Mechatronics / Maintenance Technician

General Information

Do you want an exciting career that is hands-on?                                                                                                                                     

The Everett Community College (EvCC) Mechatronics Program trains students to be Maintenance Technicians who are responsible for keeping industrial equipment operating, and repairing problems when they are discovered before they have a chance to worsen.  A Maintenance Technician always has a new challenge everyday and does not like to do the same thing day in and day out.  Average entry level pay is $28 - $40 per hour. 

Enrollment requirements are Eligibility for Math 86 (Essentials of Intermediate Algebra) and English 101 (English Composition 1).  There is some math included, however, the Mechatronics program is not a math intensive program.

Get Started Now

Attend an information session to learn more about the program. The monthly information sessions are at EvCC's Advanced Manufacturing Training & Education Center (AMTEC) in Everett. 

The EvCC Mechatronics program is hands-on state-of-the-art training that integrates skills in:

• Electrical mechanics
• Automation
• Hydraulics
• Mechanics
• Fluid power
• Controls and sensors
• Machine controllers
• Machine maintenance

Students are prepared for an In-Demand job as a Maintenance Technician working in automation, testing, and equipment set-up and maintenance.  

The Mechatronics program has partnered with local employers to include a 300-hour paid internship as part of the degree program.  The internship gives students the opportunity to put their new skills to work. 90% of our students stay with the company who hosted them for their internship.  AMTEC has partnered with many local companies for internships and post certificate jobs including but not limited to:

• Aeromotion
• ORCA Bottling Company
• CNC Machine Services
• SeaCast
• Boeing
• Amazon
• Sound Air
• Leviton
• MTorres

Mechatronics Program Video 

Everett Community College is an Educational Certified Training Institution for FANUC, Americas’ Material Handling Program Software. Students who complete robotics at EvCC receive a FANUC industry certification. 

EvCC is a lead college for Washington state in a national educational partnership with the Automotive Manufacturing Technical Education Collaborative. The collaborative is funded through the National Science Foundation and includes regional and national partners such as Boeing, Amazon, Absolute Manufacturing, and Cascade Coffee Company.

Career Opportunities
 

Going back to school at my life stage was a bit scary but the instructors, staff and students were all amazing at AMTEC. I went through the Mechatronics program which I really enjoyed the combination of hands-on application of knowledge and instructional material because we could apply what we learned right away.  Mechatronics took skills I already had and combined it with modern technology such as FANUC robots and composites.  I had so much fun and am looking forward to applying my skills in the workforce. The staff is great at helping find your next career.  Thank you. - Bill Brubaker, Mechatronics Program Graduate, 2023
 

The foundational skills set coupled with mechatronics systems training prepare students for these integrated systems which are interrelated in a variety of industries including:

• Aerospace
• Automotive
• Farming
• Mining
• Pharmaceuticals 
• Power and Energy
• Food Processing.
• Plant Assembly Sites
• Warehouse and Service Operations

Meet your Instructor

Ken Ackerman

 I have been teaching Mechatronics at EvCC for nearly nine years. Before that, I worked as a propulsion design engineer at Boeing for seven years after earning degrees in Aeronautical & Astronautical Engineering (UW) and Physics with a Math minor (CWU).

Growing up in a logging and farming family, I was always around machines, which fueled my passion for both hands-on work and the science behind it. My blend of industry experience and technical knowledge helps me connect with students, guiding them to those “light bulb” moments—just as I enjoyed while tutoring physics in college.

List of Required books and Course Materials

The 2-quarter certificate may be considered a stand-alone credential for people seeking to enter the Maintenance Technician field.  Students who wish to continue onto their EvCC Advanced Manufacturing Mechatronics degree will have greater employment opportunities.

Veterans, use your GI Bill® funding for this program. Contact EvCC's Veteran Resource Center at 425-388-9277 to find out about more about funding for college classes.