Roadmap: First Job as Robotics Software Engineer

Step-by-step path from student to job-ready robotics software engineer. Learn basics, build a sample robot project, and prepare for your first job.

Weekly Hours: 10
Estimated Weeks: 8

Phases

Learn Programming Basics

Start with simple programming concepts. Focus on Python, which is common in robotics. Practice thinking logically and solving small problems.

2 weeks

Understand Python syntax
Write simple loops and functions
Read and write data from files
Practice basic problem solving

Write Python code (print numbers, basic calculator)
Explain loops and conditions (for, if)
Use functions for repeated tasks
Handle simple errors

Intro to Python Guide
Online Python Coding Practice
Python Programming Book

Submit a simple calculator (Python code with addition, subtraction features)
Share function examples (reusable Python code snippets)
Pass all test cases for 10 basic exercises (demo file)

Explore Robotics Foundations

Learn basic robotics concepts and simple robot simulations. Understand robot movement, sensing, and basic tasks.

2 weeks

Understand what robots can do
Learn about sensors and motors
Try robot simulators
Write code to move a virtual robot

Describe robot parts (motors, sensors)
Write code to make a robot move (move forward 10 steps)
Use simple simulator tools (control robot in simulator)

Intro to Robotics Course
Beginner Robotics Simulator
Basic Robotics Tutorials

Submit a script to move a virtual robot (demo in simulator)
List five real-world robot tasks (with examples)

Build and Test a Virtual Line-Following Robot

Create a showcase project for your portfolio: a software robot that can follow a line in a virtual environment. Learn to handle inputs, control states, and test your code.

3 weeks

Design a simple line-following robot in simulator
Write code for robot movement and line detection
Test and debug your project
Document your steps

Write control code for a robot (follow a black line)
Handle state (robot decides to turn or go straight)
Test the robot in a virtual course (change speed, test corners)
Write short documentation (explain how to run the project)

Python Simulator for Robots
Sample Line-Following Problems
Robotics Community Forums

Demo a working line-following robot (video or simulator file)
Submit robot test results (robot stays on line for 90% of course)
Upload project documentation (step-by-step instructions)

Learn to Deploy and Present Your Work

Show employers your skills by sharing your project online. Practice simple deployment and learn to talk about your project.

1 weeks

Upload code to a shared platform
Create a short project video
Write a project summary

Use GitHub to share code (upload line-follower repository)
Record a screencast (show robot in action)
Write an easy-to-read project README

GitHub Guides
Simple Screen Recording Tools
README Writing Templates

Project deployed with README and CI badge (shows passing tests)
Project video uploaded (2-minute demo link)

Weekly Plan

Week	Focus	Why	Tasks	Deliverables
1	Python Basics and Coding Practice	Programming is key for all robotics tasks.	Set up Python (install Anaconda), Practice loops and functions (write 5 scripts), Solve 10 simple exercises (print numbers, make calculator)	Python script folder (at least 5 scripts), Exercise answers file
2	Programming for Problem Solving	Employers need proof of logical thinking.	Solve small logic puzzles (code on LeetCode or similar), Write code to read/write files (load/save a text file), Create functions to solve one real problem (find max/min number)	Problem solution scripts, Function examples file
3	Robotics Basics and Simulation Tools	Know how robots work before hands-on projects.	Read about robot sensors (list types and uses), Try a beginner simulator (install VPL or Webots), Move a simulated robot (forward/back/turn in software)	List of common robot sensors, Simulator log file (commands run)
4	Simple Virtual Robot Tasks	Start building hands-on robotics experience.	Write code to move robot along a path (in simulator), Make robot stop at end of path (using condition check), List real robot applications (grocery delivery, vacuuming)	Script for moving robot in simulator, Robot tasks list
5	Line-Following Robot Project: Plan and Setup	A project shows real skill to employers.	Plan project steps (write outline), Set up simulator and workspace (confirm ready for robot code), Sketch how robot will work (inputs, sensors, decisions)	Project outline document, Robot diagram or notes file
6	Write Line-Following Robot Code	Coding is the main proof of your practical skills.	Write robot movement code (follow line in simulator), Test robot on simple curves (simulate black line), Debug errors (fix issues found in tests)	Line-follower code file, List of test results
7	Test, Document, and Improve Robot Project	Testing and documentation make your project reliable and clear.	Write test cases for line-follower (try different line shapes), Record project steps (write README), Collect feedback (show to a friend or online group)	README with instructions, Improved code with full test coverage
8	Share and Present Your Line-Follower Robot	Sharing a polished project helps you stand out for jobs.	Upload project to GitHub (with README and test badge), Record and share short project video (show robot in action), Write a simple blog or portfolio post	Project GitHub link, Demo video (2 minutes)

Daily Plan

Monday

Review previous work
Read one guide or tutorial
Write or edit code

Tuesday

Work through one practice task or exercise
Test code and fix errors

Wednesday

Build or improve a feature for your project
Write comments or notes

Thursday

Try a new mini-project or exercise
Document your process

Friday

Summarize what you learned this week
Share progress or ask for feedback