OVERVIEW
What Is a Robotics Software Engineer?
A robotics software engineer develops the instructions that control autonomous vehicles, robots, and other systems. These engineers combine coding expertise with robotics knowledge to build the software that allows robots to perform specialized tasks. Robotics software engineers work in tandem with hardware technicians and mechanical engineers to realize a robot’s processing capacity and physical operation.
The Robot Operating System or ROS lies at the center of robotics software engineering. ROS is a collection of software frameworks that enable robotic applications, automation, device control, and more. These are just some of the functions that allow robotic systems to percieve their surroundings, navigate environments, or execute commands. In addition to telling a robot what to do the, the Robot Operating System governs how the robot responds to external stimuli.
All kinds of software engineers help to drive the evolution of digital technology, but those employed in robotics are often at the very forefront of technological innovation.
RESPONSIBILITIES
What Does a Robotics Software Engineer Do?
The daily responsibilities of robotics software engineers include the following:
- Designing and implementing software solutions for robotic systems, including motion-planning algorithms, control systems, and sensor interfaces.
- Developing and maintaining software architectures that allow robots to process sensory inputs and respond appropriately.
- Creating and optimizing algorithms for robot navigation, perception, and manipulation.
- Collaborating with hardware engineers to integrate software with robotic hardware components.
- Debugging and troubleshooting complex software issues in robotic systems.
- Writing and editing technical documentation for robotic software systems.
- Testing and validating robotic software through simulation and trials.
- Establishing safety protocols and fail-safes in robotic control systems.
Where Does a Robotics Software Engineer Work?
Robotics software engineers work in a variety of industries and settings, including:
- Technology companies and startups
- Manufacturing facilities
- Research laboratories
- Healthcare institutions
- Aerospace and defense
- Automotive industry
- Academic institutions
EDUCATION & BEST DEGREES
How Do I Become a Robotics Software Engineer?
Before you embark on a career in robotics software engineering, determine the amount of education and work experience that will align with your professional goals. Consider the following steps to becoming a robotics software engineer:
- Earn a bachelor’s degree in computer science, software engineering, robotics engineering, or a related field. While a bachelor’s isn’t always a requirement, it serves as a strong foundation for a robotics software engineering career.
- Earn a master’s degree in software engineering or a similar subject. A graduate-level degree is a great option if you’d like to increase your earning potential or qualify for leadership roles.
- Seek relevant certification. Getting certified can grant you specialized knowledge and help you stand out to employers. Common robotics certifications include Certified Robotics Engineer, ROS Certification, and Certified Robotics System Architect.
- Gain work experience in an entry- or mid-level software engineering job. Look for opportunities in software automation, control systems, or different types of robotics or systems engineering.
- Practice programming languages. Working with robotics software requires proficiency in programming languages like Python, C++, and Java.
Best Degrees for a Robotics Software Engineer
Technology
Software Engineering – B.S.
You're a creative and tech genius who wants the bigger opportunities....
You're a creative and tech genius who wants the bigger opportunities.
- Time: 60% of graduates finish similar programs within 35 months.
- Tuition: $4,085 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 36 or 38 total courses in this program depending on your track.
Certifications included in this program at no additional cost are:
- CompTIA Project +
- AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
- ITIL®1 Foundation Certification
You can also accelerate your program and complete both a B.S. in Software Engineering and an M.S. in Software Engineering together, requiring less courses overall and saving you time and money. Learn more about this option.
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Scripting and programming
- Web development
- Mobile application development
- User experience design
- Software quality assurance
Technology
Computer Science – B.S.
Problem solvers and math lovers needed! Your task:...
Problem solvers and math lovers needed! Your task:
Lay the groundwork for the computing breakthroughs that will enable tomorrow's technologies. Utilize your previous college courses or IT experience to help you complete your degree faster.
- Time: 60% of graduates in similar programs finish within 24 months.
- Tuition: $4,085 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 37 total courses in this program.
You'll have the opportunity to earn these certifications:
- Linux Essentials
- Axelos ITIL Foundation
You can also accelerate your program and complete both a B.S. in Computer Science and an M.S. in Computer Science together, requiring less courses overall and saving you time and money. Learn more about this option.
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Artifical Intelligence (AI)
- Machine Learning
- Logic
- Architecture and systems
- Data structures
- Computer theory
- Version Control
- Linux
Technology
Software Engineering – M.S.
Earn a master's degree in software engineering and boost your career...
Earn a master's degree in software engineering and boost your career options.
- Time: 61% of graduates finish similar programs within 20 months.
- Tuition: $4,085 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 10 total courses in this program.
This program features three specializations that help you focus your studies and boost your résumé with specific skills and experience. The specialization areas are AI Engineering, DevOps Engineering, and Domain Driven Design.
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program include:
- Software design
- Architecture
- Project management
- Testing
- System integration
Technology
Computer Science – M.S.
A degree in computer science can give you critical IT skills for your...
A degree in computer science can give you critical IT skills for your future.
- Time: 61% of graduates finish similar programs within 20 months.
- Tuition: $3,985 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 10 total courses in this program.
The M.S. in Computer Science at WGU has three specializations for students to choose from, giving them the opportunity to focus on an area that is meaningful for their career and life. The specializations are Computing Systems, Human-Computer Interaction, and Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence. You can also accelerate your program and complete both a B.S. in Computer Science and an M.S. in Computer Science together, requiring less courses overall and saving you time and money.
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in the computer science programs include:
- Programming and Logic
- Architecture and Systems
- Data Structures
- AI
- Project Management
What Is the Salary of a Robotics Software Engineer?
$191,000
According to Glassdoor.com, the average annual salary for robotics software engineers in the U.S.—including additional pay—is $191,000. The lowest total salary in the U.S. is $150,517 a year while the highest total salary is $246,330 a year. Exact earnings vary based on several factors, including an engineer’s employer, work location, years of experience, number of certifications, and level of education.
What Is the Job Outlook?
17%
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) states that employment of software developers and engineers is projected to grow by 17% from 2023 to 2033, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. Robotics software engineers can also expect positive job growth, especially as AI, machine learning, and automation technologies evolve.
SKILLS
What Skills Does a Robotics Software Engineer Need?
The most successful robotics software engineers often have inquisitive and analytical minds. They are well versed in software development and know how to apply engineering principles to autonomous systems. Essential technical and soft skills include:
- Understanding of robotics frameworks like ROS and the Mobile Robot Programming Toolkit. Engineers rely on these software frameworks for their suites of prewritten code and other tools that make robotics engineering more accessible.
- Knowledge of robotics concepts. Building robot software requires knowledge of concepts like control systems, nodes, algorithms, computer vision, sensor processing, and sensor fusion.
- Machine learning and AI expertise. Advanced robotic systems use machine learning and artificial intelligence to learn from their surroundings and adapt to changes independent of human intervention.
- Problem-solving. The ability to think critically to solve complex, multifaceted problems is key for all robotics software engineers.
- Team collaboration. To program robots effectively, engineers should be comfortable working as part of a team and collaborating with relevant robotics specialists and stakeholders.
- Project management. Many robotics engineers have more than one project underway at a time, which means that they must be able to multitask and prioritize the most important work first.
- Communication. Communicating both verbally and in writing makes up a large part of software engineering and cross-team collaboration.
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