Robotics & Automation
“My passion is to make people’s jobs easier and lives better.” —Travis Oksendahl, Dynamic Group
Meet Travis
Watch the videoWhat do robotics and automation specialists do?
Use your skills in math and engineering to design, build or improve how things are made—from small parts to large pieces of machinery. Run, inspect, install and maintain autonomous and semi-autonomous machines.
Work with robots to assemble parts or keep machines running. Apply your knowledge of mechanics, design, production, computers and electronics as you work with power tools, precision measuring instruments and electrical and electronic testing devices.
Upsides & Downsides: Facts you should know

High demand
Companies are seeking trained robotics and automation specialists.

Cool factor
Your friends and family will be fascinated by your work.

A good living
Robotics and automation specialists in Minnesota make a median wage of $53,340 a year.

Strong placement
86% of students with degrees in robotics and automation are hired within 6 months of graduation.

A growing field
647 students graduate each year with degrees in robotics and automation.

Safety first
Attention to detail and safety needed when working with mechanical systems, stored energy and industrial lasers.
- Maintenance machinist or technician
- Applications programmer
- Electrical controls engineer
- Production system technician
- Automation specialist or technician
- Development mechanic
- Experimental and electrical mechanic
- Manufacturing engineering technologist
- Industrial machinery mechanic
- Automation engineer
- Process equipment development engineer
- Mechatronics technician
1–2 years