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Occupation AtlasElectronics Engineers, Except Computer

O*NET · 17-2072.00

Electronics Engineers, Except Computer

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 called Antenna Engineer · Audio Visual Engineer (AV Engineer) · Audio Visual Manager · Automation Engineer · AV Engineer · Central Office Equipment Engineer · Central Office Facilities Planning Engineer · Circuit Design Engineer
49 more

Circuit Designer · Commercial Engineer · Communications Engineer · Compatibility Test Engineer · Control Systems Engineer · Customer Equipment Engineer · Design Engineer · Dial Equipment Engineer · EDA Engineer · Electrical Electronics Engineers · Electronic Design Automation Engineer (EDA Engineer) · Electronic Design Engineer · Electronic Hardware Engineer · Electronic Parts Designer · Electronic Systems Engineer · Electronics Design Engineer · Electronics Research Engineer · Electronics Test Engineer · Electrophonic Engineer · Engineer · Equipment Engineer · Evaluation Engineer · Field Engineer · Field Programmable Gate Array Verification Engineer (FPGA Verification Engineer) · Field Service Engineer · FPGA Engineer · FPGA Engineer (Field-Programmable Gate Array Engineer) · FPGA Verification Engineer · Guidance and Control Systems Engineer · IC Design Engineer · Integrated Circuit Design Engineer (IC Design Engineer) · Microwave Engineer · Outside Plant Cable Engineer · Outside Plant Engineer · Power Electronics Engineer · Product Engineer · R and D Engineer · Radar Engineer · Radio Frequency Design Engineer (RF Design Engineer) · Radio Frequency Engineer (RF Engineer) · Research and Development Engineer (R and D Engineer) · RF Design Engineer · RF Engineer · Studio Operations Engineer · Telecommunications Engineer · Test Engineer · Traffic Circuit Engineer · Transmission and Protection Engineer · Transmitter Engineer

Job Zone 4 — Considerable Preparation NeededHolland code RIC35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Fuel Cell Engineers

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 4: Considerable Preparation Needed

Considerable preparation. Usually a bachelor's degree plus several years of work-related experience, knowledge, or training.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

RICRealistic · Investigative · Conventional — the three strongest interests, in order

  • R Realistic6.24
  • I Investigative5.81
  • C Conventional4.68
  • A Artistic2.03
  • E Enterprising1.62
  • S Social1.59

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree14%
  • Bachelor's Degree83%
  • Master's Degree3%
Related work experience
Over 4 years, up to and including 6 years (34%)
On-site or in-plant training
Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months (24%)
On-the-job training
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years (33%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Complex Problem Solving4.04.1Level 4 looks like: Redesign a floor layout to take advantage of new manufacturing techniques
  • Critical Thinkingbasic4.04.1Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
  • Reading Comprehensionbasic4.04.1Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
  • Speakingbasic3.94.0Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
  • Active Listeningbasic3.84.0Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
  • Judgment and Decision Making3.83.9Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a loan application for degree of risk
  • Systems Analysis3.83.9Level 4 looks like: Determine how a new piece of equipment will affect production rates
  • Mathematicsbasic3.54.1Level 4 looks like: Calculate the square footage of a new home under construction
  • Writingbasic3.54.0Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
  • Systems Evaluation3.44.0Level 4 looks like: Identify the reasons why a client might be unhappy with a product
  • Monitoringbasic3.43.8Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
  • Operations Analysis3.33.5Level 4 looks like: Suggest changes in software to make a system more user friendly
Show the other 23
  • Active Learningbasic3.14.0Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
  • Quality Control Analysis3.13.9Level 4 looks like: Assess new parts for precision and accuracy to specifications
  • Operations Monitoring3.03.4Level 4 looks like: Monitor machine functions on an automated production line
  • Instructing3.03.3Level 4 looks like: Instruct a coworker in how to operate a software program
  • Sciencebasic3.03.3Level 4 looks like: Conduct product tests to ensure safety standards are met
  • Technology Design3.03.3Level 4 looks like: Redesign the handle on a hand tool for easier gripping
  • Coordination3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Work with others to put a new roof on a house
  • Troubleshooting3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Identify the circuit causing an electrical system to fail
  • Learning Strategiesbasic3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
  • Equipment Selection2.93.1Level 4 looks like: Choose a software application to complete a work assignment
  • Equipment Maintenance2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Add oil to an engine as indicated by a warning light
  • Operation and Control2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Navigate the settings on an office printer to print on both sides of the paper
  • Persuasion2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
  • Social Perceptiveness2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
  • Service Orientation2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
  • Negotiation2.83.0Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
  • Repairing2.83.0Level 2 looks like: Tighten a screw to get a door to close properly
  • Management of Personnel Resources2.82.9Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
  • Programming2.82.9Level 2 looks like: Write a program to sort objects in a database
  • Time Management2.82.9Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
  • Management of Material Resources2.82.8Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
  • Management of Financial Resources2.02.3Level 2 looks like: Use available funds to buy office supplies and record the amount of the purchase
  • Installation1.60.8

Tasks

13 core · 7 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Design electronic components, software, products, or systems for commercial, industrial, medical, military, or scientific applications.4.1
  2. Operate computer-assisted engineering or design software or equipment to perform electronics engineering tasks.4.1
  3. Evaluate project work to ensure effectiveness, technical adequacy, or compatibility in the resolution of complex electronics engineering problems.4.0
  4. Direct or coordinate activities concerned with manufacture, construction, installation, maintenance, operation, or modification of electronic equipment, products, or systems.3.8
  5. Confer with engineers, customers, vendors, or others to discuss existing or potential electronics engineering projects or products.3.7
  6. Provide technical support or instruction to staff or customers regarding electronics equipment standards.3.7
  7. 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.3.6
  8. Recommend repair or design modifications of electronics components or systems, based on factors such as environment, service, cost, or system capabilities.3.6
  9. Develop or perform operational, maintenance, or testing procedures for electronic products, components, equipment, or systems.3.4
  10. Analyze electronics system requirements, capacity, cost, or customer needs to determine project feasibility.3.4
  11. Prepare, review, or maintain maintenance schedules, design documentation, or operational reports or charts.3.3
  12. Inspect electronic equipment, instruments, products, or systems to ensure conformance to specifications, safety standards, or applicable codes or regulations.3.2
Show the other 8
  1. Determine project material or equipment needs.3.1
  2. 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.3.5
  3. Plan or develop applications or modifications for electronic properties used in components, products, or systems to improve technical performance.3.4
  4. Prepare engineering sketches or specifications for construction, relocation, or installation of equipment, facilities, products, or systems.2.9
  5. Prepare budget or cost estimates for equipment, construction, or installation projects or control expenditures.2.9
  6. 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.2.4
  7. Investigate green consumer electronics applications for consumer electronic devices, power saving devices for computers or televisions, or energy efficient power chargers.2.4
  8. Research or develop new green electronics technologies, such as lighting, optical data storage devices, or energy efficient televisions.2.4

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Engineering and Technology4.86.2Level 7 looks like: Plan for the impact of weather in designing a bridge
  • Computers and Electronics4.66.1Level 7 looks like: Create a program to scan a computer for viruses
  • Design4.36.2Level 7 looks like: Develop detailed plans for a high-rise office building
  • Mathematics4.05.4Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
  • English Language3.84.0Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
  • Mechanical3.24.3Level 4 looks like: Replace a valve on a steam pipe
  • Physics3.24.5Level 4 looks like: Calculate the speed of a falling object
  • Education and Training3.03.7Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
Show all 33
  • Production and Processing2.82.8
  • Administration and Management2.73.5Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
  • Law and Government2.72.6
  • Customer and Personal Service2.62.6
  • Telecommunications2.51.8Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • Chemistry2.42.7
  • Public Safety and Security2.42.4Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
  • Sales and Marketing2.22.1Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
  • Administrative2.12.8
  • Building and Construction2.12.0Level 1 looks like: Choose the proper type of wood for adding a deck onto a house
  • Personnel and Human Resources2.12.1Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
  • Economics and Accounting1.91.7Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
  • Communications and Media1.81.4Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
  • Foreign Language1.51.0Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
  • Geography1.51.2Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
  • Psychology1.51.3Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
  • Biology1.4—
  • Therapy and Counseling1.40.6Level 1 looks like: Put ice on a sprained ankle
  • Transportation1.40.7Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
  • Medicine and Dentistry1.30.4Level 1 looks like: Use a band-aid
  • Sociology and Anthropology1.30.8Level 1 looks like: Identify two cultures in a story as being different
  • History and Archeology1.2—
  • Fine Arts1.1—
  • Philosophy and Theology1.1—
  • Food Production1.0—

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Deductive Reasoning4.04.3Level 5 looks like: Decide what factors to consider in selecting stocks
  • Inductive Reasoning4.04.3Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
  • Information Ordering4.04.1
  • Near Vision4.04.1Level 5 looks like: Read the fine print of a legal document
  • Oral Comprehension4.04.4Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Oral Expression4.04.3Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
  • Written Comprehension4.04.4Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
  • Problem Sensitivity3.94.1Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
Show all 52
  • Written Expression3.94.1Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
  • Mathematical Reasoning3.84.1Level 4 looks like: Decide how to calculate profits to determine the amounts of yearly bonuses
  • Category Flexibility3.54.1Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Fluency of Ideas3.53.9Level 4 looks like: Think of as many ideas as possible for the name of a new company
  • Originality3.44.0Level 4 looks like: Redesign job tasks to be interesting for employees
  • Visualization3.44.1Level 4 looks like: Follow a diagram to assemble a metal storage cabinet
  • Number Facility3.33.4Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
  • Speech Recognition3.33.1Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
  • Flexibility of Closure3.13.4Level 4 looks like: Look for a golf ball in tall grass
  • Speech Clarity3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Thread a needle
  • Finger Dexterity3.03.3Level 4 looks like: Attach small dials to audio equipment on an assembly line
  • Perceptual Speed3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
  • Speed of Closure3.03.0Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Manual Dexterity2.92.9
  • Selective Attention2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
  • Visual Color Discrimination2.93.3Level 4 looks like: Trace electrical circuits marked by various colored wires
  • Far Vision2.82.9Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
  • Memorization2.82.9
  • Time Sharing2.82.5Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
  • Hearing Sensitivity2.62.6Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Control Precision2.52.9Level 2 looks like: Adjust a room light with a dimmer switch
  • Wrist-Finger Speed2.01.8Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
  • Auditory Attention1.91.8Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Depth Perception1.91.8Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
  • Extent Flexibility1.81.1Level 2 looks like: Reach to adjust the radio in a car
  • Rate Control1.81.0Level 1 looks like: Ride a bicycle alongside a jogger
  • Reaction Time1.81.5Level 2 looks like: Start to slow down the car when a traffic light turns yellow
  • Trunk Strength1.81.4Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Multilimb Coordination1.61.1Level 2 looks like: Row a boat
  • Response Orientation1.61.0Level 2 looks like: When a doorbell and phone ring at the same time, quickly select which to answer first
  • Static Strength1.50.5Level 1 looks like: Push an empty shopping cart
  • Dynamic Strength1.3—
  • Stamina1.3—
  • Gross Body Equilibrium1.1—
  • Dynamic Flexibility1.0—
  • Explosive Strength1.0—
  • Glare Sensitivity1.0—
  • Gross Body Coordination1.0—
  • Night Vision1.0—
  • Peripheral Vision1.0—
  • Sound Localization1.0—
  • Spatial Orientation1.0—
  • Speed of Limb Movement1.0—

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Working with Computers4.54.7Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
  • Analyzing Data or Information4.45.3Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment4.35.6
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems4.25.0Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
  • Getting Information4.14.4Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
  • Processing Information4.05.4Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
  • Documenting/Recording Information3.94.8Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events3.94.5Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
Show all 41
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates3.84.6Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Thinking Creatively3.85.3Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards3.74.1Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge3.75.0Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others3.64.5Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment3.65.2Level 4 looks like: Make repairs by removing and replacing circuit boards
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization3.54.4Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships3.54.2Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings3.54.4Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Controlling Machines and Processes3.44.6Level 4 looks like: Operate a drilling rig
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work3.44.9Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies3.33.9Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others3.24.0Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information3.13.7Level 4 looks like: Estimate the time required to evacuate a city in the event of a major disaster
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials3.13.7Level 4 looks like: Inspect equipment in a chemical processing plant
  • Scheduling Work and Activities3.13.6Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
  • Developing and Building Teams3.03.0Level 4 looks like: Lead an assembly team in an automobile plant
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People2.93.9Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources2.93.2Level 4 looks like: Work as a chef responsible for ordering food for the menu
  • Training and Teaching Others2.93.0Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment2.73.6Level 4 looks like: Change the oil on a tractor
  • Coaching and Developing Others2.63.0Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others2.52.8
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates2.32.0Level 1 looks like: Work occasionally as a backup supervisor
  • Handling and Moving Objects2.32.9
  • Performing Administrative Activities2.32.6
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others2.32.5Level 1 looks like: Apologize to a customer who complains about waiting too long
  • Selling or Influencing Others2.32.6
  • Assisting and Caring for Others2.12.0Level 1 looks like: Help a coworker complete an assignment
  • Performing General Physical Activities2.12.1Level 1 looks like: Walk between workstations in a small office
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment2.01.6Level 1 looks like: Drive a car
  • Staffing Organizational Units1.81.0Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public1.3—

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • E-Mail4.6
  • Freedom to Make Decisions4.6
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.5
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled4.4
  • Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team4.3
  • Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals4.2
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate4.2
  • Spend Time Sitting4.2
  • Contact With Others3.7
  • Telephone Conversations3.5

Technology

52 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

In demand (4)

  • Microsoft Excelhot
  • Microsoft Office softwarehot
  • Pythonhot
  • The MathWorks MATLABhot

Hot (15; 4 more marked hot above)

  • Apache Subversion SVN
  • Autodesk AutoCAD
  • C
  • C++
  • Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
  • ESRI ArcGIS software
  • Extensible markup language XML
  • Linux
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Word
  • Oracle Database
  • Oracle Java
  • Structured query language SQL
  • Trimble SketchUp Pro
  • UNIX
Other tools (33)
  • Agile Product Lifecyle Management PLM
  • Ansoft Simplorer
  • Cadence PSpice
  • Canu
  • Dassault Systemes CATIA
  • Embarcadero Delphi
  • Field programmable gate array FPGA design software
  • Formula translation/translator FORTRAN
  • Graphics software
  • Hewlett-Packard HP OpenVMS
  • IBM Lotus Notes
  • Magellan Firmware
  • Mathsoft Mathcad
  • MathWorks Simulink
  • McCabe Software TRUEchange
  • Mentor Graphics PADS
  • Microsoft Visual Basic.NET
  • Microsoft Visual C# .NET
  • National Instruments LabVIEW
  • OrCAD Capture
  • Rabbit Semiconductor Dynamic C
  • Real time operating system RTOS software
  • Supervisory control and data acquisition SCADA software
  • Synopsys Saber
  • SystemVerilog
  • Three-dimensional 3D computer aided design CAD software
  • Two-dimensional 2D computer aided design CAD software
  • Verilog
  • Very high speed integrated circuit VHSIC hardware description language VHDL simulation software
  • Very high-speed integrated circuit VHSIC hardware description language VHDL
  • Visual Numerics PV-WAVE
  • Web browser software
  • Xilinx Integrated Software Environment ISE

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

  1. Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians
  2. Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment
  3. Electrical Engineers
  4. Microsystems Engineers
  5. Mechatronics Engineers
  6. Radio Frequency Identification Device Specialists
  7. Mechanical Engineers
  8. Photonics Engineers
  9. Robotics Engineers
  10. Industrial Engineers

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.