What does an Electronics Engineer do?
There are many types of jobs that Electronics Engineers can fill. Most think that an Electronics engineer designs electronics. This is true, however the field encompasses much more. For instance, engineers can work as control engineers, where they work with automation equipment and robotics to automate a process in a factory. Also, electronics engineers can find jobs in the fields of communications, instrumentation, medical electronics and equipment, and testing. Furthermore, an engineering background is often a stepping stone into management.
Electronics engineers work on many kinds of products and projects. They might work on cars, robots, cell phone systems, factory automation and industrial electronics, power to supply the lighting and wiring in buildings, and radar and navigation systems. Projects can take many forms such as: product improvement, failure analysis, new designs, process improvement, product evaluations, component evaluation, or equipment evaluation.
Engineers usually work in offices, labs, or industrial plants. Many work a normal 40-hour week, but at times, they work longer to meet deadlines.
How do you get ready?
The degree includes taking classes in subjects in several major areas. One of these, electrical theory, will involve courses in several sub-areas such as circuits, electrical machinery, and controls. Other courses involve classes in fields such as physics, mathematics, computer science, and project management. Physics and math courses help develop a deeper, fundamental understanding of electronics. Engineers also take classes to develop writing and speech skills as these skills are critical for success in any workplace environment. Most electrical engineers will want to develop their computer skills as these skills are becoming more and more important.
What do jobs in electronics engineering pay?
In May 2008, the average yearly wages of electrical engineers were $85,350. Electronics engineers earned an average of $88,6701.
What are the job prospects?
There were about 301,500 electrical and electronics engineers in 2008. Jobs for electrical engineers are expected to experience little or no change through 2018. There will be a need for more electronic devices like giant electric power generators or wireless phone transmitters, but electrical engineers will face competition from companies based in other countries1.
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2011.