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When we talk about robotics jobs, we’re usually speaking about robotics in the manufacturing industry. However, there are other industries and organizations that use robotics to maximize their effectiveness, and perhaps the most prominent among them is the U.S. military. 

Whether they’re for combat, reconnaissance, maintenance, or other applications, the military makes heavy use of robots in just about every area of their operations. Furthermore, as technology advances, the presence of robotics is only increasing on all fronts. 

One thing that’s universally true about robotics is that where there are robots, there are robotics jobs, and military robotics programs are no exception. 

Below, we’ll talk about how the military needs robotics workers just as much as the manufacturing industry, and how one can prepare you for a career in the other. Robotics jobs in the military can be a great stepping stone toward civilian robotics jobs, let us explain how this connection and transition works. 

How Robots Are Used in the Military 

In manufacturing, robots are used primarily as a way to increase productivity and boost efficiency. In the military, robots do all that and more. Many are tasked with maintenance and construction while others are primarily protecting people and improving the safety of personnel. 

Drones are perhaps the most well-known applications of robotics in the military. These flying robots are either remotely controlled or programmed to fly autonomously through software-controlled flight plans in their embedded systems. 

Drones are primarily used for reconnaissance and scouting, able to venture into dangerous territory and retrieve intelligence. Because drones are controlled remotely or via programming, they’re able to accomplish their missions without putting any soldiers or military staff in danger. 

Drones are just the tip of the iceberg, though. Military robotics programs use robots for detecting and disarming bombs, underwater scouting, cargo transportation, and more. Search and rescue robots are even used to save lives in incredibly dangerous situations! 

While reconnaissance and rescue robots get a lot of coverage for their military applications, the vast majority of military robots are being used behind the scenes to keep everything up and running. Robots are being used for everything from maintaining, painting, and sanding equipment to maintaining aircraft. 

In fact, if you’re a robotics worker in the military, chances are that you will be working with these behind-the-scenes robots that keep everything operational and mission-ready. Robotics jobs in the military, much like robotics jobs in manufacturing and the greater civilian sector, have much farther-reaching applications than you might think on initial consideration. 

Robotics Jobs in the Military

Where there are robots, there are job needs. Even in the military, people are needed to operate, program, and maintain robots. That means there are a lot of robotics technicians working and gaining experience while serving their country. 

Robotics specialists and robotics integrators are also necessary for the design and implementation of robots for military purposes. 

These jobs require the same skills as robotics jobs in manufacturing, but with the added training and discipline required for military duty. That means that military robotics programs can be a perfect opportunity for those looking to enter a career in robotics. 

From Military Robotics to Manufacturing

Robotics workers in the military can take the skills they’ve learned while serving in the armed forces and apply them to civilian jobs in the manufacturing industry upon returning from service. Not only does all of that experience transfer perfectly to robotics in manufacturing, but service as a veteran will also look great on a resume. 

The skills gained from military robotics jobs directly transfer to civilian roles, especially in the manufacturing industry. Veterans from military robotics programs enter the job market with a unique edge, having hands-on experience with advanced robotics systems. This makes the transition from military to civilian robotics careers straightforward and advantageous. The military’s comprehensive training in robotics ensures that veterans are well-prepared for various roles, from technicians to specialists, in the rapidly evolving field of robotics.

For those looking to have a successful career in robotics, the military is a great option. They provide the training and on-the-job experience necessary to work as a robotics technician, and there are a lot of opportunities to obtain the higher education necessary to enter the workforce as a specialist or robotics integrator as well. 

Whether you plan to get your robotics education via the military or more traditional means, the RoboticsCareer.org search tool is the perfect way to find the educational resources you need, whether it’s a supplementary or full college degree program.

About The Author

Lisa Masciantonio 

Chief Workforce Officer

Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing (ARM) Institute 

Lisa Masciantonio is the Chief Workforce Officer for the Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing (ARM) Institute. She joined the ARM Institute in May 2017 as the Director of Membership and Outreach.  She moved to the position of Chief Workforce Officer in 2019 and she is responsible for driving the Education & Workforce Development vision for ARM in conjunction with the ARM membership, the federal and state government partners, and other expert stakeholders. 

Lisa brings with her over 25 years of experience as a performance-driven leader with notable success in cultivating and executing business strategies and formulating long-term strategic client relationships.  She has proven success in developing business solutions, commercialization of products, technology transfer, and technological initiatives that have supported organizational growth, improved staff productivity, and increased value to many communities of practice. Critical to her success is the ability to increase awareness and drive thought leadership position by designing and executing innovative programs as well as developing and launching new, value-add offerings for ongoing competitiveness. Lisa received a Bachelor’s degree from the Pennsylvania State University and 2 Master’s degrees from Carnegie Mellon University. 

In 2021, Lisa was recognized as one of 20 world-wide Exceptional Women in Robotics and Automation by SME. In 2022, she was recognized by the Pittsburgh Business Times as a Women of Influence and was also part of the inaugural Technical.ly Pittsburgh RealLIST Connectors list, which recognizes the top 100 influential leaders in Pittsburgh tech.