Summary 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
- 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.
Tools & Technology
Tools used in this occupation:
| Bandsaw wheel — Bandsaws |
| Dynamometers |
| Multimeters — Digital multimeters |
| 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 |
| Computer aided design CAD software — Autodesk AutoCAD software; Computer assisted software engineering CASE software; Dassault Systemes CATIA software; Mentor Graphics VeSys Design |
| 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 |
| Object or component oriented development software — C++; Modelica * |
* 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:
Interests
Interest code: IRC
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
Work Values
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Independence — Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy. |
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) |
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.