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By 2 p.m. you feel that familiar rumbling in your stomach, letting you know that it’s time for a snack.

As the machine takes your dollar bill, take a moment to consider what’s going on in there: The machine pulls in your dollar, and a scanner makes sure you’re not feeding it Monopoly money. It drops down your candy and spits out your change.

The candy machine had to be designed, built, maintained, and repaired. Those challenges were met by electromechanical engineers.

Electromechanical engineers design and build everything from pop bottling machines to high-tech satellite systems to delicate medical equipment.

Striking A Balance

“Most engineers are electrical or mechanical or civil,” notes Lawrence Kamm. “Electromechanical engineers combine electrical and mechanical engineering.”

Kamm is the author of “Successful Engineering: A Guide to Achieving Your Career Goals” and “Understanding Electro-Mechanical Engineering: An Introduction to Mechatronics.”

He has also designed a variety of products, from toys to surgical heart and lung machines.

Kamm discourages those considering a career in electro-mechanical engineering from specializing in a specific course of study. Rather, he encourages a broad approach to the sciences. This provides a solid foundation for an engineer who can change with the electromechanical engineering times.

“Concentrate in college in science and math rather than a specific technology,” advises Kamm.

Education for the career, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, can be found at community colleges, vocational-technical schools, four-year colleges and the armed forces.

Once trained, engineers can earn certification through the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies.

Beyond The Drafting Board

Electromechanical engineers cover a gamut of responsibilities. While many design and build machines, others maintain and repair existing equipment.

Dave Olson is the facilities manager at the Scherer Brothers door and window shop. He leads a team of four electromechanical engineers who do everything from replace servomotors to install light switches.

Olson says Scherer’s need is for engineers with a general rather than specialized background. Because there are so many applicants who are specialized, it’s hard to find the right people to add to his crew.

“It’s difficult to find people,” says Olson. “Right now I have 25 resumes and only two decent ones.”

The problem is that many of the applicants simply don’t have the right skill set.