Why become a Robotics Field Engineer? What are the routes into roles as Robotics Field Engineers? What are the positives and negatives?

How to become a Robotics Field Engineer

Introduction

In today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, robotics is no longer a niche industry. It’s a booming sector transforming how we work, produce, and interact.
Among the key professionals in this revolution are lots of people working as a Robotics Field Engineer.
A Robotics Field Engineer is a specialist who bridges the gap between robotics design and real-world applications. As automation and robotics expand into industries like healthcare, agriculture, manufacturing, and logistics, the demand for skilled Robotics Field Engineers is growing.
This article explores current opportunities in this field, the roles available, and how you can transition into this exciting career as a Robotics Field Engineer.

Types of Roles as a Robotics Field Engineer

Robotics Field Engineers can specialise in a variety of domains depending on the industry and nature of the robotics systems involved. Some common roles include the following.

Installation and Commissioning Engineer

Responsible for setting up new robotic systems at client sites and ensuring operational readiness.

Maintenance and Support Engineer

Focuses on regular servicing, troubleshooting, and on-site repair of robotic equipment.

Applications Engineer

Works with clients to adapt robotic systems to specific applications or processes.

Testing and Quality Assurance Engineer

Conducts rigorous testing of robotics systems to ensure safety and functionality in real-world environments.

Sales and Technical Support Engineer

Provides technical insight during the sales process and offers post-sale technical support.

How to Become a Robotics Field Engineer

There is no one-size-fits-all pathway, but the most common steps to becoming a Robotics Field Engineer include the following.

Educational Background

A bachelor’s degree in robotics, mechatronics, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or computer science is typically required.

Practical Experience

Internships or hands-on projects involving robotics systems during or after education are critical.

Certifications and Training

Specialised certifications such as FANUC Robotics, ABB, or Universal Robots training can enhance employability.

Entry-Level Roles

Starting as a junior technician or in a robotics support role can provide the necessary field exposure.

Skills Required

Success as a Robotics Field Engineer hinges on a unique mix of technical and soft skills.

Technical Skills

Proficiency in robotics programming languages (e.g., ROS, Python, C++)
Mechanical and electrical troubleshooting
Knowledge of PLCs and industrial automation systems
Familiarity with CAD software and robotics simulation tools

Soft Skills

Problem-solving and critical thinking
Strong communication for client interactions
Flexibility and adaptability in different work environments
Time management and self-motivation

Meet some People Working as Robotics Field Engineers

To better understand the opportunities and pathways into this dynamic career, here are some real-world examples of professionals working as Robotics Field Engineers, showcasing diverse backgrounds and roles.

Maria Chen – Robotics Field Engineer at an Agricultural Tech Startup in the USA

Background

Maria holds a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. She began her career as a field service technician working on irrigation systems before transitioning into agricultural robotics.

Current Role

Maria travels to farms across California, helping install and maintain autonomous crop monitoring drones and robotic harvesters. She also trains farm operators on using software interfaces and provides on-site troubleshooting support.

Key Skills

Mechanical troubleshooting, drone systems, field deployment logistics, and client communication.

Ahmed El-Sayed – Robotics Support Engineer in Automotive Manufacturing in Germany

Background

Ahmed started as an automation technician at a major automotive plant. After gaining experience with PLCs and robotic arms, he completed additional training in robotics programming and joined the field engineering team.

Current Role

He is responsible for maintaining and upgrading robotic welding systems used on vehicle assembly lines. He also works closely with the engineering design team to test new robotic workflows in production environments.

Key Skills

Industrial robotics, programming (KUKA and ABB robots), safety compliance, and German/English bilingual communication.

Priya Ramaswamy – Field Application Engineer for Medical Robotics in India

Background

With a background in biomedical engineering, Priya transitioned into robotics through a certification course in ROS (Robot Operating System) and practical experience with robotic surgery systems.

Current Role

Priya works for a global medical device company, installing and supporting robotic surgical platforms in hospitals across South Asia. Her job includes both hardware setup and guiding medical professionals during initial system use.

Key Skills

Biomedical systems, robotics integration, training, and customer support.

Tom Nguyen – Freelance Robotics Field Consultant in Australia

Background

Tom has a degree in electrical engineering and worked for several years in mining automation. He later moved into freelance consulting, offering services to companies deploying robotic systems in remote locations.

Current Role

As a freelance field engineer, Tom works on short-term contracts with various robotics startups, handling deployments, custom integrations, and field data collection in diverse environments from warehouses to outback mining operations.

Key Skills

Embedded systems, field testing, rapid prototyping, client education.

Summary to People Working as Robotics Field Engineers

These examples demonstrate that Robotics Field Engineers can come from varied educational and professional backgrounds. What they share is a passion for hands-on work, adaptability, and strong problem-solving skills. Whether entering from a technical job or through formal engineering education, the career path offers significant flexibility and growth potential.

Examples of Moves into a Role as a Robotics Field Engineer from Other Jobs

Many professionals transition into robotics field engineering from related roles. Examples include the following.

Automation Technician → Robotics Field Engineer
By building on hands-on experience with automated systems and acquiring knowledge in robotics programming.

Mechanical Engineer → Robotics Field Engineer
With additional training in robotics systems, especially for roles involving mechanical design and maintenance.

Software Developer → Robotics Engineer
Especially those with experience in embedded systems or machine vision.

Electronics Technician → Robotics Support Engineer
Leveraging circuit knowledge and expanding into system-wide troubleshooting.

Key Responsibilities of a Field Robotics Engineer

While responsibilities vary by employer and project, common duties include the following:

Installing and calibrating robotics systems at client sites
Diagnosing and fixing mechanical, electrical, or software issues
Training client staff on system operation and safety
Collaborating with R&D teams to relay real-world performance feedback
Conducting regular maintenance and upgrades
Writing detailed reports and documentation.

Industries where a Field Robotics Engineer can be employed

Field robotics engineers are increasingly in demand across a broad range of sectors, including the following.

Manufacturing: Automotive, electronics, and consumer goods sectors heavily utilise robotics.

Healthcare: Deployment of surgical robots and rehabilitation devices.

Agriculture: Use of drones, harvesters, and autonomous tractors.

Logistics and Warehousing: Automation of sorting, packing, and delivery systems.

Construction and Mining: Autonomous vehicles and robotic inspection tools.

Military and Defence: Deployment of unmanned systems and surveillance robots.

Conclusion

The role of a Robotics Field Engineer is both technically challenging and immensely rewarding, offering a front-row seat to the next industrial revolution. With robotics touching nearly every industry, the career prospects are diverse and growing. Whether you’re just starting out or transitioning from a related field, now is a promising time to enter this dynamic and impactful profession.

Online Courses

Coursera – Introduction to Robotics with Webots Specialisation
Udacity – Robotics Software Engineer Nanodegree

Professional Networks

IEEE Robotics and Automation Society
Robotics Tomorrow

The Field Engineer is a community where Robotics Field Engineers, or those thinking of becoming a Robotics Field Engineer can learn and develop their skills and network in a global private network. A free membership is required to join the Robotics Technology Focus Group.
The Field Engineer Community Robotics Technology Focus Group

Further Reading

How to work with recruiters to successfully find a new role
How to build successful global technical field support teams