6 Cool Robotics Jobs and How to Get Them

As automation and other technology advance, we have seen robots become taxi drivers and cooks. In turn, robots and humans are working side by side more frequently. According to a World Economic Forum (WEF) report, 97 million new jobs will come from the robot revolution.

Robotics jobs are among the most unique, innovative, and lucrative, but how can you position yourself for the workforce of tomorrow? Below are six of the most exciting robotics jobs on the market today, complete with advice on landing them.

1. Robotics Engineer

From search and rescue to keeping elderly people company to exploring the outer reaches of our universe, robots are increasingly taking center stage in a myriad of industries. Whether designing, drafting, prototyping, and testing them or building, maintaining, and programming them, the opportunities for a robotics engineer are endless.

Developing robots is complex, and your remit may fall at different points along the production pipeline. Design engineers, for instance, draw up the blueprints for a robot, while hardware engineers are involved in constructing the computer hardware, such as circuit boards, that makes robots function.

Robotics engineers earn over $100,000 on average. You will likely need to complete at least a bachelor’s in robotics for more advanced roles.

2. Software Engineer or Computer Scientist

The WEF report identifies data, artificial intelligence (AI), and cloud computing as the top skills needed for future roles. These are the tools of the software engineer or computer scientist, some of robotics’ highest-paid professionals.

Jobs in these fields involve building the complex computerized systems found inside robots and creating applications that help humans interact effectively with robots in different capacities. They might work as developers, testers, or quality assurance analysts.

Working in robotics software is highly skilled. It requires a firm grasp of math, programming languages, ROS (robot operating system), and mechatronics. Staying abreast of new developments is also essential because the field of robotics systems is ever-evolving.

3. Engineer in a Related Field

The field of robotics is interdisciplinary, encompassing computer science, mechanical, and electrical engineering, among other disciplines. As such, you can find your way into robotics with an engineering degree of various types, and that might determine the kinds of robots you work on.

Mechanical engineers might develop robots for manufacturing or tool design, aerospace engineers for use in systems that control flight systems or as drones, and electrical engineers could work on anything from medical scanners to driverless cars (the auto industry is investing heavily in robotics).

4. Robotics Technician

Robotics technicians often only need an associate’s degree and can complete their training at an accredited trade school in just a year.

Electromechanical technicians assemble, operate, and repair robotic systems, automated machines, or peripheral equipment. They may need to apply knowledge of electronics, sensor systems, hydraulics, or pneumatics. The average technician’s salary in the U.S. is around $69,000.

5. UI/UX Designers or Engineers

Those working in user interface (UI) or user experience (UX) create the interfaces people use to communicate with robots. They consider user perspective in the robot development process, evaluate how consumers will interact with a robot, and are decision-makers in how systems can best meet consumer needs.

UX is considered an overlooked aspect of human-robot interaction due to a lack of understanding and time constraints. But it’s a market that will only become more significant as robots become increasingly active worldwide.

6. Sales Engineer or Account Manager

For the business side of robotics, you can find work as a sales engineer or account manager. Sales engineers have the technical knowledge to understand how robots function and the business acumen and interpersonal skills necessary to liaise with clients regarding their requirements and communicate these to the design and manufacturing teams.

Account management is another route to robotics. This role is centered around sales responsibilities, accounting, customer service, and relaying information on customer satisfaction to engineers developing robotics products.