All About Mechatronics Engineering: Mechatronic Career Overview

Duties and Responsibilities of a Mechatronic Engineer

Mechatronic is a combination of computer, electrical and mechanical engineering. A mechatronic engineer designs mechanical devices that incorporate electrical, software and mechanical components. The combination of these three key areas has resulted in the development and design of mechatronic or smart products. Examples include a more efficient washing machine, automated robotic assembly lines, cameras, laser printers, photocopiers, stair-climbing wheelchairs, hybrid autos and garage door openers. Perhaps the most striking example of mechatronics is the development of the Mars rover used by NASA to take samples and photographs of the Martian surface. Machine intelligence, or AI, is a key component of mechatronic engineer's design plans. An engineer of this type will manage, maintain, develop and design high tech engineering systems that can automate industrial tasks. They design and help in the production of video recorders, cameras and other consumer products. They apply the principles of mechatronic to tasks that may endanger human lives. Other duties are specified in these Monster.com job postings:

'The entry-level or junior engineer is responsible for analytical and hands-on involvement in mechatronics, electronics, and software specific to custom-designed modules used in company products.' --ENTEGEE Engineering Technical Group
'The ideal candidate will be responsible for developing advanced active chassis products including air suspension, adaptive damping and active roll control. Will also collaborate with vehicle dynamics group on developing advanced systems.' --ArvinMeritor, Inc.

Job Requirements

Mechatronic engineers generally need an undergraduate degree in engineering concentrating in mechatronic or a degree in mechatronic engineering, although some employers will take applicants with a bachelor's degree in electrical, computer or mechanical engineering. Many employers will also prefer that applicants have two or more years of experience. The field of mechatronics requires that engineers have broad exposure to software programming, mechanical engineering and electrical engineering. A mechatronic engineer needs to possess good communication, problem solving and creative skills. They should like engineering and technical activities as well as having an interest in math, physics and mechanical equipment. Other job requirements may be similar to the following as found in jobs posted on Monster.com:

'B.S. or M.S. in engineering or mechanical engineering with mechatronics. Experience in biomaterials and medical devices. Good computer skills and familiarity with Solid Works. Comprehension of document control software and MRP.' - ArthroCare Corporation
'Bachelor's in electrical or mechanical engineering with controls emphasis. Experience in precision optical- or electro-mechanical systems. Must be able to get U.S. Gov. security clearance.' - Zebra Imaging

Employment Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment outlook for engineers in general is good, increasing by approximately 11 percent in the next decade. Mechanical and electrical engineers should see a slight decline (four percent) in job growth. Mechatronic engineering is a relatively new area of engineering and graduates of a mechatronic engineering program can work in many industries, including automobiles, manufacturing, gas and oil, mining, transport, defense, robotics, aerospace and aviation. In addition, they have a wide variety of multi-disciplinary skills that will allow them to take traditional engineering positions. Electric engineers had a median yearly salary of $75,930 in 2006 while mechanical engineers made $69,850 that same year. Salary statistics for mechatronic engineers are not available yet do to the newest of the field.