Tasks and activities of a mechatronics engineer

You may be a student thinking about your future and considering different options - perhaps you already work in a technical field and are considering changing careers and starting out as a career changer. Or maybe you're just curious about what a mechatronics technician actually does in their day-to-day work and what you can expect if you choose this profession. Whatever the reason that brought you here, in this article we have put together a "profile of a mechatronics technician" for you: Find out everything you need to know about the tasks and activities of a mechatronics technician.

What is a mechatronics engineer and what do they do?

A mechatronics technician is an important part of the industry - the profession is divided into 2 major parts: Mechatronics technician and vehicle mechatronics technician. Sounds abstract, but you've probably heard of automotive mechatronics engineers working with cars. Their training is designed to enable them to work specifically on (motor or commercial) vehicles. There is also another specialization here: commercial vehicle technology (NFZ).

But back to the mechatronics engineers, who do not work on vehicles, but on machines and systems: their tasks include the assembly, maintenance, repair and servicing of mechanical, electrical and electronic components and systems.

He or she often works on complex machines and systems, programs control systems, detects and rectifies faults and optimizes processes. Mechatronics engineers are an important part of modern production and manufacturing processes and can be found at almost every production site.

Mechatronics technician is a recognized training occupation and is made up of a combination of mechanics, electronics and IT. Mechatronics technicians are therefore a mixture of mechanics and electronics technicians and form the interface here. Mechatronics technicians generally work in companies in the metal and electrical industry as well as in mechanical and plant engineering. Anyone training to become a mechatronics technician should have aninterest in technology and an understanding of mathematics and physics. 

If you're thinking that this doesn't sound 100% like your job, but it's going in the right direction, how about automotive mechatronics technician? You'll work on all kinds of vehicles here and you'll have a very secure job in Autoland Germany. Of course, your future salary is also a deciding factor: take a look at our article on training salaries as a car mechanic!

Mechatronics technician Tasks and activities

A mechatronics technician is responsible for various tasks and activities, including the:

• Planning and optimization of work processes in production and assembly 
• Programming and installation of (machine or robot) software
• Maintenance and servicing of production facilities
• Replacement of mechanical and electrical components
• Construction, maintenance and process improvement of machines and production facilities
• Carrying out weak point analyses to optimize the production process
• Compliance with quality, occupational safety and environmental standards

Depending on the company, you will work on various machines and systems: from ventilation installation to KUKA robots, you can be involved with everything.

Is that not quite what you had in mind? Take a look at the tasks of electricians, which differ from those of mechatronics technicians but are still in the same technical field. Or take a look at our article on automotive mechatronics technicians if you're more interested in vehicles!

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What is everyday life like as a mechatronics engineer?

The day-to-day work of a mechatronics technician always depends on the type and size of the company . To give you an idea of everyday working life, we have given you an example below. 

A mechatronics technician's working day begins at 08:00 with a team meeting in which the day's tasks are discussed and assigned. Then the work begins, which often includes maintenance and repairs, such as checking a motor fan or replacing a roller. In general, this usually means for you and your team: the machines must not stop! Throughout the day, the mechatronics technician monitors the machines and ensures that they run smoothly . This is why mechatronics engineers often work longer days or in shifts. During training, your working day ends at 5 p.m. at the latest - closing time!

As a rule, mechatronics engineers do not work at weekends, but from Monday to Friday. As far as vacation is concerned, there is a legal minimum of 20 days for a 5-day week - so never settle for less! The vast majority of companies offer more vacation days, and the job listings on WorkerHero often offer anywhere from 26 to 32 vacation days for mechatronics technicians.

Profile of mechatronics technician training:

Already convinced you want to train as a mechatronics technician? Here you will find a short profile with the most important information about training as a mechatronics technician:

• Occupation type: Recognized training occupation
• Type of training: Dual training in industry and trade (regulated by training regulations)
• Learning locations: training company and vocational school (dual training)
• Duration of training: 3.5 years
• Expected school-leaving qualification: Most trainees have an intermediate school-leaving qualification. 
• Requirements: Interest in mathematics, computer science and work/technology (technical understanding). Dexterity and eye-hand coordination, diligence and prudence

Training salary: 1st year of training: € 800 to € 1,109 (skilled trades*), € 1,066 to € 1,198 (industry*) - Source: Federal Employment Agency, 2024.

Find jobs as a mechatronics engineer

A job as a mechatronics technician can be very varied, and after your training there are many opportunities for further training to expand your knowledge and skills. 

WorkerHero is the first port of call if you are looking for a job in the industrial or technical sector. Whether you want to work as a mechatronics technician, electrician or warehouse clerk, WorkerHero offers you a wide selection of job offers for blue-collar (industrial and manual occupations) and gray-collar (technical occupations) jobs.

When you register on WorkerHero, someone from our team will call you and help you find the job that best suits your skills and interests. It's a quick and easy way to find your next job!‍

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FAQ:

Here you will find all questions on the topic of tasks and activities as a mechatronics technician.

How long does training as a mechatronics technician take?

Training as a mechatronics technician usually takes 3.5 years, although it can also be shortened if necessary. An intermediate examination takes place after the second year of training. 

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What are the entry requirements?

As a rule, you will need a secondary school leaving certificate, although some companies also expect you to have an intermediate school leaving certificate. Nevertheless, you can get an apprenticeship even without a school-leaving certificate if you are sufficiently interested and have a good understanding of technology. 

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In which areas do mechatronics engineers work?

Mechatronics engineers work in sectors such as mechanical engineering, the automotive industry and the electrical industry. They assemble, maintain and repair machines, vehicles and electrical and electronic systems. They also work in the manufacturing industry and in the development of technical control systems.

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