What Is an Electronics Engineer and How to Become One

By ZipRecruiter Marketplace Research Team

As an electronics engineer, you create prototypes for new products in the manufacturing industry or research field. You utilize your design, computer, manufacturing, and engineering knowledge to meet the objectives of your projects, working to develop new products that are both useful and cost effective to make. You may specialize in a specific area of electronic engineering, such as semiconductors, navigation systems, handheld devices, engines, or communication systems. Your job is to come up with ideas and create innovative products and solutions for your employer or client.

Most electronics engineer jobs require a bachelor’s degree in electronics engineering or a related field, and some electronic engineering jobs also require you to be licensed or certified in a specialized skill set. An apprenticeship or internship will provide you with an opportunity to learn the many aspects of electrical engineering in a hands-on environment to gain the skills and qualifications you need for this career. You must complete the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam after working in the field at least four years in order to become a licensed engineer.

There is a work in a wide variety of environments and industries in which you can work as an electronic engineer. Some electronic engineers do research for government agencies or universities developing a variety of electronic systems. You may also find employment within the semiconductor or communication technology industries. There are also electron engineering opportunities at manufacturing companies that use electrical systems, such as automotive manufacturing or the computer industry. The aerospace industry also employs many electronic engineers. Regardless of the industry, most of your time will be spent in an office or research facility, but you may travel to production sites as needed.

Job Summary

We are looking for an Electronics Engineer to design electrical control systems as part of our product development team. Our ideal candidate is an expert in building hardware using both analog and digital components. You design PCBs (printed circuit boards) that connect electrical components, including programmable microcontrollers. You should feel comfortable collaborating with our manufacturing team to determine project scopes, timelines, and the feasibility of producing functional products on given deadlines.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Design electrical control systems for electronics
• Develop and debug a PCB (printed circuit board) to support and connect electrical components
• Select and verify electrical components
• Test prototypes and suggest design changes as necessary
• Help define and meet product requirements

Requirements and Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or a closely related field
• Master's degree in electrical engineering a plus
• Analytical skills
• Attention to detail
• Computer proficiency