Mechatronics Engineer Creates complex machines that use several types of technology to function

Mechatronics is a field of engineering that focuses on the design and production of automated equipment. This industry employs both engineers to design and develop the equipment and technicians to maintain it.

What does a Mechatronics Engineer do?

An Electronics Engineer, a Mechanical Engineer, and a Computer Specialist walk into a bar and collide. The result? A super human known as the Mechatronics Engineer. This job is a mixed bag of electrical, mechanical, and computer engineering concepts all rolled together to create complex machines that require multiple technologies to function. If anyone asks what you do as a Mechatronics Engineer, just tell people you build robots for a living.

Mechatronics Engineer job

Mechatronics engineers are responsible for designing mechanical equipment. Combining their knowledge of computer, mechanical and electrical engineering, they develop various automated products, such as cameras, cars and aircraft. The engineering process typically involves designing and assembling components, testing products in development, making improvements and evaluating finished products. Engineers must also assess equipment and publish reports outlining production factors, such as practical use, safety and cost.

As a Mechatronic engineer

Here are some things you might be expected to do in your job:

- Develop new solutions to industrial problems using mechanical and electronic processes and computer technology.

- Design and build completely new products by integrating various technologies, for example, developing robotic vehicles for underwater exploration.

- Build and test factory production lines introducing automation to improve existing processes.

- Maintain and improve previous industrial and manufacturing processes and designs, for example, robotic lawn mowers and robot floor cleaners.

- Design, develop, maintain and manage high tec nology engineering systems for the automation of industrial tasks.

- Apply mechatronic or automated solutions to the transfer of material, components or finished goods.

- Apply advanced control systems, which are usually computer-driven.

- Apply electronic and mechanical processes and computers to tasks where the use of human labour may be dangerous (like underwater exploration, mining or forestry).

- Study the feasibility, cost implications and performance benefits of new mechatronic equipment.

- Carry out modeling, simulation and analysis of complex mechanical, electronic or other engineering systems using computers.

MECHATRONICS

Where do Mechatronic engineers work

Mechatronic engineers work in companies that require hi-tech input into what they are developing. They may work in a laboratory, a processing plant or an engineering office but are also research opportunities in emerging fields like bioengineering, nanotechnology and robotics.

You will find Mechatronic engineers in large global enterprises developing futuristic vehicles, challenging defense technology and revolutionizing consumer products. They may also work in smaller innovative ‘high tech’ companies supplying software, parts and equipment. They could be product developers, work in manufacturing, or mining or defense industries, and in government and industry research groups.

Mechatronic Engineers may be required to travel to present at a conference or view a new design idea or innovative technology.