Meet Shenty…
What is it like to work in Mechatronics?
This is perhaps the most ‘hands-on’ of tech fields, combining engineering fields like robotics, electronics, computer, telecommunications, systems, control, and product engineering. If you were the kid with intense lego structures, woodshop products, or even built a ‘kidnapper trap’ like in Home Alone, this could be your calling.
Just like the human brain fires neurons to send an impulse to our arm to pick up a can of soda, a software code can send a command to a robotic arm to do the same. Everything, from the code written to the network it runs along, to the fuses and joints in the robotic arm and the way these perform together, are the work of mechatronics specialists.
As businesses continue to implement more automation and technology in their industry, the field of mechatronics is in high demand. There are so many different roles you could play: Good with people? As a designer, you might a client to understand the role they need to automate, design a system and build a prototype, then work with engineers to build a real version that programmers will design code to operate. A Systems Operator manages and programs the complete system from a computer console, ensuring all the components work together correctly. If you are good at maintenance, you might maintain and troubleshoot complex systems to repairs or reprogram factory machinery when it breaks. There are so many opportunities to explore… Where will you fit in?
Job Statistics
Education Level
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor’s degree, but some do not. (89% have bachelor’s degree)
Job Training
Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Median Wage
$47.62 hourly, $99,040 annual
Projected Job Openings (2019-2029)
10,300
Daily Work Activities
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
Getting Information
Interacting With Computers
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Thinking Creatively
** Data and statistics sourced from O-Net Online.
Skills Required
Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.