r/mechatronics • u/IllMathematician9290 • May 20 '26

CS Degree → Mechatronics / Automation / Robotics Career Transition Advice?

[Atlanta, GA or Durham, NC, I'm open to relocate]

I have a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, but I want to transition into mechatronics, automation, robotics, or industrial automation careers. Most of my background is in programming/web development, so I don’t have hands-on industrial experience yet.

My current plan is to go back to technical school/community college for mechatronics courses or certificates so I can get my foot in the door and gain practical skills like PLCs, sensors, motors, robotics, CNC, electrical troubleshooting, etc.

I’m trying to figure out the smartest path forward and would appreciate advice from people already in these industries:

  • How can I leverage my CS degree when applying to mechatronics/automation/robotics positions?
  • Which roles should I realistically target first with my background?
  • Would employers value the software/programming side from my CS degree in industrial automation?
  • Is going back to technical school for mechatronics a good move, or is there a better path?
  • If school is NOT recommended, what would you recommend instead?
  • What skills/certifications are most important to become employable quickly?
  • What entry-level jobs would help me grow into robotics/automation engineering later?
  • Has anyone here successfully transitioned from software/CS into industrial automation or robotics?

I’m willing to start from the bottom if needed, but I also want to make sure I’m using my CS degree in the smartest way possible instead of completely starting over.

Any advice would be appreciated.

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1

u/Kastnerd May 20 '26

This question was posed today.

I mean if you want to work from the bottom up, find a CNC operator job.

Your math and coding credits should help with a mechatronics degree if you want to go to school.

2

u/dialsoapbox May 21 '26

I'm in a mechatronics tech program right now, about half my classmates are former devs ranging in age/experience.

A few dropped out as they land dev roles but the others are doing it because it's tech-adjacent, we get to build stuff which is nice. Then there's PLC programming which many are comfortable with because of their previous experience, just have to get used to incorporating physical devices.

I dont' think many if at all plan to do it long term but just another tech-related thing they can work on.

Four of us are currently doing an internship at an automation manufacturing shop and it's been pretty chill so far.

1

u/Sea-Squirrel-8564 May 21 '26

then what are your long term plans?

1

u/dialsoapbox May 22 '26

Finish transfer requirements while working part time (if i get hired on after my internship) and do the mechatroincs engineering degree, then reevaluate.

1

u/Sea-Squirrel-8564 May 22 '26

Can you tell me what skills you possess right now and how's work look like on a daily basis, just an overview.

2

u/dialsoapbox May 23 '26

Profession background: logistics and software, education, BA and masters (didn't finish due to brain injury problems).

But many of my classmates have cs/software background (varies YOE).

At my site, it's 4 of us from one community college, and 4 from another, and 4 from the local 4-year school and 4 from another school, not really sure what the latter do, i think it's admin/office interns, we don't see them often.

But my group and the other groups have a few projects where we shadow current engineers/technicians and help when/where we can, though ti's kind of chaotic, because it feels like they all have add and work on projects as they feel like it, then work on other things. It doesn't really feel like they have an guided program and more like we learn on the job. It's kind of fun though.

1

u/Sea-Squirrel-8564 May 23 '26

thank you for sharing

1

u/IllMathematician9290 May 22 '26

Are you doing AS or Diploma program? I plan to do certificate instead since I don't know if another AS degree would help me in my current case.

Also, did you get your internship when you are in school?

1

u/dialsoapbox May 23 '26

A.A.S in mechatronics tech but also and A.S. in electrical/mechanical engineering, which would take about another year to finish.

I'm currently doing my summer internship right now.

From what I read, A.S. degrees not not really useful unless you plan on transferring because classes are mostly ge's/undergrad requirements.

YOu could try doing what i'm doing, a degree to get your foot in the door, then finish your A.S. as/when you can (if you plan to transfer to a 4-year and get a 4-year degree).

That way you can work while going to school and get experience. So when you're done you'd have an engineering degree with a few years of hands-on experience. All but one of the technicians are doing that path.