Robotics engineer
Robotics engineers design and build machines to do automated jobs in industries like manufacturing, aerospace and medicine.
Also known as: Automation engineer
- Starter salary£31,000 a year
- Experienced£60,000 a year
- Typical hours37 to 40 a week
- Green jobPotential
What you'll do
As a robotics engineer you could:
- design automated systems using computer software
- build, program and test prototypes and fix faults
- analyse data from robot sensors, instruments and cameras
- report on risks, issues and project progress
- research news ways to use robots and artificial intelligence
Working environment
You could work in an office, in a laboratory or at a manufacturing plant.
Skills and knowledge you'll need
You'll need:
- knowledge of engineering science and technology
- knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
- maths knowledge
- design skills and knowledge
- complex problem-solving skills
- excellent verbal communication skills
- thinking and reasoning skills
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
How to become a robotics engineer
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
University
You could do a degree or postgraduate qualification in:
- artificial intelligence and robotics
- mechatronics
- robotics engineering
- mechanical or electronics engineering
- computer science or mathematics
If you have a qualification in psychology or cognitive science, you could also work in the development of artificial intelligence.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including maths and physics
- a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
College
You could do a college course which might help you to find a job as a robotics technician. Courses include:
- electronic systems engineering
- computing
- advanced manufacturing engineering
- electrical or electronic engineering
With further training, you could then qualify as a robotics engineer.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
Apprenticeship
You could apply to do a Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship. Options include:
- Robotics Engineer
- Control Systems Engineer
- Electro-Mechanical Engineer
- Embedded Electronic Systems Design and Development Engineer
- Manufacturing Engineer
These apprenticeships can take between 3 and 5 years to complete.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship
Work
You could start as a robotics technician or junior engineer. You could then study for higher education qualifications and work your way up to qualify as a robotics engineer.
Career path and progression
You could become a lead engineer and be responsible for managing projects.
You could also specialise in a particular area of robotics, for example:
- self-driving vehicles
- space exploration
- surgical instruments
- deep ocean research
- advanced manufacturing
Career tips
You'll find it useful to join robotics engineering groups or take part in robotics design competitions to build up your skills and knowledge.
Guides for this industry
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