Robotics engineer
Revolutionise the way people live and work by designing exciting new systems that can save time, money and change lives.
Also known as: robotic autonomous systems operations engineer, robotic systems engineer, robotic design engineer
About the job
A day in the life – Robotics engineer
What it's like
Robotics engineers use technology and creativity to design robots that can do important and exciting jobs – like exploring deep-sea shipwrecks, carrying out life-saving surgery or even travelling into space!
You might build robots for offshore wind farms that can inspect and fix equipment, or work with artificial intelligence (AI) to make machines smarter and more independent. As tech keeps advancing, you’ll need to stay up to date with the latest trends.
Your tasks might include:
creating robots using mechanical, electrical and computer engineering skills
identifying issues that robotic automation could solve
writing programmes to control robot movements
implementing AI into robotic systems
maintaining and improving the functionality of robotic systems
helping others with the use and maintenance of robotic automation
Green job
In this job, you could be doing work to help the environment. For example, you may:
develop, create and maintain robotic systems that generate power on an offshore wind farm
design a robot that sorts recyclable materials more efficiently
Hours
You'll typically work Monday to Friday. However, this depends on the place of work and the projects you work on.
Environment
Robotics engineers work both in their labs and in an office.
In the lab, you'll manufacture and test products. In the office, you'll work on plans and carry out research.
Travel
You might be expected to travel for research purposes or to learn from others.
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
Transport Financial and professional services Creative Life sciences Healthcare Engineering and manufacturing Construction and built environment
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Top specialised skills
These are the top specialised skills that have been found in job vacancies across Scotland. From March 2024 to March 2025.
- robotics
- industrial robotics
- robotic systems
- c++ (programming language)
- python (programming language)
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- analysing
- implementing ideas
- attention to detail
- researching
- working with numbers
- problem solving
- innovative
- designing
- creative
- working with technology
Top three skills
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Foundation Apprenticeship: Automotive
Computing Science
Design and Technology
Maths (Mathematics)
Physics
Applications of Mathematics
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
Generally, robotics engineers have a high level of technical qualification across multiple disciplines. There are a variety of possible routes to reach this level of technical ability.
Even with high level qualifications – relevant experience, additional in-work training and qualifications are usually essential.
University
Most robotics engineers have a degree. You could study subjects like:
Electrical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Mechatronics
Artificial Intelligence
Computer Science
College
Getting qualifications at college, such as an HNC or HND, could help you get an entry-level job in robotics or progress to more advanced study. Useful subjects include:
Mechatronics
Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Computer Science
Apprenticeships
Modern Apprenticeships (MAs) mean you learn on the job. You get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time. You might want to consider an MA in Engineering.
Graduate Apprenticeships (GAs) are designed for industry. You'll spend most of your time learning on the job but you'll also go to uni or college. You'll get a job, get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time. You might want to consider a GA in Engineering: Design and Manufacture.
Employers don't tend to list specific qualification requirements. But they'll often ask for relevant (usually work-based) experience that demonstrates a range of transferable meta-skills, like problem-solving and perseverance.
Volunteering is a fantastic way to build the experience you need to land a role in robotics. Search for engineering opportunities on Volunteer Scotland.
As technology evolves, it's important to keep up with these advances throughout your career.
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