Mechanical vs mechatronic engineering, are the professions as similar as their names suggest? Read on to find out!

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Mechanical vs Mechatronic Engineering

Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical engineering is one of the most versatile and diverse engineering disciplines, it is the research/study of systems and objects in motion. The mechanical engineering field affects pretty much every area of life today, including our human bodies, which is a very complicated machine.

The mechanical engineering field requires an understanding of core areas including dynamics, materials science, electricity, mechanics, thermodynamics and structural analysis. Its history can be traced back to the industrial revolution in the 18th century, however mechanical engineering’s development can be traced back several thousand years around the world.

A mechanical engineer’s role is to bring a product that starts as an idea to the public as a finished product. To achieve this, mechanical engineers have to be able to figure out the thermal environment and forces that a device, its parts, or subsystems will encounter. They will develop them for aesthetics, functionality and durability, and decide on the best and most effective manufacturing approach that will make sure the product operates without failure. They then create the product or device on a 3D CAD program like AutoCAD, Revit, Inventor and Fusion 360, which prepares the concept for testing and being analysed. Once satisfactory it can then be made into a prototype if needed.

Mechatronic Engineering

Mechatronics, which is also referred to as mechatronic engineering, is a multi disciplinary field of engineering that concentrates on the engineering of both mechanical and electrical products/systems, and also involves the merging of electronics, robotics, computer, systems, telecommunications, product and control engineering. Technology has continued to advance as time passes, and many sub-fields of engineering have been successful in both multiplying and adapting.

The aim of mechatronics is to create a design solution that utilizes each of these diverse sub-fields. At the beginning, the mechatronics field was supposed to be no more than a merging of electronics and mechanics, which is the reason why the name is a combination of the two words. However, as the technical systems became more complicated and continued to progress, the definition has been changed to involve the more technical specialties.

Mechanical vs Mechatronic Engineering Careers

Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical engineering careers have very good prospective job opportunities, and also offer a ton of potential salary increases. In 2018, mechanical engineers received a median yearly wage of $87,370, which was more than twice the median salary for all other professions. Engineering and architectural managers and an average salary of nearly $141,000 during that same time period. Most of these lucrative positions can be applied for while holding a bachelors degree, however some senior level roles may require a masters degree.

Mechanical engineering careers give you the chance to solve problems, drive discovery and help shape the world. For example, mechanical engineers in the aerospace field may design robotic probes used to explore the far reaches of the solar system. Medical device manufacturers that employ mechanical engineers may use them to develop new diagnostic tools to detect disease earlier and save lives.

Exceptional salaries may be earned as a mechanical engineer. The BLS reported that mechanical engineering technicians earned nearly $18,000 more than the average pay for all other professions in 2018. To be employed as a mechanical engineering technician, you typically only need a post-secondary certificate or associates degree. If you pursue your education further this can lead to even higher pay and promotion opportunities. In 2018, computer hardware engineers, aerospace engineers and chemical engineers all earned average salaries above $100,000. If you had the pleasure of working in the petroleum field in 2018 as a mechanical engineer, you would’ve earned an average salary exceeding $137,000!

Mechatronics Engineering

When a person asks you, “what can you actually do with a degree in mechatronics?” the answer a lot of the time is “Pretty much anything you want!”.

Mechatronic engineers use a mixture of electrical, mechanical, software and computer skills to work on modern, up-to-date technology, like automated guidance systems, robots and manufacturing equipment that is computer integrated. Mechatronics is a modern and futuristic area, and job applications with a mechatronic engineering degree from an accredited course are required. Furthermore, the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry has referred to mechatronics as a “high priority” profession with job opportunities expanding rapidly.

As more businesses modernize the technology that they use, and turn to sophisticated intelligence robotics and systems, mechatronic engineering will keep growing in demand. Even manufacturing companies that are considering upgrading their technology rely on mechatronic engineers in order to determine assembly line costs and efficiency.

So, if you have a mechatronics degree what kind of roles can you look forward to being employed in? From Homeland Security to advanced manufacturing, here are a shortlist of some of the career choices you will have:

• Electronics design engineer
• Instrumentation engineer
• Robotics technician/engineer
• Troubleshooting engineer/control system design
• Mechanical design engineer
• Software engineer
• Automation engineer
• Big data analyst/data scientist

When it comes to salary expectations, working with a degree in mechatronics can fetch you a wide range in salaries depending on the field that you decide to work in.

• Robotics and advanced manufacturing: $51,600
• Telecommunications and information services: $64,240
• Food, agriculture and forestry: $52,000
• Life science, biotechnology and medical equipment design: $62,282
• Renewable energy: $83,190 for wind power, $86,380 for solar power
• Transportation and logistics: $53,311
• Homeland security and defence: $85,040-$91,042

Mechanical vs Mechatronic Engineering Education

Mechanical Engineering

A career in mechanical engineering requires at least a bachelors degree. A program such as this includes instruction in various system components, from power systems to computer programming, and covers technical subjects such as thermodynamics, fluid dynamics and hydraulics. A bachelors degree normally requires general classes in math, science, humanities, social sciences and engineering doing the first two years, and specialized classes during the remaining years.

The curriculum also incorporates the basics of other engineering disciplines, such as electrical, chemical and civil engineering. Typical studies include thermodynamics, calculus, materials science, physics, dynamic some fluid dynamics and laboratory sections. Many engineering degree programs also include internships.

Some graduates with other engineering specialties, or with a bachelors in math or science, can find mechanical engineering jobs when demand is particularly high. Mechanical engineering programs at the bachelors level normally take at least four years to complete. Many hiring managers for a graduate of the programs with accreditation from ABET, the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology.

Mechatronic Engineering

Depending on the specific profession, a mechatronics career requires post-secondary education at various degrees. Mechatronics technicians generally only need a mechatronics associates degree, while engineers need at least a bachelors degree to enter the field and may need a graduate degree to gain advancement.

An associates degree in mechatronics can be earned at a community college or technical school. This two year degree program prepares students for entry-level positions and focuses on maintenance processes and troubleshooting. Courses may include robotic design, engineering drawing, machine circuitry and industrial controls. Online courses to further one’s education on any subject can be taken on a platform like LinkedIn Learning, where certifications are obtained at the end of the course, and it is free for the first 30 days!

A mechatronic engineering bachelors degree generally takes 4 years to finish. During the first two years the students study mathematics, introductory engineering, science and other typical education fundamentals. The next two years focus on scientific and theoretical approaches. Students may be required to complete and mechatronic engineering design project to graduate from this program.

A masters degree in mechatronic engineering offer students an opportunity to work in research and management positions. This advanced degree program combines practical training and classroom instruction in the field. Classes usually focus on methodology and research in mechatronics may include courses in finite element analysis, artificial intelligence systems and automation theory.

Mechanical vs Mechatronic Engineer

Mechanical Engineers

Mechanical engineers need a bachelors degree in mechanical engineering or a comparable discipline. Those who wish to seek advancement opportunities need to earn a Professional Engineer (PE) license.

Mechanical engineers spend most of their time in an office environment and typically work in manufacturing and research. The primary role of mechanical engineers is to produce machines and medical devices. They work on a wide range of products including robots, batteries and tools.

Job responsibilities of mechanical engineers include:

• Modifying design plans of existing products to improve them
• Travelling to sites where large machines are being installed to assess any performance issues
• Perform research
• Creating new machines that can perform specific tasks
• Creating technical materials and schematics using Computer Aided Design
• Evaluating prototypes

Mechatronic Engineers

Mechatronic engineers create machines that are made up of several parts: the mechanical system, the control systems, the sensing and actuation and the software. An industrial robot is an excellent example of a mechatronics system: it includes aspects of mechanics, electronics and computing to do its day-to-day job.

Job responsibilities of a mechatronic engineer include:

• Introduce automation to factory production lines to improve existing processes
• Apply control systems which are typically computer driven
• Study the feasibility of new mechatronic equipment 
• Carry out modelling and analysis of electronic, mechanical or other systems using computers
• Developing design engineering systems for the automation of industrial tasks

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