Jan 12, 2025 3 min read

19 Different Types of Robotics Software Engineers

I had the pleasure of sitting down with Karissa Stisser. Karissa has switched from a film major to Robotics Software Engineer. Karissa has worked for the last decade on problems like multi-target tracking, SLAM, perception, remote control, AR, autonomous delivery bots, autonomous forklifts, and aircraft.

We explored 19 Types of Robotics Software Engineers and discussed questions many of you had about breaking into robotics and advancing as a robotics engineer.

⚠️ Note: Her responses have been condensed and paraphrased for brevity.

Q1: Is Math Really used in Robotics?

Q2: Do you need Math for Machine Learning and AI?

Q3: Can developers and Software Engineers pivot to Robotics?

The ease of transitioning depends on your background. Game developers often shift smoothly into simulation, while embedded systems engineers bring directly applicable skills. However, web developers might face more challenges due to limited robotics experience.

Q4: Generalist or Specialist?

Companies often value deep expertise in specific areas, but balancing breadth and depth is key. Start by mastering a focused skill set to stand out in interviews and gain a foothold, then strategically expand your knowledge to explore new opportunities and adapt to different roles over time.

Q6: Easiest Areas in Robotics to Enter:

Autonomous vehicles are easier to break into than surgical robotics due to the larger number of companies and fewer regulatory hurdles. For beginners, roles like testing, mapping, and board bring-up provide great entry points, requiring minimal software skills while offering hands-on exposure to the field.

Q8: Is Testing the Easiest Role to Enter?

Q9: Most Challenging Role in Robotics?

Path planning stands out as the most challenging due to its reliance on multiple interconnected systems. It depends on accurate perception, precise localization, and proper calibration. Debugging is particularly difficult, as issues can stem from various components, such as tracking, sensor data, or system integration.

Q10: Is Path Planning the Most Challenging Skill Set to pick up too?

Core robotics roles like SLAM, path planning, and multi-target tracking are equally challenging, each requiring coding, system integration, research implementation, and real-world testing. SLAM and tracking focus on sensor data, while path planning emphasizes robot physics and mechanics. The difficulty lies in the specific challenges of each role.

Q11: Robotics Job with the Most Growth Potential

Q12: Robotics Job with the Highest Demand
SLAM tops the list, as it’s crucial for a robot to understand its position and enable movement. It’s the foundational algorithm for advanced functions like tracking and path planning, making it essential in building functional robotics systems.

Q13: Best Robotics Roles for Machine Learning Engineers
Perception is a great starting point, involving tasks like object tracking and environment recognition. Machine learning engineers can leverage their Python and model training skills but must also focus on deploying and evaluating models on physical robots, with C++ being highly valuable. For a less crowded path, explore reinforcement learning, which focuses on teaching robots how to move.

Q14: When to Use Python vs. C++ in Robotics
Python is ideal for data processing, training, and building machine learning models. Once the model is ready, it’s exported and integrated into C++ for deployment, as production-level robotics systems require the speed and efficiency of C++.

Q15: How a PhD in Mechanical Engineering Can Pivot to Robotics
With a strong mechanical background, controls engineering is a natural fit. It involves monitoring system performance and managing control software. To succeed, learning C++ is essential—six months of focused practice and hands-on projects can help you gain the necessary skills.

Q17: Is ROS Developer a Job?
ROS is widely used in robotics, especially for its foundational tools like messaging, transforms, and debugging, which help teams work efficiently. However, "ROS developer" isn't a standalone role—it supports core tasks like path planning or perception. Some companies move away from ROS as systems mature, but familiarity with it is highly valued for its transferable robotics skills.

Q25: Is a master's degree Necessary for Robotics?
A master's degree isn't mandatory but can ease entry into robotics, especially for those with gaps in math or specialized knowledge. Strong project experience can hold equal weight, as employers prioritize candidates who articulate their work, learn quickly, and show technical competence. Starting in simpler roles, like testing, can lead to growth through proven skills and experience. Success often depends on your competition and how effectively you showcase your strengths.

🎥 Watch or listen to the full conversation!