What Does a Mechatronic Engineer Do?

A Mechatronic Engineer is a person who exploits a synergy between mechanics and electronics to design, construct and maintain improved products and processes. The products and processes may be as common as a "smarter", more efficient washing machine, or as innovative as a fully automated robotic assembly line for mass production, or as extraordinary as the Mars Rover. A Mechatronic Engineer can work comfortably and competently with cutting edge electrical and mechanical technology in a wide variety of disciplines, either as part of a team or on their own.

"We see mechatronics as the career of the future for mechanical engineers." - Thomas S. Moore, General Manager for liberty and technical affairs at Chrysler Corp. in Madison Heights, Michigan.

Where will you work?

Mechatronic Engineers are in high demand, both domestically and internationally. Most engineering graduates either have employment arranged upon completion of the course, or are employed within a matter of weeks after study concludes. Many graduates spend a period of time working overseas; some continue on to higher (postgraduate) degrees.

Some areas of employment include:

• Manufacturing
• Hi-tech research and development
• Consulting
• Design (all types, from cars to microwave ovens)
• Management
• Public Utilities
• Defence

Personal attributes of an Mechatronic Engineer

• Strong desire to execercise creativity in design, and to see creative ideas become a reality
• Strong social awareness and concern for quality of life
• Curiosity about how things work, and how to improve them
• Good academic background with above average year 12 results in Mathematics I and II and Physics
• Ability and determination to succeed and to continue self-education upon completion of your studies
• Good communication skills
• A TER score which is high enough to gain selection within the competitive quota