How To Become An Electronics Engineer
An electronics engineer comes up with different types of electronics equipment that can be used commercially, medically, scientifically and industrially. You will also get the chance to design electronic parts and software for various products.
Before you can make electronics products, you will first need to determine what the client needs. Based on these preliminary discussions, you will then come up with a plan that will detail the materials needed and the cost to finish the project. You will also be responsible for determining the requirements of the equipment’s electrical system and its technical capacity.
After doing the necessary research on the principles behind a particular project and studying electronic equipment bearing similarities to the one proposed, you will then put the plan on paper. The documentation you prepare for the client will provide such detailed information as a description of the parts of the equipment as well as its specifications. You will provide specifics on how to develop the project, the timeline of production and the proposed budget. You will also include the possible issues that may be encountered while the project is being developed.
After the prototype of a project has been produced, you will need to assess and test the final product so you are assured that it will perform as planned. You will compare the equipment’s performance with the criteria established beforehand, such as its technical capacity and durability, for example. Only when you are assured that you have a quality electronics product in your hands will you present it to your client.
To succeed as an electronics engineer, you need to be able to concentrate on your work for long periods of time. There are many elements of design and technical details that you need to be mindful of when designing an electronic equipment or component. You must also be able to translate your academic knowledge to practical use. Electronics engineers also need to have strong math skills since advanced math topics are needed to design and troubleshoot electronics equipment and components. Having excellent interpersonal and communication skills are also important since you will be working with other engineers and other technicians.
Why Become An Electronics Engineer
A career as an electronics engineer is well-suited for those who are really interested in all things electronic and electrical. The opportunity to put one’s engineering and technological knowledge to practical use also makes this career very fulfilling for inclined individuals. This is also a profession that offers lucrative pay.
Electronics Engineer Work Environment
Many electronics engineers work in the telecommunications industry. The federal government also hires electronics engineers. Others find work in architectural and engineering firms, semiconductor and electronic component manufacturing and navigational instruments manufacturing and related fields. The work is often full-time and done in their offices, except when they are required to visit electronic equipment in a particular site or check on the progress during the manufacturing process.
Electronics Engineer Salary
The Occupational Employment and Wages report of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics revealed that the mean annual wage of electronics engineers, except computer, is $97,870. This is a bit higher than the $93,380 received by electrical engineers yearly.
Electronics Engineer Career Outlook
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has projected that the employment rate of electronics engineers for the period covering 2012 to 2022 is three percent, a rate that is slower than the national average for all job types. The field of emerging technology will spur the need for both electrical and electronics engineers.
Electronics Engineer Degree
A bachelor’s degree in electronics engineering is the educational preparation one needs to get an entry-level job as an electronics engineer. Cooperative programs in electronics engineering offered in some colleges and universities enable students to have actual work experience while learning the lessons and theories in the classroom at the same time. Although electronics and electrical engineers don’t usually get licensed, it is advisable to get the designation of a “Professional Engineer” to improve one’s chances of getting employment and be able to work with firms that have deals with governments at the local, state and federal levels. Licensure typically entails a bachelors’ degree in the field, having work experience and passing two exams.
