Bots for Life

​​​Career Profiles

Robotics Engineer
Robotics engineer Les Quiocho leads the development of simulations of the space station's robotic arm.

Rover Driver
Julie Townsend gives the Spirit and Opportunity rovers the commands they need to explore the surface of Mars.

Robotic Lunar Lander Development Project Manager
Julie Bassler is leading the development of a robotic lander that will help NASA achieve its science and exploration goals on the moon.

Robotics Engineer
Robotics engineer Arin Morfopoulos is helping NASA look for Earth-like planets in other solar systems.

Investigation Scientist
Alberto Behar equips robots with science tools to explore Earth, Mars, and, someday, the moons of Jupiter and Saturn.

Division Technical Manager for Software, Robotics and Simulation
Apollo-era engineer Lou Ramon is supporting the development of advanced robotics for NASA's return to the moon.

Research Scientist
Joel Levine's robotic, rocket-powered airplane could reach the winds of Mars.

Robotics Systems Engineer
Fernando Zumbado helped NASA reinvent the wheel.

Space Station Robotics Instructor
Linda Bigonesse trains astronauts how to use the space station's robotic arm.

Aeronautics Engineer
Kim Hambuchen develops computer software that helps robots think on their own.

Director of the Intelligent Robotics Group
As the lead of the IRG, Terry Fong researches ways to use robots to explore other worlds.

Robotics Flight Controller
Jessica Calhoun plans how robotic arms help assemble the space station.

Aerospace Engineer
Lyndon Bridgwater designs robots that could one day explore other worlds.

Mars Exploration Rover Planner
Paolo Bellutta drives remote control robots on Mars.

Robotics Careers

There are many careers related to the field of robotics.  Robotic careers can be achieved by accomplishing 2-year technical degrees, 4-year B.S. university degrees, or within any of the U.S. military branches.  

Job Descriptions


Robotics Engineer

Robotics engineers usually have at least a 4-year Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering, computer science, or electronics/electrical engineering.  Their responsibilities include designing, constructing, managing, and troubleshooting robotic systems. 


Robotics Technician

Robotics technicians have at least a 2-year A.A.S. degree from a technical or community college in robotics and automation, mechatronics, or electronics.  Their responsibilities include assembling, operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting robotic systems.  These positions sometimes report to robotic engineers.  Many manufacturing  companies use technicians to assemble, operate and troubleshoot their systems in industry.


​Robotics Operator

​Robotic operators have at least the same education as a technician.  Their main responsibility is operating the robotic system.  Operators usually know how to maintain and troubleshoot their systems as well.  They also sometimes assist engineers in designing new equipment due to their hands-on knowledge of operation.