What Is Mechatronics Engineering? (With Skills And Careers)

Updated 10 March 2023

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Mechatronics engineering is a branch of engineering that involves the study of mechanical, electronics systems and information technology. Professionals in this field design products that include components such as mechanical systems, control systems, sensors and actuators and the accompanying software. Having an in-depth understanding of this field and its various career opportunities can help you decide if it is an ideal career path for you. In this article, we discuss what mechatronics engineering is, list the roles of mechatronics engineers, find out the essential skills required and list various career opportunities available.

What Is Mechatronics Engineering?

A career in mechatronics engineering involves the design, development and maintenance of smart technologies used in various sectors, such as health care, aviation, artificial intelligence, mining, automated production lines and advanced mechanics. This field involves the study of multi-disciplines, including computer engineering, telecommunication engineering, systems engineering and automated systems engineering.

A mechatronics engineer may specialise in a variety of areas such as mechatronics, electrical and electronics, robotics and computer science as part of their four-year degree programme, such as Bachelor of Technology (BTech) or Bachelor of Engineering (BE). Graduates in this field can also takea additional certification courses to improve their skills.

Duties Of A Mechatronics Engineer

Engineers in mechatronics work in many fields and perform a variety of duties. Often, these professionals work with software, electronic equipment and other mechanical and electrical machines. They use their knowledge in various fields to engineer high-quality products. Some of their duties include:

Applying mechanical, electronic and computer technology to industrial problems
Improving existing factory processes by automating them
Conducting a feasibility study for new mechanical equipment
Designing, developing and maintaining new equipment
Providing programming logic for manufacturing equipment
Conducting simulation and modelling
Developing design documents for manufacturing parts
Conducting research and presenting findings to management
Collecting requirements and developing products that meet client needs
Selecting the right tools required for the manufacturing process
Identifying vulnerabilities and manufacturing defects during the design process

Mechatronics Engineer Skills

These on-the-job skills are a combination of hard skills and soft skills that help professionals advance in their careers. Here are some examples of such skills:

Hard skills

Here are some examples of hard skills that mechatronics engineers use on the job:

Technical and mathematical skills

For mechatronics engineers, mathematical competence is essential to ensure accurate designs and analyses. This requires proficiency in various fields of mathematics, such as linear algebra and calculus. Understanding the mathematical principles that govern manufacturing designs is the first step towards implementing them. The next step is to perform accurate calculations to ensure that the design is feasible.

You can also use your mathematical skills to design and test new equipment and create computer simulations and designs for new products.

Technical writing

Proficiency in technical writing helps professionals in this field convey complex information to people from a non-technology background. The writing process may involve drafting software manuals, technical documents, industry machinery manuals and other essential documents. These professionals work closely with subject experts and other professionals to comprehend the technical aspects of a project and communicate it effectively.

Knowledge of quality standards

Businesses use quality control (QC) to maintain or improve the quality of their products. Having expert knowledge of quality standards helps these professionals assess the final product and evaluate whether it meets the specified requirements. By using this skill, they can make sure that the design complies with the industry standards and is of the highest standard.

AutoCAD

You can create, modify and document electrical and manufacturing designs with AutoCAD. The software can also assist you with the evaluation of design specifications, the development of schematics and the purchase and tracking of component parts used during the manufacturing process. Employers prefer candidates with in-depth knowledge and practical experience with the software.

Soft skills

Here are some examples of soft skills that mechatronics engineers use on the job:

Communication skills

As a mechatronics engineer, you require presenting data and findings to non-technical clients. Having excellent communication skills enables you to deliver this information so that your clients can make informed decisions. As part of large projects, you may work with professionals from other domains to design, develop and manufacture smart technologies. Having effective communication skills helps you build trust with colleagues, improve teamwork and foster a positive work environment.

Problem-solving skills

The ability to solve problems and create logical solutions is important for professionals to complete complex projects and accomplishing business goals. This involves having a clear understanding of the requirements, conducting feasibility analysis, developing problem-solving techniques, conducting simulation and modelling, manufacturing the equipment and assessing its quality. The process ensures that the finished product conforms to quality standards and functions properly.

Attention to detail

An individual who pays attention to detail can focus both on small and important details while completing a task. The mechatronics sector requires acute attention to detail because minor errors in the design and manufacturing process can cause defects and quality issues resulting in hazards and financial losses. This skill helps engineers focus on minor details to create accurate system designs.

Work Environment Of Mechatronics Engineers

A mechatronics engineer typically works in a laboratory, office, factory or workshop. They may also require travelling to meet clients, conduct workshops and visit manufacturing facilities, engineering design firms and industrial sites. Sometimes it may be necessary for them to work long hours and on weekends to meet the project deadlines.

5 Career Opportunities For Mechatronics Engineers

Here is a list of relevant careers along with their national average salaries and primary duties:

1. Robotics engineer

National average salary: ₹2,13,421 per year

Primary duties: Robotics engineers design, develop and construct mechanical devices and robotic systems for a wide variety of applications in industries such as manufacturing, agriculture, health care and the military. These professionals conduct research to optimise the working of robotic systems and applications. They are also responsible for troubleshooting issues in components and robotics systems.

2. Instrumentation engineer

National average salary: ₹4,02,504 per year

Primary duties: The role of instrumentation engineers is to plan, build, instal, test and maintain equipment and systems in manufacturing facilities. These professionals also create test procedures to evaluate the working of various equipment and ensure that they meet quality standards. They are also responsible for conducting calibration, testing and maintaining systems.

3. Electronics engineer

National average salary: ₹2,26,854 per year

Primary duties: Electronics engineers design, develop, evaluate, maintain and repair electronic devices. They conduct a feasibility analysis of electrical designs before implementing them. These professionals also create test procedures to evaluate the working of electrical equipment and ensure that they meet industry standards.

4. Mechanical engineer

National average salary: ₹2,36,769 per year

Primary duties: A mechanical engineer designs, manufactures and evaluates mechanical devices, including industrial machinery, auxiliary equipment, heating and cooling systems and transportation systems. They use computer-aided design (CAD) software to create plans and designs. These professionals also write technical documentation and user manuals for various types of machinery.

5. Automation engineer

National average salary: ₹6,97,082 per year

Primary duties: Automation engineers research and develop automation technologies. They collaborate with professionals from different domains to understand how automation can help improve business processes. They also provide component and process upgrades for existing automation technology.

Salary figures reflect data listed on Indeed Salaries at the time of writing. Salaries may vary depending on the hiring organisation and a candidate's experience, academic background and location.

Please note that none of the companies, institutions or organisations mentioned in this article are associated with Indeed.