1. Home: Explore careers
  2. Robotics engineer

Robotics engineer

Alternative titles for this job include Automation engineer

Robotics engineers design and build machines to do automated jobs in industries like manufacturing, aerospace and medicine.

Average salary (a year)

£27,500 Starter

to

£54,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 40 a week

You could work

9am to 5pm

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become a robotics engineer

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role

University

You could do a degree or postgraduate qualification in:

  • artificial intelligence and robotics
  • mechatronics
  • robotics engineering
  • mechanical or electronics engineering
  • computer science or mathematics

If you have a qualification in psychology or cognitive science, you could also work in the development of artificial intelligence.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including maths and physics
  • a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

More Information

College

You could do a college course which might help you to find a job as a robotics technician. Courses include:

  • electronic systems engineering
  • computing
  • advanced manufacturing engineering
  • electrical or electronic engineering

With further training, you could then qualify as a robotics engineer.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could do a Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship to specialise in:

  • Robotics Engineering
  • Control and Technical Support Engineering
  • Electro-Mechanical Engineering
  • Embedded Electronic Systems Design and Development Engineering
  • Manufacturing Engineering

These apprenticeships can take between 3 and 5 years to complete.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship

More Information

Work

You could start as a robotics technician or junior engineer. You could then study for higher education qualifications and work your way up to qualify as a robotics engineer.

More Information

Career tips

You'll find it useful to join robotics engineering groups or take part in robotics design competitions to build up your skills and knowledge.

Further information

You can discover more about careers in engineering and robotics from The Institution of Engineering and Technology and Neon.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • knowledge of engineering science and technology
  • knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
  • maths knowledge
  • design skills and knowledge
  • complex problem-solving skills
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • thinking and reasoning skills
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As a robotics engineer you could:

  • design automated systems using computer software
  • build, program and test prototypes and fix faults
  • analyse data from robot sensors, instruments and cameras
  • report on risks, issues and project progress
  • research news ways to use robots and artificial intelligence

Possible green job

This job could help the environment.

For a robotics engineer to be a green job, you could:

  • build and fix robots in the renewable energy sector
  • design robots using biodegradable materials
  • use robotic components that are easy to recycle

Find out more about green careers

Working environment

You could work in an office, in a laboratory or at a manufacturing plant.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

You could become a lead engineer and be responsible for managing projects.

You could also specialise in a particular area of robotics, for example:

  • self-driving vehicles
  • space exploration
  • surgical instruments
  • deep ocean research
  • advanced manufacturing

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

V01941 - Manufacturing Engineer Apprenticeship

  • Wage: Competitive salary Annually
  • Location: 1st Floor, Main Shipyard Offices, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria

Software Developer Apprentice

  • Wage: £25,000.00 Annually
  • Location: 10 Throgmorton Avenue, London
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Engineering (Robotics and Automation Engineering) - BEng Hons Degree (Full-time)

  • Provider: BLACKPOOL AND THE FYLDE COLLEGE
  • Start date: 09 September 2024
  • Location: Blackpool
Find courses near you

Jobs In the United Kingdom

The Find a job service can help you with your search for jobs and send alerts when new jobs become available.

Search further careers

Related careers

Skills assessment

Take an assessment to learn more about your skills and the careers that might suit you.

Speak to an adviser

You can call 0800 100 900 or use webchat to speak to an adviser.

We're open:

  • 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday
  • 10am to 5pm Saturday and bank holidays

We're closed Sunday, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.

Is this page useful?

Yes No

Thank you for your feedback.

Thank you for your feedback. Click here if you'd like to let us know how we can improve the service.