Power Innovation and Automation with a Degree in Mechatronics Engineering
September 5, 2023Mechatronic engineers combine knowledge of mechanical engineering, electronics, computer science, and control engineering to create and empower advanced systems and products that seamlessly integrate mechanical components with electronics and software. They are at the forefront of designing innovative solutions that enhance the efficiency and precision of automated machinery, particularly by creating and managing control systems that directs and regulates the behaviors of other systems.
As reliance on automation and robotics increases, so too do the career prospects and earning potential for mechatronic engineers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field is projected to outpace the average growth rate of all occupations through 2030, supported by opportunities at leading companies like NASA, GM, Boeing, and IBM. The median annual wage for mechatronics engineers in 2020 was nearly $90,000, with the average salary for the top 10% of earners approaching $130,000.
Earning a bachelor’s degree in Mechatronics Engineering from Capitol Technology University can open doors to these emerging and innovative careers in robotics, aerospace, health care, manufacturing, and a variety of other industries. Check out some of the careers available to mechatronics engineers.
Career Opportunities in Mechatronics Engineering
Robotics Engineer: Robotics engineers design prototypes, build and test robots, and maintain the software that controls them. They work closely with mechanical and electrical engineers to create robots that can perform specific tasks, such as a robotic arm used to assemble cars in a manufacturing plant or a surgical robot that can perform more precise operations than a human surgeon. They focus on safety, quality, and cost efficiency, while monitoring the robot’s use to optimize performance.
Automation Engineer: Automation engineers focus on designing and implementing automated systems that improve processes like those for supply chain, manufacturing, and energy management. They work with a variety of stakeholders, such as production managers and plant operators, to develop a deep understanding of the needs of the system and to design a solution that meets those needs. Their efforts lead to systems that automatically sort packages in a shipping warehouse or control climate conditions in a greenhouse.
Control System Engineer: Control system engineers specialize in designing and fine-tuning control systems for applications that are constantly changing, including those used in the manufacturing, aerospace, and energy sectors. They use knowledge of math and physics to work with sensors and actuators to create systems that can control the operation of machines and devices, such as managing the speed of a car’s engine or an autonomous vehicle’s navigation system.
Electronics Design Engineer: These engineers, who need a strong understanding of programming and software, are responsible for creating electronic components and systems used in telecommunications, medical devices, consumer electronics, and more. They work with electronic components like transistors, capacitors, and resistors to create circuits that perform specific functions in equipment such as communications networks, navigation systems, and electric motors.
Mechanical Design Engineer: Mechanical design engineers develop mechanical components and systems used in automotive, aerospace, construction, and beyond. They work with metal, plastic, composite, and other materials to create components that are strong, lightweight, and efficient. With a strong understanding of engineering principles like stress analysis and fluid dynamics, they conduct research, use software to design systems, and develop and test prototypes. For example, they create a car’s engine or an airplane’s wings
Instrumentation Engineer: Instrumentation engineers design, install, and maintain control systems. They work with a variety of sensors and actuators to create systems that can measure and control the operation of machines and devices, using sensor feedback to evaluate and refine operations. They use a strong understanding of math and physics to develop industrial systems, like those used to measure oil flow in a pipeline or the temperature of a nuclear reactor, and consumer products, such as smoke detectors and home health equipment.
Software Engineer: Software engineers design, develop, and test software solutions used in diverse sectors like health care, financial services, and gaming. They write and test code in a variety of programming languages and technologies like smartphones and personal computers to create software that meets user needs.
A bachelor’s degree in Mechatronics Engineering from Capitol Technology University is a pathway to a impactful and lucrative career that can be applied to nearly every industry. Mechatronics engineers make significant contributions and have a chance to shape the future of automation.
For more information, visit the Engineering program page or contact our Admissions team at admissions@captechu.edu.