Robotics Engineer Jobs

Designers and builders of the machines that automate and enhance our world. From industrial arms to autonomous vehicles, robotics engineers are at the forefront of technological innovation.

Open roles
22
Salary range
£40k – £85k
Hiring companies
11

Robotics engineers are the architects of automation, combining expertise in mechanical, electrical, and software engineering to design, build, and operate robotic systems. They work across a wide range of industries, from manufacturing and healthcare to space exploration and consumer electronics. In the UK, leading robotics hubs like Cambridge, Oxford, and London are home to a vibrant ecosystem of scaleups, research-heavy startups, and larger consultancies, all pushing the boundaries of what robots can do.

What the role does

Inside the role of a Robotics Engineer

A typical week for a robotics engineer is a blend of design, testing, and collaboration. Time is split between hands-on work in the lab and meetings with cross-functional teams.

  1. 01
    Design and simulate robotic systems using CAD software.
  2. 02
    Conduct tests and gather data from prototypes.
  3. 03
    Collaborate with software and mechanical engineers on system integration.
  4. 04
    Analyse test results and iterate on designs.
  5. 05
    Attend project meetings and provide updates.
  6. 06
    Document findings and prepare technical reports.
Salary on the board

£40k – £85k

Based on advertised midpoints across the 31 UK listings priced in pounds in the last 12 months. Base salary only.

Salary visibility
20% of listings advertise a salary — up from 0% the year before.
By seniority
£k base
Mid
40
76
10 jobs
Senior
45
110
6 jobs
Skills & tools

What hiring managers ask for

% of 24 listings posted in the last 12 months that mention each skill, extracted from job descriptions.

Robotics
58%
Python
46%
C++
42%
ROS2
38%
Linux
25%
Docker
21%
ROS
17%
Reinforcement Learning
13%
PyTorch
13%
Kinematics
13%
Problem Solving
13%
Testing
13%
Career ladder

From Junior to Principal

A typical UK progression for robotics engineers. Years are guidance — strong people move faster, and many senior folks sidestep into research, product or management.

  1. Level 1

    Junior Robotics Engineer

    0–2 yrs

    Assist in the design and testing of robotic systems, working under the guidance of more experienced engineers.

  2. Level 2

    Robotics Engineer

    2–5 yrs

    Take ownership of specific components or subsystems, leading small projects and contributing to the overall design and development process.

  3. Level 3

    Senior Robotics Engineer

    5–10 yrs

    Lead major projects, manage teams, and ensure the successful integration of complex robotic systems.

  4. Level 4

    Principal Robotics Engineer

    10+ yrs

    Drive strategic initiatives, mentor junior engineers, and play a key role in shaping the direction of the company's robotics research and development.

Pathway

How to become a Robotics Engineer

There's no single route, but most people follow some version of these steps.

  1. 1

    Academic Foundation

    Gain a strong foundation in mechanical, electrical, and software engineering through a relevant degree programme.

  2. 2

    Internships and Projects

    Participate in internships or university projects to gain practical experience and build a portfolio of robotics work.

  3. 3

    Entry-Level Position

    Secure a junior role in a robotics company, where you can learn from experienced engineers and contribute to real-world projects.

  4. 4

    Specialisation

    Develop expertise in a specific area of robotics, such as robot perception, motion planning, or human-robot interaction.

  5. 5

    Leadership Roles

    Progress to senior and leadership positions, managing teams and leading major projects.

  6. 6

    Strategic Influence

    Influence the direction of the company's robotics research and development, and mentor the next generation of robotics engineers.

Live jobs

22 live roles

See all 22 roles

Controls & Robotics Engineer

Controls & Robotics EngineerA growing automation and engineering business is seeking an experienced Controls & Robotics Engineer to join its close-knit engineering team. The role will involve designing, programming, integrating, commissioning and supporting bespoke automation systems across manufacturing and packaging...

Billy Associates LTD Greet, Gloucestershire, GL54 5BG, United Kingdom £50,000 – £80,000 pa

Graduate Robotics Engineer

This role involves hands-on programming, setup, and optimization of advanced robotic systems in a manufacturing environment. The candidate will lead integration of new automation technologies, develop and refine robotic workflows, and collaborate with engineering teams to ensure seamless operations. Designed for a proactive graduate, it offers structured training and a clear path to technical leadership.

Elix Sourcing Solutions Rochdale, Manchester, United Kingdom £30,000 – £35,000 pa

Automation & Robotics Engineer

This role involves leading the deployment and optimization of robotic welding, assembly systems, and collaborative robots within a defence-sector manufacturing environment. The engineer will program and improve PLC-controlled automation systems, support commissioning of new automated cells, and help establish technical standards for Industry 4.0 initiatives. A key focus is driving reliability, performance, and knowledge transfer across production and maintenance teams.

Morgan Ryder Associates Manchester, United Kingdom £55,000 – £65,000 pa
W

Staff Robotics Engineer, 3D Sensing

This role involves leading the technical development of LiDAR and cross-sensor 3D sensing systems for autonomous vehicles. The engineer will design calibration, synchronisation, and motion compensation methods to ensure accurate 3D data across diverse environments and sensor configurations. The position requires deep technical expertise in robotics algorithms, sensor fusion, and production deployment within a fast-paced AI-driven environment.

Wayve London, United Kingdom
W

Staff Robotics Engineer, AV Core

As a Staff Robotics Engineer, you will lead the technical direction and delivery of fault detection and fallback systems for driverless operation. You will collaborate with machine learning experts, design robust systems, and integrate them into the shared driving stack, ensuring the overall robustness of the robot system.

Wayve London, United Kingdom

Contract Robotics Controls Engineer

The role involves working on-site in Cambridgeshire to develop and optimize an autonomous robotic platform. Responsibilities include tuning motor performance, troubleshooting motion-control issues, and improving the reliability and performance of the robotic system. The position requires strong hands-on experience with C++, ROS, stepper motors, and motor controllers.

Redline Group Waterbeach, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom £45 – £50 ph

PLC, Controls & Robotics Engineer

This role involves programming and commissioning PLC-based automation systems, developing HMI solutions, integrating FANUC robots with CNC machines, and supporting full system builds. You will work on diverse automation projects from concept to completion, with opportunities for travel and hands-on learning.

Cartisian Recruitment Coventry, West Midlands (county), United Kingdom £40,000 – £50,000 pa
Hybrid Permanent

Robotics Integration Engineer – End-Effectors & UMI

This role involves integrating and testing robotic end-effectors such as grippers, actuators, and sensors, ensuring they function reliably within humanoid robot systems. The engineer will build prototypes, design test rigs, conduct performance evaluations, and perform root cause analysis on hardware failures. They will work across mechanical, electrical, and software domains to debug issues and provide feedback to development teams, using data to inform component selection and system improvements.

Humanoid London, United Kingdom
On-site Permanent
Hiring locations

Where this role is hiring

The locations with the most live listings for this role today.

FAQs

Common questions

  • Essential skills include a strong foundation in mechanical, electrical, and software engineering, as well as problem-solving, teamwork, and project management.

  • Robotics engineers are in demand across various industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, automotive, aerospace, and consumer electronics.

  • Hands-on experience is crucial. It provides practical skills and a deeper understanding of the challenges and solutions in robotics engineering.

  • Working hours can vary, but many robotics engineers work standard office hours, with occasional overtime during critical project phases.

  • Salaries for robotics engineers vary based on experience and location. For more detailed salary information, please refer to the salary section on this page.

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