Key to the digital transformation of our regional and national economy, Mechatronics combines mechanical systems, electrical systems, computing, and control in a holistic discipline. It is central to smart manufacturing and other high-tech industries, employing technologies ranging from industrial robots and autonomous vehicles to process control and utility power systems.
As a Mechatronics specialist, you’ll work on the design, manufacture, and maintenance of products and systems that rely on this interrelated system of components. Professionals who understand how these technologies work together are in high demand across the world.
When you complete your undergraduate Mechatronics studies, your resume will tell the story of a robust, rigorous, hands-on education, augmented with hundreds of hours of applied, collaborative technical experience.
A New Kind of Degree Program
The BS in Mechatronics at Michigan Tech is a cooperative effort between the College of Computing and the College of Engineering, incorporating elements of engineering, engineering technology, and computing. What sets this degree program apart is the way it brings together engineering and computing to create something entirely new. This convergence is the very essence of “Industry 4.0” and the future of manufacturing and industry.
What You'll Do
Mechatronics specialists are innovative and persistent, they think analytically, take the initiative, and pay attention to detail. Sound like you? Here’s what you might work on:
- Designing and implementing advanced control systems.
- Designing robotic systems for the automation of industrial tasks.
- Developing computer algorithms using machine learning for autonomous systems.
- Creating electro-mechanical design documents for parts, assemblies, or finished products.
- Implementing and testing design solutions, in the field or on the factory floor.
- Building simulation tools for the design of products and manufacturing processes.
Working with Industry Leaders
Michigan Tech faculty work closely with industry leaders to make sure your Mechatronics courses are teaching the most current knowledge and best practices. In classes and labs, you and your classmates will discover, investigate, build, and test, while you learn about engineering and engineering technology, system-level thinking, mechanical systems, electronics, computers, programming, cybersecurity, human-machine interaction, and more.
The Mechatronics Playground Lab
Outfitted in Fall 2020, the all-new industry-grade, custom equipment and learning stations in the Mechatronics Playground were designed, built, and funded by Donald Engineering (DE) and other major companies. A fully equipped machine shop for design, computer modeling, fabrication, and assembly is also open to Mechatronics students.
Careers in Mechatronics
Mechatronics specialists work in a wide range of industries, including the following:
- Aerospace
- Automotive
- Consumer Products
- Defense
- Manufacturing
- Materials Processing
- Medical Imaging
- Petrochemical Processing
- Power and Energy
Recent Applied Computing Co-Ops and Internships
- Alliance Laundry Systems
- Boise Cascade
- C Jackson Electric and Automat
- Caterpillar, Inc.
- CCI Systems, Inc
- Consistacom, Inc.
- Cooper Power Systems
- CSX Transportation
- Doosan
- DTE Energy
- Enterforce
- Expera
- Extreme Engineering Solutions
- GE Aviation
- General Motors
- Georgia-Pacific Corporation
- Harley-Davidson Motor Co
- Hitachi Global Storage Tech
- Johnsonville Sausage, LLC
- Los Alamos Nat'l Lab
- Mass Electric Construction Co.
- Material Handling Services, LL
- Mercury Marine
- Michigan Consolidated Gas Co
- Michigan Tech
- MTU Systems Admin Svcs
- Nemak
- NewPage Corporation
- Northern Star Industries
- Nucor Steel
- Packaging Corp. of America
- Parr Instrument Co.
- REMC#1
- Sentry Insurance A Mutual Comp
- Systems Control
- Toyota
- USG Interiors, Inc.
- Wausau Paper
Salary and Job Placement
The median annual wage for a well-qualified mechatronics specialist is $100,640, according to the Occupational Information Network (O*NET). 95% of Michigan Tech graduates find jobs within six months of commencement.
"Robots are a big business, and graduates who can understand the concepts of mechatronics, robotics, automation, and controls are valuable employees."