Architecture & Engineering
Electronics Engineers, Except Computer
Also called: Compatibility Test Engineer, Design Engineer, Electronics Design Engineer, Engineer
US median pay
$130,220
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
+3.7%
about average or slower
Openings a year (US)
4,900
98,200 employed
Typical entry education
Bachelor's degree
Preparation 4/5 · Considerable preparation
What this job is
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.
What they do day to day
- Design electronic components, software, products, or systems for commercial, industrial, medical, military, or scientific applications.
- Operate computer-assisted engineering or design software or equipment to perform electronics engineering tasks.
- Evaluate project work to ensure effectiveness, technical adequacy, or compatibility in the resolution of complex electronics engineering problems.
- Direct or coordinate activities concerned with manufacture, construction, installation, maintenance, operation, or modification of electronic equipment, products, or systems.
- Confer with engineers, customers, vendors, or others to discuss existing or potential electronics engineering projects or products.
- Provide technical support or instruction to staff or customers regarding electronics equipment standards.
- Recommend repair or design modifications of electronics components or systems, based on factors such as environment, service, cost, or system capabilities.
- 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.
- Develop or perform operational, maintenance, or testing procedures for electronic products, components, equipment, or systems.
- Analyze electronics system requirements, capacity, cost, or customer needs to determine project feasibility.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Complex Problem Solving4.0/5
- Systems Analysis3.8/5
- Judgment and Decision Making3.8/5
- Systems Evaluation3.4/5
- Operations Analysis3.2/5
- Quality Control Analysis3.1/5
- Troubleshooting3.0/5
- Technology Design3.0/5
Knowledge
- Engineering and Technology4.8/5
- Computers and Electronics4.5/5
- Design4.3/5
- Mathematics4.0/5
- English Language3.8/5
- Mechanical3.2/5
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 4 of 5 — Considerable preparation. Usually a bachelor's degree and several years of related experience.
Typical entry education (BLS): Bachelor's degree.
Highest education of people in this job:
- Bachelor's degree83%
- Associate's degree14%
Who this job suits
Mostly Realistic
Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals
Investigative
Ideas, research and solving problems
Conventional
Organising data, details and procedures
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.