Robotics Engineers

SOC 17-2199.08Job Zone 4 · Considerable Preparationv.26.05

Context coveredThis framework covers robotics engineering practice across design, programming, integration, testing, and technical support functions in industrial automation, autonomous systems, and advanced robotics development environments.

Sources:O*NET v30.2 SkillsCrosswalk

Emerging

Entry / Apprentice

Robot program backups and parameter files — create and organize following established version control procedures in a supervised lab or production environment.
Sensor data streams and signal outputs — interpret basic readings under direct supervision to verify robot operational status during test cycles.
Robotics debugging tools and development environment software — apply step-by-step troubleshooting protocols to identify syntax errors in robot programs with guidance from senior engineers.
CAD software and mechanical drawings — read and reference to support build and configuration tasks on robotic platforms under close supervision.
Robot builds and bench-level configurations — assist in assembling and testing robotic components according to documented specifications in a controlled lab setting.
Technical support requests and maintenance logs — document and escalate robotic system issues accurately using established ticketing and workflow software under direction.
Engineering calculations and cost estimates — review assigned sections for completeness and flag discrepancies for senior review in a project team environment.
Mathematics and physics principles — apply foundational concepts such as kinematics and coordinate transformations to assist in routine robotics analysis tasks.
Quality control checklists and test procedures — follow systematically to validate robotic subsystem performance against defined acceptance criteria.
Engineering standards, technical manuals, and O*NET knowledge domains — read and comprehend to build working familiarity with robotics systems design conventions and terminology.

Developing

Mid-level / Established

Robotic system programs — debug independently using development environment and program testing software to resolve logic and motion errors in a manufacturing or research setting.
Sensor fusion and signal processing outputs — interpret and process data from multiple sensor types to validate robot perception and feedback loops with reduced oversight.
End-of-arm tooling concepts and preliminary designs — develop based on payload and task requirements, applying CAD software to produce initial design drafts for engineer review.
Robot builds and integration tests — configure and execute across standard robotic platforms, documenting results and recommending adjustments within a project team.
Technical support for robotic systems — provide to production floor technicians and operators, diagnosing hardware and software faults using systematic troubleshooting methods.
Design calculations, simulations, and cost estimates — prepare and submit for approval, applying mathematical modeling tools and analytical software to routine robotics projects.
Backup and recovery procedures for robot programs and parameters — maintain and verify on a scheduled basis, ensuring operational continuity in automated production environments.
Industrial control software and object-oriented development environments — use routinely to write, modify, and test robot application code for defined automation tasks.
Systems analysis methods — apply to evaluate interactions between robotic subsystems, identifying performance bottlenecks and recommending targeted improvements.
Project schedules and team coordination activities — manage own deliverables and communicate progress clearly in writing and verbally within a multi-discipline engineering team.

Proficient

Senior / Expert IC

Autonomous robotic system designs — lead end-to-end, specifying architecture for computer vision, advanced sensing, and vehicle control subsystems across full project scope.
Complex robotic programs and motion sequences — debug and optimize autonomously, resolving non-routine faults in integrated multi-axis systems within live production or field environments.
End-of-arm tooling — design from first principles, selecting materials and actuation methods to meet precision, payload, and cycle-time requirements for specialized industrial applications.
Sensor signal processing pipelines — design and validate for real-time performance, integrating data from vision, force-torque, and proprioceptive sensors in autonomous robotic platforms.
Design reviews, technical calculations, and cost estimates — evaluate and approve across project deliverables, exercising independent engineering judgment to ensure compliance with safety and performance standards.
Technical support escalations and root-cause analyses — resolve for complex robotic system failures, producing written findings and corrective action plans distributed to cross-functional stakeholders.
Build, integration, and system-level acceptance testing — plan and execute for novel robotic platforms, interpreting results to authorize deployment in high-consequence environments.
Advanced robotics software stacks — develop and maintain using compiler tools, version control systems, and CI pipelines, ensuring code quality and traceability across release cycles.
Robotics system performance — monitor continuously using operations-monitoring tools and quality control analysis methods, identifying drift or degradation before system failure occurs.
Active learning strategies and knowledge transfer — apply independently to rapidly assimilate emerging robotics technologies, integrating new methods into existing design and development workflows.

Advanced

Lead / Principal / Executive

Organizational robotics strategy and technology roadmap — define and champion, aligning autonomous systems development priorities with enterprise-level business objectives and long-range investment plans.
Robotic system design frameworks and review processes — establish and institutionalize, setting engineering standards for calculations, cost estimation, and approval workflows across multiple project teams.
Emerging sensing, telematics, and autonomous platform architectures — evaluate and direct adoption of, translating novel research into scalable robotic product lines at organizational scale.
Cross-functional engineering teams — lead and develop, mentoring robotics engineers at all levels while coordinating deliverables across mechanical, software, and controls disciplines.
Enterprise-wide technical support and reliability programs — architect and govern, defining escalation protocols, knowledge-base systems, and continuous improvement metrics for robotic fleet operations.
Complex problem-solving methodologies and systems analysis practices — model and disseminate across the organization, raising the collective capability to resolve high-impact, multi-system robotics failures.
End-of-arm tooling and robotic platform design standards — author and own, ensuring consistent application of safety regulations, IP protection strategies, and manufacturing best practices firm-wide.
Judgment and decision-making frameworks for high-risk robotics deployments — develop and apply, advising executive stakeholders on risk trade-offs in autonomous vehicle, advanced display, and industrial automation programs.
Innovation culture and intellectual curiosity — cultivate deliberately within engineering teams, sponsoring research initiatives, patent activities, and external collaboration that advance the state of robotics practice.
Organizational knowledge assets including program libraries, design databases, and training curricula — build and steward, ensuring institutional robotics expertise is preserved, accessible, and continuously updated.

AI-at-Work Competency Framework

Sources:Anthropic Economic Index Jadhav & Danve, 2026 WEF Skills Taxonomy

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Proficient
Advanced

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Sources:Pathsmith™ Durable Skills O*NET v30.2

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Related titles

Algorithm Engineer · Automation Engineer · Autonomous Vehicle Design Engineer · Autonomy Engineer · Controls Engineer · Design Engineer · Factory Automations Engineer · Mechatronics Engineer · Research Engineer · Robot Operator · Robotic Process Automation Analyst · Robotic Systems Engineer

RAPIDS apprenticeships

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O*NET skills

Critical ThinkingMonitoringComplex Problem SolvingReading ComprehensionActive ListeningJudgment and Decision MakingSystems AnalysisWritingMathematicsActive LearningTroubleshootingOperations MonitoringQuality Control AnalysisTime ManagementEquipment MaintenanceCoordinationTechnology DesignLearning StrategiesSystems EvaluationOperations AnalysisSpeakingEquipment SelectionProgrammingManagement of Personnel ResourcesScienceSocial PerceptivenessPersuasionInstructing

Knowledge domains

Engineering and TechnologyDesignComputers and ElectronicsMechanicalMathematicsEnglish LanguagePhysicsProduction and ProcessingEducation and Training

Abilities

Problem SensitivityInformation OrderingInductive ReasoningOral ComprehensionWritten ComprehensionDeductive ReasoningCategory FlexibilityWritten ExpressionFluency of IdeasOriginality

Work styles

Attention to DetailInnovationDependabilityIntellectual CuriosityCautiousnessAchievement Orientation

Technology

Data base user interface and query softwareContent workflow softwareComputer aided design CAD softwareIndustrial control softwareDevelopment environment softwareObject or component oriented development softwareCompiler and decompiler softwareAnalytical or scientific softwareFile versioning softwareProgram testing software

Tasks · seed anchors for statements

Review or approve designs, calculations, or cost estimates.
Process or interpret signals or sensor data.
Debug robotics programs.
Build, configure, or test robots or robotic applications.
Create back-ups of robot programs or parameters.
Provide technical support for robotic systems.
Design end-of-arm tooling.
Design robotic systems, such as automatic vehicle control, autonomous vehicles, advanced displays, advanced sensing, robotic platforms, computer vision, or telematics systems.

CIP education codes

14.010114.010314.040114.070214.080214.080514.100314.100414.110114.120114.130114.240114.270114.330114.340114.360114.380114.390114.400114.410114.420114.430114.440114.450114.470114.480114.480214.489914.999915.150215.160151.2312