Mechatronics Engineers

17-2199.05

Research, design, develop, or test automation, intelligent systems, smart devices, or industrial systems control.

Occupation-Specific Information

Tasks

• 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.
• Publish engineering reports documenting design details or qualification test results.
• Upgrade the design of existing devices by adding mechatronic elements.
• Create mechanical models to simulate mechatronic design concepts.
• Analyze existing development or manufacturing procedures and suggest improvements.
• Determine the feasibility, costs, or performance benefits of new mechatronic equipment.
• Develop electronic, mechanical, or computerized processes to perform tasks in dangerous situations, such as underwater exploration or extraterrestrial mining.
• Monitor or calibrate automated systems, industrial control systems, or system components to maximize efficiency of production.
• Create embedded software design programs.
• Design advanced electronic control systems for mechanical systems.
• Design self-monitoring mechanical systems, such as gear systems that monitor loading or condition of systems to detect and prevent failures.
• Design or develop automated control systems for environmental applications, such as waste processing, air quality, or water quality systems.
• Design, develop, or implement control circuits or algorithms for electromechanical or pneumatic devices or systems.
• Design mechatronics components for computer-controlled products, such as cameras, video recorders, automobiles, or airplanes.

Technology Skills

• Analytical or scientific software - Dassault Systemes Dymola; Finite element method FEM software; MathWorks Simulink; MSC Software Adams; MSC Software Nastran; The MathWorks MATLAB ; The MathWorks Real-Time Workshop; The MathWorks Stateflow; Vector CANalyzer
• Computer aided design CAD software - Autodesk AutoCAD ; Autodesk AutoCAD Mechanical; Computer aided design CAD software; Computer assisted software engineering CASE software; Dassault Systemes CATIA; Dassault Systemes SolidWorks ; Mentor Graphics VeSys Design; PTC Creo Parametric
• Computer aided manufacturing CAM software - Computer aided manufacturing CAM software; Rapid prototyping software
• Data base user interface and query software - Structured query language SQL 🔥
• Development environment software - Artisan Studio; C 🔥; Hardware description language HDL; IBM Rational; Microchip MPLAB Integrated Development Environment (IDE); Microsoft Visual Basic 🔥; National Instruments LabVIEW; Vector CANoe; Woodward MotoTron Control Solutions MotoHawk
• Document management software - dSPACE
• Enterprise resource planning ERP software - SAP software 🔥
• Filesystem software - Disk file systems
• Industrial control software - AVEVA InTouch HMI; Programmable logic controller PLC software
• Object or component oriented development software - C++ ; Modelica; Python
• Office suite software - Microsoft Office software
• Operating system software - Magellan Firmware; Microsoft Windows 🔥
• Platform interconnectivity software - Keysight Intuilink Connectivity Software
• Presentation software - Microsoft PowerPoint
• Process mapping and design software - Microsoft Visio 🔥
• Program testing software - Debuggers
• Project management software - Microsoft Project 🔥
• Requirements analysis and system architecture software - Unified modeling language UML
• Spreadsheet software - Microsoft Excel
• Word processing software - Microsoft Word 🔥

Occupational Requirements

Work Activities

• Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials - Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
• Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information - Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
• Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People - Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
• Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards - Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
• Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Thinking Creatively - Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Developing Objectives and Strategies - Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
• Scheduling Work and Activities - Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
• Performing General Physical Activities - Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
• Handling and Moving Objects - Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
• Controlling Machines and Processes - Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
• Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment - Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
• Working with Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment - Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
• Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment - Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
• Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment - Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
• Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others - Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Communicating with People Outside the Organization - Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
• Assisting and Caring for Others - Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
• Selling or Influencing Others - Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
• Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others - Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
• Performing for or Working Directly with the Public - Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
• Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others - Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
• Developing and Building Teams - Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
• Training and Teaching Others - Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
• Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates - Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
• Coaching and Developing Others - Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
• Providing Consultation and Advice to Others - Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
• Performing Administrative Activities - Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
• Staffing Organizational Units - Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
• Monitoring and Controlling Resources - Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

Detailed Work Activities

• Create graphical representations of mechanical equipment.
• Design electromechanical equipment or systems.
• Design industrial processing systems.
• Test performance of electrical, electronic, mechanical, or integrated systems or equipment.
• Implement design or process improvements.
• Maintain operational records or records systems.
• Estimate technical or resource requirements for development or production projects.
• Select project materials.
• Research engineering applications of emerging technologies.
• Select tools, equipment, or technologies for use in operations or projects.
• Train personnel on proper operational procedures.
• Provide technical guidance to other personnel.
• Recommend technical design or process changes to improve efficiency, quality, or performance.
• Supervise engineering or other technical personnel.
• Document design or operational test results.
• Analyze design or requirements information for mechanical equipment or systems.
• Create physical models or prototypes.
• Estimate operational costs.
• Develop technical methods or processes.
• Monitor the productivity or efficiency of industrial operations.
• Calibrate scientific or technical equipment.
• Develop software or computer applications.
• Design control systems for mechanical or other equipment.
• Design environmental control systems.