Engineer the Quantum RevolutionYour expertise can help us shape the future of quantum computing at Oxford Ionics.

View Open Roles

How to Get a Better Robotics Job After a Lay-Off or Redundancy

4 min read

Redundancy in the robotics industry can feel like a sudden halt, particularly in such a complex, fast-evolving field. But with robotics at the heart of innovation across manufacturing, healthcare, agriculture, logistics, and defence, the UK continues to offer excellent career opportunities.

Whether you're a robotics software engineer, systems integrator, mechanical design expert, or autonomous systems researcher, this guide is here to help you reset, rebrand, and relaunch your career after redundancy.

Contents

  • Understanding Redundancy in Robotics

  • Step 1: Process the Setback and Refocus Your Vision

  • Step 2: Define Your Robotics Niche and Strengths

  • Step 3: Refresh Your CV and Technical Portfolio

  • Step 4: Optimise LinkedIn, GitHub, and Project Demos

  • Step 5: Reach Out to Recruiters and Employers

  • Step 6: Apply Strategically and Follow Up

  • Step 7: Upskill in Robotics Frameworks and Emerging Tech

  • Step 8: Explore Contract, Cross-Industry or Research Roles

  • Step 9: Protect Your Finances and Maintain Balance

  • Bonus: Top UK Robotics Employers Hiring in 2025

  • Final Thoughts: Redundancy as Realignment


Understanding Redundancy in Robotics

Redundancy often comes from funding shifts, product roadmap changes, or market cycles. It doesn't diminish your value or future potential.

The UK robotics sector remains strong in areas such as:

  • Autonomous vehicles and navigation

  • Surgical and assistive robotics

  • Agricultural and industrial automation

  • SLAM, ROS-based systems, and machine vision

  • Human-robot interaction (HRI) and safety engineering


Step 1: Process the Setback and Refocus Your Vision

  • Take time to acknowledge your achievements and reset your goals

  • Reflect on whether you want to stay in R&D, product development, or move toward applications or strategy

  • Think about sectors that excite you most (e.g. medtech, logistics, space, defence, education)


Step 2: Define Your Robotics Niche and Strengths

Clarify your focus:

  • Software (e.g. C++, Python, ROS, Gazebo, MoveIt)

  • Hardware (e.g. mechatronics, control systems, PCB design)

  • AI/ML integration (e.g. perception, path planning, sensor fusion)

  • Prototyping and testing in real-world environments


Step 3: Refresh Your CV and Technical Portfolio

Make it results-driven:

  • Use a focused headline (e.g. “Robotics Software Engineer | ROS | Open to Work”)

  • Include metrics (e.g. “Reduced path execution time by 25% using optimised trajectory planning”)

  • List platforms, tools, and sensors used

  • Link to GitHub, code samples, videos, or CAD demos


Step 4: Optimise LinkedIn, GitHub, and Project Demos

LinkedIn Tips:

  • Headline: “Robotics Engineer | SLAM | ROS | Python | Open to Work”

  • About section: Mention experience, current focus, and goals

  • Add media such as videos, research posters, or GitHub links

GitHub Tips:

  • Share working ROS packages, simulation environments, or vision models

  • Include clean documentation, launch files, and config guides

Sample LinkedIn About Section:

Robotics Software Engineer | ROS | C++ | Open to Work

I’m a robotics engineer with 4+ years’ experience in SLAM, perception systems, and embedded navigation using ROS, C++ and Python. Recently made redundant due to company restructuring, I’m looking to contribute to innovative robotics projects with real-world impact.

Toolset: ROS1/ROS2, Gazebo, OpenCV, MoveIt, Jetson, Git, CAN protocols


Step 5: Reach Out to Recruiters and Employers

Recruiter Message Example:

Subject: Robotics Engineer | SLAM & ROS | Available Immediately

Hi [Recruiter’s Name],

I’m currently seeking new opportunities in robotics software following a redundancy. I have 4 years of experience in autonomous navigation, SLAM, and system integration. Please find my CV and GitHub attached.

Kind regards,
[Your Name]
[LinkedIn]
[GitHub]
[CV attachment]

Hiring Manager Follow-Up Example:

Subject: Application – Robotics Integration Engineer Role at [Company Name]

Dear [Hiring Manager],

I recently applied for your Robotics Integration Engineer role and wanted to reaffirm my interest. I bring hands-on experience in robotic navigation, ROS integration, and rapid prototyping. Redundant due to project funding closure, I’m ready to contribute immediately.

Please find my CV attached. I’d be glad to discuss further.

Best regards,
[Your Name]


Step 6: Apply Strategically and Follow Up

  • Target companies aligned with your skills and interests

  • Tailor each application to highlight specific tools (e.g. ROS2, LiDAR, SLAM)

  • Keep an application tracker and follow up after 7–10 days

  • Use www.roboticsjobs.co.uk and forums like ROS Discourse or Robotics Stack Exchange


Step 7: Upskill in Robotics Frameworks and Emerging Tech

Use redundancy time to level up:

  • ROS2 and MoveIt 2

  • Embedded AI, real-time systems

  • Simulation tools (Isaac Sim, Webots, Unity Robotics Hub)

  • Edge deployment and cloud integration (e.g. AWS RoboMaker)

  • Short courses on Udacity, Coursera, or edX

Document your learning in GitHub or project blogs.


Step 8: Explore Contract, Cross-Industry or Research Roles

  • Look for freelance or short-term robotics projects

  • Consider roles in defence, medical, logistics, or agriculture

  • Apply to research fellowships or R&D labs in universities

  • Contribute to open-source robotics or collaborative innovation platforms


Step 9: Protect Your Finances and Maintain Balance

  • Apply for redundancy pay, Universal Credit, or JSA

  • Use budgeting tools like MoneyHelper or Turn2Us

  • Structure your week around job search, learning, rest and social time

  • Connect with peers through robotics meetups, Slack groups, or hackathons


Bonus: Top UK Robotics Employers Hiring in 2025

  1. Dyson Robotics Lab

  2. Ocado Technology

  3. Shadow Robot Company

  4. Cambridge Consultants

  5. CMR Surgical

  6. BAE Systems

  7. Wayve

  8. Oxbotica

  9. Small Robot Company

  10. Tharsus Group

  11. Rolls-Royce Innovation Hub

  12. UCL Robotics Institute

  13. Arrival

  14. Imperial College spinouts (e.g. Mirobot)

  15. NVIDIA UK Robotics Team


Final Thoughts: Redundancy as Realignment

Being made redundant is difficult, but it can also be the catalyst for your next great opportunity in robotics. With smart positioning and active networking, you can transition into a more aligned, exciting role.

You’re not starting from scratch. You’re re-entering with skills, clarity and momentum.


Need Help?

  • Search robotics jobs by tech stack or industry

  • Access CV templates and application tools

  • Sign up for weekly job alerts

  • Follow us on LinkedIn for hiring news and robotics trends

Visit: www.roboticsjobs.co.uk

Related Jobs

Robot Welder Setter/Operator

Robot Welder Setter/Operator Leicester Monday - Friday 06:00 - 14:00 Rate - £14 - £16.50 p/hour Temp to perm & perm options available We are looking for an experienced Robot welder setter/operator, to join an expanding company that is investing in new machinery and broadening their product range. You will be responsible for setting & operating a brand new robot...

Leicester

Robot Weld Programmer

Robot Weld Programmer Salary: £15.07 – £17.00 per hour (dependent on experience) Hours: 38.75 hours per week Shift Pattern: Four days on site – 06:30 to 16:45 Job Type: Full-time, Permanent Location: Blackwater, Cornwall About the Role As a result of continued business growth and an expanding product portfolio, we are looking to strengthen our welding team across all levels....

Blackwater

Field Commissioning Engineer (robotics And PLC Programming)

Field Commissioning Engineer (robotics and PLC programming) Up to £48 DOE Sheffield based My client specialises in the design, programming, build, and installation of state-of-the-art industrial automation technology. Our client outlines the problem, and we identify a solution. Our passion for innovation and forward thinking has put us on the map in sectors such as aerospace, defence and renewable energy....

Burngreave

Electronics & Field Test Engineer – Robotics / Automation

Electronics & Field Test Engineer – Robotics / Automation We are looking for a hands-on Electronics & Field Test Engineer with a strong background in troubleshooting embedded hardware, low-level communication protocols, and robotic systems integration. This role plays a key part in validating the reliability, safety, and performance of our autonomous robotic systems—deployed in challenging environments such as livestock barns...

Allostock

Senior Software Engineer, Robotics

Developing software to coordinate robot controls within a modular hardware platform Royston, Herts; £DoE + Package Based at state-of-the-art facilities just outside Royston, this growing company has garnered a number of high-profile corporate partners as it looks to develop their scalable robotics-based platform. As they expand, they are looking to recruit a Senior Software Engineer to take a technical leadership...

Royston

Aftersales Support Manager (Industrial Robotics / Factory Automation)

Technical Network have been retained by a market leading intelligent automation and industrial  robotics manufacturer who are seeking a Business Development Manager to represent the companies after sales products and services and provides best in class support to customers. Aftersales Support Manager (Robotics / Factory Automation) £50–60000 salary + car + BUPA + excellent commission Duties: Working in coordination with...

Birmingham

Subscribe to Future Tech Insights for the latest jobs & insights, direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to our privacy policy and terms of service.

Hiring?
Discover world class talent.