SoloPoint Insights

The fast-paced evolution of robotics and automation has transformed manufacturing, shifting roles and creating fresh engineering prospects. Facilities must plan strategically for the specialized skills required to stay competitive. Here are the emerging roles in automation and robotics, and why they’re in high demand in this new engineering era:

As facilities digitize, 86% of manufacturing executives foresee smart factory solutions will drive competitiveness in 5 years. The industrial robotics market is set to hit $81.4 billion by 2028, up from $41.7 billion in 2021, indicating rapid growth. Manufacturers anticipate a 12% labor productivity increase from the industrial metaverse, aiding labor shortages. While automation may displace 85 million jobs by 2025, around 97 million new jobs are expected to emerge in AI and product development by then.

The New Roles in Automation and Robotics:

• Hardware Engineer

• • Projected growth:
    • Hardware engineering employment is expected to grow at a faster-than-average rate of 5% from 2022 to 2032, with around 4,600 projected annual job openings over the decade.
  • Why are they in demand:
    • Robotic hardware engineers are highly sought after because they are essential for designing, testing, and enhancing hardware systems, from individual components to integrated systems. Mechanical, Electrical, and Controls Engineers are already in high demand and will continue to be highly prized for automation and robotics roles.

• Robotics software engineer

• • Projected growth:
    • Companies are expected to create new jobs in robotics engineering and maintenance as automation progresses. The BLS predicts a 2% employment growth by 2031 for mechanical engineers, including robotics engineering, with approximately 17,900 annual job openings expected. 
  • Why are they in demand:
    • Embedded software engineers are already ubiquitous given all the connected devices we use in our daily lives. The rise in robotics and automation demands even more control and monitoring of factory and manufacturing processes.

• Automation Technicians

• • Projected growth:
    • The U.S. is expected to have over 1,000 estimated average annual job openings for robotics and automation technicians over the next decade according to BLS.
  • Why are they in demand:
    • Automation technicians play crucial roles in ensuring the proper setup, maintenance, and repair of systems. These experts possess the skills to install both hardware and software, ensuring robotic components and automated equipment are set up to perform tasks accurately. 
    • In sectors like manufacturing, where automation is becoming more prevalent, the demand for skilled industrial automation technicians has increased given that technicians are needed to oversee every aspect of automated systems, from robotic arms to light sensors, to ensure smooth and efficient operations.

• Machine learning engineer

• • Projected growth:
    • The BLS predicts rapid growth for machine learning engineers at 36% and 21% respectively by 2031. In addition, LinkedIn states that there’s a 74% annual growth in Machine Learning engineering roles over the past five years, highlighting its popularity in AI engineering career paths.
  • Why are they in demand:
    • Machine learning engineers are in high demand due to the industries’ increasing reliance on AI technologies, particularly in robotics. They play a crucial role in researching, designing, and building self-running artificial intelligence systems to automate predictive models as they use vast amounts of data to teach machines and provide them with the necessary information to perform specific tasks.
    • ML engineers build and refine multiple ML models, leveraging data analysis and practical expertise to develop efficient solutions, design data strategies, and deploy models, especially in resource-constrained environments.

• Supply Chain Engineer

• • Projected growth: 
    • The BLS projects that Supply Chain Engineer Employment will grow at an 18% rate by 2023 with around 21,800 average job openings projected each year.
  • Why are they in demand:
    • Supply chain engineers are in demand for their expertise in designing and implementing automated systems that streamline processes like warehousing and logistics. 
    • They possess skills in data management, optimization, analysis, and decision-making, crucial for managing the vast amounts of data generated by sensors and IoT devices. This data enables informed decisions on inventory, transportation, and production, optimizing supply chain efficiency and responsiveness.

Recruiting for emerging job titles in robotics and automation can be daunting due to the complexity and scarcity of qualified candidates. However, specialized staffing firms offer a strategic advantage. With their expertise and vast networks, they streamline the hiring process, mitigate risks, and ensure businesses have the right talent to drive innovation. Partnering with such firms transforms recruiting challenges into strategic opportunities for growth and success.

In the automated age, your organization’s success hinges on hiring top-tier talent in engineering, manufacturing, and supply chain. Partner with SoloPoint Solutions’ staffing experts to access high-caliber professionals and stay ahead in innovation and efficiency: