Throwback Episode: How a Receptionist Became a Mechatronics Engineer

From the Automation Ladies Archive

Before the Automation Ladies podcast had thousands of listeners and a growing community of automation professionals, it started with a single conversation.

This episode is a throwback to the very first Automation Ladies podcast episode recorded in 2022. It set the tone for what the show would become: real conversations with the engineers, technicians, and innovators building the future of manufacturing.

In this episode, the hosts sit down with Alma Fernandez, a mechatronics engineer with more than nine years of experience in automation, fluid power, and industrial systems. Alma shares how an unexpected start in the industry turned into a long-term career in automation.

And like many great automation stories, this one begins in an unexpected place.

At the front desk.

Discovering Automation by Accident

Before becoming a mechatronics engineer, Alma began working at an automation company as a receptionist.

Engineering was not the plan. But being surrounded by technicians, machines, and technical conversations sparked curiosity.

Over time she began asking questions about the work happening around her. Eventually that curiosity turned into opportunity.

She moved from the front desk into the warehouse as a service manager.

It was a huge learning curve.

To keep up, she began studying manuals at night and attending every training session she could. Hydraulics, pneumatics, and electrical systems were completely new territory.

But the deeper she went, the more interested she became.

Choosing Mechatronics

Eventually she decided to go back to school.

When choosing a program, she had two options: mechanical design or mechatronics.

The choice was simple.

Mechatronics sounded more interesting.

Mechatronics combines several disciplines that are central to modern automation systems:

• Mechanical systems
• Electrical components
• Sensors and controls
• PLC programming

In real factories these systems are rarely separate. Machines rely on all of them working together.

That is why mechatronics programs have become an increasingly popular pathway into automation careers. Many community colleges now offer associate degrees focused on hands-on training with PLCs, robotics, sensors, and industrial controls.

Learning PLC Programming

Like many people entering automation for the first time, PLC programming felt intimidating at the beginning.

Understanding ladder logic, bits, sensors, and motor control can feel overwhelming when you first encounter it.

Training labs teach the fundamentals, but real machines are much more complex.

After graduating, she joined a custom automation machine builder as a mechatronics technician.

Her job was to help commission machines and verify inputs and outputs.

That meant understanding sensors, wiring, PLC programs, and machine logic all at the same time.

It was challenging, but it was also where the real learning began.

The Value of Hands-On Experience

One of the biggest takeaways from this episode is the importance of hands-on experience.

School provides a foundation. Real equipment teaches the rest.

Commissioning machines, troubleshooting sensors, and navigating large PLC programs quickly reveal how complex automation systems really are.

Supportive coworkers can make a huge difference during this stage of a career.

Experienced engineers often help newer technicians understand program structure, troubleshooting strategies, and machine behavior.

That mentorship can accelerate learning far more than classroom training alone.

Asking Questions in Automation

Automation is a field where nobody knows everything.

Even experienced engineers regularly encounter problems they have never seen before.

One of the most valuable habits engineers can develop is asking questions.

Successful engineers tend to:

• Ask questions early
• Research problems independently
• Collaborate with teammates

Trying to solve every problem alone can waste time. In many cases, a quick conversation with a teammate can save hours of troubleshooting.

Exposure to Different Industries

Working at a custom automation company also meant exposure to multiple industries.

The company built equipment for sectors including medical manufacturing, consumer products, and automotive production.

Each industry approaches automation differently. Regulations, quality standards, and production requirements all influence how machines are designed.

For engineers early in their careers, this variety can be extremely valuable. It allows them to see many types of systems and discover what kind of work they enjoy most.

Building a Career Step by Step

Over time, Alma’s career expanded beyond programming machines.

She gained experience in purchasing, controls engineering, and eventually account management within an automation company.

Each role provided a new perspective on how automation projects actually come together.

Engineering, machine building, supply chains, and customer relationships all play important roles in delivering successful systems.

This type of cross-functional experience often becomes extremely valuable for leadership roles later in a career.

Representation in Automation

Another important theme from this early episode is representation in industrial automation.

The industry has traditionally been male-dominated, but that is changing.

Communities like Automation Ladies are helping highlight the engineers, technicians, and leaders shaping the future of manufacturing.

Platforms like LinkedIn have made it easier for professionals to connect, share experiences, and support each other across the automation community.

A Career That Opens Doors

One of the most powerful moments in the episode comes when Alma reflects on what automation allowed her to achieve.

She became a mother at a young age and worked hard to build a stable future for her family.

Engineering created opportunities she never imagined.

Automation gave her the ability to support her child, grow professionally, and build a career in a field she genuinely enjoys.

It is a reminder that automation is not only about technology.

It is also about opportunity.

Continuing the Conversation

Since this first episode was recorded, the Automation Ladies podcast has grown into a platform highlighting voices from across the industrial automation world.

You can explore more conversations with engineers, integrators, and automation leaders on the podcast website:
https://automationladies.io

If you want to go deeper into the automation community, you can also learn more about OT SCADA CON, the conference created by the Automation Ladies hosts.

At OT SCADA CON, engineers, integrators, and automation professionals come together for hands-on learning, real-world case studies, and meaningful industry connections.

Learn more here:
https://otscada.com