Robotics engineer
Career outlook for robotics engineer
UK Salary Ranges
Entry-level
£27,500
£27,500
Experienced
£54,000
£54,000
Currently employed in Scotland
5,600
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. Imagine being a bionic inventor, creating amazing robots that can do all sorts of jobs. These robots might do tasks too dangerous, time-consuming or difficult for humans to complete.
Take exploring shipwrecks. Buried in the ocean's hidden depths, this can be a task that’s dangerous or impossible for even the most experienced human diver. But thanks to robotics engineers, we have deep sea robots that can do it for us!
There are endless possibilities for the robots you might create. You could engineer surgical or military machines that save lives or robots that get sent into space! For example, robotics engineers built systems used on NASA’s Mars Curiosity Rover.
Advances in technology mean you’ll need to keep up to date with the latest technical systems and trends. Artificial intelligence (AI) is helping revolutionise the world of robotics. You'll get to work with AI in this role and come up with creative ways to make robots smarter and more adaptable.
If you're always tinkering with tech, love a good challenge and get a kick out of seeing your creations come to life, then this job might be perfect for you!
Your tasks might include:
- identifying issues that robotic automation could solve
- creating robots using mechanical, electrical and computer engineering skills
- writing programmes to control robot movements
- implementing artificial intelligence into robotic systems
- working out design needs and costs based on a given budget
- maintaining and improving the functionality of robotic systems
- staying updated with the latest technical advancements
- helping others with the use and maintenance of robotic automation
Working conditions
Hours
Environment
Travel
UK employment status
Full-time
88%
Part-time
3%
Self employed
9%
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Find a jobTop skills
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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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.
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