Prepare for a career in advanced manufacturing 

In order for manufacturing companies to stay competitive in today’s global market, they must constantly adapt new technologies and innovations into their production processes. From aerospace to automobiles to consumer goods, this “advanced manufacturing” is changing the way things get made.

A mechatronics engineering technology degree from PennWest California prepares you for a high-impact career in the advanced manufacturing sector — an industry that, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, employs almost 600,000 workers and has an output of $84 billion per year in the state.

Mechatronics at PennWest California is an innovative degree program that combines electrical engineering, mechanical engineering and computer science technologies. This interdisciplinary perspective gives mechatronics graduates the comprehensive knowledge and adaptability that hiring managers in advanced manufacturing seek.

With a PennWest California mechatronics engineering technology degree, you’ll be qualified for advanced manufacturing careers that have high starting salaries in areas such as:

  • Mechanical and electrical engineering.
  • Electromechanical equipment.
  • Robotics.
  • Computer automated control systems, and many more.

How does PennWest California’s mechatronics degree program prepare you for an advanced manufacturing career?

PennWest California’s mechatronics program combines classroom theory with hands-on practice to make sure you graduate ready for an advanced manufacturing job. Let’s take a closer look at how this works:

Hands-on lab work: At PennWest California, our mechatronics students start working in the lab from day one. You’ll be learning the computer software skills that are essential for a job in today’s top manufacturing companies. You’ll be working on equipment such as FESTO modular production systems that simulate the real-world factory functions of advanced manufacturing, including testing, processing, handling and assembly. You’ll also work with Tektronix oscillators to help debug electrical designs, among other modern equipment and tools.

Real-world internships: PennWest California mechatronics engineering technology students gain crucial on-the-job experience even before graduation by participating in internships. With the support of PennWest California’s faculty and our Career and Professional Development Center, we can help you find an internship in one of Pennsylvania’s many advanced manufacturing companies, such as:

  • ATI.
  • ALCOA.
  • BOEING Co.
  • Elliot Group.
  • GE.
  • Covestro, LLC.
  • USS.
  • Wabtec.
  • Westinghouse.

Read on to learn more about how a PennWest California mechatronics engineering technology degree prepares you for a job in advanced manufacturing.

Comprehensive, career-focused courses: All of PennWest California’s mechatronics degree courses are career-focused. Here are a few sample courses that are particularly applicable to a career in advanced manufacturing:

  • Computer-Integrated Manufacturing: This career-oriented mechatronics course imparts an understanding of the manufacturing processes used to make products, and the application and potential benefits of automation and Computer-Integrated Manufacturing (CIM) concepts. You’ll learn how computer-based systems support the operation of a manufacturing business, and you’ll gain integrated, hands-on experience with tools and systems used in advanced manufacturing.
  • Fundamentals of Programmable Logic Controllers: This mechatronics course teaches you to design, troubleshoot, improve and optimize a mechatronic control system. In doing so, the course covers the component parts of a programmable logic controller, their function and their interrelationship.
  • Process Control: This mechatronics course identifies process as the central factor in plant automation, and it develops theory and practice to present the parameters of good dynamic performance in advanced manufacturing and other contexts. Approaches are presented for measurement selection, process/modification, control structure design and algorithm tuning to achieve good performance over a range of manufacturing conditions.

What advanced manufacturing careers can you pursue with a mechatronics degree?

The range of advanced manufacturing careers you can pursue with a mechatronics engineering technology degree is expansive. Some of the top jobs include:

Mechatronics Engineering Technician:In this mechatronics job, you’ll apply the theory and principles of mechanical, electrical and computer engineering to modify, develop and test the machinery and equipment used in advanced manufacturing processes.

According to ZipRecruiter.com, the average salary for a mechatronics technician job in the US is $50,500 a year.

Robotics Technician: In this mechatronics career, your job functions might include designing, building, programming and testing the increasingly complex electromechanical robots and manufacturing automation devices used in advanced manufacturing.

According to recruiter.com, the average salary for a robotics technician job in the U.S. is $51,600 per year.

Computer-Aided Design (CAD) Drafting Technician: Industrial technology and technology management majors may become CAD drafting technicians for advanced manufacturing companies, using CAD software to design and manufacture products and production runs.

            According to Glassdoor.com, the national average salary for a CAD Technician is $37,730 in United States.

Learn more about mechatronics careers and salaries.

Are you ready to start on the path to an innovative career in advanced manufacturing? Apply to PennWest California’s mechatronics degree program today!

Advanced Manufacturing Careers

Mechatronics Defined

PennWest California Bachelor's Degree

Learn the definition of mechatronics, its application, and how to get hands-on mechatronics experience at PennWest California.

Learn More

Advanced Manufacturing Careers

Why Mechatronics?

Benefts of a Mechatronics Bachelor's Degree

Studying mechatronics can give you adaptable engineering skills for today’s most innovative industries. Learn more about the top 10 reasons to study mechatronics engineering technology at PennWest California. 

Learn More

Advanced Manufacturing Careers

Careers in Mechatronics

Growing Job Opportunities

Whether you want to combat climate change or revolutionize robotics, learn about some of the top careers — and salaries — in mechatronics.

Learn More

Advanced Manufacturing Careers

Become a Technology Leader

Technology Management Degree

Learn how to leverage your associate degree and take on high-level roles in industry with a bachelor’s degree in technology management.

Learn More