What is Mechatronics?

Mechatronics is a multidisciplinary field that refers to the skill sets needed in the contemporary,
advanced automated manufacturing industry. At the intersection of mechanics, electronics, and
computing, mechatronics specialists create simpler, smarter systems. Mechatronics is an essential
foundation for the expected growth in automation and manufacturing.

Mechatronics deals with robotics, control systems, and electro-mechanical systems Do you like
mechanics, robotics, or production equipment? Do you have a knack for creative problem solving? Do
you enjoy technical and engineering activities? Can you work well as a member of a team? Mechatronics
could be for you. Request information today.

What do mechatronics professionals do?

Mechatronics specialists can do quite a bit across multiple disciplines and have a solid base from which
to grow. Mechatronics specialists know both mechanical and electrical engineering fundamentals—they
speak both languages—so a mechatronics specialist can work with both mechanical and engineering
teams.

Mechatronics specialists work with massive industrial robots, smaller robots in pick-and-place
operations, control systems for bottling or packaging of food and drink products, drones, designing
control systems for rides in amusement parks, prototype development.

Some mechatronics specialists are employed in firms where it is necessary to design and maintain
automatic equipment. This includes industries such as manufacturing, mining, aviation, robotics,
defense, and transport. Other mechatronic specialists are employed by large manufacturing companies
involved in high-volume production. Many new career opportunities are on the horizon due to
technological advances.

What careers are there in mechatronics?

A degree in mechatronics can lead to management positions, including project management.

Mechatronic specialists may use the following job titles:

Automotive Engineer

Control System Engineer

Data Logging Engineer

Instrumentation Engineer

Project Engineer

Software Engineer

Systems Engineer

Service Engineer

What skills do mechatronics specialists need?

Mechatronic specialists have broad multidisciplinary skills, so they are able to move into more
traditional engineering disciplines.

A mechatronics specialist is a creative problem solver who can work on a team. Thinking creatively is the
first step; being able to communicate good ideas to coworkers involves tact.

Many mechatronic engineers use computer-aided design (CAD) and other engineering software for
modeling, simulating, and analyzing complex mechanical, electronic, or other engineering systems.

What tasks do mechatronics specialists do?

There are many tasks mechatronic specialists perform, depending on their particular industry. Some
design, develop, maintain, and manage high-technology engineering systems for the automation of
industrial tasks. Others apply mechatronic/automated solutions to the transfer of material components
or finished goods, or design and assist with the manufacture of consumer products such as cameras and
video recorders. Still others carry out studies into the feasibility, cost implications, and performance
benefits of new mechatronic equipment. And others apply electronic and mechanical processes and
computers to tasks where the use of human labor may be dangerous (for example, underwater
exploration, mining, or forestry).

How much do mechatronics engineers earn?

According to Recruiter, the mean salary for a mechatronics engineer is $88,800 with the top ten percent
earning close to $103,380.

$49.70

median hourly wage

$103,380

median annual salary

The future of mechatronics engineering

According to the latest U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of jobs for Mechatronics Specialists is
expected to experience moderate growth, specifically in Michigan and Wisconsin. Michigan Tech is
strategically located in close proximity to the largest automotive companies that have expressed they
are in need of Mechatronics professionals.

170K

employees in 2020

1%-2%

projected growth

10.3K

projected job openings

Mechatronics at Michigan Tech

Technical degree programs have changed. Traditional degrees leading directly to closely aligned
positions in industry are a thing of the past. Tomorrow needs individuals with advanced technical
competencies capable of engaging in interdisciplinary research and industry applications.
Mechatronics BS

Graduates of Michigan Tech's Bachelor's in Mechatronics are key to the digital transformation of our
regional and national economy. What sets this degree program apart is the way it brings together
engineering and computing to create something entirely new. This convergence is the very essence of
"Industry 4.0" and the future of manufacturing and industry.

Mechatronics MS or Graduate Certificate

Graduates of Michigan Tech's Master's of Science in Mechatronics are sought after applied researchers
and entrepreneurs, revitalizing the US and global economies in advanced manufacturing and
automation. Advised by industrial advisory board members and other industry contacts to meet industry
needs and to develop career pathways, our industry-driven curriculum addresses the need for skilled
advanced manufacturing technologies.

The 15-credit graduate Mechatronics certificate is available for students looking to enhance a specific
skill set, further their career, find a new job, or meet state or national licensing requirements.

Contact the Graduate Program Director, Aleksandr Sergeyev, for more information.