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
31
Salary range
£40k – £100k
Hiring companies
13

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 – £100k

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

By seniority
£k base
Junior
40
50
1 job
Mid
40
85
5 jobs
Senior
40
100
4 jobs
Skills & tools

What hiring managers ask for

% of 31 listings posted in the last 12 months that mention each skill, extracted from job descriptions.

Robotics
55%
Python
32%
C++
32%
ROS2
26%
Automation
19%
Problem Solving
19%
Multibody Dynamics
19%
Constrained Systems
19%
Contact and Friction
19%
Articulations
19%
Flexible Bodies
19%
Cable or Wire Simulation
19%
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

31 live roles

See all 31 roles

Robotics Engineer

The Robotics Engineer will install, configure, and commission robotic systems, ensuring electrical integration and troubleshooting. They will collaborate with teams to optimize processes and provide technical support, working with cutting-edge automation technology.

EFAB Resourcing Ltd Barton upon Humber, Lincolnshire, DN18 5DA, United Kingdom £50,000 – £60,000 pa
On-site Permanent

EDS Robotics Engineer

This role involves testing and assessing the performance and reliability of standard and custom products, devices, and hardware. Responsibilities include ensuring compliance with quality standards, identifying and solving problems, and improving and automating test methodologies. The position requires advanced knowledge and the ability to manage projects and coach junior professionals.

Contechs Warwick, Warwickshire, United Kingdom £27 ph
On-site Contract

Robotics Software Engineer (Flight Software)

This role involves designing, building, and integrating robotics software components for autonomous systems, focusing on perception, planning, control, and decision-making. You will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to develop cutting-edge safety and assurance technology, contributing to the testing, validation, and optimization of software systems.

DCS Recruitment Oxfordshire, United Kingdom £50,000 – £55,000 pa
Hybrid Permanent Clearance Required

Robotics Software Engineer

This role involves designing, developing, and maintaining robotics software for autonomous platforms, including sensor fusion, path planning, and kinematics. You will work closely with multidisciplinary teams to bring robotic systems from prototype to production, using technologies like ROS2, LiDAR, and NVIDIA Jetson boards.

Zenovo Cheshire, United Kingdom £85,000 pa
On-site Permanent
Ocado logo

Senior Robotics Research Engineer

This role involves developing advanced sensor-guided robotic manipulation systems for automated grocery fulfillment. The engineer will design and implement real-time control algorithms, work with ROS2 and containerised environments, and collaborate on research projects to advance robotic grasping and dextrous manipulation. The position bridges cutting-edge robotics research with production integration in a high-tech warehouse automation setting.

Ocado Welwyn Hatfield, AL8 6TP, United Kingdom
Hybrid Permanent
Newton Colmore logo

Mechanical Engineer - Robotics Design

Design and develop robust robotic mechanisms for a novel biotechnology product, progressing from initial concept through testing and into scalable manufacturing. Work within a multidisciplinary team of engineers and scientists to integrate mechanical systems with advanced detection technology. Focus on creating reliable, certified systems suitable for batch and volume production in a fast-paced start-up environment.

Newton Colmore London, United Kingdom
Hybrid Permanent
Ocado logo

Senior Robotics Software Engineer

This role involves developing and optimizing advanced robotic systems for automated grocery fulfillment, focusing on sensor-driven manipulation and real-time performance. The engineer will integrate machine learning techniques, build resilient control systems, and collaborate across hardware and software teams to deploy robust robotics solutions in live environments. Emphasis is placed on safety, reliability, and scaling production-grade code within a dynamic Agile workflow.

Ocado Welwyn Hatfield, United Kingdom
Hybrid Permanent

Senior Robotics Software Engineer

This role involves developing production-grade C++ software for autonomous robotic systems operating in real-world environments. You'll work on core robotics functionality including motion planning, trajectory generation, and robot control using ROS2, integrating perception and sensor systems while collaborating closely with cross-disciplinary engineering teams. The position emphasizes hands-on development for physical robotic platforms in a collaborative, innovation-driven environment.

OpenSourced Cambridge, United Kingdom £50,000 – £70,000 pa
Hybrid Permanent
Top hirers

Companies hiring robotics engineers

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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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