Robotics Jobs

With more affordable, more adaptable and easier to program robots spurring greater utilization of robotic automation, especially for small- to mid-size enterprises (SMEs), manufacturing productivity continues to increase. Widely used to perform dull, dirty and dangerous tasks, robots also help to augment labor, optimize operations and increase product quality for greater competitive edge. At the same time, the uptick in robot usage is helping to redeploy current workers to other value-added tasks, as well as create new occupations for current and newly hired employees such as: Robotics Jobs

Programmer

This position can be solely dedicated to programming new robot jobs. It often entails using offline robot simulation and programming software, giving a programmer the ability to create, test and adjust a robot program or job from the convenience of a desktop computer before it is implemented on the factory floor. It is important for a robot programmer to keep current with the latest manufacturing requirements that may impact programming, and he or she should be prepared to help with robot (or workcell) design, assembly and maintenance as needed.

Robot / Workcell Operator

Robots aid the workforce in a variety of ways, alleviating workers from the daily grind of performing dull, dirty and dangerous tasks. Redeploying manual workers to jobs such as loading and unloading of parts, checking part quality, or monitoring and reloading consumables, can go a long way to sustaining a successful operation. These individuals are also helpful in jogging and resetting a robot in the event of a crash, saving time from having to call the robot programmer.

Robotic Technician

Companies that have a lot of robots, may choose to keep an in-house maintenance guru that can build, wire and test robotic systems as needed to keep operations running smoothly. This will minimize the need for service contracts and visits from robot integrators or manufacturers.

Workcell Champion

A more complex position, this job entails someone who is completely accountable for existing robotic operations on the shop floor, ensuring full utilization and success of any robots and workcells, including implementation, maintenance, programming and operator training. To ensure the best ROI, a person in this position should also be tasked with looking for new parts to automate.

Tooling Engineer – Wide adaption of automation may require an employee that is focused on dedicated tooling design and fabrication. While this type of tooling tends to have higher initial costs, it may be more financially sound in the long run, given a knowledgeable engineer that can help oversee the design phase.

Controls Engineer – A a highly analytical person is best suited for this position and is responsible for ensuring that the best possible products are produced in the most efficient manner. This role is ideal for environments that have introduced a great deal of automation, and where every machine needs to communicate together.

Other Positions – While the list of jobs created could go on and on, several other notable positions include logistics manager, operations manager, sales manager or representative, product technicians (depending on product line), purchasing manager or representative, and safety manager.

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.

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.

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, as it requires a firm grasp of math, programming languages, ROS (robot operating system), and mechatronics. It also requires staying abreast of new developments because the field of robotics systems is ever-evolving.

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).

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 $60,000.

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.

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.

Source: Robotics Jobs

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https://www.thomasnet.com/insights/6-cool-robotics-jobs-and-how-to-get-them/