What does a robotics engineer do?
A robotics engineer is responsible for designing robotic systems to support humans and businesses with their daily activities and operations using various technology systems and metal components. Robotics engineers run multiple diagnostic tests on the machines, identify inconsistencies, and perform troubleshooting procedures for defective system components. They also configure the robot's features regularly, ensuring its efficiency and accuracy through different stages of production. A robotics engineer must have excellent knowledge of the technology industry, including analytical expertise, to monitor cost-estimates and maintain the project within the budget goals.
Robotics engineer responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real robotics engineer resumes:
- Manage: client presentations; robotic configuration designs; welding/cutting/assembly programs; trade show exhibitions.
- Manage Jenkins security by providing specific access to authorize developers/testers using project base matrix authorization strategy.
- Develop automated test benches using C++ and MATLAB with capabilities to analyze the sensor data.
- Provide design documentation and mechanical engineering support for the chemical industry using AutoCAD software
- Design the speed bump camera system in SolidWorks.
- Provide engineering support of robotic arm operations for NASA shuttle missions.
- Develop thorough and effective HMI layout that is user-friendly to operators.
- Develop Java software for communicating with on-board devices and testing fish motion.
- Assist with automatic debugging by returning robot to home position from various position.
- Calibrate, adjust, modify, install, test and maintain PLC base systems.
- Programme and commission multiple HMI's (touch screen interface) to improve productivity.
- Study optimal grasp location in object manipulation using intelligent algorithms (PSO, GA, MATLAB).
- Develop robotic arm operation procedures and provide support to astronaut robotic training for NASA shuttle mission STS-116.
- Create a 3D virtual environment in Solidworks for use in testing, path-planning, and image recognition software.
- Discuss with customers and heat trace designers to design control panels to collaborate with CSA and NEC requirements.
Robotics engineer skills and personality traits
We calculated that 15% of Robotics Engineers are proficient in Python, Linux, and CAD. They’re also known for soft skills such as Creativity, Listening skills, and Mechanical skills.
We break down the percentage of Robotics Engineers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Python, 15%
Develop ROS-based Python software stack for a robotic fish: sensing, locomotion, navigation, Web-based control, etc.
- Linux, 7%
Developed embedded Linux platforms for concentration and relay of data from residential monitor/control units via PPP-over-cellular and 2.4GHz.
- CAD, 6%
Designed a lens for the projector of the NorthStar2 using LINOS, OpTaliX, MATLAB & modeled it using SolidWorks CAD.
- ROS, 6%
Controlled manipulator to corresponding position using ROS motion planning with collision avoid feather.
- PLC, 5%
Calibrate, adjust, modify, install, test and maintain PLC based systems.
- MATLAB, 5%
Studied optimal grasp location in object manipulation using intelligent algorithms (PSO, GA, MATLAB).
Most robotics engineers use their skills in "python," "linux," and "cad" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential robotics engineer responsibilities here:
Creativity. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for a robotics engineer to have is creativity. Their role and responsibilities require that "mechanical engineers design and build complex pieces of equipment and machinery." Robotics engineers often use creativity in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "maintained track inventory using jenkins and set alerts when the servers are full and needattention. "
Listening skills. Many robotics engineer duties rely on listening skills. "mechanical engineers often work on projects with others, such as architects and computer scientists," so a robotics engineer will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways robotics engineer responsibilities rely on listening skills: "communicated with and maintained customer service with the energy and drilling company associates. "
Mechanical skills. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of robotics engineers is mechanical skills. This skill is critical to many everyday robotics engineer duties, as "mechanical skills allow engineers to apply basic engineering concepts and mechanical processes to the design of new devices and systems." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "developed cad models of all mechanical components in solidworks and pro/engineer wildfire. "
Problem-solving skills. A big part of what robotics engineers do relies on "problem-solving skills." You can see how essential it is to robotics engineer responsibilities because "mechanical engineers need good problem-solving skills to take scientific principles and discoveries and use them to design and build useful products." Here's an example of how this skill is used from a resume that represents typical robotics engineer tasks: "resolved issues/provided support qa environment: java, sql, etc. "
Math skills. Another crucial skill for a robotics engineer to carry out their responsibilities is "math skills." A big part of what robotics engineers relies on this skill, since "mechanical engineers use the principles of calculus, statistics, and other advanced subjects in math for analysis, design, and troubleshooting in their work." How this skill relates to robotics engineer duties can be seen in an example from a robotics engineer resume snippet: "introduced math week in order to promote critical thinking, functional skills and creative learning in math. "
The three companies that hire the most robotics engineers are:
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Compare different robotics engineers
Robotics engineer vs. Associate professor of automation
Mechanical Engineers oversee the development of various mechanical devices in different industries. Most of the responsibilities will revolve around crafting, improving, or designing technologies by utilizing extensive expertise in the subject; they identify and detect errors, provide in-depth analysis, and resolve issues. They are often in designated offices, but they can also work on-site and travel if necessary. Furthermore, Mechanical Engineers usually function in a group or team setting, often supervised by personnel in higher positions.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between robotics engineers and associate professor of automation. For instance, robotics engineer responsibilities require skills such as "python," "computer vision," "linux," and "cad." Whereas a associate professor of automation is skilled in "sql," "automation solutions," "asset management," and "biomek." This is part of what separates the two careers.
Associate professors of automation tend to reach similar levels of education than robotics engineers. In fact, associate professors of automation are 4.5% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 1.3% less likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Robotics engineer vs. Mechanical engineer
Engineers are highly trained professionals who determine the feasibility of various projects, usually related to the construction industry. They are considered experts in mathematics and science, two disciplines that they need to use in designing and coming up with plans for projects. They should also be well-versed in different construction or industrial materials, and they ensure that appropriate materials are used for the project. They also ensure that the projects meet the requirements of the groups that hired them. They create spaces that would both address the needs of the end-users and the industry standards. They also ensure that the projects they make would stand the test of time.
Each career also uses different skills, according to real robotics engineer resumes. While robotics engineer responsibilities can utilize skills like "python," "computer vision," "linux," and "ros," mechanical engineers use skills like "hvac," "plumbing," "engineering design," and "creo."
Mechanical engineers earn a lower average salary than robotics engineers. But mechanical engineers earn the highest pay in the energy industry, with an average salary of $84,748. Additionally, robotics engineers earn the highest salaries in the internet with average pay of $108,683 annually.In general, mechanical engineers achieve similar levels of education than robotics engineers. They're 1.4% less likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 1.3% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for robotics engineers in the next 3-5 years?
Dr. Sridhar Santhanam Ph.D.
Professor and Chair, Villanova University
Robotics engineer vs. Engineer
A Project Engineer develops the plan that the entire team or company will undertake. The project engineer develops the plans, strategies, and goals of a project and then gives it to the management for approval and allocation. The Project Engineer will also recommend material, equipment, and the type of personnel needed. This position is integral in the smooth flow of any project, so hiring someone to hold this position will decide the success of a project.
There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a robotics engineer is likely to be skilled in "computer vision," "ros," "fanuc," and "opencv," while a typical engineer is skilled in "cloud," "c #," "aws," and "javascript."
Engineers earn the highest salary when working in the automotive industry, where they receive an average salary of $97,672. Comparatively, robotics engineers have the highest earning potential in the internet industry, with an average salary of $108,683.When it comes to education, engineers tend to earn similar degree levels compared to robotics engineers. In fact, they're 0.2% less likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.0% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Robotics engineer vs. Project engineer
Even though a few skill sets overlap between robotics engineers and project engineers, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, a robotics engineer might have more use for skills like "python," "computer vision," "linux," and "ros." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of project engineers require skills like "autocad," "construction management," "ul," and "cost estimates. "
In general, project engineers earn the most working in the energy industry, with an average salary of $85,761. The highest-paying industry for a robotics engineer is the internet industry.project engineers reach similar levels of education compared to robotics engineers, in general. The difference is that they're 0.5% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.7% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Types of robotics engineer
Updated January 8, 2025
