How to Find Hidden Robotics Jobs in the UK Using Professional Bodies like IMechE, BARA & More
The robotics industry in the UK is evolving at pace—driven by advances in automation, AI, embedded systems and mechatronics. From autonomous vehicles and surgical robots to warehouse automation and space robotics, the demand for skilled professionals is growing fast.
Yet despite this demand, many of the most exciting robotics jobs in the UK are never publicly advertised.
They’re filled through professional networks, technical groups, academic partnerships and early-stage collaborations. In this article, we’ll show you how to uncover these hidden robotics jobs by getting involved with key organisations such as the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), BARA (British Automation and Robot Association), UK-RAS Network, and others.
You’ll learn how to use directories, special interest groups (SIGs), CPD events, and innovation projects to discover opportunities before they’re made public.
Why Robotics Jobs Are Often Hidden
Hiring in robotics frequently happens through:
Collaboration-based research and development
Spinouts and early-stage startups hiring quietly
Academic-industry partnerships
Invitation-only innovation projects
Referrals from technical and research networks
This is particularly true for roles in applied R&D, control systems, embedded software, autonomous navigation, and robotics integration—especially where discretion, IP, or security clearance is involved.
1. IMechE – Institution of Mechanical Engineers
What It Is:
IMechE is a major UK professional body for engineers, with active involvement in robotics, mechatronics, automation, and manufacturing innovation.
Why It Helps:
Robotics and Mechatronics Group: Engage with professionals working on real-world robotic systems.
CPD Events & Webinars: Stay updated on trends in human-robot interaction, industrial robotics, and soft robotics.
Chartered Engineer Status (CEng): Recognised credential that helps with senior and leadership roles.
Professional Directory & Volunteering: Connect with employers, mentors and collaborators across sectors.
Pro Tip:
Give a short presentation at a regional IMechE robotics group event. These events are often attended by hiring managers or startup founders quietly looking for talent.
2. BARA – British Automation and Robot Association
What It Is:
BARA is the UK’s industry association for automation and robotics, promoting innovation and providing networking opportunities between manufacturers, integrators and engineers.
Why It Helps:
Member Directory: Find companies that are active in the UK robotics and automation sector.
Automation UK Event Access: Network with hiring companies, OEMs, and solution providers face-to-face.
Industry Bulletins: Learn which sectors are growing and which companies are scaling their robotics teams.
Pro Tip:
Follow BARA members on LinkedIn and track who’s launching new automation products or announcing investment—these are prime hiring signals.
3. UK-RAS Network (UK Robotics and Autonomous Systems Network)
What It Is:
UK-RAS is a major academic-industrial network advancing robotics research and innovation across the UK.
Why It Helps:
Research Collaborations: Many members (labs and companies) partner on funded R&D—often leading to new roles.
Events like UK Robotics Week: Meet leaders in medical robotics, swarm systems, autonomous vehicles and more.
Career-Focused Activities: Access PhD-to-industry pathways, fellowships, and hackathons.
Pro Tip:
If you’re looking to transition from research into commercial robotics, UK-RAS is the bridge between universities and growing robotics companies.
4. EPSRC, Innovate UK & Research Hubs
What They Are:
UK Research & Innovation (UKRI) funds many of the UK’s robotics-focused innovation projects, often leading to job creation.
Why They Help:
EPSRC Centres for Doctoral Training (CDTs): Great for PhD grads looking to enter industry via funded innovation routes.
Innovate UK Smart Grants: Monitor which companies receive funding—these are often quietly hiring.
Industry-Led Consortia: Robotics firms involved in funded projects usually expand teams mid-project.
Pro Tip:
Use the Gateway to Research tool to find robotics projects recently awarded funding, then contact the industry partners listed—they often hire before advertising.
5. TechUK & Robotics Innovation Clusters
What It Is:
TechUK is the UK’s national tech trade body, involved in digital innovation—including robotics, AI, and IoT.
Why It Helps:
Smart Infrastructure & Robotics Working Groups: Join groups working on automation, cyber-physical systems, and robotics strategy.
Regional Tech Clusters: Manchester, Bristol, Sheffield, Cambridge and Edinburgh all have robotics hubs connected to TechUK partners.
Reports & Insight: Discover which sectors (e.g. agriculture, logistics, defence) are investing in robotics.
Pro Tip:
Track TechUK event sponsors and featured case studies. These companies are often on the verge of hiring new robotics engineers.
6. Grassroots & Community Robotics Groups
In addition to formal institutions, many hidden roles come from hands-on projects, hackathons and open-source robotics meetups.
Examples:
London Robotics Group
Open Source Robotics UK
Robot Club UK
Sheffield Robotics Meetups
Women in Robotics UK Chapter
Why They Help:
Real-Time Role Sharing: Contract or startup roles are often shared before going public.
Collaboration → Opportunity: Build something useful, and you may get offered a paid position to continue.
Direct Access to Founders & Engineers: Great for startup or product-focused job seekers.
Pro Tip:
Bring a project to demo or help someone else complete theirs. These communities reward action over talk—and that’s what leads to referrals.
How to Use These Networks to Find Robotics Jobs
✅ 1. Create a Searchable Member or Event Profile
Use keywords that show your specialism:
“Robotics Engineer | ROS2 | Python/C++ | SLAM | Manchester/Remote”
This makes it easy for others to refer or contact you.
✅ 2. Attend SIG Events with Purpose
Target events that align with your domain (e.g. autonomous vehicles, haptics, industrial integration) and follow up with speakers and attendees.
✅ 3. Volunteer or Present Your Work
Offer to give a talk, co-organise a hackathon, or write a blog for your chosen organisation. This increases your credibility and visibility.
✅ 4. Track Projects and Funding Rounds
Monitor Innovate UK, Horizon Europe, and private investment into robotics startups—these are the firms that will hire soonest.
✅ 5. Build a Project Portfolio
Contribute to open-source projects, build prototypes, and share them on GitHub, LinkedIn or at meetups—real proof of work makes a big impact.
Why Hidden Robotics Jobs Are So Common in the UK
🤖 Many roles start as R&D collaborations
📦 Start-ups may hire before they're visible to recruiters
🚫 Some projects are confidential (especially in defence)
👥 Hiring often comes from within the robotics community itself
That’s why being involved in professional bodies and networks is your best route to hearing about these jobs early—or having a role created around you.
Final Thoughts: Move from Passive Applicant to Robotics Insider
To access high-quality robotics jobs in the UK—before they’re listed—you need to embed yourself in the ecosystem.
✅ Join IMechE, BARA, and UK-RAS
✅ Attend CPD events and community meetups
✅ Volunteer or contribute to SIGs and working groups
✅ Track industry funding and academic partnerships
✅ Build visibility through projects, presentations, and publications
By being present where robotics innovation happens, you put yourself in the best position to be invited, referred, or recruited.
Explore More Robotics Career Resources
👉 Browse the latest UK robotics jobs at www.roboticsjobs.co.uk
👉 [Sign up for alerts, community news & early hiring signals in robotics.]
💬 CTA for LinkedIn Group:
Want early access to UK robotics jobs, funding news & employer connections? Join our LinkedIn group – Robotics Jobs UK and connect with engineers, researchers & companies building the future of robotics.
