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Careers/Manufacturing/Robotics Engineer

Robotics Engineer

Manufacturing

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Robotics engineers design, build, program, and test robots and robotic systems, combining mechanical, electrical, and software engineering to make machines that sense and act in the physical world.

Education

Bachelor's in mechanical or electrical engineering

Experiences

Coming soon

Why this career matters

Robots already move products through warehouses, assemble cars, and assist in surgery. Someone has to design, build, and keep improving the machines doing that work, and that engineering sits at the intersection of mechanical, electrical, and software skill.

What you actually do

1
Design and build the mechanical and electrical systems inside a robot
2
Write and test software that controls robotic equipment
3
Run tests on prototypes and interpret the results
4
Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, or software failures
5
Research new approaches and apply them to a design
6
Document designs for the rest of the team

A day in the life

You start by debugging why a robotic arm missed its target the day before, then run a design review with the mechanical and software teams. Midday you assemble a new prototype part on the bench. In the afternoon you run tests, log what failed and why, and adjust the design for the next build.

Key skills

Observe's own list, not government data.

ProgrammingMechanical design (CAD)ElectronicsProblem-solvingSystems thinkingTesting and debugging

Work environment

Labs and workshopsManufacturing floorsPrototyping benchesEngineering teamsHands-on testingSafety gear

Related careers

Observe's own list, not government data.

Mechanical EngineerElectrical EngineerSoftware DeveloperAutomation Technician

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