Robotics engineer
Also called Automation engineer.
Robotics engineers design and build machines to do automated jobs in industries like manufacturing, aerospace and medicine.
- Potential salary
- £31,000 starter to £60,000 experienced per year
- Typical hours
- 37 to 40. Working pattern: 9am to 5pm.
- Career area
- Engineering
- Where they might work
- You could work in an office, in a laboratory or at a manufacturing plant.
- A typical task
- design automated systems using computer software
- Subjects that may help
- 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including maths and physics
- Typical route
- You could do a degree or postgraduate qualification in:
- Interest area used here
- Making, fixing and working outdoors, Asking questions and research
What you might do
- 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
- build and fix robots in the renewable energy sector
More tasks (2)
- design robots using biodegradable materials
- use robotic components that are easy to recycle
Could this suit me?
Consider which of these skills and ways of working appeal to you.
- 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
More 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
Routes into this career
University route
- 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.
- You'll usually need:
- 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including maths and physics
- a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
- equivalent entry requirements
- student finance for fees and living costs
- university courses and entry requirements
University courses that could lead to this career
These are course families, not published offers. A link does not mean the degree is sufficient on its own.
- Electrical and electronic engineering
Alternative route. Relevant with control and programming. Not every electrical course covers robotics.
- Mechanical engineering
Alternative route. Possible with control, electronics and programming options. Robotics or mechatronics degrees are closer.
- Mechatronics
Common route. Mechatronics is a common academic route into robotics. Job titles vary.
- Robotics and mechatronics
Direct qualifying route. The closest title. Mechanical or electronic engineering with the right options is a common alternative.
Apprenticeship or vocational route
- 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.
- 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
- equivalent entry requirements
- apprenticeship levels
- guide to apprenticeships
Other routes
- 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 for these courses vary.
- funding advice
- equivalent entry requirements
- search for courses
Career 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
Subjects that may help
Subject guidance
- 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including maths and physics
- a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship