r/mechatronics

Hello! I’m a second year biomedical engineering student. I’m currently trying a few different fields to find out what is the best choice for me.

I have the most experience with data analysis using python. It’s the easiest field to explore for me as i had a lot of programming during my first year (python/c/c++). Moreover, there’s a ton of free courses offered by my uni, also on HPC so I already took a few. However, my concern is that there would be issues with finding a job after graduating, I got advice from other students to try other fields as well and not to focus mainly on this one.

Both electronics and robotics seem appealing to me. I had a few subjects about electronics during the last semester, so i have strong foundations. I’m playing around with arduino in my free time, but i can’t really find the right online course, ideally with a certificate (so that i have a bigger chance of joining student projects), but it’s more important that it would contain actually useful informations, not outdated stuff.

As for robotics, i took an extra class but it was mostly theoretical knowledge with just a little of programming the actual robots in python. Don’t really know what should i start with as well.

My question is: What courses would you recommend taking during the remaining holidays that would allow me to choose which path should i pursue? I’ll have a lot of subjects about these in the future, but I don’t want to be idle as of now, and also I’m a bit scared that if I choose too late, the students of these specific majors will always be a better fit for the job than me (the biggest blessing and a curse of biomedical engineering - a jack of all trades is a master of none).

I’m a Mechanical Engineering graduate currently working as a Design Engineer in a solar company.

I’m confused between two career paths:

1. HVAC Design + Revit MEP — aligns with my degree.

2. Automation/Robotics — I’m more curious about this because I find it creative, money and interesting, and I’m willing to learn.

I’m stuck and time is passing. I don’t want to spend another year just thinking about it.

For people working in these fields, which path would you recommend and why? I’d really appreciate honest advice based on your actual experience.

Hello, I graduated in December of 2025 with a BA in computer science (IT). Since then, I have applied to tons of jobs with no luck. Maybe 3 interviews the whole 8 months. Today, I returned to school, with the goal of earning a 2 year mechatronics degree. I currently work part time as a CNC laser operator, and by the time I graduate I’ll have 5 years in that position, and my hope is that both degrees plus the experience will be a good combination to score a solid job afterwards.

I’m worried though, and wondering if I am simply wasting time and money by doing this. I have always had an interest in manufacturing technology, and originally planned to get my bachelors in EE, but got cold feet and switched to CS early on.

Any professionals or people with similar experiences out there with any input?

Hi friends welcome back to CADable and in todays tutorial we will learn how to use corner relief command in Solidworks Sheetmetal. Here we will use two examples of corner relief i.e. rectangular and circular. We will also understand why corner relief is used.

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I'm 27, from India, with a BE/B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering and around 3+ years of experience in mechanical/product design and product development.

I've reached a point where I'm genuinely questioning my entire career direction.

I currently work in mechanical/product design, and although I've learned a lot, I honestly cannot see myself doing this for the next 10–20 years. More importantly, I don't see the earning potential I want from staying in this path unless I move into management or very specialized roles.

My goal isn't to become insanely rich overnight. I want strong income growth, financial independence, and a good quality of life. But I feel like I'm at a stage where I need to make a serious decision rather than continue drifting.

I'm considering several completely different paths:

1. Switch into Robotics / Software

I've been considering learning Python, C++, Linux, ROS2, robotics, controls, etc., and trying to transition from mechanical engineering into robotics/automation.

The advantage is that I can use my mechanical background rather than throwing it away completely.

But I'm also wondering whether I'm approaching this correctly. Should I actually spend 6–12 months building serious projects and trying to transition, or is this unrealistic at 27 with a mechanical background?

2. Master's abroad

I'm also considering a Master's in Germany/Austria or elsewhere in Europe, preferably in Robotics, Automation, Mechatronics, Manufacturing, etc.

The problem is the ROI.

If I'm going abroad, spending 2 years and a significant amount of money only to come back into a mediocre-paying job doesn't make sense to me.

I'd only want to do it if the Master's genuinely gives me access to a much better career and long-term earning potential.

3. GATE 2027 → IIT

Another option is to prepare seriously for GATE 2027 and try to get into an IIT for M.Tech.

This would be considerably cheaper than going abroad and could potentially help me reset my career.

But I'd lose 2 years of earning and I'm not sure whether an IIT M.Tech would actually give me the career/income transformation I'm looking for.

4. Move to another city and get a better job

I could move to Hyderabad/Pune and find a better-paying job while simultaneously upskilling into robotics/automation/software.

This seems like the safest option, but I'm worried I'll simply spend another 2–3 years working while telling myself I'll switch "next year."

5. Start a company

I also have an unusual opportunity in Pune where one of my clients has discussed starting a company together.

This isn't just a random startup idea — there is an actual industry connection and potential opportunity.

The obvious downside is risk. I don't know yet whether it has enough traction to justify betting my career on it.

6. Other side options

I've also thought about doing something alongside my career — investing/finance, content creation around trekking/travel, etc.

But realistically I know I can't seriously pursue 5 things simultaneously.

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The biggest problem

I feel like I'm constantly thinking:

"What if I choose the wrong path again?"

I already regret not considering software/technology earlier. I chose Mechanical Engineering when I was younger and now I feel like I've reached the ceiling of what I want financially.

I don't hate engineering.

I actually enjoy designing products and building things.

But I can't see myself doing traditional mechanical design for the rest of my career, especially if the income growth remains limited.

I don't want to wake up at 35 and realize I spent another 8 years in the same situation.

At the same time, I don't want to make a desperate career switch just because software/AI/robotics currently looks more lucrative.

So I'm trying to think rationally rather than emotionally.

If you were me, what would you do?

Given my situation:

\- 27 years old

\- Mechanical Engineering degree

\- 3+ years industry experience

\- Mechanical/product design background

\- Some exposure to automation/robotics/product development

\- Willing to learn programming seriously

\- Willing to relocate

\- Interested in entrepreneurship

\- Interested in Master's abroad

\- Main objective = high career/income growth + good quality of life

Which path would you choose if you had to pick ONE for the next 2–3 years?

Would you:

1. Transition into robotics/software?

2. Do a Master's abroad?

3. Prepare for GATE and target IIT?

4. Get a better job and upskill alongside it?

5. Take the Pune startup opportunity?

6. Do something completely different?

And if you've made a similar transition from Mechanical → Software/Robotics/Tech, what would you do differently if you were starting at 27?

I'm not looking for motivational advice. I'd genuinely appreciate brutally honest opinions, especially from people who have actually made these transitions or are 5–10 years ahead in their careers.

I feel stuck and I really want to choose a direction, commit to it, and stop jumping between possibilities.

Honestly, I am late to this party – I’m entering community college and originally was going into it pursuing Mechanical, but found myself drawn to mechatronics. However…I have a long way to go since I have never done most of this. I have signed up for classes for MechE but was wondering what classes or pre-reqs I should take for Mechatronics? I was wondering if anyone else has a specific pathing for courses? I know there are a lot of other things to learn on your own regarding programming and projects. I am just a bit lost on where to even start?

I do know that I should talk to an advisor, and I do plan to, just somehow a little lengthy to actually do it? I dunno, new to this school’s system. Just wanted any general ideas, advice, recommendations, etc.

Hi fellas, I recently graduatee with a Biosystems Engineering degree and currently working as an assistant production supervisor at a beverages manufacturing company. My day to day responsibilities apart from supervising the factory also include electrical troubleshooting, general machine maintanance and also some PlC(just that the factory is still very small).

I've developed a passion for plc, controls and automation work due to the nature if my job, and i am thinking of maybe advancing my knowledge base about them through online courses and also maybe later do8ng a masters in industrial engineering.

My question is, is it really viable to do, especially provided that my 1st degree was not directly linkee to ME or EE, also how is the job market for the industrial automations field in Africa and abroad, and would employers be willing to employ someone who doesn't have an EE or ME 1st degree in industrial automation, what credible courses that offer recognised certificates or qualifications can I take that are affordable ( below $1500 usd).

Hello, I´m a new graduate in mechatronics. I know I have a vast workspace with my career but whenever I try to find a job they basically dont hire me not even with my title. I postuled for different internships, Junior level works and nothing at all I cant get a job at all any reccomendations for a begginer that is trying to enter the jobmarket in engineering? I´ve heard that working from below but for a Janitor they reject me for being overqualified for example so... How do I get in?

Hi everyone! 👋 I'm studying Mechatronics Engineering and looking for a serious study partner who wants to study together on Discord.

We can do study sessions, discuss Mechatronics topics, solve questions, share resources, and keep each other ac

So I'm pretty new to mechatronics and i've been thinking to get into it but I've been really wondering whether you need a powerful laptop to use it wherever you go in the university or in clubs or in hackathons etc or can you just get through the degree with a desktop at home where you do all your work ...

So in essence im asking how much value does having a laptop add to your mechatronics degree journey , should you really consider it over a desktop ? , what about post-graduation , what are the recommendations for that too in terms of what tools to use and to buy?

I'm curious how often thermal imaging is actually used when troubleshooting mechatronic systems. With motors, drivers, PCBs, power electronics, and actuators, temperature can sometimes reveal an issue that isn't obvious from electrical or mechanical measurements alone.
For those working in mechatronics or automation, is thermal imaging something you regularly use during testing and fault finding, or is it mainly useful for specific situations?
I'm particularly interested in practical experience rather than the typical list of applications.

Hey everyone,
I’m an undergrad Mechatronics student (about halfway through my degree) and could really use some perspective from people with more industry mileage.
A few months ago I landed an internship at a CNC/machining job shop doing Estimating and Inside Sales. Basically, my day-to-day is:
Reviewing customer CAD/prints and tolerances for manufacturing feasibility (DFM).
Quoting material, tooling, cycle times, and labor for machined parts.
Talking directly with clients about technical requirements, lead times, and pricing.
The situation is that my manager likes my work and offered to bring me on as a permanent, salaried Estimator/Inside Sales guy once my internship period ends.
Here’s where I'm conflicted:
**The upside:** Having a guaranteed, stable engineering job before graduating is great. I’m learning a ton about the business side of machining, supply chains, and what makes parts actually manufacturable vs theoretical school CAD.
**The concern:** What I genuinely love doing is hands-on mechanical design, robotics, prototyping, and CAD/CAM. I’m paranoid that taking this route early on will pigeonhole me into sales/quoting forever and kill my chances of breaking into core design, automation, or R&D later.
For anyone who’s been down this road:

1. How hard is it to jump from estimating/technical sales back into a hands-on design or Mechatronics/Robotics role?
2. Does DFM and quoting experience actually carry weight on a resume for design engineering roles, or will recruiters just see "sales guy"?
3. Would you take the stable gig while finishing school and pivot later, or start hunting for a technical/R&D role right now?
   Thanks in advance.

• Light mode
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Which one do you use on your computers and devices?

I need some advice, I’m going into mechatronics at university here in the US and was wondering what laptop you guys would recommend for me that will last me all four years and be able to handle my class load.

I am a Mechatronics Engineering graduate from 1 year..

Searched for relevant roles in my country of residence (Kuwait) and tried to get offers abroad, but it always feels like dedicated Mechatronics Engineer role are a myth , and I feel like any role with eventually turn to repeated tasks and sales and communication between companies depending on your workplace , and looks like you'll be handing over work that is previously engineered and doesn't need your mental effort, only follow up and commitment.

I have worked in an Inspection company for heavy equipment, kinda off my role, and I'm feeling very blurred on how I can structure myself for a fancy useful Engineering role without wasting time on learning theoretical automation and PLC that are too basic for the real market.

Please advice below if you can help 👇👇

So after high school I’m wanting to go into either a mechanical or electrical engineering career path. But I recently discovered Mechatronics which combines both of the things I enjoy. However I am worried that this position just doesn’t go into as much depth as either of these two, because it’s trying to teach both. This leads me to believe that I’m better off getting a degree in either mechanical engineering or electrical engineering, and then learning about the other as a hobby.

A little about myself. I am currently 32 years old and I am thinking of retiring from the military after 6 years of service.

I previously took an education within forestry and then went on to college only then to enlist.

In order for me to be accepted into mechatronics I need to do a few supplemental subjects, which shouldn't be too hard.

I haven't been in a proper school environment in a while, I am probably rusty in some subjects and I am uncertain as to how to prepare myself for the eventual start in mechatronics studies. Any advice? Anything I might have overlooked? Am I overthinking things?

Hi everyone,
I’m close to finishing my Mechatronics degree. Through my current job, I got involved in the world of data analytics, and I really fell in love with working with Data and AI.
I was wondering if Mechatronics pairs well with these types of specializations. Right now, I’m taking DeepLearning.AI’s Mathematics for Machine Learning and Data Science specialization and the IBM Full Stack Developer program on Coursera.
I’m not sure if I’m making the right decision or spreading myself too thin. Time is passing fast, and I want to graduate with the right skills to be competitive in the industry. Any advice from people in similar fields would be greatly appreciated!
P.S. Also, do you think paying for the official certificates actually adds value to a resume, or is demonstrating the skills through projects enough?