Mechatronics Engineer

A mechatronics engineer designs, develops, and optimises integrated mechanical, electrical, and software systems for industrial automation, robotics, and control applications in Australian manufacturing and infrastructure settings. They combine mechanical engineering principles with electronics and programmable logic to create and troubleshoot automated equipment and systems that improve operational efficiency and safety.

Design mechatronic systems integrating mechanical components, electrical circuits, and embedded software using CAD software such as AutoCAD or SolidWorks. Develop and program programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and industrial control systems using languages such as ladder logic, structured text, or Function Block Diagram to automate manufacturing processes. Select and specify electrical and mechanical components including motors, sensors, actuators, and control valves that meet design requirements and Australian Standards. Conduct feasibility studies and prepare technical specifications for mechatronic projects including cost-benefit analysis and risk assessment. Integrate software applications with hardware systems and perform system testing to ensure functionality, safety, and compliance with relevant standards. Troubleshoot and debug integrated systems by analysing mechanical failures, electrical faults, and software errors using diagnostic tools and oscilloscopes. Liaise with technicians and maintenance staff on-site to commission new equipment and provide technical support during implementation. Prepare technical documentation including design drawings, system schematics, operation manuals, and maintenance procedures.

The standard entry pathway requires a bachelor degree or higher (ABS Skill Level 1). Specific qualification requirements vary by employer and state. Some employers may accept equivalent experience. Check yourcareer.gov.au for available courses and dewr.gov.au/skills-reform/free-tafe for subsidised training options.

You'll need to master three separate technical domains (mechanical, electrical, and programming) to be genuinely useful, not just dabble in each. Career changers often struggle with the maths-heavy design work and PLC programming. Manufacturing roles are disappearing in Australia, so jobs concentrate in mining, water treatment, and defence rather than traditional factories. Pay plateaus unless you move into management.

Remote work is uncommon because you need to commission equipment on-site and troubleshoot physical systems in person.

Published for ANZSCO unit group 2339, the wider group this job sits in, not for this job on its own.

This is the median for full-time employees who are not managers and are paid at the adult rate, before tax and salary sacrifice. It is a guide to what the work pays, not a wage rate.

Source: ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025, customised report.

• Adjust engineering designscore
• Attention to Detailcore
• Continuous Learning and Upskillingcore
• Digital Literacycore
• Problem Solvingcore
• Process Documentationcore
• Process Improvement Identificationcore
• Report Writingcore
• Research and Analysiscore
• Risk Identificationcore
• Stakeholder Communicationcore
• Team Collaborationcore
• Time Management and Prioritisationcore
• Written Communicationcore
• Active Listening
• Adaptability and Flexibility
• Goal Setting and Planning
• Incident Reporting
• Microsoft Office Suite Proficiency
• Negotiation
• Quality Assurance and Checking
• Regulatory and Legislative Awareness
• Verbal Communication

• ABS OSCA 2024, occupation definition and task statements
• ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025, customised report.
• ABS, 2021 Census of Population and Housing based on usual place of residence (Custom Report). OSCA Experimental Estimates.

Role data is drawn from official Australian Government sources, and each figure names where it comes from. Where a role is not in the ABS classification, the page shows no government figures for it. Data may not reflect every local variation.

Where our numbers come from.

Last updated: 30 October 2026