The world is becoming increasingly reliant on robotic and automated equipment. It’s used in industries ranging from manufacturing, to automotive, to healthcare.

Those in robotics technician careers ensure electromechanical equipment functions properly. Robotics and automation technician careers involve testing, maintaining and operating equipment that’s “unmanned,” which means the equipment relies on computer programming to execute tasks.

If you want to pursue a hands-on job with some of the world’s most cutting-edge technology, an automation and robotics technician career path may be for you. Learn what to expect when pursuing an automation and robotics career path.

Train for a Robotics Technician Career

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), those who work as electro-mechanical or mechatronic technologists or technicians typically need formal education to enter the field. That’s because automated technology is complex and always evolving. Learning in a supportive and supervised setting ensures the trainee stays safe and gains the experience needed to pursue an entry-level career.

In our program, which is coming to UTI and takes about a year and a half or less to complete, students learn the skills they need to pursue an entry-level career in robotics and automation.¹ Students practice on real equipment in state-of-the-industry labs. Instructors have experience in the field and support students during their training.

Our schools also provide a Career Services team, which offers assistance to students looking for part-time employment while in school.¹

Robotics & Automation Industry Overview

According to the BLS, more than 1,000 estimated average annual robotics and automation technician job openings are expected in the U.S. over the next decade.⁶⁷

This means half earned more and half earned less. Keep in mind that salary depends on several factors, including experience, employer, demand and cost of living in the area.

Of the states with available data, the following had the highest median annual salary for electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians in May 2021.*

*Not entry-level and is dependent on factors like experience, location, and employer compensation.

Careers in the Field of Robotics

With robotics and automation training, there are various careers in robotics a graduate could pursue. Most of our grads start out working as entry-level technicians or in other entry-level roles. As with any industry, over time, you may be able to advance in your career with hard work. Some entry-level and advanced careers in the field of robotics could include the following:⁷⁷

Entry-Level

Robotics & automation technician: Robotics and automation technicians are responsible for the installation, maintenance and troubleshooting of assembly machinery and robotic systems. They conduct performance diagnostics, interpret schematics and drawings, perform repairs and write progress reports. These technicians work on electrical and mechanical systems to perform maintenance, make improvements, and replace old or damaged parts.

Control systems technician: Also known as instrumentation technicians, these individuals monitor the controls of automated equipment. They are responsible for troubleshooting problems to minimize interruptions to production schedules, and they understand how pressure, flow, level and temperature affect their systems.

Maintenance technician: Automation maintenance technicians are responsible for overall upkeep, troubleshooting and preventative maintenance on electromechanical systems and manufacturing equipment. These technicians often travel to perform on-site set up, programming and repairs, and also write progress reports.

Advanced

Instrumentation and controls technician: Instrumentation and controls technicians test, calibrate, install, repair, and inspect automated and robotic equipment. Their duties also include documentation of calibrations and repairs as needed. These technicians use a variety of equipment, including computer software, electrical and electronic testing equipment, and more.

Service technician III: Robotics and automation service technicians are often employed by manufacturers and distributors that require them to respond to service calls. This would entail going out in the field to install, troubleshoot, diagnose and repair electromechanical automated equipment. As technicians develop more skills and are able to work on more advanced programs and systems, they can become qualified for additional responsibilities.

Senior maintenance technician: Senior maintenance technicians in robotics and automation have similar duties as those of maintenance technicians, with the addition of leadership tasks. They may lead teams of technicians, be involved in the training and development of technicians, and collaborate with other managers to implement new processes.

Process control tech: Process control technicians are responsible for monitoring control systems, including remotely controlled equipment. These technicians use a variety of software tools to manage, measure, diagnose and troubleshoot control systems. These technicians have a comprehensive understanding of controllers, sensors and other instrumentation that help monitor pressure, temperature, flow and other factors that affect the automated processes they’re working on.

Product tech specialist: Product tech specialists focus on, single or multiple products. Depending on the industry, they may work directly with customers to fix issues occurring with that product or product line. Someone who communicates well, enjoys collaborating with others and likes finding solutions may be a good fit for this role.

Test engineering technician: These technicians design and develop automated strategies to identify bugs or issues within automated software and robotics systems. They create test cases that assess whether the product is working properly and convey their findings with developers and engineers.

System integrator: System integrators are responsible for connecting subsystems to build automated solutions. They typically work with software, hardware, various devices and machines in an integrated automated system. System integrators construct, develop and execute technology solutions that are tailored to the demands of an organization. Someone who enjoys computer technology, analytical thinking and is detail oriented may be well suited for this role.

Robotics engineer: Robotics engineers design prototypes, build and test machines, and maintain the software that controls autonomous machines (robots) or automated systems. These engineers are focused on creating machines that replicate human actions and can help make that industry or business more efficient in their processes.

Project engineer: Project engineers are responsible for all technical and engineering aspects of a specific project. They collaborate with project staff to create a strategic plan and determine cost estimates of materials, time, labor, and other necessary resources for project completion. Someone who enjoys working with various teams, is excellent with time management, has great communication skills, is quick to find resolutions and likes being in a leadership role would do well as a project engineer.

Control engineer: Control engineers, or control systems engineers, oversee the production of various types of equipment and systems. They also research, design, and manage the development of equipment used to monitor control systems and machinery. Control engineers play an important role in designing and developing systems for manufacturing operations. They focus on finding resolutions and process improvements within their organizations.

Automation program manager: Automation program managers maintain and expand the robotic and automated programs for a specific company. They work with various departments to enhance the communication and functionality between various parts of the automation program. Their duties include managing personnel, strategic planning, mentoring and advising colleagues, and driving emerging automation technologies throughout their organizations. Someone looking to lead various teams and personnel, along with a desire to use strategic thinking to further enhance an entire program, would be well suited for this role.

Acquire the Skills Needed to Pursue a Robotics and Automation Technician Career

With an educational foundation in subjects like electronics, electricity, computer-aided design and programming, graduates can pursue entry-level jobs that require these skills.

In our program, students take courses where they learn skills like:

• 3D printing
• Applied physics and precision measuring
• Computer-aided design
• Foundational programming
• DC and AC electricity
• Electronics
• Industrial networking
• Industrial robotics
• Instrumentation and control
• Manufacturing systems and technology
• Programmable logic controllers
• Troubleshooting

Upon graduation, students are prepared to apply for entry-level jobs in robotics and automation, as well as some related fields.