Advancements in technologies are exciting to observe both as an outsider and as an insider working in the industry. New technologies like Robotics, 5G, and Artificial Intelligence are already finding their way into our everyday lives in gadgets around us. As the world demands more for new products involving these technologies, the demand for qualified individuals to work on them also increases.
This is where Engineering institutes started introducing niche concentrations like Mechatronics in their Engineering course offerings. This unique branch combines Mechanical Engineering and also Electronic Engineering to help better systems and machinery.
If this sounds exciting, then Mechatronic Engineering is the right field. Elaborated below is a step-by-step guide on how to make a name in the field and some job profiles to possibly work at.
Mechatronics Engineering
Mechatronics Engineering is an integrative branch of Engineering. It combines knowledge of Robotics, Electronics, and also Mechanical Engineering. Graduates are hired to work in the manufacturing industry for automation purposes. They also work in robotics, computing, and mechanics aiming to simplify the system and make them error-free.
How to make a career in Mechatronics Engineering
The standard method to work in any career is to earn a bachelor’s or a master’s degree and then apply for employment. For professional courses like Mechatronics Engineering, the career path could be slightly different. Stated below is a generalized way to work in the field of Mechatronics Engineering.
Undergraduate Degree: To start working in Mechatronics Engineering, one must have a pertinent bachelor’s degree at the minimum. Most universities offer B.Tech or BE degrees like TERNA Nerul which has a Mechatronics Engineering concentration. Students with a Mechanical or an Electrical Engineering degree can also work in the same field. This is important because a dedicated bachelor’s degree is designed with experts in the field and it trains students exclusively to work in the field with the right skills.
Internships: Before students can apply to start working as a Mechatronics Engineer, BE colleges in Mumbai arrange for internships. To get an understanding of what it is like to work in the field, one must apply for internships. Typically, there is a mandatory internship of a couple of months for all Engineering students. Students can, alternatively, apply on their own for internships in any area of choice of Mechatronics Engineering.
Earn Work Experience: With enough experience through internships, the next step is to look for a suitable job. Recruiters do prefer candidates who have some experience, through internships or a full-time job, in the same field as the open job position. It is advisable to apply and interview for a number of positions that are in the same interest area as the candidate. Also, apply at jobs that accept a BE in Mechatronics Engineering but the applicant is not really interested in it as each job has a different career and salary graph.
Postgraduate Degree: While it is sufficient to have just a bachelor’s degree in order to work in Mechatronics Engineering, one can also enrol on postgraduate degrees. Before applying for a master’s degree, update the resume with the latest work experience and take up relevant entrance examinations as well. After a master’s degree, applicants can apply to senior management roles or go into the education industry.
Top Mechatronics Engineer Jobs
Mechatronics Engineer: The most popular job profile for a Mechatronics Engineering graduate is that of a Mechatronics Engineer. Their day-to-day work responsibilities range from product development to developing new technology while also maintaining the existing projects. The Engineer will also perform some management duties like talking with clients, ordering raw materials, scheduling shifts, etc. They typically work with machinery and organizations that involve the use of high-level technologies. Mechatronics Engineers earn average salaries of INR 4,20,000 LPA.
Robotics Engineer: Engineering college in Mumbai, in recent times, have many graduates working as Robotics Engineers. Per the name, individuals work at developing and building machines or robots that can mimic human beings. These machines are made to work for different industries such as medical, manufacturing, mining, automotive, etc. The Engineer creates the entire system for the robot to function including the software. This is one role where the products are continuously being worked on as technology keeps changing rapidly. As a Robotics Engineer, one can earn around INR 4,48,556 LPA.
Automation Engineer: Automation Engineers are experts in automating processes and machines. They will do so by developing machinery and whole systems. Automation is done mainly at warehouses, factories, and also at manufacturing units. This is a purely technological field and students must have expertise in different technical skills. The overall goal of all duties done by an Automation Engineer is to ensure there are no defects or errors with the said product or process. The Engineer will also train workers on how to use said machines and they will make an average salary of INR 4,96,289 LPA.
Electronics Engineer: Electronics Engineers work at designing and developing electrical systems, machinery, and other equipment. Electronics Engineers are often hired for military, medical, industrial, and commercial settings. Their work starts by talking with clients to understand their needs and accordingly prepare an appropriate plan to meet the budget constraints. They will then design the software and components after testing them at length and ensuring they meet the safety guidelines. In India, organizations pay an average amount of INR 4,09,769 LPA to Electronics Engineer.
Quality Assurance Engineer: A Quality Assurance engineer comes into play after a product or a system has been already developed. They are knowledgeable about the risks and possible defects in the product or system they are testing. After planned tests, they will analyse the results and convey them to the relevant department for further changes. It is due to the efforts of the Quality Assurance Engineer that machinery and equipment are free from defects and meet the legal standards. For this role, individuals can expect to earn around INR 4,10,204 LPA.
Mechatronics Engineers are educated in many branches of Engineering. This enables them to work in multiple roles and industries. However, one must have some experience to unlock higher positions. It is a competitive industry but with some research and after making the right moves, job sustainability is possible.