Electronics engineer

Also called: Antenna Engineer, Audio Visual Engineer, Automation Engineer, Automotive Power Electronics Engineer, Central Office Equipment Engineer

Electronics engineer

Varies

estimated salary

Electronics engineers 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.

  • Determine project material or equipment needs.
  • Prepare engineering sketches or specifications for construction, relocation, or installation of equipment, facilities, products, or systems.
  • 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.
  • Evaluate project work to ensure effectiveness, technical adequacy, or compatibility in the resolution of complex electronics engineering problems.
  • Analyze electronics system requirements, capacity, cost, or customer needs to determine project feasibility.
  • Confer with engineers, customers, vendors, or others to discuss existing or potential electronics engineering projects or products.
  • Operate computer-assisted engineering or design software or equipment to perform electronics engineering tasks.
  • 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.
  • Plan or develop applications or modifications for electronic properties used in components, products, or systems to improve technical performance.
  • Direct or coordinate activities concerned with manufacture, construction, installation, maintenance, operation, or modification of electronic equipment, products, or systems.
  • Recommend repair or design modifications of electronics components or systems, based on factors such as environment, service, cost, or system capabilities.
  • Develop or perform operational, maintenance, or testing procedures for electronic products, components, equipment, or systems.
  • 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.
  • Provide technical support or instruction to staff or customers regarding electronics equipment standards.
  • Research or develop electronics technologies for use in electric-drive vehicles.
  • Prepare, review, or maintain maintenance schedules, design documentation, or operational reports or charts.
  • Prepare budget or cost estimates for equipment, construction, or installation projects or control expenditures.
  • 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.
  • Research or develop new green electronics technologies, such as lighting, optical data storage devices, or energy efficient televisions.
  • Develop solar photovoltaic products, such as inverters or energy management systems.
  • Investigate green consumer electronics applications for consumer electronic devices, power saving devices for computers or televisions, or energy efficient power chargers.
Work Context
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled — 89% responded "Every day".
  • Electronic Mail — 79% responded "Every day".
  • Face-to-Face Discussions — 80% responded "Every day".
  • Work With Work Group or Team — 63% responded "Extremely important".
  • Structured versus Unstructured Work — 50% responded "Some freedom".
  • Freedom to Make Decisions — 62% responded "Some freedom".
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate — 55% responded "Very important".
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Work Activities
  • Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
  • Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment — Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
  • Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
  • Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
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Detailed Work Activities
  • Design energy production or management equipment or systems.
  • Research design or application of green technologies.
  • Research design or application of green technologies.
  • Research design or application of green technologies.
  • Estimate technical or resource requirements for development or production projects.
  • Evaluate characteristics of equipment or systems.
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Knowledge

Engineering and Technology
  • Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Computers and Electronics
  • Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Mathematics
  • Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
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Skills

Reading Comprehension
  • Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Critical Thinking
  • Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Complex Problem Solving
  • Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Systems Analysis
  • Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
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Abilities

Oral Comprehension
  • The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Written Comprehension
  • The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Oral Expression
  • The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Problem Sensitivity
  • The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
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Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include ideas, thinking, and figuring things out.
They do well at jobs that need:
  • Achievement/Effort
  • Persistence
  • Initiative
  • Leadership
  • Cooperation
  • Concern for Others
  • Social Orientation
  • Self Control
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Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Computer aided design CAD software
  • Xilinx Integrated Software Environment ISE Hot Technology
  • Mentor Graphics PADS Hot Technology
  • OrCAD Capture Hot Technology
  • Three-dimensional 3D computer aided design CAD software Hot Technology
  • Two-dimensional 2D computer aided design CAD software Hot Technology
  • Mathsoft Mathcad Hot Technology
  • Autodesk AutoCAD Hot Technology
  • Dassault Systemes CATIA Hot Technology
  • Dassault Systemes SOLIDWORKS Hot Technology
Spreadsheet software
  • Microsoft Excel Hot Technology
Office suite software
  • Microsoft Office Hot Technology
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