Electronics Engineers are responsible for designing, building, testing and maintaining anything from portable electronics to generators that power entire cities. They are responsible from turning electronics ideas to functional products and then maintaining and upgrade products to assure the best performance. Engineers need to be highly technical and also need to do the meticulous calculations needed to design electronics.
Salary:
On average, an Electronics Engineers earns between $56,490 and $136,690 annually.
Average Starting Salary:
The average starting salary for an Electronics Engineer is $55,200 annually.
Key Responsibilities:
- Design new electronics to improve everyday user’s lives
- Perform advanced calculations to develop manufacturing, constructions and installation specifications
- Oversee manufacturing process to ensure it meets specifications outlined in initial design process
- Investigate user complaints and develop solutions to solve the issues
- Work with project managers to ensure the products are completed accurately, ob-budget and on-time
- Develop electronic components, software. products and systems
- Analyze customer needs and determine electronics system requirements
- Develop testing and maintenance procedures for electronics
- Evaluate existing systems and recommend changes to improve and repair existing products
- Inspect equipment to make sure they meet safety regulations
- Plan upgrades and modifications to improve technical performance
Necessary Skills:
- Focus
- Taking initiative
- Interpersonal Skills
- Advanced Math Skills
- Public Speaking Skills
- Design Skills
- Electronics skills
Degree and Experience Requirements:
Most entry-level Electronics Engineer positions require a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering or Electrical Engineering Technology. It is very important when considering Colleges to choose an engineering program that is ABET accredited to assure one is getting an industry-relevant education. Another thing to consider when looking at colleges are Cooperative programs, where students can gain real world, professional experience while in school. Certain Colleges also offer a five-year engineering program where a student can graduate with both their Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.
Certifications are less common in Electronics Engineering than it is in Electric Engineering, however it is still strongly encouraged to stand out in the job market, especially for those working for the government or government agencies. Those who pass the certification tests receive the designation “Professional Engineer” and require one to complete the following:
- Earn a degree from a ABET-acredited Engineering Program
- Pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam
- Earn Real world Experience
- Pass the Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam
The Fundamentals of Engineering Exam, can be done right after graduating college and those who pass are referred to as Engineers in Training (EiTs) or Engineering Interns (EIs). Once one has work experience EITs can take the Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam and become a full professional Engineer. After becoming certified, one still must take continuing education courses to maintain their certification throughout their career.
Getting Started:
The best way to get started as an Electronics Engineer is to go on one or more internships while in school. These internships are crucial in gaining professional experience and networking with professionals in the field and gaining profession experience. Interning shows potentials a candidate has worked professionally and that they are serious about their career and want to excel professionally.
Future Outlook:
The outlook for Electronics Engineers over the next 10 years is expected to grow 4%. This is slower than the average for all careers and is likely, due the decline in manufacturing. However, due to the increase in everyday electronics there is also a lot of growth expected and more portable computing devices are used. There is also a rise to hiring engineers on a contract basis and not hiring them internally full time. However, as the world becomes more electronic, Electronics Engineers will be needed to build the next big thing.
Companies That Employ Electronics Engineers:
- Engineering Companies
- Power Companies
- Instrument Manufacturing Companies
- Semiconductor and Electronic Component Manufacturing
- Machinery Manufacturing Companies
- Telecommunications Companies
- Architecture Firms
Traits of A Good Electronics Engineers:
- Attention to Detail
- Free thinker
- Logical thinking
- Patience
- Problem solver
- Willing to learn
- Team Player
- Technically inclined
Sources:
Bureau of Labor Statistics
Engineering Schools
EngineerSalary
About the Author
Mike Gdovin has been blogging about technology since 2006 on his blog, Gdovin.net. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Electronic Media from Kutztown University with a minor in Journalism, Public Relations and Business. In addition to blogging about technology, Mike is a video producer, technology consultant and social media expert.
