What does a mechatronics engineer do?

Robots, cars, and refrigerators – what do these three things have in common? None of them would be what they are today without mechatronics engineers.

Mechatronics is a field of study that combines mechanical and electrical engineering with computer science to build or reimagine some pretty cool things. Leading mechatronics expert Prof. Kevin Craig of Hofstra University says, "Mechatronics is really all about design of any physical system, where you integrate controls, electronics, and computers from the very start of the design process."

The robots on factory assembly line floors, the spinning rotators in your electrically powered washing machine, and the new lane sensor equipment being installed in smart cars all required electrical, mechanical, and computer skills to implement. Many products that shape the way we live, as well as products that are starting to shape the future, wouldn’t be around today without mechatronics.

But what does a mechatronics engineer do day-to-day? A day in the life of a mechatronics engineer could vary greatly depending on their chosen career path, but mechatronics professionals might enjoy daily tasks such as product design and development, research of new technology, monitoring and troubleshooting current projects, and working with suppliers to obtain the latest hardware. Mechatronics is constantly evolving with the evolution of technology and many employers in the field expect their employees to attend workshops or continue their education to keep up with the changing field.

According to LinkedIn, some of the most popular industries that employ mechatronics engineers include mechanical or industrial engineering, automotive, industrial automation, electrical and electronic manufacturing, research, machinery, information technology and services, computer software, aviation and aerospace, and the oil and energy industries. However, with their wide variety of skills mechatronics engineers are equipped to work almost anywhere.

“The field is really exploding. Automation is exploding in general,” says Dr. Nayef Abu-Ageel, Capitol’s dean of academics and chair of electrical engineering. “These people [mechatronics engineers] could work anywhere, not just in the manufacturing world.”

There are also new fields emerging that are in need of mechatronics engineers, like the field of biomechatronics. Robotic prosthetics and spinal implants that stimulate nerves rendered otherwise unusable in paralysis sufferers are projects someone with a degree in mechatronics might be a part of. Automation is changing to include more robots on assembly lines. Unmanned systems are also on the rise; a mechatronics engineer might design or improve the drones and robots of the future.

Considering earning a mechatronics degree? Consider Capitol. Check out our degree programs in mechatronics and mechatronics and robotics, or email admissions@captechu.edu for more information.