An electronics engineer is in charge of designing and developing electronic equipment such as mobile phones, portable music devices and computers. They are also required to maintain and repair electronic systems in businesses, homes and factories. What does an electronics engineer do?
Job Profile
Electronic engineers work in various industries such as research and development, engineering services, and manufacturing and may be employed by small companies or work in commercial sectors.
These engineers have an aptitude for Mathematics and a passion for technology. There is also plenty of scope to specialise within the field.
Are electronic engineers in demand? According to the US Bureau of Labour, employment of electrical and electronics engineers is projected to grow 7% from 2020 to 2030.
Responsibilities
An electronics engineer is responsible for designing, managing, testing, and updating all kinds of electronic systems, components, equipment, and software.
They discuss proposals with clients, liaise with engineers, and other professionals to ensure quality projects are completed to specifications. They test theoretical design and ensure all equipment and products meet health and safety regulations.
These engineers develop effective maintenance and quality control procedures and write up technical reports, when necessary. They also evaluate operational systems and recommend design modifications.
More often than not, they are required to carry out project planning and prepare budgets and also supervise technicians, craftspeople and other colleagues.
What are the responsibilities of an electronics engineer?
- Design, manage, test, and update all kinds of electronic systems, components, equipment, and software
- Discuss proposals with clients
- Liaise with engineers, and other professionals to ensure quality projects are completed to specifications
- Test theoretical design
- Ensure all equipment and products meet health and safety regulations
- Develop effective maintenance and quality control procedures
- Write up technical reports
- Evaluate operational systems
- Recommend design modifications
- Carry out project planning
- Prepare budgets
- Supervise technicians, craftspeople and other colleagues
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Skills
What skills should an electronics engineer have? A high level of IT skills and technical knowledge is primarily what you need to become a successful electronics engineer. Practical experience with design software as well as an aptitude for maths is also a plus.
As an engineer, you will need to have excellent research and interpersonal skills as well as practical problem-solving abilities needed to improve designs.
You must be creative, innovative and be able to translate complex ideas into clear concepts. Strategic thinking and commercial awareness of the industry you’re in are also both sought-after skills in electronic engineers.
Lastly, you will need to have strong communication skills – both oral and written, along with excellent troubleshooting skills.
What skills do electronic engineers need?
- High level of IT skills
- Strong technical knowledge
- Practical experience with design software
- An aptitude for maths
- Excellent research and interpersonal skills
- Practical problem-solving abilities
- Creativity and innovation
- Ability to translate complex ideas into clear concepts
- Strategic thinking
- Commercial awareness of the industry they’re in
- Strong communication skills
- Excellent troubleshooting skills
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Background
How can I become a successful electronics engineer? A successful electronics engineer would ideally have a Bachelor’s degree. This can be in Electrical or Electronic engineering or a relevant subject like Communications, Mechanical , Computer, etc. While a Master’s degree or a postgraduate qualification isn’t a necessity, it may be useful.
You can also choose to obtain certification courses to help your career. Find options for these down below:
- Power Electronics Specialization
- XSeries Program in Circuits and Electronics
- Digital Computer Electronic Engineering Circuit Simulations
- The Complete Electronics Course 2022: Analog Hardware Design
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Salary
Do electronic engineers make good money? While individual salaries can vary depending on the size and location of the company as well as the industry in question, it is safe to say that yes, electronic engineers do make a decent amount of money..
They can start their careers with an annual salary of about $73,000 whereas more senior engineers can earn up to $134,000. On average, they earn around $99,000 a year.
In Germany, the salary range is €32,000-€80,000 whereas in the UK, the salary range is €21,000-€45,000.
How much do electronic engineers make?
| Junior | $73,000 |
| Average | $99,000 |
| Senior | $134,000 |
What is the salary range of electronic engineers?
| US | $73,000-$134,000 |
| Germany | €32,000-€80,000 |
| UK | €21,000-€45,000 |
How much do freelance electronic engineers make?
electronic engineers on freelancermap charge on average:
Rates in this field range between $33 and $106/hour for most freelancers.
The daily rate for electronic engineers (8 working hours) would be around:
