How to Become a Robotics Engineer

If you are looking to begin a career in the burgeoning robotics industry, there are many potential paths. You might, for example, seek a position as a roboticist or as a mechatronics engineer—two very common job titles held by those who work in the field.

Another common job title is that of a robotics engineer. Robotics engineers typically enter the field by earning a bachelor’s degree in robotics or a related engineering or computing discipline, developing interdisciplinary technical skills, and gaining hands-on experience through projects, research, internships, or co-ops. Below, we explain the role, current salary and job outlook data, and the steps involved in preparing for this career.

Key takeaways

• A bachelor’s degree in robotics or a related engineering or computing field is the most common starting point, although employer requirements vary.
• Useful subjects include math, physics, programming, electronics, mechanics, control systems, and sensing.
• Projects, research, internships, and co-ops help candidates demonstrate applied robotics experience.
• A master’s degree can support specialization or advanced work, but it is not required for every robotics engineer role.

What does a robotics engineer do?

Robotics engineers design, build, program, test, integrate, and maintain robots and robotic applications. To carry out this work, they draw on multiple engineering disciplines, including mechanical, electronic, computer, and systems engineering. This multidisciplinary field allows robotics engineers to develop solutions for industries ranging from manufacturing and automotive to aerospace, transportation, and medicine.

According to O*NET OnLine, common responsibilities include processing sensor data, debugging robotics programs, building and testing robots, designing control software, evaluating prototypes, integrating robots with other equipment, and installing, calibrating, or maintaining robotic systems.

“Robotics engineers have a broad range of responsibilities,” says Krassimir Marchev, PhD, professor of Practice for Northeastern’s Bachelor of Science in Mechatronics program. “That’s why, at Northeastern, we teach our engineers to be able to step in and respond to any of the many needs of a company that might hire them, whether it be designing, installing, programming, teaching, or maintaining robots and automation systems.”

Robotics engineer salary & job outlook

Because robotics engineers fall within O*NET’s broader “Engineers, All Other” occupation category, available salary and employment figures reflect that larger group. For that category, the 2025 median annual wage was $122,930. Employment is projected to grow 1% to 2% from 2024 to 2034, with approximately 9,300 job openings projected over that period.

Because these figures cover a broader engineering category, they should be treated as directional benchmarks rather than specific guarantees. Job titles also vary by employer; O*NET lists examples such as automation engineer, autonomous vehicle design engineer, research engineer, and robotic systems engineer. Actual salary and employment opportunities will vary by role, specialization, industry, location, education, and experience.

How to become a robotics engineer

1. Earn a related degree

A bachelor’s degree is the most common starting point for robotics engineering, although requirements vary by employer and position. In O*NET OnLine survey data, 50% of respondents reported that a bachelor’s degree was required for a new hire, while 17% reported an associate degree as a necessity and 17% reported a master’s degree. 

For positions requiring a bachelor’s degree, relevant majors can include robotics engineering, mechatronics, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer engineering, software engineering, or computer science.

Because robotics engineers need an understanding of multiple disciplines, Marchev recommends choosing a degree that provides exposure to several of these fields. Mechatronics, for example, combines mechanical, electrical, computer, and robotics engineering and can help prepare students for careers in robotics or automation.

2. Develop the required skills

Robotics engineers need extensive knowledge spanning programming, mechanical and electrical systems, automation, mathematics, and design. These skills can be developed through coursework, laboratory work, independent projects, internships, co-ops, and professional experience. 

“If I can say anything about the skills needed by a robotics engineer, one word comes to mind: interdisciplinary,” Marchev says, calling upon his extensive industrial experience in the fields of robotics and advanced manufacturing.

Core robotics subjects and skills include: 

• Engineering fundamentals, including mechanics and electrical systems 
• Programming and software development
• Automation and control systems
• Mathematics and statistics
• Sensors, actuators, and embedded systems
• Computer-aided design and prototyping
• Manufacturing and system integration
• Materials science and engineering 

Marchev stresses that material science and its relationship to engineering scienceis especially important for robotics engineers.

“Over time, materials wear and performance deteriorates,” he says. “This affects the way that a robot will perform. Especially when designing robots for a particular application, a robotics engineer has to be aware of what materials have to be used and how they will behave in the environment in which these machines are used.”

When comparing degree programs, review the curriculum to determine whether it provides sufficient interdisciplinary coursework and practical application. Look for experiential learning opportunities such as laboratory projects, internships, or co-ops that allow you to apply and demonstrate these skills.

3. Consider an advanced degree

A master’s degree is not required for every robotics engineer position. However, it may be valuable if you want to develop a specialization, transition into robotics from a relevant discipline, or prepare for research-focused, senior technical, or leadership roles. One graduate option is Northeastern’s Master of Science in Robotics. 

Graduate study can deepen your technical expertise, but its value depends on your career goals, target role, and employer requirements. Before enrolling, compare the program’s curriculum and hands-on opportunities with the qualifications listed for the positions you hope to pursue. 

Learn More: Is a Master’s in Robotics Worth It?

Take the next step toward a robotics career

Northeastern’s Master of Science in Robotics currently offers four concentrations: mechanical engineering, electrical and computer engineering, biomedical and rehabilitation, and computer science. These options allow students to tailor their coursework to their technical interests and career goals. 

Students can also participate in Northeastern’s co-op program and gain up to eight months of professional experience as part of the academic curriculum. With these options in mind, remember to explore the program details and admissions requirements to determine what direction suits your specific goals.   

Editor’s note: This article was originally published on September 11, 2020, and was updated on August 26, 2026 to reflect current salary and job-outlook data, education pathways, and current program information.