in Montréal, Québec, Canada. The average salary range for a Robotics Software Engineer is between $81,655 and $144,914.
