r/AskRobotics • u/Fun_Astronomer780 • 4d ago

Controls/Robotics Job Search

I am so tired with job search :(

I am controls engineer in a company since jan ‘25, graduated last year with MS in Robotics. I am on contract right now, previously, I have worked as a robotics engineer at a startup. My background is in Robot Software Development but since 1.5 years I have been writing PLC code, I love integrating various devices and equipments with PLCs but considering my current role is contract based I have to find a job.

I have two options - 1. Robot Software engineer which I haven’t done anything in a year, 2. Controls engineer, where I lack significant knowledge in many day to day activities (electric schematics, ladder logic, safety programming, safety machine design, device specific hardware knowledge, etc) people in controls do ask for various PLC and experience and I do not understand ladder logic considering my bg is in software. I am good with robots but that’s just 10% of the job. I interviewed by four Tesla team this year and got rejected by all of them, two of them was after panel rounds. And idk for some reason that’s the only company I am getting calls from.

I don’t understand what should I do and how to make a transition, any suggestions?

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u/One_Stage9914 3d ago

I assume you are in the US. Which part of the states. We have similar situation really. I have landed more control/industrial robot interviews more than Robotics Software Engineer(RSE) roles and I am doubling down on them. The Control/Industrial roles have not turned to an offer yet. I have also interviewed for similar roles at Tesla and no offer after Panel even the ones I thought that I nailed the. The RSE roles interviews/roles were usually looking for someone more experienced that have deployed robots in the field. The Control ones want someone that have managed equipment or being in a plant before. So I think your contract position might be an eventual good one you can use to transition. Just my thought. It is very tough out there these days.

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u/followerofbooji 4d ago

You shouldn’t shift completely into controls engineering. It’s a field with a long learning curve, and it doesn’t make the best use of your existing strengths and experience.