The Rise of the Mechatronics Engineer

Julie Shenkman
Posted by in Technology


So what's this new hybrid called a Mechatronics Engineer? Simply stated, these pros apply mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering theory and techniques to create automated, intelligent products, smart devices, and industrial control systems--systems that can then be "taught" to improve their performance. This is where many future engineering jobs are headed. In the automotive industry, mechatronics engineering is a fast-growing discipline, one that today's EV manufacturers hope to leverage in gaining a leg up with tomorrow's vehicles. The goal is to link high-tech batteries with hybrid power trains that will finally free drivers from the fossil-fuel ball-and-chain of $4 and $5 a gallon gas. In other areas, mechatronics engineers will be engaged in the automation of process industries. They'll design insulin pumps for diabetics, robotic systems for law enforcement, and autonomous flying machines to support military troops on the ground (like UAVs). They may even create automated systems for tomorrow's vast farming industry. And robots that will learn to efficiently explore the surface of Mars. Many predict the demand for mechatronics engineers will soon outpace supply. Universities just aren't cranking out these engineers in enough volume, so those that have the talent and training could find themselves being courted and coddled. One automotive power train manufacturer predicts that mechatronics engineers will eventually account for 35 percent of its total workforce. Many colleges and universities are adding a mechatronics concentration to their mechanical engineering program. This move can't come too soon, for employers in other countries are hiring mechatronics engineers, especially in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, where mechatronics engineers are prized. The same holds true for Norway. From what I've read, engineers in Japan and China are overworked and underpaid, so you might shy way from those locales. For an additional perspective, check out this video. Got any thoughts on mechatronics engineering? Include them in the comments section below. Alex A. Kecskes has written hundreds of published articles on health/fitness, "green" issues, TV/film entertainment, restaurant reviews and many other topics. As a former Andy/Belding/One Show ad agency copywriter, he also writes web content, ads, brochures, sales letters, mailers and scripts for national B2B and B2C clients. You can read more of Alex's blogs on Engineer-jobs blog.
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  • JORGE LUIS
    JORGE LUIS
    THE MECHATRONIC CARRIERIS THE MOST INTERRESTING IN  THIS TIME BECAUSE THIS CARRIER HAS VERY MUCHS JOBS.
  • juan francisco garcia
    juan francisco garcia
    I think a mechatronics engineer is improving many processes through automation industry, constantly innovating to go electronic mind using technological advances
  • Raul Ramos Loera
    Raul Ramos Loera
    in my opinion the mecatrinica is very important for the development of society in terms of technological advances as it involves various sciences and disciplines related career. It is also very interesting.
  • JUAN ALBERTO TORRES PINEDO
    JUAN ALBERTO TORRES PINEDO
    IS VERY INTERESTING BECAUSE THE MECHATRONIC IS  A BIG  AREA, HAVE MUCH APLICATION
  • JOSE GUADALUPE
    JOSE GUADALUPE
    mechatronics engineers are the foundations of new companies and it is a promise for universities, these engineers devidoa his academic training may perform almost any task assigned to them, this race is one of the best because in cualquien company can offer you a job
  • Ben A
    Ben A
    I did six years in the Navy got out and went to a community college were I got my associates in Mechatronics. After graduation I moved to Scottsdale AZ and have had absolutely no luck finding a job. It seems to me no one understands what mechatronics is. I see you have some insight on where the work is if you could help help me in any way or maybe help me make my resume more clear and concise that would be amazing.
  • Dan L
    Dan L
    I am a Sr. Mechanical Engineer, controls/systems minor with 20 yrs in "Mechatronics" over a range of industries. I find very little understanding and/or demand for "Mechatronics" anywhere in northern California. This term has been around since I was in college 20 years ago and has still come to produce no fruit. It's time to educate the corporate management or abandon the term and the dicipline.
  • Charles  E kesterson
    Charles  E kesterson
    This very interesting. Show me where i can get started.
  • Francis Afolayan
    Francis Afolayan
    I need more informations on this topic
  • Michael Randall
    Michael Randall
    Thanks, I finally have a NAME for my specialty.
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