Career Overview
Research, design, develop, or test electronic components and systems for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use employing knowledge of electronic theory and materials properties. Design electronic circuits and components for use in fields such as telecommunications, aerospace guidance and propulsion control, acoustics, or instruments and controls.
Also Known As
- Design Engineer
- Integrated Circuit Design Engineer (IC Design Engineer)
- Product Engineer
- Test Engineer
Alternate Job Titles
- Antenna Engineer
- Audio Visual Engineer (AV Engineer)
- Audio Visual Manager
- Automation Engineer
- Central Office Equipment Engineer
- Central Office Facilities Planning Engineer
- Circuit Design Engineer
- Circuit Designer
- Commercial Engineer
- Communications Engineer
- Compatibility Test Engineer
- Control Systems Engineer
- Customer Equipment Engineer
- Design Engineer
- Dial Equipment Engineer
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- Design electronic components, software, products, or systems for commercial, industrial, medical, military, or scientific applications.
- Operate computer-assisted engineering or design software or equipment to perform electronics engineering tasks.
- Evaluate project work to ensure effectiveness, technical adequacy, or compatibility in the resolution of complex electronics engineering problems.
- Direct or coordinate activities concerned with manufacture, construction, installation, maintenance, operation, or modification of electronic equipment, products, or systems.
- Confer with engineers, customers, vendors, or others to discuss existing or potential electronics engineering projects or products.
- Provide technical support or instruction to staff or customers regarding electronics equipment standards.
- Recommend repair or design modifications of electronics components or systems, based on factors such as environment, service, cost, or system capabilities.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- Engineering and Technology
- Computers and Electronics
- Design
- Mathematics
- English Language
Essential Skills
Success in this career requires strong skills in:
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Complex Problem Solving
- Speaking
- Active Listening
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Systems Analysis
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Oral Comprehension
- Oral Expression
- Deductive Reasoning
- Inductive Reasoning
- Information Ordering
- Near Vision
- Written Comprehension
- Written Expression
- Problem Sensitivity
- Mathematical Reasoning
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Attention to Detail
- Innovation
- Dependability
- Intellectual Curiosity
- Cautiousness
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Working Conditions
- Recognition
- Achievement
- Independence
- Support
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: Bachelor's Degree
Related Work Experience Needed: Over 4 years, up to and including 6 years
On-the-Job Training: Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years
Education Details: Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Experience Required: A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- Apache Subversion SVN
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- C
- C++
- Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
- ESRI ArcGIS software
- Extensible markup language XML
- Linux
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
Tools & Equipment
- Communication bus analyzers
- Desktop computers
- Electronics counters
- Electronics probes
- Function generators
- High-power pulsed lasers
- Inductance capacitance resistance LCR meters
- Logic analyzers
- Microprocessors
- Multimeters
- Oscilloscopes
- Personal computers
- Photometer
- Programmable logic controllers PLC
- Wattmeters
Work Environment
- Freedom to Make Decisions
- Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
Salary & Job Market
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $79,390 |
| Median | $127,590 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $199,060 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 93,940
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Education: Not specified
Median Salary: $77,180
Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment
Education: Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
Median Salary: $71,300
Electrical Engineers
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $111,910
Microsystems Engineers
Education: Master's Degree
Median Salary: $117,750
Mechatronics Engineers
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $117,750
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Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.