Required Education for a Robotics Engineer
Majors Overview December 26, 2012A Robotics engineer’s work involves automated machines and computers in technology-driven settings. They design and service robots; they conduct research work on automated machines and produce applications for them. These professionals are in much demand and bring advanced math and science skills to bear on what they do. The robotics engineers are expected to have completed an undergraduate engineering degree program, at a minimum. In this article, we will look at the career path of a robotics engineer and discuss what an aspiring robotics engineer must do in order to pursue their career.
Educational Prerequisites for a Robotics Engineer
Robotics engineers seeking entry-level positions are expected to have completed a bachelor degree program in the field (source: BLS). They have engineering degrees specializing in mechanical engineering or other related engineering majors; although in some cases, degree holders in mathematics and physical sciences can seek and obtain employed as robotics engineers. Standard coursework in an engineering program includes classroom lectures in design aspects augmented by lab work. Undergraduate degree programs in robotics engineering are offered at some schools where students learn about applying mechanics and math to develop automated machines. Robotics engineers seeking more advanced employment opportunities, such as in management, research or teaching, are required to have a graduate degree.
Employment Potential
Job growth in the mechanical engineering field that includes robotics engineers are projected to grow at six percent during the decade from 2008 to 2018 (source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), (www.bls.gov)). This optimistic forecast is due to an increasing demand for the automated machines designed by these professionals along with the growth of new technologies. Robotics engineers are typically employed in manufacturing industries, but these professionals are sought after in other industries such as mining engineering, agriculture and aerospace. Robotics engineering skills are useful in a variety of fields such as medicine and military, among many others. These professionals can find jobs in related engineering fields; alternatively, they can focus on specialization in robots of a specific type.
Licensure Norms
Robotics engineers are required to meet licensure norms in order for them to practice their profession. Typically, candidates obtain licensure by completing graduate engineering programs that boast accreditation by ABET (previously known as the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology). Thereafter, they are required to complete the Fundamentals of Engineering exam followed by four years spent gaining hands on experience as training engineers. Prospective engineers can become licensed afterwards by taking the Principles and Practice of Engineering exam. Licensure is required to be maintained; robotics engineers must earn continuing education credits to achieve this.
