Electronics Engineer
Overview
Electronics engineers design and build the electronic devices we use every day, from smartphones and GPS systems to medical equipment and gaming consoles. They work with teams to figure out what customers need, then create and test electronic components and systems for industries like healthcare, entertainment, and defense. Using advanced software and testing tools, they ensure devices meet safety standards and continuously improve performance. This field offers opportunities to work in cutting-edge technology companies, often with flexible work arrangements and collaborative environments.
Did you know?
A bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or related field is typically required, with many employers preferring ABET-accredited programs.
At a Glance
Median Wage
$113,761.63 Avg/yr
Growth
Fast Growing
Top Skill
Coordination
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare engineering sketches or specifications for construction, relocation, or installation of equipment, facilities, products, or systems.
- Develop or perform operational, maintenance, or testing procedures for electronic products, components, equipment, or systems.
- Operate computer-assisted engineering or design software or equipment to perform electronics engineering tasks.
- Design electronic components, software, products, or systems for commercial, industrial, medical, military, or scientific applications.
- Inspect electronic equipment, instruments, products, or systems to ensure conformance to specifications, safety standards, or applicable codes or regulations.
- Prepare budget or cost estimates for equipment, construction, or installation projects or control expenditures.
- Prepare documentation containing information such as confidential descriptions or specifications of proprietary hardware or software, product development or introduction schedules, product costs, or information about product performance weaknesses.
- Investigate green consumer electronics applications for consumer electronic devices, power saving devices for computers or televisions, or energy efficient power chargers.
- Plan or develop applications or modifications for electronic properties used in components, products, or systems to improve technical performance.
- Represent employer at conferences, meetings, boards, panels, committees, or working groups to present, explain, or defend findings or recommendations, negotiate compromises or agreements, or exchange information.
- Confer with engineers, customers, vendors, or others to discuss existing or potential electronics engineering projects or products.
- Analyze electronics system requirements, capacity, cost, or customer needs to determine project feasibility.
- Recommend repair or design modifications of electronics components or systems, based on factors such as environment, service, cost, or system capabilities.
- Research or develop new green electronics technologies, such as lighting, optical data storage devices, or energy efficient televisions.
- Determine project material or equipment needs.
- Evaluate project work to ensure effectiveness, technical adequacy, or compatibility in the resolution of complex electronics engineering problems.
- Prepare, review, or maintain maintenance schedules, design documentation, or operational reports or charts.
- Prepare necessary criteria, procedures, reports, or plans for successful conduct of the project with consideration given to site preparation, facility validation, installation, quality assurance, or testing.
- Direct or coordinate activities concerned with manufacture, construction, installation, maintenance, operation, or modification of electronic equipment, products, or systems.
- Provide technical support or instruction to staff or customers regarding electronics equipment standards.
Career Considerations
Educational Requirements
A bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or related field is typically required, with many employers preferring ABET-accredited programs.
Strong Job Market Demand
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects steady growth for electronics engineers, particularly in technology hubs like Silicon Valley and defense contractors.
Continuous Learning Necessity
Rapid technological advancement requires ongoing professional development and staying current with emerging technologies like IoT, AI hardware, and renewable energy systems.