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* * * This is NOT a job offer * * * The purpose of this occupational guide is to provide you with useful information to help you make career decisions. If you are searching for a job, please go to CalJobs (for jobs in California) OR JOBcentral (for jobs nationwide) |
Why are these jobs emerging?
They fit the category of:
-- Existing occupations that require significant skills modification.
Today's Engineers in robotics and automated systems need basic engineering
skills and specialized skills dictated by forefront technologies.
U.S. manufacturing industries are turning to cost-saving technologies
including automated processing and robotics to improve their competitiveness
and productivity. These new technologies have changed the way goods are
produced and effected factory workforce skill requirements.
New robotic applications are also being developed outside of the factory.
The "service" or mobile robot industry is growing and these new applications
and innovations demand new skills.
"Employers will need more engineers as they increase
investment in plant and equipment to further increase
productivity and expand output of goods and services."
U.S. Department of Labor
Engineering is the career area most in demand in the field of robotics.
Engineers apply the theories and principles of science and mathematics to
solve practical technical problems. Often their work is the link between a
scientific discovery and its application. They design machinery, products,
systems and processes. They also develop and design computer products and
systems for control and automation of manufacturing, business and
management processes.
Engineers in the field of robotics and automation design industrial robots
and automated systems that increase quality, safety and efficiency in the
production process. They also develop mobile or service robots and robotics
equipment used in outer space, on the ocean floor, for military defense and
in other non-traditional areas.
PERSONAL QUALIFICATIONS FOR ENGINEERS
-- Ability to Think in Scientific and Technical Terms
-- Analytical Thinking Skills
-- Communication Skills
-- Computer Literacy
-- Capacity for Detail
-- Creativity
-- Interpersonal Skills
-- Research Skills
CAD/CAM (COMPUTER-AIDED DESIGN COMPUTER-AIDED MANUFACTURING) ENGINEERS
WHAT THEY DO
CAD/CAM Engineers are the experts on equipment and methods used in automation.
They are responsible for the design and operation of the automated
manufacturing system. Engineers use CAD to decide product structure and
materials, and then to create the diagrams, drawings and specifications to
manufacture the product. Engineers use CAM to determine processes and
equipment needed for production, and to monitor and control the automated
manufacturing of the product. CAD/CAM engineers have expertise in computer
technology, manufacturing, electronics and mechanical engineering.
RELATED JOB SKILLS
Knowledge of:
-- CAD/CAM
-- Computer technology
-- Electronics and mechanical technologies
-- Manufacturing technology
EDUCATION AND TRAINING
-- BS or MS in computer science or engineering specialty such as
electronics, computer, manufacturing, industrial or mechanical
ANNUAL SALARY RANGE
Wage information for this specialty is not available. The U.S. Department
of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), reported engineering graduates
with a bachelor's degree can expect a starting salary of about $34,000.
Graduates with a master's degree average about $39,200, and those with a
Ph.D., $54,400.
COMPUTER ENGINEERS
WHAT THEY DO
In automated systems, Computer Engineers analyze data processing
requirements to determine system capabilities needed for projected workloads.
They are concerned with the hardware and software integral to the computer.
Typical projects might include interfaces to automated factories and links to
CAD/CAE (Computer-aided design/Computer-aided engineering) design tools.
Using AI (artificial intelligence) and neural network technologies, they
are involved developing image processing for manufacturing inspection
systems and robot navigation systems.
RELATED JOB SKILLS
Knowledge of
-- AI
-- CAD/CAE
-- Image processing
-- Neural networks
EDUCATION AND TRAINING
-- BS degree in computer engineering
-- Advanced degrees for Research, development, teaching, management and
many areas of design
ANNUAL SALARY RANGE
According to a number of California surveys the annual median salary for
Computer Engineers ranges from $33,000 to $56,500.
Projected Job Outlook*
1990 - 2005
Computer Engineers
1990 2005
30,330 45,950
New Jobs: 15,620
Percent Change: 51.5%
An additional 12,170 openings will occur as workers retire or leave the labor
market for other reasons.
*Projected job outlook is not industry specific
ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS ENGINEERS
WHAT THEY DO
Electrical and Electronics Engineers design, develop and produce electrical
and electronic equipment. Electrical and Electronics Engineers working with
robotics and automated systems are responsible for Research and development,
as well as the design, testing, and operation of robotics and associated
equipment - including CAD/CAM control systems. They must have skills in
robotic programming languages, robotic architecture and operating systems,
and software interfaces. They may also specialize in integrated circuit
theory, automation control, lasers, microelectronics, sensors, power systems,
radio frequency, solid state materials, and in superconductor materials.
RELATED JOB SKILLS
Knowledge of
-- AI
-- CAD/CAM
-- Machine vision
-- Sensors
EDUCATION AND TRAINING
-- BS in electrical and electronics engineering
-- Advanced degree for Research, development, teaching, management and
many areas of design
ANNUAL SALARY RANGE
According to a number of California surveys the annual median salary for
Electrical and Electronics Engineers ranges from $36,000 to $60,000.
Projected Job Outlook*
1990 - 2005
Electrical and Electronics Engineers
1990 2005
74,760 84,160
New Jobs: 9,400
Percent Change: 12.6%
An additional 25,350 openings will occur as workers retire or
leave the labor market for other reasons.
*Projected job outlook is not industry specific
INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERS
WHAT THEY DO
Industrial Engineers are management productivity experts and are responsible
for plant layout and production planning. Industrial Engineers working in
automated factories need to be versed in advanced technologies including CAD,
CIM (computer-integrated manufacturing), CNC (computerized numeric control),
computer simulation, FMS (flexible manufacturing systems), and robotics.
These professionals are also the "people expert" engineers, and must have
up-to-date management skills including (TQM) total quality management, and
(JIT) just-in-time, a technique that bases inventory on actual demand.
Specific duties may include; work analysis and design, process design,
production planning and control, computer utilization and simulation,
operations Research, automation, robotics and productivity engineering.
Industrial Engineers utilize CAD and computer simulation to determine the
best production, distribution, work methods and transportation systems.
RELATED JOB SKILLS
Knowledge of:
-- CAD
-- Computer simulation
-- Just In Time (JIT) product delivery services
-- Materials Resources Planning (MRP)
-- Total Quality Management (TQM)
EDUCATION AND TRAINING
-- BS in industrial engineering
-- Advanced degree for Research and management
ANNUAL SALARY RANGE
According to a number of California surveys the annual median salary for
Industrial Engineers ranges from $34,000 to $59,000.
JOB OUTLOOK
California State Polytechnic University Pomona's Industrial and Manufacturing
Engineering Department reports that the demand for Industrial Engineers has
always been excellent and this trend will continue as evidenced by a recent
forecast by the National Research Council.
MANUFACTURING ENGINEERS
WHAT THEY DO
Today's Manufacturing Engineers need to be able to respond to the needs of
modern, up-to-date manufacturing. Largely responsible for designing and
developing production and assembly processes, they must be able to design,
install and operate complex manufacturing systems. Experts in materials, CIM,
robotics, lasers and AI, they plan and set up cost effective and efficient
manufacturing systems. They ensure that production quotas and schedules are
met, equipment is maintained and new equipment is correctly installed and
functioning properly. Responsible for process improvements, they often
recommend which system to buy. Some Manufacturing Engineers design new
robotics and automated systems.
RELATED JOB SKILLS
Knowledge of:
-- AI
-- Automatic Control Systems
-- CAD/CAM
-- CIM
-- Materials Requirements Planning
EDUCATION AND TRAINING
-- BS in manufacturing, industrial or mechanical engineering
-- Advanced degree in multidisciplinary program
ANNUAL SALARY RANGE
According to a number of California surveys the annual median salary for
Manufacturing Engineers ranges from $40,000 to $55,000.
JOB OUTLOOK
California State Polytechnic University Pomona's Industrial and Manufacturing
Engineering Department reports that Manufacturing Engineers are in demand by
all types and sizes of manufacturing companies.
MECHANICAL ENGINEERS
WHAT THEY DO
Mechanical Engineers in manufacturing are part of the team that designs,
develops and tests robots and automated manufacturing equipment. They work
with gauges, gears, gripper mechanisms, sensors, linkages and motors and may
specialize in hydraulic and pneumatic systems used to move and power robots.
Mechanical Engineers have knowledge of basic traditional technologies, as
well as forefront technologies including, expert systems, electromechanical
systems, and laser-machining and laser-processing of materials. Mechanical
engineering Research projects include: sensor-based precision machining; the
development of expert systems for machinery diagnostics; intelligent sensor
fabrication and open architecture manufacturing system design and fabrication.
RELATED JOB SKILLS
Knowledge of:
-- Automatic controls
-- CAD/CAM and CAE
-- Expert systems
-- Sensors
EDUCATION AND TRAINING
-- BS in mechanical engineering
-- Advanced degree for Research and development, design, teaching and
management positions
ANNUAL SALARY RANGE
According to a number of California surveys the annual median salary for
Mechanical Engineers ranges from $36,000 to $58,000.
Projected Job Outlook*
1990 - 2005
Mechanical Engineers
1990 2005
27,000 31,660
New Jobs: 4,660
Percent Change: 17.3%
An additional 10,790 openings will occur as workers retire or
leave the labor market for other reasons.
*Projected job outlook is not industry specific
ROBOTICS ENGINEERS
WHAT THEY DO
Robotics Engineer is a title often given to a manufacturing, mechanical or
electronics engineer who specializes in robotics and automated engineering.
However, as more engineers graduate from universities which have specialized
robotics classes, this title is becoming more commonly used for engineers
whose focus is on robotics. They serve as team leaders designing new robots
and automated systems. Robotics Engineers also Research, design, and develop
additional applications including robot manipulators, intelligent vehicle
highway systems, robotics in space, and robotic aids for the handicapped.
Those in control theory are involved in the emerging technology
"mechatronics," which refers to electromechanical and machine-information
integration.
RELATED JOB SKILLS
Knowledge of:
-- AI
-- Controller design
-- Image processing
-- Machine vision
EDUCATION AND TRAINING
-- BS in engineering with course work emphasizing robotics and automated
processing
-- Advanced degree for Research and development, systems design, teaching
and management positions
ANNUAL SALARY RANGE
Wage information for this specialty is not available. The U.S. Department of
Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics reported engineering graduates with a
bachelor's degree could expect a starting salary of about $34,000. Graduates
with a master's degree average about $39,200, and those with a Ph.D., $54,400.
ENGINEERING EDUCATION IN CALIFORNIA
The Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) publishes the Directory of
Manufacturing Education in Colleges, Universities and Technical Institutes.
This directory lists academic programs specifically in manufacturing
engineering and manufacturing technology at colleges, universities, community
colleges and technical institutes. Advanced degree and bachelor level
manufacturing programs listed in this directory for California are:
ADVANCED DEGREE/BACHELOR LEVEL PROGRAMS
PROGRAM COLLEGE LOCATION DEGREE
Industrial Engineering University of Berkeley Ph.D.,Master,
and Operations Calif., Bachelor
Research Berkeley
Industrial and Systems Calif. State San Jose Master
Engineering University,
San Jose
Industrial Technology Calif. State Fresno Master, Bachelor
University,
Fresno
Manufacturing Calif. State Pomona Master, Bachelor
Engineering Polytechnic
University,
Pomona
Mechanical Engineering Calif. State Los Angeles Master, Bachelor
University,
Los Angeles
Calif. State Long Beach Master, Bachelor
University,
Long Beach
University of Santa Barbara Ph.D., Master,
Calif., Bachelor
Santa Barbara
BACHELOR LEVEL PROGRAMS
PROGRAM COLLEGE LOCATION
Engineering Technology Calif. Polytechnic San Luis Obispo
State University
Calif. State Sacramento
University,
Sacramento
Pacific Union College Angwin
Industrial Technology Calif. State Chico
University, Chico
Manufacturing Engineering University of Calif., Berkeley
Berkeley
Mechanical Engineering University of Davis
California, Davis
Calif. Maritime Academy Vallejo
For information about bachelor level and advanced degree
engineering programs in other specialties contact:
University of California
300 Lakeside Drive
Oakland, CA 94612-3550
(510) 987-0700
California State University
Academic Affairs, Plans and Programs
400 Goldenshore
Long Beach, CA 90802
(310) 985-2845
California Postsecondary Education Commission
1303 J Street, Suite 500
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 445-1000
PROFESSIONAL REGISTRATION
All 50 states, including California, and the District of Columbia require
registration for engineers whose work may affect life, health, or property or
who offer their services to the public. To obtain registration in California,
engineers must graduate from an accredited engineering school, meet other
qualifying requirements, and pass the professional examination in their
engineering specialty.
WHERE ARE THE JOBS?
Engineering jobs in robotics and automated systems are found in many
industries. Some opportunities can be found with a relatively small number
of companies that actually manufacture robots, companies that serve as system
integrators, or those who market and distribute robots built outside of the
United States. Most job opportunities in robotics, however, are with those
industries manufacturing peripheral robotics equipment, parts and software,
or industries using robotics. These industries include automotive,
aerospace, electronics, food processing and pharmaceutical industries.
Industries with opportunities for California job seekers interested in
working in the field of robotics and related automated systems are
highlighted below.
AEROSPACE: The aerospace industry includes manufacturers of aircraft,
missiles and electronic instruments for aerospace use, such as radar
equipment, missile guidance systems and navigation equipment, and Research
and development. About 28 percent of U.S. aerospace industry workers are
employed in California. More than 90 percent of California's aerospace
employment is located in four counties: Los Angeles, Orange, Santa Clara and
San Diego. The recent decline in both defense purchases and commercial
purchases in the aerospace industry has resulted in a corresponding decline
in aerospace employment. Although the industry has been losing jobs over the
last few years the demand for some aerospace products is expected to increase.
The market for commercial satellite launch services is also expected to grow.
In the 1992 Career Guide to Industries, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
predicts that although job opportunities will decline in the defense related
sector of this industry, opportunities should be better in commercial
aviation.
The aerospace industry accounts for more than 25 percent of all the nation's
Research and development (R&D) monies, making it the leader in high
technology spending. This continued focus on advanced technology should
result in some continuous hiring at the professional and technical levels,
including engineers and technicians specializing in computer-aided design,
laser optics and production planning.
APPAREL: Technological advances and changing business practices are
affecting this industry. Advances include computerized equipment and
material transport systems as well as advanced communications technologies
which facilitate quick customer demand response. BLS points out that as the
use of new equipment increases, job opportunities should be good for those
with a high school diploma or technical training, and those with degrees in
engineering and production management should also have good opportunities
with the increased emphasis upon higher productivity and quick response.
The State of California Trade and Commerce Agency describes the California
apparel industry as a healthy contributor to the economy with over
17 percent more jobs than New York, the second leading state. Jobs in
California's apparel industry have grown steadily. While some jobs have
moved to low-wage countries, California has retained the higher paying jobs
including those in design, packing and distribution.
ELECTRONICS: The electronics industry is one of the largest industries in
California's economy. This industry produces computers, personal electronics
as well as chips, or integrated circuits. The electronics industry had its
beginnings in California. Today 34 percent of the nation's semi-conductor
manufacturers, 30 percent of U.S. computer manufacturers and 17 percent of our
computer programming establishments are here in California. Industries making
computers, electronic components, and other electronic products provided over
20 percent of the manufacturing jobs in California in 1992. Although the
industry began to lose jobs gradually in the mid to late 1980's, the Trade
and Commerce Agency reports that job losses must be set against continuing
productivity gains.
Experts project that Santa Clara County, home to Silicon Valley with a large
concentration of integrated circuit and computer firms, will experience
significant employment gains in two key electronics industries, computers and
instruments. The long-term growth trend will prevail in computer
manufacturing, and instrument manufacturing will register sizable gains,
especially in the medical portion of the industry. California is the top
state in the medical instrument industry. Medical instruments are becoming
quite complex, and the California Trade and Commerce Agency points out that
California with its high-technology firms and skilled workers is one of only
a few places in the world that can provide the various high technologies
needed for medical instruments manufacturing.
FOOD PROCESSING: California has more food processing jobs than any other
state, and the California Trade and Commerce Agency reports food processing
provides 10 percent of California manufacturing jobs. Examples of processed
food products include preserved fruits and vegetables, wine, roasted nuts and
beet sugar. The food processing industry is depending more and more on
technological innovations for both improved food products and production
processes. The food processing industry is the biggest user of programmable
logic controllers. These devices control and sequence machinery in the
washing, sorting, mixing and packaging processors. In California, the food
processing industry took advantage of federal capital investment incentives
and expanded production by investing in plants and machinery. With this
increased dependence on high technology, BLS predicts that although
professional specialty occupations and technicians make up a very small
proportion of industry employment, employment in some of these occupations -
such as engineers and computer scientists - is expected to grow.
ROBOTICS: The U.S. Industrial Outlook 1994 reports that the Robotics
Industry is in the midst of a steady upturn, and orders continued to
increase in both 1992 and 1993. The automotive industry continues to be the
largest user of robots, but others, including electronics, pharmaceutical,
food packaging and appliance industries continue to increase their use of
robots. The Robotics Industry of America (RIA) estimates that there are
about 49,000 industrial robots now installed in the United States. Although
less than 1,000 robots are manufactured annually in the United States, many
domestic companies are involved with systems integration, sensors, robot
control and vision guidance.
Non-industrial applications for "service robots" are also on the rise, and
long term prospects are strong for robots in security, commercial cleaning,
hazardous applications, health care and nuclear power and decontamination.
This is particularly good news for U.S. producers because they are the
leaders in service robot technology. The trade association for Service
Robot Manufacturers is the International Service Robot Association (ISRA).
A new sister trade association, The Association for Robotics in Hazardous
Environments (RHE's), has also recently been formed.
Additional opportunities exist for careers in robotics and automation in
other diverse and exciting fields including teaching and Research. Some
examples of other career field possibilities include:
ROBOTS ON THE HIGHWAY: Robots and automation are also becoming part of our
highway systems. The California State Department of Transportation
(Caltrans) and the University of California at Davis have joined together to
form the Advanced Highway Maintenance and Construction Technology (AHMCT)
center. They are working together to develop and apply advanced
technologies to highway maintenance and construction to improve the existing
transportation system. Their primary goals include improved safety and
efficiency resulting in decreased traffic congestion. Projects include
tethered mobile robots, automated placement of raised pavement markers and
automated construction and maintenance for Automated Highway Systems (AHS).
ROBOTS IN SPACE: Working for National Space and Aeronautics Administration
(NASA) to develop robotics in space. The Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in
Pasadena, California, is a Research and development center operated for NASA
by the California Institute of Technology. The laboratory's primary role is
the exploration of the solar system with automated scientific spacecraft.
The robotics and machine intelligence program has grown from the development
of experimental planetary rovers in the early 1970's to include Research on
using robots in space industrialization and exploration. JPL recently
developed a semi-autonomous rover vehicle to test navigation and obstacle-
avoidance techniques.
CONCLUSION
Almost one-half of all engineering jobs are located in manufacturing
industries. Employers will need more engineers as they increase investment
in plant and equipment to further increase productivity and expand output of
goods and services. In addition, competition and new technologies will
force companies to both improve and update product designs on a more
frequent basis. Experts also predict that as more successful robot
applications are developed, the number of robots installed in factories will
continue to increase. Additional career options will develop in the service
robot industry and in related technologies such as artificial intelligence,
simulation and machine vision. Engineers will be needed in these
specialized fields. However, the job market will likely remain competitive
and those who keep up with new technologies and advances in the field will
have the edge.
SOURCES FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Automated Imaging Association
Robotics Industries Association
P.O. Box 3724
Ann Arbor, MI 48106
http://www.automated-imaging.com
International Service Robot Association
P.O. Box 3724
Ann Arbor, MI 48106
Robotics International of the
Society of Manufacturing Engineers (RI/SME)
P.O. Box 930
Dearborn, MI 48121-0930
http://www.sme.org/ri
Robotics Industries Association
P.O. Box 3724
Ann Arbor, MI 48106
http://www.robotics.org
Institute of Industrial Engineers
25 Technology Park/Atlanta
Norcross, GA 30092
http://www.iienet.org
Source: State of California, Employment Development Department,
Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
(916) 262-2162.
Note: This is NOT a job opening. The purpose of this occupational guide
is to provide you with useful information to help you make career decisions.
If you are searching for a job, go to: