Electronics Engineer Job Description, Skills, and Salary
Get to know about the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills requirements of an electronics engineer. Feel free to use our electronics engineer job description template to produce your own. We also provide you with information about the salary you can earn as an electronics engineer.
Who is an Electronics Engineer?
An Electronics Engineer (or Electronics Design Engineer) is responsible for designing electronics for industrial and commercial use. These professionals are responsible for anticipating customer demand, using various software to create blueprints, and running tests to verify designs’ efficiency.
They are involved in the production and usage of electricity. They are part of the largest branch of engineering. While electrical engineers concentrate on power generation and supply, electronics engineers are focused on electricity applications in control systems and signal processing. Engineers apply the knowledge gained from scientists to solve many problems.
Many engineers who specialize in electric power are involved in the creation of electricity at generating stations. These generating stations use steam and water power to power their turbines, which convert mechanical energy into electrical energy. For fuel, steam-powered plants could use oil, coal, nuclear or solar energy. The equipment that transmits electricity between the power plant and the consumer is also a part of the electrical power engineering field. These engineers deal with electric motors, lighting, wiring, automobiles, planes, and other areas. These engineers work with large amounts of electricity.
The electricity that engineers who specialize in electronics work with is very low. Electronics engineers can work with various equipment such as radar, telephone systems, missile guidance systems, and other systems. They also work with consumer goods like televisions and stereo equipment.
The jobs of engineers in electronic engineering are varied. Many engineers work in research, design, and development. These engineers are responsible for developing and improving new equipment and methods. Reprinted with permission. In the development of a computer software program for hospitals that treat heart attack victims, or to make a more efficient and safer power plant.
The remaining engineers work in either construction or production. They may be responsible for overseeing the construction, installation, operation, and maintenance of power generating equipment in power plants. They may also be responsible for the manufacture of circuits used in a telephone system. Other electronic and electrical engineers may work as sales representatives, executives, and managers in related fields. Some of these engineers work part-time as consultants for businesses and individuals on specific projects. Others are employed as researchers or teachers at colleges and universities.
Many electronics engineers work for private companies. Others work for the federal or state government. Some of these engineers are employed in the military and space programs. These engineers also work for telephone and telegraph companies as well as companies that manufacture electrical and electronic products. Engineers can also be found working for colleges, universities, or engineering and construction companies.
Electronics Engineer Job Description
Below are the electronics engineer job description examples you can use to develop your resume or write an electronics engineer job description for your employee. Employers can also use it to sieve out job seekers when choosing candidates for interviews.
The jobs and duties of an electronics engineer include the following:
- Using electronic systems, products, and software for commercial, scientific, military, and medical applications.
- Establishing testing procedures and maintaining electronic equipment and component.
- Recommending design modifications and equipment repairs.
- Ensuring compliance with safety regulations, and inspecting electronic equipment and instruments.
- Designing, inspecting, testing, and updating electronic components, equipment, and programs.
- Ensuring that quality projects are completed according to specifications
- Ensuring that all equipment and products comply with safety and health regulations.
- Making recommendations for improvement and observing existing processes.
- Involving in maintenance, testing, quality control, and other procedures.
- Showing initiative and keeping up with the latest developments in electronics.
- Assisting the company at conferences, and delivering presentations as required.
- Monitoring systems and employees, and promptly identifying and fixing problems.
- Establishing relationships with vendors, staff, suppliers, or other professionals in your field.
- Writing instructions, reports, and specifications.
- Designing electronic components, circuits, and systems for industrial purposes, including computer, communication, control, and control systems.
- Designing software, particularly embedded software, that can be used in different systems
- Designing apparatus and procedures for testing electronic components, circuits, and systems
- Supervising installation, communication, and control system systems to ensure proper control and protection.
- Establishing and monitoring safety standards and procedures to operate, modify, maintain, and repair such systems.
- Designing communication bearers using wired, optical fiber, and wireless communication media
- Analyzing communications traffic, level-of-service, and determining the type, location, layout, and transmission medium for the communication system.
- Designing and developing signal processing algorithms, and then implementing them using the appropriate hardware and software
- Preparing budgets and cost estimates for equipment, construction, installation projects, and monitoring expenditures.
- Representing the employer at conferences, meetings panels, committees, or working groups.
- Developing electronic components and software for industrial, medical, military, scientific, and commercial applications.
- Providing technical assistance and instruction to customers and staff regarding equipment standards and assisting with solving specific in-service engineering issues.
- Using computer-assisted engineering software and equipment to complete engineering tasks.
- Determining the feasibility of a project, analyzing system requirements, cost, capacity, and customer needs, and creating a system plan.
- Meeting with customers, engineers, vendors, and other interested parties to discuss current and future engineering projects and products.
- Ensuring technical adequacy, effectiveness, and compatibility in the resolution of complex engineering problems, review and evaluate the work of others within and outside the organization.
- Determining the material and equipment requirements and ordering supplies.
- Ensuring compliance with safety standards and codes and regulations, inspecting electronic equipment, instruments, products, and systems.
- Evaluating the operational systems, proposals, and prototypes, and making recommendations for repair or design modifications, based on factors like environment, cost, and system capability.
Qualifications
Education
Employers often require that electrical engineers have a bachelor’s degree from a program approved for them by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). The most popular majors for electricians are:
Electrical engineering
This degree program teaches students the basics of electrical engineering and gives them a solid technical foundation. As they take courses in electronic design, power systems, communication systems, electromagnetics, and other related subjects, students can expect to be able to think critically and solve problems.
Electronics engineering
This major will give students a solid foundation in electronics engineering theory and concepts. The course covers topics such as computer programming, network analysis, and microprocessor applications.
Electronic engineering technology
This major is a great way to gain practical experience in application. It also helps students improve their design, testing, and troubleshooting skills. The classes include chemistry, physics, engineering, communication technology, and power generation.
Employers may also require applicants to hold a master’s degree to be considered for higher-level positions. Many electrical engineers are ambitious enough to choose to combine programs, which allow them to get a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in five years. These five-year programs often have cooperative elements that allow candidates to gain practical experience to complement what they are learning in the classroom.
Training
Many potential electrical engineers are trained professionally through their cooperative programs. This allows them to get practical experience at local businesses. While completing a bachelor’s, master’s, or Ph.D. degree, some electrical engineers complete internships. Some receive training on the job to learn about their employers’ procedures, policies, and workflows.
Certificates
While employers don’t require licensing for entry-level electricians, many postings for advanced positions require that engineers have a professional license to supervise others or offer services to the public.
Essential Skills
These skills are essential to be a successful electronics engineer.
- Analytical thinking skills
To design more efficient equipment and systems, electronics engineers must constantly evaluate the needs of customers and their products. To understand the needs of customers and make improvements, electronics engineers must be able to think critically.
- Communication skills
Electronics engineers require advanced communication skills because they often work in teams. They need to be able to communicate ideas and provide feedback with colleagues via email, phone, or in person. They might also need to present ideas, designs, or results to stakeholders.
- Innovation
Electronics engineers need to be innovative, whether they’re designing new products or updating existing products. They must be innovative and able to solve problems in new ways.
- Math skills
Electronics engineers require advanced math skills to do their job well. To develop and troubleshoot equipment and systems, they must be proficient in trigonometry, calculus, and other high-level math.
- Organizational skills
Electronics engineers often work on multiple projects simultaneously. This requires them to have excellent organizational skills. To work effectively with others, they must be able to adhere to deadlines and complete essential tasks.
How to Become an Electronics Engineer
- Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
You will need at least a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering to start your career as an electrician. This is done through an accredited institution by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). Some programs in electronics engineering are offered by a separate school of engineers and require that students apply for admission to both the university and college.
This field requires classes in math, basic engineering, statistics, computer science, and physics. Programs focus on digital systems, differential equations, and electrical circuit theory. There are several concentrations within the basics of electrical engineering that students can study:
- Computer Hardware
Computer engineering or computer hardware means that you are a specialist in software-hardware integration. This is basically combining electrical and computer science. Computer engineers are responsible for creating the software that runs systems. This field can lead to jobs as a hardware engineer, or as a computer networking architect.
- Control Systems
This specialty studies the electromagnetic circuits within machines. These engineers test and design electrical components to ensure that software and hardware work together. You could become a control or sales engineer if you are a specialist in this field.
- Power Systems
Power system engineers are responsible for the design of large-scale power systems for residential, commercial, and industrial purposes. They ensure that electricity grids work properly and that the electrical system does not overload. This field is a great choice for students who want to become electrical plant-power distributors or substation electrical design and engineers.
- Communications
Communications specialists study information theory, wireless networking, security, compression, and noise suppression. Graduates in telecommunications must pass the state licensing exams and have four years of experience before they can take the professional engineer exam. This field is home to radio frequency engineers, broadcast engineers, and electronic communications engineers.
You have two options: a Bachelor of Engineering in Electronics Engineering, or a Bachelor of Science degree in Electronics Engineering. Although it is not necessary to get work as an entry-level electrician, earning a master’s degree or doctoral degree may help you advance your career. A graduate degree is available for students who are interested in a Master of Science, Master of Engineering, or Doctorate of Philosophy in electrical engineering.
- Take the Fundamentals of Engineering exam
To work as an electronics engineer in the utility sector, you will need to first pass the Fundamentals of Engineering exam. Applicants must have an accredited electronics engineering degree. After graduation, students can take the FE exam. Once individuals have received a passing grade on the FE, they will receive the title of engineer-in-training, also called an EIT, or engineer intern, also known as an EI, until they decide to take and pass the Professional Engineer exam.
- Get an entry-level position
After you have completed your degree and obtained your licensing, you are ready to apply for jobs. You have many options to move up in your career as an engineer.
Although electronics engineer does not need a bachelor’s degree to find work, they must continue to learn and update their knowledge about technological advances.
- Take the Professional Engineer exam to be considered for advancement.
EITs must have at least four years of relevant work experience before they can take the Professional Engineer (PE) exam. Some states require professional engineers to keep their licenses current through continuing education and training. This is a requirement in order to make sure engineers stay current on all new technologies.
- Online electrical engineering degree
Online degrees can be a great option for those who are unable to travel to traditional universities. There are many online programs available. You need to find the one that’s right for you. These are the things you should look for when looking at an online program in electrical engineering:
- Online resources available
Engineering is an ever-changing field. The curriculum often fails to keep pace with changing trends. Look for online programs that offer access to the most current journals, engineering magazines, and scientific articles.
- Get learning support
Many courses are required for electronics engineering programs. Many students find it helpful to have tutors or study groups in order to understand complicated information. Students will have access to writing and math centers, as well as live tutoring via the best online engineering programs.
- Technological support
Technology is the foundation of electronics engineering. It makes perfect sense that online engineering programs should offer students comprehensive technological support, including videos and interactive smartphone apps.
- Accreditation of programs
You will need to enroll in an ABET-accredited program to obtain professional engineering licensure. Accreditation ensures that federal financial aid can be accepted and offered by the program. Accredited programs must meet academic standards to ensure that students receive a quality education.
Where to work
Electronics engineers are most often found in offices where they use computer programs for research and development. Some of their work may be done in manufacturing plants and laboratories, particularly when they supervise testing and production.
Electronics Engineer Salary Scale
Many electrical engineers work full-time. The level of their experience and licensure could impact their earning potential.
The average salary in the U.S. is $95,372 per annum
The salaries of some employees can range from $32,000 to $164,000 annually.