Career Overview
Build, install, test, or maintain robotic equipment or related automated production systems.
Also Known As
- Automation Technician
- Electrical and Instrumentation Technician (E and I Technician)
- Instrument Specialist
- Process Control Technician
Alternate Job Titles
- Assembly Technician
- Automation Control Integrator
- Automation Control Technician
- Automation Controls Expert
- Automation Controls Specialist
- Automation Engineering Technician
- Automation Technician
- Automation Technologist
- Electrical and Instrumentation Specialist
- Electrical and Instrumentation Technician (E and I Technician)
- Equipment Maintenance Technician (Equipment Maintenance Tech)
- Field Technician (Field Tech)
- Instrument and Automation Technician
- Instrument Specialist
- Instrument Technician
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- Make repairs to robots or peripheral equipment, such as replacement of defective circuit boards, sensors, controllers, encoders, or servomotors.
- Troubleshoot robotic systems, using knowledge of microprocessors, programmable controllers, electronics, circuit analysis, mechanics, sensor or feedback systems, hydraulics, or pneumatics.
- Install, program, or repair programmable controllers, robot controllers, end-of-arm tools, or conveyors.
- Maintain service records of robotic equipment or automated production systems.
- Modify computer-controlled robot movements.
- Perform preventive or corrective maintenance on robotic systems or components.
- Align, fit, or assemble components, using hand tools, power tools, fixtures, templates, or microscopes.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- Computers and Electronics
- Engineering and Technology
- Mechanical
- Design
Essential Skills
Success in this career requires strong skills in:
- Troubleshooting
- Repairing
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Equipment Maintenance
- Active Listening
- Complex Problem Solving
- Operations Monitoring
- Quality Control Analysis
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Deductive Reasoning
- Oral Comprehension
- Near Vision
- Written Comprehension
- Inductive Reasoning
- Oral Expression
- Problem Sensitivity
- Information Ordering
- Finger Dexterity
- Visualization
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Attention to Detail
- Dependability
- Cautiousness
- Intellectual Curiosity
- Achievement Orientation
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Support
- Working Conditions
- Achievement
- Recognition
- Independence
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
Related Work Experience Needed: Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years
On-the-Job Training: Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years
Education Details: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience Required: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Bentley MicroStation
- C
- C#
- C++
- Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
- Git
- JavaScript
- Linux
- Microsoft Excel
Tools & Equipment
- Adjustable widemouth pliers
- Binocular light compound microscopes
- Chart recorders
- Coordinate measuring machines CMM
- Copy machines
- Electric drills
- Flow meters
- Force gauges
- Frequency counters
- Function generators
- Hammers
- Hydraulic dataloggers
- Hydrometers
- Laser facsimile machines
- Laser interferometers
Work Environment
- Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Telephone Conversations
Salary & Job Market
Wages reported for the broader Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians occupational group (BLS 2024), which includes Robotics Technicians.
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $47,770 |
| Median | $70,760 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $109,580 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 14,680
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Education: Not specified
Median Salary: $77,180
Calibration Technologists and Technicians
Education: Not specified
Median Salary: $65,040
Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians
Education: Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)
Median Salary: $70,760
Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $68,730
Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians
Education: Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)
Median Salary: $79,830
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Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.