mechanical engineering
Discipline that applies principles of physics, engineering and materials science to design, analyse, manufacture and maintain mechanical systems.
Mechatronics engineering technicians collaborate with engineers in the development of mechatronic devices and applications through a combination of mechanical engineering, electronic engineering, and computer engineering. They build, test, install, and calibrate mechatronics and solve technical problems.
Competences and skills
63 ESCO relationsEssential knowledge 11 competences
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
1 competenceCross-sector
10 competencesautomation technology
Set of technologies that make a process, system, or apparatus operate automatically through the use of control systems.
digital
computer engineering
Engineering discipline that combines computer science with electrical engineering to develop computer hardware and software. Computer engineering occupies itself with electronics, software design, and the integration of hardware and software.
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control engineering
Subdiscipline of engineering that focuses on controlling the behaviour of systems through the use of sensors and actuators.
digital
design drawings
The drawings detailing the design of products, tools, and engineering systems.
electrical engineering
The field of engineering that deals with the study and application of electricity, electronics, and electromagnetism.
electronics
The functioning of electronic circuit boards, processors, chips, and computer hardware and software, including programming and applications.
digital
mechatronics
Multidisciplinary field of engineering that combines principles of electrical engineering, telecommunications engineering, control engineering, computer engineering, and mechanical engineering in the design of products and manufacturing processes. The combination of these areas of engineering allows for the design and development of "smart" devices and the achievement of an optimal balance between mechanical structure and control.
physics
The natural science involving the study of matter, motion, energy, force and related notions.
quality standards
The national and international requirements, specifications and guidelines to ensure that products, services and processes are of good quality and fit for purpose.
robotics
The branch of engineering that involves the design, operation, manufacture, and application of robots. Robotics is part of mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and computer science and overlaps with mechatronics and automation engineering.
digital
Essential skills and competences 17 competences
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
6 competencesassemble mechatronic units
Assemble mechatronic units using mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, electrical, electronic, and information technology systems and components. Manipulate and attach metals through using welding and soldering techniques, glue, screws, and rivets. Install wiring. Install drive systems, sensors, actuators, and transducers. Mount switches, control devices, coverings, and protection.
follow standards for machinery safety
Apply basic safety standards and machine-specific technical standards to prevent risks connected with the use of machines in the workplace.
install mechatronic equipment
Install equipment used for the automation of a specific machine or device.
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interpret circuit diagrams
Read and comprehend circuit diagrams showing the connections between the devices, such as power and signal connections.
simulate mechatronic design concepts
Simulate mechatronic design concepts through creating mechanical models and performing tolerance analysis.
test mechatronic units
Test mechatronic units using appropriate equipment. Gather and analyse data. Monitor and evaluate system performance and take action if needed.
Cross-sector
11 competencesadjust engineering designs
Adjust designs of products or parts of products so that they meet requirements.
align components
Align and lay out components in order to put them together correctly according to blueprints and technical plans.
assist scientific research
Assist engineers or scientists with conducting experiments, performing analysis, developing new products or processes, constructing theory, and quality control.
fasten components
Fasten components together according to blueprints and technical plans in order to create subassemblies or finished products.
inspect quality of products
Use various techniques to ensure the product quality is respecting the quality standards and specifications. Oversee defects, packaging and sendbacks of products to different production departments.
liaise with engineers
Collaborate with engineers to ensure common understanding and discuss product design, development and improvement.
perform test run
Perform tests putting a system, machine, tool or other equipment through a series of actions under actual operating conditions in order to assess its reliability and suitability to realise its tasks, and adjust settings accordingly.
prepare production prototypes
Prepare early models or prototypes in order to test concepts and replicability possibilities. Create prototypes to assess for pre-production tests.
read assembly drawings
Read and interpret drawings listing all the parts and subassemblies of a certain product. The drawing identifies the different components and materials and provides instructions on how to assemble a product.
read engineering drawings
Read the technical drawings of a product made by the engineer in order to suggest improvements, make models of the product or operate it.
record test data
Record data which has been identified specifically during preceding tests in order to verify that outputs of the test produce specific results or to review the reaction of the subject under exceptional or unusual input.
Optional knowledge 13 competences
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
2 competencesconsumer electronics
The functioning of electronic consumer goods such as TVs, radios, cameras and other audio and video equipment.
digital
micromechatronic engineering
Cross-disciplinary engineering which focuses on the miniaturisation of mechatronic systems.
Cross-sector
11 competencesautomatic control system
Set of interconnected mechanisms and components, such as controllers or sensing elements, that use programming logic to automate the operation and behaviour of a process or system without a continuous human intervention, to achieve a desired performance such as stability.
digital
CAD software
The computer-aided design (CAD) software for creating, modifying, analysing or optimising a design.
digital
- Scope note
- CAD software should be differentiated from computer-aided design and drafting (CADD) software. CADD systems are CAD systems with additional drafting features. For example, CADD systems enable an engineer or architect to insert size annotations and other notes into a design.
CAE software
The software to perform computer-aided engineering (CAE) analysis tasks such as Finite Element Analysis and Computional Fluid Dynamics.
digital
electromechanics
The engineering processes that combine electrical and mechanical engineering in the application of electromechanics in devices that need electricity to create mechanical movement or devices that create electricity by mechanical movement.
hydraulics
The power transmission systems that use the force of flowing liquids to transmit power.
optical engineering
Subdiscipline of engineering that deals with the development of optical instruments and applications, such as telescopes, microscopes, lenses, lasers, fibre optic communication, and imaging systems.
optoelectronic devices
Electronic devices, systems, and components that possess optical features. These devices or components may include electrically driven light sources, such as LEDs and laser diodes, components that can convert light into electricity, such as solar or photovoltaic cells, or devices that can electronically manipulate and control light.
optoelectronics
Branch of electronics and optics dedicated to the study and use of electronic devices that detect and control light.
pneumatics
The application of pressurised gas to produce mechanical motion.
programmable logic controller
Programmable logic controllers or PLC's are computer control systems used for the monitoring and control of input and output as well as the automation of electromechanical processes.
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telecommunications engineering
Discipline that combines computer science with electrical engineering to improve telecommunications systems.
digital
Optional skills and competences 22 competences
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
5 competencescalibrate mechatronic instruments
Correct and adjust the reliability of an mechatronic instrument by measuring output and comparing results with the data of a reference device or a set of standardised results. This is done in regular intervals which are set by the manufacturer.
install automation components
Install the automation components according to the specifications of the circuit diagram.
digital
keep up with digital transformation of industrial processes
Keep up to date with digital innovations applicable to industrial processes. Integrate these transformations in the company's processes aiming for competitive and profitable business models.
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maintain control systems for automated equipment
Check, maintain and repair electrical and electronic elements. Check and update software of automated equipment.
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maintain mechatronic equipment
Diagnose and detect malfunctions in mechatronics components and systems and remove, replace, or repair these components when necessary. Execute preventative equipment maintenance tasks, such as storing mechatronics components in clean, dust-free, and non-humid spaces.
Cross-sector
17 competencesapply technical communication skills
Explain technical details to non-technical customers, stakeholders, or any other interested parties in a clear and concise manner.
assemble hardware components
Assemble the necessary hardware components, such as the motherboard, Central Processing Unit (CPU), hard drive, disk drive, power supply unit, RAM, PCI card, mouse, keyboard, cameras and other necessary components to build the computer device. Attach the components manually using screwdrivers or use assembly machines and install the wiring.
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assemble machines
Put together devices, and components according to drawings. Program and install the components where needed.
customise software for drive system
Adapt and customise software to the specific machine or application.
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examine engineering principles
Analyse the principles that need to be considered for engineering designs and projects such as functionality, replicability, costs and other principles.
install software
Install machine-readable instructions, such as computer programs, in order to direct the computer's processor to perform a certain set of actions.
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integrate new products in manufacturing
Assist with the integration of new systems, products, methods, and components in the production line. Ensure that production workers are properly trained and follow the new requirements.
keep records of work progress
Maintain records of the progress of the work including time, defects, malfunctions, etc.
monitor automated machines
Continuously check up on the automated machine's set-up and execution or make regular control rounds. If necessary, record and interpret data on the operating conditions of installations and equipment in order to identify abnormalities.
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program a CNC controller
Set up the desired product design in the CNC controller of the CNC machine for product manufacturing.
digital
program firmware
Program permanent software with a read-only memory (ROM) on a hardware device, such as an integrated circuit.
digital
replace machines
Evaluate when to invest in replacing machines or machine tools and take the necessary actions.
resolve equipment malfunctions
Identify, report and repair equipment damage and malfunctions. Communicate with field representatives and manufacturers to obtain repair and replacement components.
set up automotive robot
Set up and programme an automotive robot working on machine processes and substituting or collaboratively supporting human labour, such as the six-axis automotive robot.
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set up machine controls
Set up or adjust machine controls to regulate conditions such as material flow, temperature, or pressure.
use CAM software
Use computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) programmes to control machinery and machine tools in the creation, modification, analysis, or optimisation as part of the manufacturing processes of workpieces.
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write technical reports
Compose technical customer reports understandable for people without technical background.