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Mechatronics Engineers

Mechatronics Engineers is the O*NET name for people who research, design, develop, or test automation, intelligent systems, smart devices, or industrial systems control. On the six-type interest model it reads RIC, meaning hands-on work with tools, machines or the physical world comes first, followed by research, analysis and working through hard problems. The preparation level is considerable preparation, typically a bachelor’s degree plus a period of work experience. O*NET’s skill data points to judgment and decision making, complex problem solving, and writing as the ones to build. A regular part of the work is to create mechanical design documents for parts, assemblies, or finished products. People who want hands-on work with tools, machines or the physical world usually fit better here than those who need helping, teaching or caring for people.

What they do

Research, design, develop, or test automation, intelligent systems, smart devices, or industrial systems control.

Main tasks

  • Create mechanical design documents for parts, assemblies, or finished products.
  • Design advanced precision equipment for accurate or controlled applications.
  • Design engineering systems for the automation of industrial tasks.
  • Implement or test design solutions.
  • Maintain technical project files.
  • Identify materials appropriate for mechatronic system designs.

Skills

  • Judgment and Decision Making
  • Complex Problem Solving
  • Writing
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Critical Thinking
  • Active Listening

Who this career fits

May suit you if

  • You like ending the day with a physical result you can point to.
  • You enjoy working out why something happens, not just what happened.
  • You are ready to spend around four years on a degree, then build experience.
  • You are comfortable relying on judgment and decision making and complex problem solving.

May not suit you if

  • You would rather stay away from physical, hands-on tasks.
  • You want helping people to be at the center of your work. Social rates 1.6 out of 7 here.
  • You want to avoid a four-year degree or its equivalent.

Interest profile

O*NET rates each occupation from 1 to 7 on six interest types. The code RIC takes the three highest, and Realistic comes first here.

Preparation

Considerable preparation. Most jobs here ask for a bachelor’s degree, and employers usually expect a few years of related experience as well.

Most-reported requirement in the O*NET survey: Bachelor's Degree. This reflects what workers reported most often and is not a legal minimum. Licensing rules can differ by state or industry, so confirm what applies where you plan to work.

Also called

  • Automation Designer
  • Automation Engineer
  • Control Systems Engineer
  • Controls Engineering Specialist
  • Design Engineer (Design Eng)

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.