Where Does a Manufacturing Engineer Work?
Manufacturing engineers are an important part of the marketplace and the goods we use every day. They design, integrate and improve manufacturing systems or other related processes. As a manufacturing engineer, you will work with industrial or commercial designers to refine product designs in order to increase productivity while reducing costs.
On a daily basis, these engineering technologists apply continuous improvement strategies like lean manufacturing to improve manufacturing quality, cost-effectiveness and reliability. They can work in a wide range of industries such as food and drinks, oil, pharmaceuticals, and plastics where they provide technical assistance and support.
What is Mechatronics?
Mechatronics is a word coined from the words mechanics and electronics. This innovative engineering technology field involves the aspects of computer, mechanical, and electrical engineering. It also encompasses robotics and other recent electromechanical devices. It integrates skills, tools, and operations of mechanical engineering with those of computer and electrical engineering. Mechatronics engineering technology refers to any technology that combines mechanical, computerized and electrical controls. Robots, micro devices, automotive systems, noise control products and sensors are all parts of mechatronics.
How is Mechatronics Important to Manufacturing?
Mechatronic systems are used in several fields of applications such as industrial goods and it has become a necessary outlet for the engineering technology field. This has led to the expansion of manufacturing markets and a skills gap in the manufacturing field, as more jobs require advanced skills and there aren’t enough qualified professionals. Mechatronics engineering technology provides a solution by combining different aspects of engineering with technical and mechanics skills. Other benefits of mechatronics to manufacturing include:
- It improves design time, reliability, and product size. It is also safer to use and more user-friendly.
- It brings more efficiency by adding intelligence to the design of the system.
- It uses microcontrollers which can control position, precision, flow rate, speed and other variables.
- Compared to mechanical solutions, mechatronics provide a more cost-effective solution.
- Mechatronics solutions enhance reliability. Unlike mechatronic designs, mechanical designs tend to be damaged over time. A good example is an odometer installed in a car.
Where can a Person with a Mechatronics Engineering Technology Degree Work?
There are viable career options in mechatronics for students in different disciplines. You will find mechatronics systems in almost all aspects of modern life, from security systems to cooling systems, from ATMs to slot machines, and from gas pumps to medical monitors. There are plenty of career opportunities in manufacturing, food processing, telecommunications, renewable energy, and defense.
You could also work in equipment design, research and development, equipment sales or production support, and installation. People with a mechatronics engineering degree can also find employment as quality assurance specialists or as process development technicians. They can also work on programmable controllers, automated manufacturing equipment, industrial networks and fluid power systems.
Benefits of Pursuing a Degree in Mechatronics Engineering Technology
It is Less Saturated
You will find several people pursuing degrees in other engineering courses, which add to the number of job seekers. This has led to the oversaturation of job applicants in the job market. Most of the time those who land decent jobs are from reputed colleges. Others have to settle for low paying jobs.
However, because mechatronics engineering technology is a relatively new field, there is less number of colleges offering it. This means that the number of graduates each year isn’t too high. Additionally, it is one of the fastest growing fields with new job opportunities.
Several Areas of Application
Unlike most engineering branches, Mechatronics engineering technology has several areas of applications. This field has a lot to offer and some of the common applications include:
- Automation
- Nanotechnology
- Mechanical systems
- Computer science
- Biomedical systems
- Electrical systems
- Robotics
Lucrative Areas of Specialization
After completing your undergraduate degree, you can take up postgraduate courses to help you specialize in particular fields. Some of the areas of specialization include:
- Robotics
- Nanotechnology
- Biomechatronics
These disciplines are developing at a rapid pace and you could build a promising career by selecting any of the lucrative disciplines.
Are you interested n becoming a manufacturing engineer? If so, earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electronics Engineering Technology with a focus in Mechatronics, could help get you where you need to go. For more information about this exciting degree program, connect with an ECPI University admissions advisor today.
It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!
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Gainful Employment Information – Mechatronics - Bachelor’s
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