Details Report for:
17-2199.05 - Mechatronics Engineers
Research, design, develop, or test automation, intelligent systems, smart devices, or industrial systems control.
This title represents an occupation for which data collection is currently underway.
Tasks | Tools & Technology | Education | Interests | Work Values | Wages & Employment | Additional Information
Tasks Save Table (XLS/CSV)
- Apply mechatronic or automated solutions to the transfer of materials, components, or finished goods.
- Design advanced precision equipment for accurate or controlled applications.
- Design mechatronics components for computer-controlled products, such as cameras, video recorders, automobiles, or airplanes.
- Develop electronic, mechanical, or computerized processes to perform tasks in dangerous situations, such as underwater exploration or extraterrestrial mining.
- Upgrade the design of existing devices by adding mechatronic elements.
- Conduct studies to determine the feasibility, costs, or performance benefits of new mechatronic equipment.
- Create embedded software design programs.
- Create mechanical models and tolerance analyses to simulate mechatronic design concepts.
- Design advanced electronic control systems for mechanical systems.
- Design engineering systems for the automation of industrial tasks.
- Design, develop, or implement control circuits or algorithms for electromechanical or pneumatic devices or systems.
- Identify and select materials appropriate for mechatronic system designs.
- Implement or test design solutions.
- Research, select, or apply sensors, communication technologies, or control devices for motion control, position sensing, pressure sensing, or electronic communication.
- Analyze existing development or manufacturing procedures and suggest improvements.
- Create mechanical design documents for parts, assemblies, or finished products.
- Maintain technical project files.
- Oversee the work of contractors in accordance with project requirements.
- Provide consultation or training on topics such as mechatronics or automated control.
- Publish engineering reports documenting design details or qualification test results.
- Design or develop automated control systems for environmental applications, such as waste processing, air quality, or water quality systems.
- Design self-monitoring mechanical systems, such as gear systems that monitor loading or condition of systems to detect and prevent failures.
- Monitor or calibrate automated systems, industrial control systems, or system components to maximize efficiency of production.
Tools & Technology Save Table (XLS/CSV)
Tools used in this occupation:
| Bandsaw wheel — Bandsaws |
| Desktop computers |
| Dynamometers |
| Laser printers |
| Lathes |
| Milling machines — Computer numerically controlled CNC machining centers |
| Multimeters — Digital multimeters |
| Power grinders |
| Semiconductor process systems — Precision positioning tables |
| Signal generators — Function generators |
Technology used in this occupation:
| Analytical or scientific software — Dassault Systemes Dymola; MSC Software Adams; The MathWorks Stateflow; Vector CANalyzer (see all 9 examples) |
| Computer aided design CAD software — Autodesk AutoCAD software; Computer assisted software engineering CASE software; Dassault Systemes CATIA software; Mentor Graphics VeSys Design (see all 5 examples) |
| Computer aided manufacturing CAM software — Computer-aided manufacturing CAM software; Rapid prototyping software |
| Development environment software — C; Microsoft Visual Basic; Vector CANoe; Woodward MotoTron Control Solutions MotoHawk (see all 9 examples) |
| Document management software — dSPACE * |
| Filesystem software — Disk file systems |
| Object or component oriented development software — C++; Modelica * |
| Operating system software — Microsoft Windows |
| Platform interconnectivity software — Agilent IntuiLink software * |
| Program testing software — Debuggers |
* Software developed by a government agency and/or distributed as freeware or shareware.
Education
This occupation may require a background in the following science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) educational disciplines:
Computer Science — Computer Hardware Engineering
Engineering — Computer Hardware Engineering
Interests Save Table (XLS/CSV)
 Occupational Interest |
Interest |
|
|---|---|---|
100   |
Investigative — Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally. | |
| 72 |
Realistic — Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others. | |
| 50 |
Conventional — Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow. | |
| 45 |
Artistic — Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules. | |
| 11 |
Enterprising — Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business. | |
| 0 |
Social — Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others. | |
Work Values Save Table (XLS/CSV)
Extent |
Work Value |
|
|---|---|---|
| 78 |
Achievement — Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement. | |
| 78 |
Recognition — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status. | |
| 72 |
Independence — Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy. | |
| 70 |
Working Conditions — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions. | |
| 50 |
Relationships — Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service. | |
| 50 |
Support — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical. | |
Wages & Employment Trends
National
Median wages data collected from Engineers, All Other.
Employment data collected from Engineers, All Other.
Industry data collected from Engineers, All Other.
| Median wages (2010) | $43.40 hourly, $90,270 annual |
| Employment (2008) | 183,000 employees |
| Projected growth (2008-2018) | 
Average (7% to 13%)
|
| Projected job openings (2008-2018) | 50,200 |
| Top industries (2008) | Manufacturing (32% employed in this sector)
Government (16%)
|
State & National
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2010 wage data
and 2008-2018 employment projections
.
"Projected growth" represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2008-2018). "Projected job openings" represent openings due to growth and replacement.
Sources of Additional Information
Disclaimer: Sources are listed to provide additional information on related jobs, specialties, and/or industries. Links to non-DOL Internet sites are provided for your convenience and do not constitute an endorsement.
- Engineers
. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition.