Manufacturing career directory
Mechatronics Engineers
Research, design, develop, or test automation, intelligent systems, smart devices, or industrial systems control.
Also called: Automation Designer, Automation Engineer, Control Systems Engineer, Controls Engineering Specialist, Design Engineer (Design Eng), Equipment Engineer, Process Controls Engineer, Process Development Engineer, Project Engineer, Research and Development Engineer (R and D Engineer), Applications Engineer, Automation Application Engineer, Control Integration Engineer, Electro-Mechanical Engineer, Electro-Mechanical Systems Control Engineer, Engineer, Intelligent Systems Engineer, Mechanical Systems Control Engineer, Mechatronic Engineer, Mechatronics Engineer, Robotics Technician (Robotics Tech), System Development Engineer, Systems Engineer, Test Engineer
This is a career information profile, not an advertised job opening.
What the worker does
- 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.
- Apply mechatronic or automated solutions to the transfer of materials, components, or finished goods.
- Provide consultation or training on topics such as mechatronics or automated control.
- Oversee the work of contractors in accordance with project requirements.
Skills, machines and equipment
- Complex Problem Solving
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Reading Comprehension
- Writing
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Mathematics
- Monitoring
- Systems Evaluation
- Systems Analysis
- Science
Education and training
Most frequently reported education in the O*NET survey: Bachelor's Degree (66.14% of responses). This is survey context, not a universal hiring requirement. Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
O*NET Job Zone 4: Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training. 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. This is broad occupational preparation context; confirm the requirements for a specific employer or apprenticeship.
Apprenticeships
Ask an employer or registered apprenticeship sponsor about current programs, eligibility, training and pay. A career profile does not confirm that a program is available.
Salary reference
90,970–158,090 USD per year · United States · 2025. Source: BLS OEWS via O*NET · 25th–75th percentiles · SOC 17-2199.
Occupational-group wage references are not guaranteed pay for this specialty or an employer's offer.
Career advancement
- Deepen PLC, controls, robot integration, and safe troubleshooting skills; explore senior technician, integration, or automation project responsibilities.
- Ask employers which demonstrated skills, education, or credentials are needed for the next role. Related careers are exploration options, not automatic promotions.
How Do I Get This Job?
- Review the skills and responsibilities above.
- Most frequently reported education in the O*NET survey: Bachelor's Degree (66.14% of responses). This is survey context, not a universal hiring requirement. Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- O*NET Job Zone 4: Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training. 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. This is broad occupational preparation context; confirm the requirements for a specific employer or apprenticeship.
- Compare real openings and confirm requirements directly with the employer.
View available jobs — availability is not guaranteed; sample listings are not real openings.
Related career information
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Sources and limitations
O*NET® 31.0 Database, U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, under CC BY 4.0. ShopFloor adapted occupational grouping, selected manufacturing-relevant occupations, and retained seven legacy guide titles. Specialties and alternative titles are grouped under O*NET occupations; these occupations can also occur outside manufacturing. Source: https://www.onetcenter.org/database.html. No wage, vacancy, certification, or video data is implied. ShopFloor advancement suggestions are general editorial guidance, not O*NET findings or guaranteed career progression. BLS wage ranges, when available, are national 25th–75th percentiles for the source occupational grouping, across industries; they are not local, apprentice, entry-level, or specialty-specific offers.