Electronics engineer
Also known as: electronics engineering specialist, electronics engineering expert, electronic technology engineering expert, electronic technology engineer, electronic technology engineering specialist, electronic engineer
About this occupation
Electronic engineers research, design, and develop electronic systems such as circuits, semiconductor devices, and equipment that use electricity as a source of power. They work with capacitators, transistors, diodes or resistors to create electronic circuits and applications of use in fields such as telecommunications, acoustics, instruments, and control.
Essential skills and knowledge
- create technical plans
- design electronic systems
- execute feasibility study
- types of electronics
- develop electronic test procedures
- environmental threats
- electricity principles
- write technical reports
- perform scientific research
- mathematics
- environmental legislation
- design electrical systems
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Electronics Engineers, Except Computer (O*NET 17-2072.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- 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.
- Typical education (US)
- Bachelor's Degree
- Preparation
- Job Zone 4 of 5
- Interests
- Realistic, Investigative, Conventional
Top skills: Reading Comprehension, Critical Thinking, Complex Problem Solving, Speaking, Active Listening, Judgment and Decision Making
US median pay: US$130,220 a year (2025), 96,900 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsExtremely important (4.5)
- Design and TechnologyO*NET: Design + Engineering and TechnologyExtremely important (4.5)
- Technical DrawingO*NET: DesignVery important (4.3)
- Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsVery important (4.0)
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (3.8)
- MetalworkO*NET: MechanicalImportant (3.2)
- PhysicsO*NET: PhysicsImportant (3.2)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. 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. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- Bachelor's Degree
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. 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. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians
- Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment
- Electrical Engineers
- Mechatronics Engineers
- Radio Frequency Identification Device Specialists
- Mechanical Engineers
- Photonics Engineers
- Robotics Engineers
- Industrial Engineers
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. 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. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.