| Detail | For this role |
|---|---|
| Department | Engineering |
| Level | Mid level |
| Reports to | Automation Lead |
| Direct reports | None |
| Experience | 3 to 6 years in robotics or automation |
Robotics Engineer job description template
Copy this job description, replace the text in square brackets and post it on your careers page or a job portal.
Job title: Robotics Engineer
Department: Engineering
Reports to: Automation Lead
Location: [City], [office, branch or site]
About the role
A Robotics Engineer designs, programs and integrates industrial robots into production. They select robots and end effectors, program paths and cycles, integrate vision and safety, and commission robotic cells that meet cycle time and quality. The role sits in automation or manufacturing engineering. A good Robotics Engineer builds cells that run reliably, are safe for people to work around, and hold their cycle time and accuracy across long production runs.
Key responsibilities
- Select robots, grippers and end effectors for the application.
- Program robot paths, cycles and IO for pick, place, weld or assembly tasks.
- Integrate machine vision, sensors and conveyors into the robotic cell.
- Design and validate cell safety with guarding, scanners and interlocks.
- Simulate cells offline to check reach, cycle time and clashes.
- Commission cells on the floor and tune for cycle time and accuracy.
- Troubleshoot robot, vision and communication faults during trials and running.
- Document robot programs, safety validation and maintenance procedures for the cell.
- Train operators and maintenance staff to run and support the cell safely.
Requirements
- Degree in mechanical, mechatronics or electronics engineering
- Training on robot brands such as FANUC, ABB or KUKA
- Knowledge of machine safety standards
- 3 to 6 years in robotics or automation
KRAs and KPIs for a Robotics Engineer
Key result areas for the appraisal form, each with a KPI you can measure every month or quarter.
| Key result area | How to measure it |
|---|---|
| Cell commissioning | Robotic cells handed over within the commissioning schedule |
| Cycle time | Cell cycle time meets or beats the design target |
| Reliability | Robot cell uptime above 97 percent after handover |
| Safety | Cell safety validated and signed off before production |
| Quality | Robot process defect rate held below target |
| Documentation | Programs and safety records complete at handover |
Skills and tools
Tools used day to day: FANUC, ABB or KUKA controllers, RoboDK or brand offline software, Machine vision systems, PLC platforms, CAD for cell layout.
Reporting line and career path
Next roles: Automation Lead, Robotics Lead, Manufacturing Engineering Manager
Interview questions for a Robotics Engineer
- How do you select a robot and gripper for an application?
- Walk me through commissioning a robotic cell.
- How do you design safety for a cell where people work nearby?
- How do you cut cycle time on a robot path?
- How do you integrate vision for part location or inspection?
- A robot drifts off position over a run. How do you diagnose it?
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What does a Robotics Engineer do?
A Robotics Engineer designs, programs and integrates industrial robots into production. They select robots and end effectors, program paths and cycles, add vision and safety, simulate cells offline and commission them on the floor. Their job is safe, reliable robotic cells that hold cycle time and quality over long runs.
What is the difference between a Robotics Engineer and an Automation Engineer?
A Robotics Engineer specialises in industrial robots: programming, end effectors, vision and cell safety. An Automation Engineer covers wider factory automation: PLCs, drives, conveyors and controls. Robotics is a focused part of automation, and the two roles overlap when a line combines robots with other automated equipment.
What qualifications does a Robotics Engineer need?
A degree in mechanical, mechatronics or electronics engineering plus training on a robot brand such as FANUC, ABB or KUKA. Employers value hands on programming and commissioning, machine vision experience and knowledge of cell safety standards over any single certificate.