Robotics Engineer Job Description

It is fascinating to watch robots work! If you're a young and ignited mind, willing to pursue a career as a robotics engineer, then you've to develop the ability to be an expert in your chosen subject. One of the most inter-disciplinary branches in engineering, robotic technology employs engineers and graduates from diverse engineering and science backgrounds.

The job of a robotics engineer encompasses numerous roles and duties. When a team of robotics engineers is working on a project, each of them is designated specific roles depending on his area of expertise. For instance, those having expertise in mechanical engineering are deft in designing the joint mechanisms and motion-related features of the robot.

A dedicated team of electrical engineers work towards assembling control electronics, amplifiers, sensors, wires, transistors, capacitors and amplifiers in the robot. Mathematics graduates, on the other hand, apply their knowledge in robot kinematics and computer engineers work on the robot's computing hardware.

The task of computer software engineers is highly crucial in making a robot work as they write programs and codes for effective functioning of the robot.

Right from the inception of the project, robotic engineers are responsible for designing the robots. Using computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) software, they analyze the requirements of clients and design robots that meet their expectations. Most of the robots are either manually controlled or they're controlled by automated control systems. It is amongst one of the key duties of robotics engineers to design control systems that are effectively able to handle the robot and make it work.

Robotics engineer also test the robots if they're performing their tasks as per the needs of the clients. Only after sufficient testing, the robots are placed in the market. Moreover, as a part of error rectification, robotics engineers correct errors in functioning of the robots.

In case of any problems encountered in the working of the robots, robotics engineer are expected to troubleshoot the problem and eliminate it at the earliest. Just like in any industry, customer satisfaction is very important for robotics engineers. If they're unable to meet the possible expectations of the clients, it is considered as a mark of failure.

Education is the key to make a mark in the robotics field. Studying engineering (mechanical, physics, computer science) or even graduation in physics and mathematics is needed to become a robotics engineer.

However, as the robotics industry has become very competitive, a bachelor's degree in robotics engineering is considered to be a great option to become a robotics engineer. This doesn't mean that graduates in other engineering disciplines don't have any scope for growth.

Robotics is open to science and engineering graduates provided that they prove their competencies in this field. Bachelor's degree is great for entry-level robotics engineering position however for advanced jobs, it is good to gain some work experience and finish the postgraduate or doctoral degree studies.

Deep knowledge and great work experience are the two vital parameters to succeed in the robotics engineering field. Candidates must have the craving to learn intricate concepts of computers, sciences, physics (especially hydra electronics, hydraulic and pneumatic systems) and mathematics.

If you do a little research, you'll be able to find out that the number of robots deployed all across the globe especially in military, manufacturing and surveillance jobs has increased in the last decade. This is a hint that the scope and extent of robotics technology is bound to increase as we advance in the more technology dominated era.

The earning potential for entry-level engineers in robotics is between US$40,000 to US$55,000. As one advances in this field, salary ranges between US$60,000 to US$85,000.

Further robotics engineers can advance to managerial positions in robotics manufacturing companies or research organizations after they have sufficient work experience. They can also complete their doctoral degrees and become research engineers in robotics firms or they can become professors in universities and engineering colleges.

Most of the engineering students eying a career in robotics engineering are passionate about their profession. Money and success comes with time and efforts but the love for job is something that is always with them, motivating them to do better, with every passing day.

If you are really interested in this field and you're still in your high school, attend many seminars, exhibitions regarding robotics and participate in inter college robotics competition to know if you're really cut out for a career as a robotics engineer. We wish you all the best for a great career ahead.