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Careers in Artificial Intelligence

Electro-mechanical/Mechatronics Technologist/Technician

by Stuart Paterson

Snapshot

Career Cluster(s): Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics

Interests: Electronics; Electrical Systems; Mechanical Technology

Earnings (Yearly Average): $60,360

Employment & Outlook: Decline Expected

OVERVIEW

Sphere of Work

Electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians combine knowledge of mechanical technology with knowledge of electrical and electronic circuitry. They operate, test, and maintain unmanned, automated, robotic, or electromechanical equipment. Increasingly, these unmanned and robotic devices are powered by artificial intelligence (AI), or at least components with AI capabilities.

Work Environment

Electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians often work both at production sites and in offices.

Electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and techni- cians operate, test, and maintain electromechanical or robotic equipment.

CarAI_p0168_0001.jpg

Occupation Interest

Electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians are math- and science-oriented individuals with an interest in combining disciplines in order to maintain automated technology, and in so doing keep businesses functioning at peak capacity.

Profile

Working Conditions: Inside and Outside

Physical Strength: Medium Work

Education Needs: Associate’s Degree

Licensure/Certification: Optional

Opportunities for Experience: Internship; Co-op

Interest Score: RIC

A Day in the Life—Duties and Responsibilities

Electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians test and operate machines in factories and at other worksites. They also document the tests they performed and analyze and record the results of those tests.

Electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians install, maintain, and repair automated machinery and computer-controlled mechanical systems in industrial settings.

They also test, operate, or maintain robotic equipment at worksites. This equipment may include unmanned submarines, aircraft, or similar types of equipment for uses that include oil drilling, deep-ocean exploration, or hazardous-waste removal. Many of these systems now include AI components, so technicians must be trained on these systems and be prepared to test, diagnose, and fix potential problems.

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Reading blueprints, schematics, and diagrams to determine the method and sequence of assembly of a machine or a piece of equipment

  • Verifying dimensions of parts, using precision measuring instruments

  • Operating metalworking machines to make housings, fittings, and fixtures

  • Inspecting parts for surface defects

  • Repairing and calibrating hydraulic and pneumatic assemblies

  • Using instruments to test the performance of electromechanical assemblies

  • Using soldering equipment and handtools to install electronic parts and hardware

  • Operating, testing, or maintaining robotic equipment

  • Analyzing and recording test results

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Immediate Physical Environment

Electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians work primarily in manufacturing industries, including those of computer and electronic products and of machinery, and in professional, scientific, and technical services. They often work both at production sites and in offices.

Electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians are sometimes exposed to hazards from equipment or toxic materials. However, incidents are rare as long as workers follow safety procedures.

Most electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week.

Human Environment

Electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians work with electrical engineers and mechanical engineers, so must be comfortable sharing ideas and collaborating in order to solve problems and accomplish tasks. In the field, they may be required to visit sites where their equipment will be utilized, so can expect to interact with employees at those locations, including troubleshooting problems.

Technological Environment

Computer-aided design (CAD) software is common, as is analytical or scientific software, enterprise resource planning (ERP) software, and industrial control software, as well as general word processing and presentation software. They are part of the front-line team of professionals who install and maintain AI-related systems, and therefore must increasingly possess knowledge about the latest development in this cutting-edge technology.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

High School/Secondary

High school students interested in working in the electro-mechanical or mechatronic spheres should focus on math and science courses, especially algebra, computer science, geometry, physics, pre-calculus, and trigonometry. Co-ops may be available, as may summer camps that teach some of the fundamentals.

Suggested High School Subjects

  • Algebra

  • Biology

  • Chemistry

  • Civics

  • Computer Science

  • Economics

  • English

  • Entrepreneurship

  • Geometry

  • History

  • Physics

  • Pre-calculus

  • Psychology

  • Statistics

  • Trigonometry

Related Career Pathways/Majors

Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics Career Cluster

  • Engineering & Technology Pathway

  • Science & Mathematics Pathway

Transferable Skills and Abilities

Communication Skills

  • Following instructions from engineers and others, as well as clearly conveying problems to engineers

Detail-oriented

  • Taking and recording the precise measurements that engineers need

Dexterity

  • Using handtools and soldering irons on small circuitry and electronic parts to create electronic components

Logical-thinking Skills

  • Following a specific sequence or a set of rules in order to carry out engineers’ designs, inspect designs for quality control, and assemble prototypes

Math Skills

  • Using mathematics for analysis, design, and troubleshooting in their tasks

Mechanical Skills

  • Creating components for industrial machinery or equipment

  • Operating equipment such as drill presses, grinders, and engine lathes

Problem-solving Skills

  • Identifying and fixing problems that arise with engineering designs and prototypes

Writing Skills

  • Writing clear, well-organized reports that describe onsite construction, testing results, and problems they found in carrying out designs

Postsecondary

Associate’s degree programs and postsecondary certificates for electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians are offered at vocational- technical schools and community colleges.

Employers may prefer to hire graduates of programs accredited by an organization such as ABET. Associate’s degree programs usually include courses in subjects such as algebra, trigonometry, and sciences. Depending on the program, students may have the option of concentrating in a field such as electromechanics, mechatronics, or industrial maintenance.

Related College Majors

  • Chemical Engineering

  • Civil Engineering

  • Computer Engineering

  • Electrical Engineering

  • Mechanical Engineering

Professional Certification and Licensure

Electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians may earn optional certification to demonstrate professional competence.

The International Society of Automation offers the Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST) and Certified Automation Professional (CAP) designations. Both require a written exam, and recertification is required after a specified number of years.

The National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) offers certification in electrical power testing and other specialties. The technologist certification requires a 4-year engineering technology degree.

EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT

Median annual earnings of electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians were $60,360 in 2021. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $37,650, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $98,070.

Electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians may receive paid vacations, holidays, and sick days; life and health insurance; and retirement benefits. These are usually paid by the employer. Technicians who are required to travel may be able to recoup these expenses by their employer.

EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK

There were approximately 13,400 electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians employed nationally in 2020. Employment is projected to decline 2 percent from 2020 to 2030.

Despite declining employment, about 1,200 openings for electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Many of these technologists and technicians are employed in manufacturing industries, for which employment projections vary. Automation in manufacturing could affect this occupation in both positive and negative ways. While automation may replace certain responsibilities, electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians will still be needed to operate and maintain the robotic equipment.

Related Occupations

  • Drafter

  • Electrical/Electronic Engineering Technologist/Technician

  • Electrical/Electronics Engineer

  • Electrical/Electronics Installer/Repairer

  • Machinist/Tool and Die Maker

  • Mechanical Engineering Technologist/Technician

  • Mechanical Engineer

MORE INFORMATION

Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, Inc. (ABET)

415 N. Charles Street

Baltimore, MD 21201

410.347.7700

www.abet.org

American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE)

1818 N Street, NW, Suite 600

Washington, DC 20036

202.331.3500

www.asee.org

Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)

3 Park Avenue, 17th Floor

New York, NY 10016-5997

800.678.4333

www.ieee.org

Automation Federation

P.O. Box 1227767 T.W. Alexander Drive

Research Triangle Park, NC 27709

919.549.8411

info@automationfederation.org

www.automationfederation.org

International Society of Automation (ISA)

67 T.W. Alexander Drive

P.O. Box 12277

Research Triangle Park, NC 27709

919.549.8411

www.isa.org

National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET)

1420 King Street

Alexandria, VA 22314

888.476.4238

socoffice@soc.org

www.nicet.org

Technology Student Association (TSA)

1904 Association Drive

Reston, VA 20191-1540

703.860.9000

general@tsaweb.org

www.tsaweb.org

Citation Types

Type
Format
MLA 9th
Paterson, Stuart. "Electro-mechanical/Mechatronics Technologist/Technician." Careers in Artificial Intelligence, edited by Stuart Paterson, Salem Press, 2022. Salem Online, online.salempress.com/articleDetails.do?articleName=CarAI_0018.
APA 7th
Paterson, S. (2022). Electro-mechanical/Mechatronics Technologist/Technician. In S. Paterson (Ed.), Careers in Artificial Intelligence. Salem Press. online.salempress.com.
CMOS 17th
Paterson, Stuart. "Electro-mechanical/Mechatronics Technologist/Technician." Edited by Stuart Paterson. Careers in Artificial Intelligence. Hackensack: Salem Press, 2022. Accessed May 09, 2025. online.salempress.com.