How to become a Mechatronic Engineer

Mechatronic engineers design and maintain machinery with electronic and computer control systems, such as aircraft, robots, motor vehicles, cameras, power generators and mining and chemical plant machinery.

Personal requirements for a Mechatronic Engineer

Enjoy technical and engineering activities
Good communication skills
Able to work as part of a team
Able to think creatively and problem solve
Interested in mathematics, physics and mechanical equipment, such as robotic and production equipment

Education & Training for a Mechatronic Engineer

To become a mechatronic engineer you usually have to study engineering at university with a major in mechatronics or robotics. Related degrees in electronics, electrical or mechanical engineering may also be appropriate. To get into these courses you usually need to gain your Senior Secondary Certificate of Education. Prerequisite subjects, or assumed knowledge, in one or more of English, mathematics, chemistry and physics are normally required. Universities have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements or offer external study. Contact the institutions you are interested in for more information.

Duties & Tasks of a Mechatronic Engineer

Mechatronic engineers:

Design, develop, maintain and manage high-technology engineering systems for the automation of industrial tasks
Apply mechatronic or automated solutions to the transfer of material, components or finished goods
Apply advanced electronic control systems, which are usually computer-driven
Design and assist with the manufacture of consumer products such as cameras and video recorders
Apply electronic and mechanical processes and computers to tasks where the use of human labour may be dangerous (underwater exploration, mining or forestry, for example)
Carry out studies into the feasibility, cost implications and performance benefits of new mechatronic equipment.

Tasks

Writes detailed summaries of project timelines, impact reports, requests for proposals and other written statements for stakeholders or the public.
Maintains optimal standards during project management, following all relevant federal, state, local and industry guidelines.
Calculates the supply details for any materials and the labour requirements as well as determining the cost of everything to see if it falls within the budget of the project.
Researches potential risks and impacts from the scope of the project and develops a plan to address concerns.
Supervises the scope of large scale projects and assesses each worker’s contribution to the project.
Collaborates with the project management team to offer assistance with technical details for the design or development/building process.
Visits locations where projects are currently underway to monitor task completion and ensures that goals are being met.

Working conditions for a Mechatronic Engineer

Workplaces range from laboratories and processing plants to engineering design offices.

Employment Opportunities for a Mechatronic Engineer

Mechatronic engineers are employed in firms where it is necessary to design and maintain automatic equipment. This includes a variety of industries, such as manufacturing, mining, aviation, robotics, defence and transport. Some mechatronic engineers are employed by large manufacturing companies that are involved in high-volume production.New opportunities are becoming available due to technological advances. Mechatronic engineering can lead to management positions, including project management. Mechatronic engineers have broad multidisciplinary skills, so they are able to move into more traditional engineering disciplines.

Specializations

Mechatronic Engineer

Average age
37 years
Future Growth
Very strong
Gender Share
12% female
Average full-time
43 hours
Weekly Pay
$2,155
Skill level rating
Very high skill
Unemployment
Average unemployment
Full-Time Share
89% Full-Time
Employment Size
2,700 workers
Employment by state
ACT: 2.1%
NSW: 34.5%
NT: 0.3%
QLD: 12.6%
SA: 7.0%
TAS: 1.0%
VIC: 33.7%
WA: 8.7%
Age brackets
15-19: 0.1%
20-24: 7.1%
25-34: 36.1%
35-44: 25%
45-54: 16.5%
55-59: 6.2%
60-64: 4.5%
65 and Over: 4.4%
Education level
Advanced Diploma/Diploma: 8.1%
Bachelor degree: 51.8%
Certificate III/IV: 6.1%
Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate: 27.5%
Year 10 and below: 0.6%
Year 11: 0.6%
Year 12: 5.4%