Mechatronics Engineers

High School

If you are interested in a career in mechatronics engineering, take courses in mathematics (geometry, trigonometry, and calculus), physics, computer science (especially computer-aided design), and mechanical drawing and shop. English and speech classes are also highly recommended because mechatronics engineers need excellent communication skills in order to write reports and interact with a variety of coworkers and vendors.

Postsecondary Education

A growing, but still small, number of colleges and universities offer degrees in mechatronics engineering, including the California State University-Chico, University of Denver, Lawrence Technological University, Middle Tennessee State University, Simon Fraser University, and the University of Detroit Mercy. Typical classes in mechatronics engineering programs include Modern Control Systems, Digital Control Systems, Advanced Control Systems, Engineering Analysis, Advanced Dynamics, Mechanical Vibrations, Mechanical Design of Mechatronic Systems and Robotics, Optimization in Mechatronic Systems, Mechatronic Manufacturing Systems, Advanced Microprocessors, Digital Signal Processing, Intelligent Control, and Intelligent Systems.

If you aren’t able to attend a college that offers a mechatronics engineering major, you can prepare for the field by earning a bachelor’s degree in mechanical, electrical, robotics, control, or computer engineering and augmenting your education with mechatronics engineering classes or pursuing a minor in the field (if it’s offered by your school). Graduate students may be able to design their own mechatronics educational track in consultation with their department head. A master’s degree, or even a Ph.D., in mechatronics, mechanical, electrical, computer, robotics, or control engineering may be necessary to obtain some positions, such as those in research, teaching, and administration.

Other Education or Training

Because mechatronics is such a cutting-edge field, mechatronics engineers need to continue their education, formally or informally, throughout their careers. Seminars, webinars, conferences, workshops, and professional journals serve to educate engineers about developments in the field. For example, ASME International provides conference sessions and courses on topics such as computational fluid dynamics, nanotechnology, nanomechanics, design, quality control, professional ethics, and materials science. The Society of Women Engineers offers conference sessions, webinars, and other education resources on topics such as leadership, career development, and special issues for women in engineering. Other organizations that provide professional development opportunities include the National Society of Professional Engineers, SME, and the American Society for Engineering Education. Contact these organizations for more information.