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 and one of the top 100 in the world (Shanghai World University Rankings 2020).

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.

 

Why Waterloo Mechatronics?

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Part of Canada's largest engineering school, the Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering department at the University of Waterloo is home to nearly 1600 undergraduates, graduate students, faculty and staff.

"2nd" icon purplein Canada for engineering (US News & World Report 2019)
briefcaseGain two years of experience in the co-op program
Money flowerStudents earn $13,300 on average per co-op term
 

Mechatronics Engineering admission requirements

Ontario students: six 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

Complete the Admission Information Form once you've applied.

Not studying in Ontario? Search our admission requirements.

 

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First-year Mechatronics Engineering courses

September to December

January to April or May to August

 

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

 

GearsOffered by the Faculty of Engineering

clickApply directly to this program on your application

grad capEarn a Bachelor of Applied Science degree

 

Co-op = relevant paid work experience

By alternating school terms and paid co-op work terms throughout your degree, you can explore new career areas and types of employers as your career interests evolve.

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 you 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

For more information on potential careers, check out our page on the future of careers in engineering.

Ready to learn more?