What Is Mechatronics Engineering? Jobs, Skills, and Salary in 2023
Mechatronics engineers use mechanical engineering and electronics skills to design and develop new products.
- Mechatronics engineering is defined as an interdisciplinary career path where technical professionals combine their mechanical engineering and electronics knowledge to design and develop new products, systems, and hardware.
- Aspirants need several years of experience to become licensed mechatronics engineers in the US, but it is worth the effort. Mechatronics engineers can apply for jobs ranging from robotics technicians to industrial automation specialists.
- This article explains how to become a mechatronics engineer, the skills you need, and the salary you can expect in 2023.
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What Is Mechatronics Engineering?
Mechatronics engineering is an interdisciplinary career path where technical professionals combine their mechanical engineering and electronics knowledge to design and develop new products, systems, and hardware.
Sample Certificate in Mechatronics Engineering
Source: Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU)
Are you a problem-solver by nature who loves facing new obstacles? Perhaps you appreciate working with science and technology but also enjoy dismantling objects to determine how they function. If this fits you, mechatronics engineering could be a great career choice.
Mechatronics is a branch of engineering considered a relatively new, emerging field. Yet, the term originated in 1969 from a Japanese engineer who decided to combine the words “mechanical” and “electronics” to define the newly invented electronic functions of manufacturing tools.
Mechatronics is now widely recognized as a distinct field within the engineering discipline, even though the term had not gained much traction until very recently.
Mechatronics and mechatronics engineering
In simplest terms, mechatronics is a multidisciplinary area of study that integrates electrical and mechanical engineering and control systems with robotics. Additionally, mechatronics can include telecommunications, computer science, and systems engineering.
A mechatronics engineer is a highly qualified professional who combines diverse skills and expertise to solve complex problems involving modern equipment and systems. Employers increasingly value mechatronics engineers, as only a handful of devices and systems today are solely mechanical or purely electrical.
Engineers specializing in mechatronics participate in all stages of product development, from conception to testing to manufacture.
Virtually nothing in the world is now exclusively electronic, electrical, or mechanical. Sophisticated mechanical components are integrated within electronics and controllers due to the ever-evolving capacities of electronics. This means that the boundaries between disciplines are becoming increasingly indistinguishable and that there is a rising demand for mechatronics engineers with experience in all these areas.
As part of a four-year degree program, such as a Bachelor of Technology (BTech) or Bachelor of Engineering (BE), a mechatronics engineer may specialize in several fields, such as mechatronics, electrical and electronics, robotics, or computer science.
Graduates in this field can pursue additional certifications to develop their skills further.
How to pursue a career in mechatronics engineering
For a career as a mechatronics engineer, you should follow these steps:
1. Earn a bachelor’s degree
At the high school level, several courses can prepare you for a career in mechatronics engineering. Among these are engineering 101, pre-calculus, advanced physics, and chemistry. You may benefit from studies in circuits, electronics, and computer science.
After high school, a bachelor’s degree in engineering is required. Although not all colleges offer a mechatronics-specific degree, it is wise to look for an institution that does. For instance, you could get a mechanical engineering degree with a mechatronics specialization.
Although the syllabus will differ in its details, candidates will likely learn these topics:
- Foundations of electric circuits
- Investigation of nodes, meshes, transients, or operational amplifiers
- 2D and 3D forces on static systems, with applicability to the real world
- Management of electrical and mechanical systems using sophisticated control software
- Utilization of advanced computer-aided design (CAD) tools for manufacturing and design.
- Automation of manufacturing, assembling, and handling of materials
Calculus, physics, and chemistry are also essential disciplines. You will presumably undertake one or more project-based capstone courses. These are intended to help you conduct research, develop project proposals and feasibility studies, work efficiently in a group, and build a prototype.
In general, a bachelor’s degree with industry certification is the highest level of education required to pursue a fulfilling career in mechatronics engineering.
2. Pass the Fundamentals of Engineering examination
Candidates must take the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) examination, conducted by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES), after acquiring a bachelor’s degree in mechatronics.
Although the FE examination is not necessary to become an accredited mechatronic engineer, it can be helpful for your career development. However, completing this initial evaluation doesn’t grant accreditation; you must clear a second exam after getting work experience to earn a license.
3. Obtaining a few years of experience
After completing the FE examination, you will be called an “engineer intern” (EI) or “engineer-in-training” (EIT). The candidate is not a licensed engineer before passing the second exam and obtaining official engineering credentials. To be eligible for the examination, candidates must first have many years of full-time job experience. Remember that this work experience can be in various roles and not necessarily engineering.
4. Earn licensing credentials
After obtaining a certain number of years of work experience (depending on your state), candidates may take the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) examination. Like the FE test, the PE certification is available in multiple variants for different engineering disciplines. Although there is no mechatronics PE exam, you can take electrical and computer, controls, industrial and systems, or mechanical engineering exams. Certain states may require periodic license renewal for mechatronics engineers.
5. Get a mechatronics job
From consumer products like microwaves, automobiles, or smartphones to applications in industries like robotics and X-ray machines, mechatronic engineers can work for a wide range of businesses.
By leveraging the credentials and work experience you have already obtained, you may apply for roles such as automotive engineer, instrumentation engineer, systems engineer, and control systems engineer.
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Mechatronics Engineering Jobs
Engineers specializing in mechatronics build machines with multiple components, including mechanical systems, sensing, and actuation, control systems, or software. A mechatronics system is typified by an industrial robot, which combines electronics, mechanics, and computation to perform its daily tasks.
These engineers design and create products using the fundamental concepts of electrical, mechanical, software, and control engineering. The intent is to devise a more efficient, cost-effective, and reliable approach to completing tasks.
A college degree in mechatronics may also lead to positions in management, such as project management in labs and manufacturing facilities, as well as engineering design centers.
Moreover, you may find work in a wide range of emerging cybersecurity disciplines. Today’s mechatronics engineering jobs may involve consumer products and packaging, automation, artificial intelligence, and telecommunications. Some of the top jobs in mechatronics engineering include the following:
1. Robotics technician
A solid technical foundation in robotics is one of the primary advantages of earning a mechatronics degree. Various industries offer careers involving robotics, including medical and healthcare, military service, and high-tech manufacturing.
In these roles, you will develop mechanized solutions that enhance the level of quality, number, and efficiency of manufacturing. You will administer, run, and fix electrical, robotic, and automation machinery. In addition, you will make sure that all automation equipment conforms to industry standards.
2. Telecommunications engineer
Mechatronics engineering jobs are also available in telecommunications and information services. These positions include high-voltage engineers, outdoor or cable technicians, and networking technicians, among others. Responsibilities may include setting up, upkeep, and repairing cell phones, wireless networks, video equipment, optical fiber cables, electrical systems, etc.
3. Agricultural systems designer
New mechatronics jobs are emerging in the rapidly developing sectors of agriculture and forestry. You might build greenhouses that boost food production, program controllers to regulate irrigation systems, or even use engineering principles to protect forests’ long-term viability and health.
4. Instrumentation designer
This mechatronics engineering job is about planning, constructing, setting up, testing, and servicing manufacturing equipment and systems. These professionals also develop testing processes to assess the functionality of different types of equipment and guarantee that they satisfy quality requirements. In addition, they are accountable for the calibrating, testing, and upkeep of manufacturing equipment.
5. Industrial automation specialist
This job requires researching and developing industrial automation technologies. Industrial automation specialists work with experts from different disciplines to determine how automation can be used to improve business processes. Additionally, they offer component and process advancements for pre-existing automation implementations.
6. Electronics engineer
Mechatronics engineers often start with an electronics engineering job. They create, assess, repair, and replace electronic devices. They undertake a feasibility analysis before implementing electrical designs. In addition, these specialists design testing processes to evaluate the efficiency of electrical machinery and ensure that it adheres to industry standards.
7. Mechanical engineer
This is among the most common mechatronics engineering jobs you can find. A mechanical engineer designs, builds, and examines mechanical devices, such as industrial tools, ancillary machinery, heating and cooling systems, and transportation parts. They develop designs and plans using computer-aided design (CAD) software. These experts also compose technical and user guides for various machines.
8. Mechatronics engineer job description
Engineers with expertise in mechatronics can find jobs in nearly any industry. This includes government, aviation, and IT services. Their daily schedule will be heavily influenced by the company they work for and the job that they are currently working on. In broad terms, you are likely to discover the following items in a job profile for a mechatronics engineer:
- Using engineering principles, assess industrial or consumer concerns and create innovative solutions.
- Execute a feasibility study on the launch of new mechanical equipment.
- Conceive and fabricate new products that blend physical components with electronics, automation, artificial intelligence, or robotics.
- Evaluate current products and systems, such as assembly line processes, or seek methods to automate or improve them.
- Identify gaps and defects in manufacturing during the design phase.
- Perform analysis and modeling of mechanical, electronic, or other systems.
All these tasks are intended to make life simpler, smarter, and safer for any individual. As with all technicians, mechatronics engineers are natural problem-solvers who enjoy addressing many complex societal and industrial progress obstacles.
See More: What Is IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things)? Definition, Architecture, Benefits, and Examples
Skills Needed To Work in Mechatronics Engineering
To work and succeed in mechatronics engineering, candidates need the following skills:
Mechatronics Engineering Skill Requirements
1. Strong grasp of mathematical concepts
Mathematical proficiency is essential for mechatronics engineers to guarantee precise plans and analyses. This requires expertise in several areas of mathematics, including linear algebra and calculus. The first step in implementing designs is understanding the mathematical principles governing them.
Next, precise calculations ensure the design’s viability. You may use your mathematical abilities to construct simulations when conceptualizing new products.
2. Familiarity with quality control (QC) standards and processes
Businesses implement QC to maintain or enhance the overall quality of their offerings. Mechanical engineers with a thorough understanding of quality standards can evaluate the final product and determine if it fulfills the specified requirements. By applying this skill, they can guarantee that the design conforms to industry standards such as ISO and is feasible under different conditions.
3. Knowledge of engineering tools
These are hard skills that a mechatronics engineer must bring to the table. They include the knowledge of:
- AutoCAD: AutoCAD can be used to create, modify, and record electrical and manufacturing designs. These 2D and 3D precision drawing tools can assist you in evaluating design specifications, creating diagrams, etc.
- Python: Python is a language for object-oriented programming that can be applied to both software and web development. Automation and data operations often use Python-based scripts and applications, making this a valuable skill for mechatronics engineering.
- MATLAB: MathWorks developed the programming language and numerical computing platform MATLAB. It enables scientists and engineers to analyze data, create algorithms, and build complex mathematical models.
- Simulink: Simulink is a block diagram framework for modeling and simulating systems based on MATLAB. It facilitates system-level layouts, constant testing, integrated system verification, and automated code generation.
4. Data acquisition and analysis capabilities
Acquiring data involves obtaining real-time metrics and digital illustrations of everyday events and physical circumstances.
A computer can alter and manipulate these values to generate accurate results. Mechatronics engineers can use the results to fix problems, address queries, or execute further analysis.
Many modern industrial systems depend on data acquisition through sensors and internet of things (IoT) devices, making this an important skill for mechatronics engineers.
5. Technical writing skills
Expertise in technical writing lets mechatronics engineers express complex information to non-technical audiences. The writing process may involve the creation of software guides, technical papers, documents for industrial apparatus, and other important documentation. These engineers collaborate directly with subject matter experts and other specialists to capture all aspects of a project.
6. Ability to pay close attention to detail
The mechatronics industry needs a high level of attention to detail because the smallest errors in the design and production process can result in flaws and quality issues, leading to dangers and financial losses. This ability allows engineers to zero in on minute details to develop precise system designs.
7. Problem-solving skillsets
The capacity to resolve problems and develop logical solutions is essential to the position of mechatronics engineer. It involves thoroughly comprehending the requirements, a feasibility study, and developing problem-solving strategies. The engineer then performs simulation and modeling before manufacturing and assessing the quality of the equipment. When issues arise in functioning, the mechatronics engineer will conduct a root cause analysis to find and resolve the problem.
8. Communication and people skills
A mechatronics engineer must share the findings and data with non-technical stakeholders so that organizations can make informed choices. However, this requires outstanding communication skills. You may work with experts from other fields to create, research, and produce microsystems or projects as a component of large-scale initiatives. Effective interpersonal skills help build rapport with colleagues, strengthen collaboration, and nurture an inspiring work environment.
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Mechatronics Engineering Salary 2023
Mechatronics is a highly technical field, and mechatronics engineering technology graduates are now in high demand. The Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry has designated mechatronics as a “high-priority” discipline with growing employment prospects.
The demand for mechatronics engineering will increase as a growing number of businesses adopt advanced, intelligent systems and robotics. Even more seasoned manufacturers planning a technological upgrade depend on mechatronics engineers to assess assembly line efficacy and costs.
That is why mechatronics engineers are relatively well-paid. According to Glassdoor data last updated on June 26, 2023, the average base salary for mechatronics engineers in the US is $87,109 per year.
However, depending on the company you join, you can expect significantly higher pay. For example, the average salary for mechatronics engineers at Apple is $161,689 annually. At the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, mechatronics engineers can expect to make $107,157 per year. Tesla pays $122,677 for this role, while Google pays $172,111.
Ford, Samsung, and Daimler Trucks all employ mechatronics engineers with six-figure salaries. This is also among the few roles offering highly paid gig or project-based work, starting from $44–$48 per hour. You can maintain your work-life balance by choosing flexible hours or apply to any of the top global companies that regularly hire mechatronics engineers for various projects.
Entry-level apprenticeships and intern-level work (with pay) are also available in mechatronics engineering.
See More: Everything You Need to Know Before Joining an Amazing Engineering Team
Takeaway
As information technology evolves, roles in mechatronics engineering will become more common. Mechatronics engineers work at the intersection of physical and virtual systems toward an industrial company’s key goals. In fact, mechatronics engineers will be central to companies looking to transform their processes through industrial IoT. This makes mechatronics engineering skills highly sought after in the job market today.
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