How to become a mechatronics engineer

Is becoming a mechatronics engineer right for me?

The first step to choosing a career is to make sure you are actually willing to commit to pursuing the career. You don’t want to waste your time doing something you don’t want to do. If you’re new here, you should read about:

Overview
What do mechatronics engineers do?
Career Satisfaction
Are mechatronics engineers happy with their careers?
Personality
What are mechatronics engineers like?

Still unsure if becoming a mechatronics engineer is the right career path? to find out if this career is right for you. Perhaps you are well-suited to become a mechatronics engineer or another similar career!

Described by our users as being “shockingly accurate”, you might discover careers you haven’t thought of before.

How to become a Mechatronics Engineer

To become a mechatronics engineer, you need to follow a series of steps that involve education, practical experience, and professional development. Here's a general outline of the path:

  • Educational Background: Obtain a Bachelor's Degree in Mechatronics Engineering or a related field, such as mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or computer engineering. Ensure that the program is accredited by ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology).
  • Gain Practical Experience: During your undergraduate studies, seek internships, co-op programs, or research opportunities related to mechatronics. Practical experience will provide you with hands-on skills and exposure to real-world engineering projects.
  • Graduate Studies (Optional): While not always required, pursuing a Master's or Ph.D. in Mechatronics Engineering can enhance your knowledge and research capabilities, making you a more competitive candidate for specialized positions.
  • Join Relevant Clubs and Organizations: Participate in mechatronics-related clubs and organizations, such as robotics clubs or engineering societies, to expand your network and engage in practical projects.
  • Develop Programming Skills: Mechatronics engineers often work with embedded systems and software programming. Familiarize yourself with programming languages like C/C++, Python, and other relevant languages used in robotics and control systems.
  • Professional Development: Stay updated with the latest advancements in mechatronics technology and attend workshops, seminars, or conferences to enhance your knowledge and skills.
  • Seek Mechatronics Internships or Entry-Level Positions: Look for internships or entry-level positions at companies that work with mechatronics systems. This will allow you to apply your theoretical knowledge and gain practical experience.
  • Networking: Build professional connections within the industry by attending engineering conferences, career fairs, and industry events. Networking can help you discover job opportunities and stay updated on industry trends.
  • Obtain Mechatronics Engineering License (Optional): While not mandatory for all roles, you may choose to pursue a Professional Engineer (PE) license in mechatronics engineering to enhance your professional qualifications and career prospects. To become a licensed PE, you typically need to pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam and gain relevant work experience before taking the Professional Engineering (PE) exam.
  • Continued Learning: Mechatronics is a rapidly evolving field, so continuous learning is essential. Stay updated with the latest trends, technologies, and best practices through self-study and professional development courses.

Professional Organizations:

  • American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME): ASME is a leading organization for mechanical engineers, and its dynamic membership includes professionals with interests in mechatronics and automation. ASME offers networking opportunities, conferences, technical publications, and resources for career development.
  • Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE): IEEE is a renowned organization for electrical and electronics engineers, and it also covers areas relevant to mechatronics engineering. Members have access to conferences, publications, and technical resources related to automation, control systems, and robotics.
  • Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI): AUVSI focuses on unmanned systems, including robotics and autonomous vehicles. Mechatronics engineers interested in robotics and autonomous technology can benefit from joining this organization.
  • National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE): NSPE supports licensed professional engineers, including mechatronics engineers who have obtained their PE (Professional Engineer) license.
  • Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME): SME is dedicated to manufacturing and encompasses mechatronics-related topics like automation and robotics used in modern manufacturing processes.

Certifications:

  • Certified Automation Professional (CAP): Offered by the International Society of Automation (ISA), the CAP certification validates expertise in automation and control systems, which is highly relevant to mechatronics engineers.
  • Certified Robotics System Architect (CRSA): This certification, provided by the Robotic Industries Association (RIA), focuses on robotic system integration and architecture, important skills for mechatronics engineers working in robotics.
  • Certified LabVIEW Associate Developer (CLAD): Offered by National Instruments, the CLAD certification recognizes proficiency in LabVIEW, a widely used programming environment in mechatronics and automation.
  • Certified SolidWorks Associate (CSWA): For mechatronics engineers working in 3D modeling and design, the CSWA certification from Dassault Systèmes SolidWorks Corporation can be valuable.
  • CompTIA Mechatronics Technician: This certification focuses on essential mechatronics skills, providing a foundation for professionals entering the field.