Where a Mechatronics Engineering Degree Can Take You
A degree in Mechatronics Engineering opens the door to a wide range of career opportunities across industries that rely on smart, automated, and high-performance systems. Graduates can pursue roles such as robotics engineer, automation specialist, systems integrator, control systems engineer, or product development engineer. Industries like aerospace, automotive, advanced manufacturing, biomedical technology, and consumer electronics all seek professionals with the interdisciplinary skills to design and maintain complex systems that combine mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering. With the rapid growth of automation, AI, and smart technology, mechatronics engineering graduates are well-positioned to lead innovation and solve real-world engineering challenges.
Average starting salary of Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
job openings are projected each year, on average
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
faster growth than the average of all occupations from 2023 to 2033 for a Mechanical Engineer
according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics
Preparing you for what's next:
These are just some of the careers you can choose to pursue with a Mechatronics Engineering degree from the Joint NCSU/UNCA Engineering Programs.
Alumni Spotlight
I am currently a robotics engineer at FANUC America corporation. I do system design and programming for automation cells at customer sites. This includes wiring schematics, plc programming, robot programming, vision, some python scripting, ect.
Mechatronics engineering at UNCA is an amazing mix of different engineering backgrounds that gave me the knowledge and skills to fit in anywhere in my workplace. I can keep up with all the different teams from making mechanical drawings, reading electrical diagrams, to solving robot kinematics.”
I am currently in my last year at NC State pursuing my PhD in Aerospace Engineering. My research is on underwater tethered coaxial turbines for renewable marine hydrokinetic energy harvesting. My focus is on the kinematics, hydrodynamics, electromechanics, and control of the system. Our goal is to understand how the system responds to changing flow environments so that we may control its power extraction. In the lab I mentor undergraduate and Master's students, and I am involved with the Graduate Student Association to advocate for student wellbeing and positive student/faculty/admin relationships.
The mechatronics program has prepared me to flexibly tackle an array of multidisciplinary engineering problems. It gives you the ability to see how physics and systems interact with each other, and to design and implement a mechatronic application from start to finish."
The joint UNCA-NCSU mechatronics program, with its comprehensive and interdisciplinary nature, has fundamentally shaped the way I think across engineering and science—enabling me to approach problems with a systems-level mindset. This holistic perspective has been especially valuable in surgical robotics, where understanding how various components interact is essential to developing effective and innovative solutions.
Career Preparation
Career Preparation
The UNC Asheville Career Center plays a key role in preparing Mechatronics Engineering students for successful careers through personalized support and industry connections. Services like career counseling, resume workshops, and interview preparation help students confidently enter the job market. The center also connects students with internships and job opportunities, offering valuable real-world experience. By working closely with the Joint Engineering Program’s Industrial Advisory Board, the Career Center ensures the curriculum aligns with industry needs, helping graduates gain the skills and experience employers are looking for.
Students in the Joint NCSU/UNCA Engineering Programs also have access to NC State’s Career Development Center, including the NC State Engineering Career Fair, held each fall and spring
Ready for What's Next?
The Joint NCSU/UNCA Engineering Programs offer an exciting opportunity to immerse yourself in an engineering discipline while experiencing a liberal arts education. Learn from faculty experts at NC State and UNC Asheville as you prepare for a future in the field.
Have questions about the program or don’t know which path is right for you? Request information or contact the Joint NCSU/UNCA Engineering Programs for assistance.