Student: Antonio Radić
Field of Study: Mechatronics
Graduation Year: 2012
FROM TECHNICIAN TO PROCESS ENGINEER
Antonio Radić, an alumni of Bjelovar Polytechnic, began his education at the Technical School in Bjelovar as a computer technician. At the age of 18, his interest in technology led him to mechatronics. Back then, in 2010, mechatronics was promoted as a profession of the future. “Through my work, I see that mechatronics is not the future but the present, as an industrial standard,” says Antonio.
At the time of this interview, Antonio was transitioning to a new job at one of the most significant global companies in the semiconductor manufacturing industry, Lam Research. Antonio takes great pride in his new role, as Lam Research produces machines essential for chip manufacturing. He knows that a small piece of his expertise is embedded in every chip worldwide. His work continuously enhances his knowledge and skills in mechatronics.
His story serves as an inspiration for all prospective students considering this multidisciplinary and dynamic field. Through his professional journey, Antonio has demonstrated how mechatronics offers a wide range of opportunities and the importance of being adaptable, innovative, and open to learning.
What is Mechatronics?
Antonio defines mechatronics as a combination of various technical disciplines – computer science, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and programming – into one cohesive field.
“Mechatronics provides insights into other branches of engineering and allows for specialization or development across multiple disciplines. As a profession or science, it enables a broader perspective.”
Over the years, mechatronics has evolved and become key to industrial standards.
“Mechatronics is no longer just the future; it is the present,” Antonio explains. “We see its application in everyday industrial processes and the technologies we use.”
Antonio also highlights how the future of mechatronics could intertwine with the development of artificial intelligence.
“Mechatronics might evolve in a direction where AI plays a key role, replacing some of the traditional control algorithms we use today. With AI, mechatronics engineers can pioneer a new technological era.”
Mechatronics as a profession enables engineers to work on a broad spectrum of projects, from machine design and development to installation and maintenance. Antonio emphasizes the importance of quick problem-solving, creativity, and hands-on skills, as the work often involves prototyping, where ideas need to be brought to life.
“Mechatronics engineers are like the Swiss Army knives of the industry, capable of solving various problems and adapting to any situation,” Antonio adds.
Professional Career
After graduating, Antonio returned to Bjelovar, where he began teaching at the Bjelovar Craft School.
“I didn’t plan to work in education, but the opportunity arose, and they needed a substitute,” he explains.
Later, he worked at Podravka as a maintenance technologist, where he first applied his knowledge in practice.
“I worked on automated and robotic production lines in the pastry factory, producing Kviki and Dolcela products.”
Antonio also worked at Festo, a global sponsor of the WorldSkills competition in various technical disciplines, including Mechatronics and Industry 4.0.
“I was involved in organizing the first mechatronics competition for WorldSkills in Croatia. We laid the foundation for the mechatronics discipline at the competition.”
Festo and WorldSkills
Antonio is particularly proud of his work at Festo, a global leader in industrial automation and technology. Festo Croatia sponsored WorldSkills Croatia in the Mechatronics discipline, and Antonio played a key role in organizing and developing tasks for the competition, where he served as a jury member.
“Festo helped introduce mechatronics as a discipline at WorldSkills Croatia for the first time. Together with the polytechnic and students, we developed models on which the tasks were performed. It was an excellent experience, combining different technical skills in one place.”
NexGen Wafer Systems
At NexGen Wafer Systems, Antonio started as a service engineer, working on the installation and maintenance of semiconductor manufacturing machines worldwide.
“The production process on NexGen Wafer Systems machines involved crafting wafers one by one, a critical step in chip production. Later, as a process engineer, I adjusted machines to meet customer specifications.”
Traits of a Mechatronics Engineer
“Mechatronics engineers must think quickly, be imaginative, skilled with their hands, and adaptable to various situations,” says Antonio.
He emphasizes that a mechatronics engineer needs to quickly identify problems – whether mechanical, electrical, or software-related – and apply their knowledge to real-world situations.
How Do People Become Mechatronics Engineers?
People often become mechatronics engineers through various paths. Antonio explains that at Podravka, he had a mentor, an electrical engineering expert, who became a mechatronics engineer through practical experience.
“Life, through work in Podravka and maintenance, turned him into a mechatronics engineer. In the industry, you often work with experts from different fields, gaining a wide range of skills.”
Why Study Mechatronics?
“Mechatronics is the present and highly sought-after worldwide. As a mechatronics engineer, you can view entire systems and offer the best solutions. Technology is advancing rapidly, and mechatronics engineers are capable of keeping pace with this development,” Antonio highlights.
He adds that mechatronics engineers are well-paid and always have opportunities for learning and professional growth.
B:IT.con Conference
Antonio was invited to the prestigious B:IT.con conference, which gathers experts from the IT industry and technical sciences, where he gave a lecture as an alumni student.
“I was invited by the vice-dean and was delighted to participate in the conference and be selected as the first alumni student to present at B:IT.con,” says Antonio.
“The first minute of the lecture was full of nerves – the microphone, the stage, the big screen. It was my first presentation in front of so many people.”
Despite the initial anxiety, the lecture went exceptionally well. Antonio prepared at home, practicing with his wife, who acted as his audience.
“While presenting, I imagined I was at home, talking to my wife, who was in the audience. That helped me relax and focus on the content of the lecture.”
Author: Jan Ulovec
