Career Overview
Research, design, develop, or test automation, intelligent systems, smart devices, or industrial systems control.
Also Known As
- Automation Engineer
- Equipment Engineer
- Process Controls Engineer
- Project Engineer
Alternate Job Titles
- Applications Engineer
- Automation Application Engineer
- Automation Designer
- Automation Engineer
- Control Integration Engineer
- Control Systems Engineer
- Controls Engineering Specialist
- Design Engineer (Design Eng)
- Electro-Mechanical Engineer
- Electro-Mechanical Systems Control Engineer
- Engineer
- Equipment Engineer
- Intelligent Systems Engineer
- Mechanical Systems Control Engineer
- Mechatronic Engineer
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- 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.
- Research, select, or apply sensors, communication technologies, or control devices for motion control, position sensing, pressure sensing, or electronic communication.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- Engineering and Technology
- Design
- Production and Processing
- Mechanical
- Mathematics
Essential Skills
Success in this career requires strong skills in:
- Complex Problem Solving
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Reading Comprehension
- Writing
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Oral Comprehension
- Written Comprehension
- Deductive Reasoning
- Oral Expression
- Written Expression
- Problem Sensitivity
- Inductive Reasoning
- Near Vision
- Information Ordering
- Fluency of Ideas
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Attention to Detail
- Innovation
- Dependability
- Intellectual Curiosity
- Cautiousness
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Achievement
- Recognition
- Independence
- Working Conditions
- Relationships
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: Bachelor's Degree
Related Work Experience Needed: Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years
On-the-Job Training: Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months
Education Details: Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Experience Required: A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- C
- C++
- Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
- Linux
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Project
- Microsoft Visio
Tools & Equipment
- Bandsaws
- Computer numerically controlled CNC machining centers
- Desktop computers
- Digital multimeters
- Dynamometers
- Function generators
- Laser printers
- Lathes
- Milling machines
- Oscilloscopes
- Power grinders
- Precision positioning tables
- Soldering irons
Work Environment
- Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
Salary & Job Market
Wages reported for the broader Engineers, All Other occupational group (BLS 2024), which includes Mechatronics Engineers.
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $62,840 |
| Median | $117,750 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $183,510 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 150,750
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Robotics Technicians
Education: Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
Median Salary: $70,760
Robotics Engineers
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $117,750
Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $68,730
Electronics Engineers, Except Computer
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $127,590
Mechanical Engineers
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $102,320
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Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.