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Robotics systems engineer vs software engineer

The differences between robotics systems engineers and software engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a robotics systems engineer and a software engineer. Additionally, a robotics systems engineer has an average salary of $106,361, which is higher than the $100,260 average annual salary of a software engineer.

The top three skills for a robotics systems engineer include C++, MATLAB and CAD. The most important skills for a software engineer are java, python, and software development.

Robotics systems engineer vs software engineer overview

Robotics Systems EngineerSoftware Engineer
Yearly salary$106,361$100,260
Hourly rate$51.14$48.20
Growth rate2%21%
Number of jobs101,791339,938
Job satisfaction-3.5
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 73%Bachelor's Degree, 73%
Average age4339
Years of experience44

What does a robotics systems engineer do?

A robotics engineer creates mechanical beings called robots that are used to replace human labor, especially where the safety of human labor is at stake. They are mostly used in the manufacturing, processing, and automotive industries. They build prototypes and test machines and maintain software used to control them. Their duties and responsibilities also include researching various robotic fields and the latest innovations in robotics.

What does a software engineer do?

A software engineer is a computer science professional who is responsible for the development of information systems, designing and building computer systems software and applications software. They often prefer to call themselves as a software developer or computer programmer. They have substantial knowledge of programming languages, software development, and computer operating systems, and other technologies. They use these to turn a plan into a final output. They can create a design, test, and develop software based on the needs of their clients.

Robotics systems engineer vs software engineer salary

Robotics systems engineers and software engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Robotics Systems EngineerSoftware Engineer
Average salary$106,361$100,260
Salary rangeBetween $79,000 And $142,000Between $73,000 And $136,000
Highest paying CityFoster City, CASan Bruno, CA
Highest paying stateNevadaCalifornia
Best paying companyMetaThe Citadel
Best paying industry-Start-up

Differences between robotics systems engineer and software engineer education

There are a few differences between a robotics systems engineer and a software engineer in terms of educational background:

Robotics Systems EngineerSoftware Engineer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 73%Bachelor's Degree, 73%
Most common majorMechanical EngineeringComputer Science
Most common collegeMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyHarvard University

Robotics systems engineer vs software engineer demographics

Here are the differences between robotics systems engineers' and software engineers' demographics:

Robotics Systems EngineerSoftware Engineer
Average age4339
Gender ratioMale, 95.6% Female, 4.4%Male, 78.0% Female, 22.0%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 3.2% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 7.5% Asian, 18.3% White, 66.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%Black or African American, 4.4% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.1% Asian, 34.0% White, 48.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage5%8%

Differences between robotics systems engineer and software engineer duties and responsibilities

Robotics systems engineer example responsibilities.

  • Develop Perl scripts to automate object model and functional mapping into the application metadata and database.
  • Support CNC machines and automate equipment incorporating Allen Bradley PLC's.
  • Gain experience with robotic PLC programming.
  • Integrate Foba laser systems with Fanuc robotics for laser marking pick and place applications.
  • Analyze UNIX systems performance indicators and modify kernel configurations to enhance system operations and applications throughput.
  • Establish standards, policies and procedures for all aspects of Unix server environment like administration, documentation and configuration.
  • Show more

Software engineer example responsibilities.

  • Manage product releases, solve software bugs in a client/server environment, write UNIX shell scripts to manage development environments.
  • Manage responsive UI design, implementing complex, dynamic functionality.
  • Define continuous integration process and configure Jenkins build server to manage it.
  • Develop a python serial communication program to automate test procedures and verify proper operation.
  • Manage website/software/mobile applications by generating full scope requirements base upon PMI / SDLC guidance.
  • Contribute to implementing microservices used to manage entities and maintain a synchronize state between supplier and distributor.
  • Show more

Robotics systems engineer vs software engineer skills

Common robotics systems engineer skills
  • C++, 35%
  • MATLAB, 10%
  • CAD, 9%
  • Mechanical Systems, 6%
  • Design Reviews, 6%
  • Prototyping, 5%
Common software engineer skills
  • Java, 15%
  • Python, 9%
  • Software Development, 6%
  • Database, 3%
  • GIT, 3%
  • Object Oriented Programming, 3%

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