Mechatronics engineer
Also known as
Work environment
- Usually work regular business hours, but may work evenings and weekends
- Usually work in offices, workshops and factories, and may travel locally and nationally
- Need to be logical, methodical and practical
Salary information
Typical tasks
- Design machinery, smart devices and robotic equipment
- Design control systems for machines
- Build prototypes of machines and systems
- Test how machines and systems perform
- Make improvements to machines and systems
- Calculate running costs of systems
- Keep records on system performance
Outlook
Mechatronics combines mechanical engineering, electronics, software and automation. It is becoming more relevant as New Zealand businesses adopt robotics, smart manufacturing, sensors and automated systems. Opportunities are linked to specialised manufacturing, food processing, agriculture, medical technology and energy. Global advances in AI, robotics and connected devices are influencing local innovation, although roles can be specialised and depend on industry investment.
What employers and industry want in graduates
- Understanding of mechanical, electronic and software systems
- Ability to design, test and improve automated equipment
- Strong programming, control-systems and problem-solving skills
- Confidence using sensors, robotics and digital monitoring tools
- Careful attention to safety, reliability and quality
- Ability to collaborate across engineering and technology disciplines
AUT programmes
The above is a suggestion only and a starting point. You may need to meet other criteria or take additional steps to work in this career.
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This data is sourced from the Tertiary Education Commission through the Tahatū Career Navigator website (www.tahtu.govt.nz) and used under the CC BY 4.0 licence. Some of the information has been modified by AUT. TEC has not approved, endorsed or tested these modifications. TEC will not be held accountable for any errors within this data.