Mechatronics Engineering

Build the next generation of robots (and cars and wearable tech and …)

From the ATM down the street to the drone that will one day deliver your pizza, computer-controlled electromechanical systems drive all kinds of technology. Learn to design those systems in Waterloo’s Mechatronics Engineering program — the first of its kind in Canada.

You’ll develop expertise in mechanical engineering, electronics, control engineering, and computer science, pulling together know-how from these different fields to develop sophisticated machines.

During your co-op terms, you’ll have the chance to try out different career paths, earn money to pay for your education, and build a résumé guaranteed to impress potential employers.

Get access to great tools

Through Waterloo’s WATiMake lab, you’ll have access to laser cutters, 3D printers, injection molding machines, and other tools to help you with prototypes and design projects.

Join a student design team

Get hands-on experience by joining teams such as Waterloop, researching supersonic trains that travel in underground airless tubes, or the Robotics team, designing and building the robots of tomorrow.

 

About the Mechatronics Engineering program

briefcaseGain 2 years of experience in the co-op program

clickApply directly to this program on your application

grad capEarn a Bachelor of Applied Science degree

 

#1Engineering school in Canada (US News & World Report 2018)

GearsOffered through the Faculty of Engineering

Money flowerStudents earn $17,800 on average per co-op term

 

Mechatronics Engineering admission requirements

  • Ontario students: 6 Grade 12 U and/or M courses including
    • Advanced Functions (minimum final grade of 70% is required)
    • Calculus and Vectors (minimum final grade of 70% is required)
    • Chemistry (minimum final grade of 70% is required)
    • English (ENG4U) (minimum final grade of 70% is required)
    • Physics (minimum final grade of 70% is required)
  • Admission average: Individual selection from the low to mid-90s
  • An Admission Information Form is required
  • Not studying in Ontario? Search our admission requirements

First-year Mechatronics Engineering courses

September to December

MTE 100 - Mechatronics Engineering
CHE 102 - Chemistry for Engineers
MATH 115 - Linear Algebra for Engineering
MATH 116 - Calculus 1 for Engineering
GENE 121 - Digital Computation

January to April or May to August

MTE 100B – Seminar
MTE 111 - Structure and Properties of Materials
MTE 119 - Statics
MTE 120 - Circuits
MTE 140 - Algorithms and Data Structures
MATH 118 - Calculus 2 for Engineering

 

After first year

Sample upper-year courses

MTE 262 – Introduction to Microprocessors and Digital Logic
MTE 220 – Sensors and Instrumentation
MTE 322 – Electromechanical Machine Design
MTE 544 – Autonomous Mobile Robots

 

Mechatronics students in lab working on experiment

Waterloo's is the first undergraduate Mechatronics program in Canada. You'll find an emphasis on teamwork and practical applications throughout the program and especially in your design project courses.

Gain relevant work experience through co-op

Sample co-op job titles

  • Systems software engineering
  • Robotics software developer
  • Hardware engineering intern
  • Mechanical designer-automation
  • Control systems software design
  • Instrumental engineering
  • Product manager
  • Application developer

Sample co-op employers

  • NVIDIA Corporation
  • Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada
  • Teledyne DALSA
  • Trexo Robotics
  • SAP Canada
  • Synaptive Medical
  • Department of National Defence
  • Autodesk Canada
 

What can I do with a degree in Mechatronics Engineering?

Waterloo Mechatronics Engineering graduates often pursue careers in product and software design, technology analysis, program coordination, and more. They usually work for technology companies and telecommunications companies.

Recent graduates

  • Systems Engineer – ATS Automation Tooling Systems
  • Telematics Engineer – Hyundai
  • iPhone Product Design Engineer – Apple 
  • Firmware Engineer – Fitbit 
  • Program Manager – Microsoft
  • Mechanical Engineer – Nikon
  • Android Partner Engineer – Google 

Possible professional designation

Learn more about Mechatronics Engineering