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Robotics engineer

robotic design engineer, robotic systems engineer
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Computing and ICT
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Career outlook for robotics engineer

UK Salary Ranges

Entry-level

£27,500

Experienced

£55,500

Currently employed in Scotland

5,200

Salary information is provided by the "National Careers Service". "Oxford Economics" supplies job forecasts and employment figures. Due to COVID-19 the jobs market is constantly changing. Some of the information may not reflect the current situation.

What's it like?

Robotics engineers use technology and innovation to design and construct robotic systems. They robots might be used to complete tasks that are too dangerous, time-consuming or difficult for humans to complete.

There are endless possibilities to what you might create. From robots that save lives, such as surgical or military robots to machines that assist workers with crucial manufacturing tasks.

Technology is constantly advancing and so in this job you’ll need to keep up-to-date with the latest technical systems and trends.

What you might do ​​​​​​​

  • Identify key issues that robotic automation could solve
  • Create robots using mechanical, electrical and computer engineering skills
  • Research and determine what robots will be used for and how they’ll perform
  • Be aware of client’s needs and budgets to help determine design requirements and costs
  • Maintain and improve the functionality of robotic systems
  • Teach path plans to robots
  • Test functionality to be sure it works properly
  • Conduct research to find new improved methods to design and maintain automated systems
  • Stay updated with the latest technical advancements
  • Provide information to clients and system users regarding the use and maintenance of the robotic automation

Working conditions

Hours

You’d typically work around 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday. However, this depends on the place of work and the projects you work on.

Environment

Robotics engineers work both in their labs and in their office. In the lab they manufacture and test products and in their office they’ll work on their plans and conduct research.

Travel

You might be expected to travel for research purposes or to learn from others.

UK employment status

Full-time

88%

Part-time

3%

Self employed

9%

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Here are some of the skills needed for this job. Sign in to see how your skills match up.

  • Working with technology
  • Creative
  • Designing
  • Innovative
  • Problem solving
  • Working with numbers
  • Researching
  • Attention to detail
  • Implementing ideas
  • Analysing

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Getting in

Entry requirements for courses can change. Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.

Qualifications

Robotics Engineers typically have a high level of technical qualification across multiple disciplines. There are a variety of possible routes to reach this level of technical ability.

Many Robotics Engineers will have a Higher National Diploma, degree or postgraduate qualification in the following subject areas:

  • Electrical Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Computer Science
  • Robotics and Mechatronics college

You can gain qualifications through university or through work based learning, for example, through Apprenticeships.  Even with high level qualifications, relevant experience and additional in-work training and qualifications are usually essential. 

As technology is ever changing, it is necessary to keep up with these advances throughout your career.

Apprenticeships

You can gain skills and qualifications in the workplace through options such as Foundation Apprenticeships (FA), Modern Apprenticeships (MA) and Graduate Apprenticeships (GA).

Foundation Apprenticeships

You might want to consider doing this in areas such as:

  • Engineering

Modern Apprenticeships

 You might want to consider doing this in areas such as:

  • Engineering​​​​​​​

Graduate Apprenticeships 

You might want to consider doing this in areas such as:

  • Engineering: Design and manufacture

Useful subjects

Many Colleges and Universities will have required subjects that you must have for entry. They might also highlight additional subjects that they value. See individual institutions websites for specific entry information. 

Useful subjects would be:

  • Design and Technology
  • Maths
  • Physics
  • Programming and Coding subjects

Helpful to have

Although not all employers list specific qualification requirements they do ask for relevant (usually work based) experience that demonstrates a range of transferable meta-skills, such as problem solving and perseverance skills.