Robotics is the designing, maintaining, operating and repairing of robots. To create autonomous machines that carry out a variety of tedious, hazardous, and challenging jobs, robotic engineers acquire a combination of mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and computer science skills.
Certain human jobs can now be replaced by robots, and with that, several new occupations in various industries have emerged due to robotics. Experts in robotics design devices that carry out preprogrammed commands. Drone deliveries, mechanical welding arms, self-driving cars, autonomous robots, and artificial intelligence-based sorting processes are some examples of robotics applications.
In this article, we describe eleven different job openings in the robotics industry together with their salaries and primary responsibilities.
The development of technology over the last few decades has led to an expansion of the robotics industry. The robotics sector has seen significant innovation thanks to developments in engineering, software development, and artificial intelligence. There are many intriguing work opportunities for those who are thinking about a career in robotics.
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The demand for jobs in the robotics industry has increased as automation becomes more important. For the next decade, the robotics industry is expected to continue to develop, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Robotic technology is now employed for everything from advanced surgery to space exploration. Even children's toys, home cleaning appliances, and farming machinery are using robotics technology. There are a lot of options to consider. When you receive your BS in Engineering with an Emphasis in Robotics, you can get ready to seek a career in robotics.
Alternatively, you can jump-start your career with a short course in mechatronics that can be done from the comfort of your home, but more on that later.
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Types of Jobs in Robotics
As we have mentioned, every industry today is employing some form of automation. This has now simply become the need of the day to become competitive in the marketplace. While robots take away some jobs, they bring in many more.
Robotics technicians, operators, and engineers come in all shapes and sizes. Some are hands-on mechanical engineers who build the robots, while some are software programmers who write the code to run them.
Interestingly, there are even new opportunities for salesmen who can acquire a basic understanding of robotics to sell robots to manufacturing industries.
So no matter what background you have, there could be a robotics-related job waiting for you.
Why choose a career in robotics?
Making a career choice in robotics has numerous advantages. Engineers, technicians, and scientists may gain from developments in their area by earning a greater income, having more chances for funding, and having more advanced research skills. The following are some advantages of a profession in robotics:
1. Innovation
Many robotics professionals want to invent new things for their industry. Those who work in this field may find this to be a very motivating element.
Professionals in the field of robotics can work with specialized technology, such as those that support intricate operations and production in the medical, manufacturing, military, or educational sectors. Putting your skills to use in promoting innovation can result in a fulfilling and interesting profession.
2. Unique Skills
Robotics specialists must develop a specialized skill set. Robotics incorporates concepts and techniques from engineering, software development, computing, and artificial intelligence.
Combining these abilities can help you build a diversified skill set and solve challenging situations. Alternatively, you can focus on one area and specialize in it.
3. Influence
You can learn about ethical and moral concerns as a robotics specialist, which will help you comprehend how innovation affects people on a deeper level. You might be able to shape how the world is affected by robotics by using your position as a specialist in the industry.
For instance, experts in robotics may disagree on how automation's advancement would impact employment, productivity, and safety.
4. Job Security
As mentioned earlier, the demand for robotics is rising. While many labor-intensive jobs are being cut, they are being replaced by robotics. It is safe to assume that people employed in this industry will continue to enjoy a high level of job security.
The types and number of jobs in robotics will only increase with time as robotics plays a greater role in everything from children’s toys to rovers exploring the Martian surface.
5. Ease of entry
While top-level jobs require a degree in engineering, you can immediately launch your robotics career with a simple, short online certificate course. Many of the well-paying jobs in robotics do not require a master's or even a bachelor’s degree.
Popular Robotics Jobs
Here are some exciting career paths you can take if you want to jump into this highly lucrative industry. Remember that you don't have to be a scientist or an engineer to start every career in robotics.
For example, a job in sales in the robotics industry does not require you to have an engineering degree. Similarly, a job that controls the assembly line in the automotive industry does not require years of education but instead, some basic education and training, which more often than not, employers are willing to give.
Here are some popular jobs related to robotics:
1. Electro-mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians
Electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians combine mechanical knowledge with electrical and electronic circuitry knowledge. They are responsible for the operation, testing, and maintenance of unmanned, automated, robotic, or electromechanical equipment.
Technologists and technicians in electro-mechanical and mechatronics test and operate machines in factories and other workplaces. They also document the tests they run, as well as analyze and record the results.
Technologists and technicians in electro-mechanical and mechatronics install, maintain and repair automated machinery and computer-controlled mechanical systems in industrial settings.
They also test, operate, and maintain robotic equipment on the job. Unmanned submarines, aircraft, and other similar types of equipment may be used for oil drilling, deep-ocean exploration, or hazardous-waste removal.
The average yearly wage in the country for electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians is $60,360 per year. On average, 1,100 openings for these technicians are expected each year over the next decade.
Some of those positions are expected to be filled as a result of the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or leave the labor force for other reasons, such as retirement.
With all the robots being built, someone has to sell them to organizations and industries!
This is where Account Managers come in. An account manager is a person in charge of overseeing a company's relationship with its customers.
They also determine the robotic needs of the customers and how the company will meet those needs. Account managers typically manage existing customer accounts in order to develop long-term client relationships.
Account managers in the robotics industry are not just regular marketing or salespeople. They have extensive knowledge of robotics, which is why they are able to suggest robotic solutions to their customers.
In the United States, the average annual salary for an account manager is $63,522 plus $18,000 in commission. Of course, this is just average for Account Managers while salaries of $113,574 are not unheard of for marketing and salespeople in the robotics industry.
3. Design Engineer
Those working in design engineering can anticipate earning an average salary of about $81,542, according to data gathered by indeed.com. Professionals in design engineering focus especially on the robot's external look. To make sure their designs are practicable, they collaborate with a team of mechanical engineers.
An idea for a new robot or production system is developed by a design engineer through research and study. Additionally, they make sure that consumer goods like kitchen appliances, medical equipment, and automobile engines are produced effectively and affordably by using robots.
These experts construct, modify, and evaluate prototypes of products and processes, including computer numerically controlled (CNC) equipment, using computer-aided design (CAD) software.
A design engineer's typical duties include creating blueprint sketches and running motion studies to model the finished product. To comprehend the process of developing functional assemblies from scratch, you might need a graduate degree or certificate program in design software.
4. Mechanical Engineer
The average yearly wage in the country for mechanical engineers is $86,115 but it can go as high as $128,085 with the proper experience or education.
Designing, developing, creating, testing, and maintaining mechanical systems and equipment is the core responsibility of mechanical engineers. They might work on certain tools, engines, or machines. Mechanical engineers specialize in the study of systems and objects in motion.
This helps a mechanical engineer with turning a simple concept or idea for automation into a working robot that can be bought on the market. In order to do this, it is necessary to assess the pressures and environment that the robot will be exposed to, as well as all of its component parts and subsystems.
Additionally, in the robotics industry, mechanical engineers also frequently create sensors and other gadgets that robotics experts use when putting a robot together physically. To determine the most affordable ways to manufacture parts, mechanical engineers may also carry out research.
5. User Interface and User Experience (UI/UX) Designer
According to indeed.com, the average yearly salary for UI/UX designers is $95,319.
A user experience designer (UX designer), usually known by the acronym UX, collaborates with every component of a digital product to guarantee a seamless user experience. This covers everything, from the product's appearance and usability to the branding used to promote the program.
These astute individuals frequently work in offices and collaborate closely with the people in charge of each component of the final product. Another title that is frequently used is "UI (user interface) designer," but this title is mostly used to refer to people who are experts in the program's graphic design elements.
UI/UX designers are essentially computer programmers specializing in user interface design. These software engineers work to provide reliable interfaces that permit human-robot interaction. They create a digital platform that can let a user control a robotic system, comprehend its workings, and gain additional operational information from the device.
6. Aerospace Engineers
The average yearly salary for aerospace engineers is $122,270. The bottom 10% earned less than $77,440, while the top 10% made more than $168,370.
Aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and missiles are all designed, developed, and tested by aerospace engineers. All these works of engineering have thousands of parts that are automated and are in reality mini robotics that help fly, guide or perform various other tasks.
Aerospace engineers frequently use computers while working in an office environment. To work as an aerospace engineer, one needs a bachelor's degree in the subject or a closely related profession. A security clearance may be required for aerospace engineers working on national defense-related projects.
Additionally, robots that can assist with efficiently completing activities like building, assembling, painting, and manufacturing aircraft may benefit from the design input of aerospace experts. Moreover, aerospace engineers contribute to the development of robotics in drone-like aircraft.
7. A Sales Engineer
The nation's average yearly salary for sales engineers is $103,710 with an excellent job outlook of 6%.
An engineer with a focus on sales is known as a sales engineer. These experts serve as advisers for the businesses they work for, helping them decide whether to acquire or sell a product based on its technical specifications.
Sales engineers are business-oriented individuals with the technical skills to grasp modern technologies such as robotics. Sales engineers in robotics are expected to understand how robots function, what their design requirements are, and how they may help clients.
Sales engineers frequently operate in B2B industries, directly assisting account managers (mentioned earlier) in selecting, customizing, and assembling the right robots to suit the customer’s objectives or needs.
Whereas account managers are mostly salespeople with a basic understanding of robotics, sales engineers are basically robotics engineers with a basic understanding of sales. Both professions work together to evaluate, build, and deliver customized robotics solutions for their clients.
8. Robotics Engineer
The average yearly salary for robotics engineers in the country is $101,387.
Robotics engineers' primary responsibilities include creating, developing, testing, constructing, and maintaining robots. Their effort aims to create safe, effective robots that can be used for a range of tasks. They frequently create their blueprints using computer-aided design and production software.
Most robotics engineers start off with a basic degree in mechanical or electrical engineering and then specialize in robotics.
Software developers and robotics engineers work very closely to build highly complex robots that can successfully do specific jobs. To determine the most economically advantageous materials required to manufacture robots, robotics engineers may collaborate with market scientists.
9. Software Engineer
Software engineers in the US earn an average yearly salary of $108,625.
The brilliant minds behind computer programs are called software engineers. They might start by getting the customer's usage expectations for the program. They need to determine what essential features people expect from the software.
The level of security and performance requirements are examples of user requirements that are not directly related to the tasks of the software that must be determined by software engineers. They design the software and then instruct programmers to write and test the computer code.
The main duties of a software engineer in the robotics industry are to help programmers write the code that manages the computerized systems found inside robots. These are extremely intricate systems that make sure robots can carry out their tasks effectively.
To complete this objective, software engineers use computer coding and software design. Many robotics software experts concentrate their efforts on developing software for safer robots that can interact with people.
10. Computer Scientist
$94,148 is the average yearly wage in the country for computer scientists. These scientists' main responsibilities include using technology hardware and software to address challenging issues. They might construct systems for various ways that people and robots can communicate, or they might even help write software that manages these systems.
In offices or laboratories, computer scientists frequently collaborate with engineers and other professionals to develop new technologies or innovative methods of utilizing already-existing technology.
In the robotics area, they aid in the development of artificial intelligence systems that can help humans and robots interact efficiently. Computer scientists also evaluate whether these systems work efficiently by rigorously testing them.
11. Hardware Engineer
Computer hardware engineers make an average of $119,560 a year, according to the most recent BLS statistics. They could also supervise the development of new robotic systems and prototypes.
Designing, testing, and updating computer hardware is the responsibility of hardware engineers, sometimes known as computer hardware engineers. They are in charge of designing, researching, and testing the hardware components that go into the construction of robotics and other technological equipment.
They frequently collaborate with other groups of engineers and designers at companies that manufacture robotics. They are employed in a wide variety of industries, including security, healthcare, and telecommunications.
Robotics hardware engineers carry out research, design, development, and testing on tangible parts like circuit boards that power the system. To make sure that the circuitry correctly performs the prescribed instructions, hardware engineers could work alongside a software developer.
Career Prospects
Robotics is an expanding industry that offers varied work prospects for ambitious roboticists. The potential of robotics and professional options has seen the most significant development during the past ten years. Several new uses of robots have emerged in a variety of industries as a result of technological advancements.
Where Can a Robotics Engineer Work?
Start your career as a technician, engineer, or researcher at a public or private institution. Graduates have several chances in labs and institutions thanks to advancements in sensor technology, machine learning, and robotic dexterity.
Robotics engineers are employed by tech behemoths like Google and Apple for a variety of desirable tasks and responsibilities. You could even work with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) on space exploration missions and navigation systems provided you have the right ambitions and the necessary skills.
Manufacturers of autonomous vehicles, such as Tesla, also use robotics graduates to create sophisticated navigation and driving systems. Military manufacturing companies have created a variety of innovative technologies in the last ten years, providing an ideal learning environment for aspiring roboticists.
Robotics is also used by the construction, manufacturing, healthcare, transportation, supply chain, surveillance, and even the food industries to create quick and effective solutions.
How to Start a Career in Robotics
The answer to this depends a lot on which of the above jobs you are interested in. Some of them require you to get a degree, while others simply require a certificate in mechatronics, for example.
1. Get a Degree
Your education in robotics can start with an associate's degree, which is a great stepping stone to the upper levels of the industry. Throughout your education, you will acquire the knowledge and abilities needed to design and create robotic and autonomous systems.
You can seek a bachelor's degree to expand your abilities and knowledge in the profession after completing your associate program.
After earning your undergraduate degree, you can continue your education by pursuing a master's degree if you wish to work in research or other advanced fields. A good associate of science degree in electronics, robotics, or drone technology from a reputable institute can assist you in finding entry-level employment in a number of rapidly developing and fascinating fields.
2. Get Certifications and Further Training
Don’t want to invest 2 or 4 years in an associate’s or bachelor’s program? Well, you can jump-start your career with a simple, short online course in mechatronics. This course can be completed within 5 weeks and costs as low as $719!
Alternatively, you can develop the necessary skill sets and gain an advantage over other professionals in your field by specializing in fundamental topics like programming, coding, and embedded system design with a certificate course on top of your degree.
Advanced training credentials not only help you prepare for good professional options, but they also enable you to pursue a career path in related fields like electronics and computer science.
3. Gain Experience
In the field of robotics, practical experience is essential. To understand more about the autonomous systems that businesses presently utilize, you can apply for internships and programs that offer hands-on training.
Programs for on-the-job training can assist you in keeping up with the most recent developments in your industry. It could also be important to have the practical experience to apply to programs in higher education.
Conclusion
The robotics field provides various fascinating jobs with high-paying incomes and outstanding growth prospects. Your chances of having a rewarding job in the industry can be further increased by formal education, certification, practical training, or work experience.
In this article, we shared with you a number of careers in the robotics industry that you could get into. All you need to do now is to find one that suits you.
Some of the highest-paid robotics professionals are software developers.
Is robotics a good career?
Yes. Engineers in robotics are paid highly. Robotics engineers are in charge of creating the systems that robots use and the robots themselves. They employ computer-aided design tools to develop parts and designs for robots that can be built.
How do I get a job in robotics?
A bachelor's degree is required to work as a robotics engineer. You'll need experience in computer science if you want to work in robot software. You should concentrate on mechanical engineering or electrical engineering if you wish to design robotic parts.