An Electronics Engineer is a professional who specializes in designing, developing, and maintaining electronic systems and components. They work in various industries, including telecommunications, manufacturing, aerospace, and healthcare, to name a few. In this blog post, we describe the primary responsibilities and the most in-demand hard and soft skills for Electronics Engineers.

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Main Responsibilities of an Electronics Engineer

The following list describes the typical responsibilities of an Electronics Engineer:

Analyze

• Analyze and interpret technical specifications and drawings.

• Analyze designs, modifies, and troubleshoots electrical components and subsystems.

Anticipate

Anticipate the impact of varying conditions on system performance.

Assemble

Assemble and test new product breadboards and prototypes during the development process.

Assess

Assess and modify existing power distribution systems.

Assist in

• Assist in building and testing prototypes to specifications.

• Assist in cost reduction activities.

• Assist in debugging and resolving product-specific issues.

• Assist in inspecting, testing and adjusting electronic components.

• Assist in schematic entry and creating block diagrams.

• Assist marketing in sales presentations, catalogs, and general advertising literature.

• Assist with calibrating instruments and processing of acquired imagery.

• Assist with performing schematic design entry and PCB layouts.

Attend

Attend relevant industry conferences to keep abreast of trends.

Build

• Build prototypes of new camera models and other devices.

• Build technical & technological partnerships with IC suppliers.

• Build the power electronics team as the company grows.

Calibrate

Calibrate electronic equipment and instruments.

Collaborate with

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to determine project requirements.

• Collaborate with customers to understand their needs and specifications.

• Collaborate with manufacturing and Quality Assurance teams on reliability and safety.

• Collaborate with manufacturing teams to ensure smooth production.

• Collaborate with vendors and suppliers for component sourcing.

Collect

Collect and compile operational or experimental data.

Complete

• Complete complex tasks in creative and effective ways.

• Complete required documentation and record keeping as per Ministry standards.

Conduct

• Conduct component and system tests.

• Conduct design and performance analyses to ensure requirements.

• Conduct failure analysis and implement corrective actions.

• Conduct performance testing and debugging of electronic systems.

• Conduct product validation and verification tests.

• Conduct research and feasibility studies for new projects.

• Conduct risk analysis, develop and execute risk reduction plan.

• Conduct risk assessments and propose mitigation strategies.

• Conduct root cause analysis of field failures on hybrid components.

Contribute to

• Contribute as a member of our team for our intravascular imaging and functional measurement consoles.

• Contribute to a multidisciplinary engineering environment.

• Contribute to the development of concepts and techniques.

• Contribute to the regular and ongoing development of the Mining Engineering Program.

Create

• Create and maintain electronic schematics and layouts.

• Create and test prototypes of electronic devices.

• Create and update hybrid vehicle component test plans and procedures.

Design

• Design 200-500W battery solutions including charging and fuel gauge systems.

• Design analogue front-end systems for interfacing sensors to digital and power systems.

• Design and build development test fixtures to facilitate product evaluations.

• Design and develop electronics system to meet user requirements and product specifications.

• Design and develop critical analogue electronics for our premium detectors.

• Design and develop electronic circuits and systems.

• Design and develop mixed signal, very low power, low noise, board level products using analogue.

• Design and test power electronic converters.

• Design assemble and test printed circuit boards.

• Design calculations and simulations, early prototyping, bench testing.

• Design high performance power electronics systems controlled by mixed signal digital microprocessors.

• Design large, many-layer PCBs using ORCAD.

• Design RF / power-focused reference boards for wireless charging components and systems.

• Design schematic of application circuits to be used on PCB.

• Design test jigs and write test plans.

• Design wiring diagram with the emphasis of maintainability, usability and reliability in mind

Determine

Determine the scope of studies.

Develop

• Develop and deliver courses, labs and / or workshops in the classroom or through distance delivery.

• Develop and designs test fixtures for use with ATE and computer controlled test equipment setups.

• Develop and implement microwave system operating procedures, test procedures and documentation.

• Develop and install electrical components and systems (200 to 2,000 kVA, up to 3,000 Amps).

• Develop and maintain technical documentation and reports.

• Develop a reliable temperature monitoring system.

• Develop circuit design requirements from system or component requirements.

• Develop control system electronics.

• Develop EMC / EMI mitigating strategies.

• Develop high voltage and low voltage electrical harness architectures and wiring harness schematics.

• Develop schematics and supervise board layout.

• Develop simple multi-stage electrical design like signal amplification.

• Develop test methods and configure test equipment for Electronic products.

• Develop test plans and maintain design specifications and capabilities data.

Diagnose

Diagnose and repair defective units.

Engage

Engage in constructive conflict.

Ensure

• Ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations.

• Ensure compliance with processes and regulatory.

• Ensure compliance with safety standards (IEC 61508 / ISO26262).

• Ensure proper calibration and maintenance of testing equipment.

• Ensure reliable operation of equipment.

• Ensure the maintenance of departmental housekeeping standards.

Evaluate

• Evaluate and improve the efficiency of existing electronic systems.

• Evaluate and integrate new electronic components and modules.

• Evaluate prototypes, pre-production and production samples for function.

• Evaluate student progress and achievement using a variety of evaluative tools.

Focus

Focus on development of low and high voltage / power battery management systems.

Handle

Handle multiple priorities simultaneously.

Hire

Hire engineering managers and coordinate their training.

Identify

• Identify actions needed to improve / correct performance.

• Identify information needed.

Implement

• Implement low noise, low power analogue to digital converter front ends and converters.

• Implement quality control measures throughout the development process.

Integrate

Integrate proof of concepts into existing products and new products.

Interact with

Interact with Vehicle Controls Team to ensure proper operation of components with vehicles.

Interface with

• Interface with customers and vendors as needed.

• Interface with other engineering groups to understand priorities and plan goals accordingly.

• Interface with vendors as the technical representative and subcontracts manager.

Keep

Keep well informed of new features and products / services.

Lead

• Lead design review meetings.

• Lead the design, packaging and verification of electronic systems.

• Lead the development of control system electronics.

Maintain

• Maintain a safe and organized work environment.

• Maintain complete and comprehensive records of daily activities and reports on a weekly basis.

• Maintain existing products including part obsolescence and new feature addition.

• Maintain technical competency and remain current in technology and changes in the industry.

• Maintain the highest degree of honesty and integrity at all times.

Mentor

Mentor junior members of the team.

Model

Model harness assemblies in CAD.

Monitor

• Monitor reliability and performance of engineering processes to suggest improvements.

• Monitor supplier performance to ensure system integration and compliance with requirements.

Operate

• Operate an off-the-shelf power supply by sending controlling signals from a PLC.

• Operate as the senior electronics engineer on cross-functional engineering project teams.

Optimize

Optimize circuit design for cost, efficiency, and reliability.

Outsource

• Outsource activities and deliverables to external suppliers and partners.

• Outsource electrical activities and deliverables to external suppliers and partners.

Participate in

• Participate in design reviews and provide recommendations.

• Participate in Failure Mode and Effect Analysis of system components.

• Participate in learning resources selection.

• Participate in project planning and budgeting activities.

Perform

• Perform circuit simulations and analysis using specialized software.

• Perform design simulation, schematic capture and PCB layout.

• Perform electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) testing.

• Perform engineering investigations of failed electronic components and systems.

• Perform functional tests, and supervise EMC and EMI testing.

• Perform performance testing and analysis under the supervision of a senior engineer.

• Perform power and control simulations using software tools such as PSIM, MATLAB, etc..

• Perform product specific test and evaluation procedures.

Prepare

• Prepare and / or review test reports and related documents.

• Prepare and participates in design reviews.

• Prepare and review engineering and technical analyses, reports, and other technical documentation.

Process

Process and quality mind-set, with an appreciation of design best practices.

Promote

• Promote a positive working environment to achieve the organization's goals.

• Promote best practice and continued development across the business.

Prototype

Prototype new concepts for the future product lines.

Provide

• Provide engineering support to Production.

• Provide Failure Analysis and engineering support for Customer or Production related failures.

• Provide other required support to the new product development engineering team.

• Provide technical advice to suppliers, assess potential supplier capabilities.

• Provide technical leadership in the realm of power design and participate in project team meetings.

• Provide technical support and guidance to team members.

Represent

Represent the department as a lead technician.

Research

• Research and design state of the art analogue electronics using applied physics and mathematics.

• Research and document relay test results.

• Research and learn about the technology and tasks.

• Research designs and makes decisions based on components, topologies, control techniques, etc..

• Research new technologies and create cost-effective applications for existing technologies.

• Research specific technology advances for potential application to company business needs.

Review

• Review existing and / or development of new systems and tooling calibration / maintenance procedures.

• Review technical publication deficiency reports and update publications as necessary.

Select

• Select and procure electronic components for system assembly.

• Select and validate parts.

Simulate

• Simulate analogue systems using SPICE models.

• Simulate the electromagnetic behavior of the prototype and enhance the design of the waveguides.

Stay updated with

Stay updated with emerging technologies and industry trends.

Support

• Support electrical-related continuous and development engineering activities for NCR products.

• Support embedded firmware development for our cutting-edge battery management systems.

• Support product quality analysis & improvement in FCR execution.

• Support technical documentation.

• Support testing engineers in the definition of test specifications.

• Support the development of technical specifications and requirements.

• Support the development of test plans and perform testing of devices and components.

Teach

Teach suppliers about Philips design and manufacturing standards.

Test

Test the temperature and moisture monitoring systems on the prototype.

Track

Track project time lines to complete tasks on schedule.

Troubleshoot

• Troubleshoot and diagnose issues in electronic systems.

• Troubleshoot and repair PC boards down to the component level.

• Troubleshoot and repair product samples and field returns.

• Troubleshoot relay and data system designs.

Understand

• Understand cost structure, drive towards minimizing product cost.

• Understand system requirements for electrical and mechanical systems on the equipment.

• Understand technical design requirements and specifications.

• Understand the importance of clear communication adapted in a manner suitable for the audience.

Validate

Validate your design through reviews, product testing, and detailed analysis.

Verify

• Verify designs through analysis and testing.

• Verify supplier's deliverables.

Work with

• Work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure system designs are cohesive, on-time and on-cost.

• Work may support a variety of applications including radar, communications, SIGINT, ELINT, etc..

• Work on Technology Advancement projects, and with the Chief Technologist.

• Work with, develop and enhance microprocessor based product designs.

• Work with fellow electrical engineers on controls circuit design.

• Work within a multidisciplinary team with multiple priorities and product design needs.

• Work with Lead Delivery managers to promote effective cross-functional delivery.

• Work with the engineering team to design a product satisfying specified requirements.

• Work with the firmware team to set up evaluation boards.

• Work with the software team on control algorithms.

• Work with UL, CE, SAE, CHAdeMO and other standards to ensure designs meet all requirements.

Write

• Write Engineering Change Orders.

• Write or update assembly procurement specifications and other engineering documents.

• Write reports on all of the above for external review.

Most In-demand Hard Skills

The following list describes the most required technical skills of an Electronics Engineer:

1. Proficiency in circuit design and analysis software (e.g., Altium, Cadence).

2. Knowledge of analog and digital electronics.

3. Familiarity with microcontrollers and programmable logic devices.

4. Competence in PCB layout design and fabrication.

5. Understanding of electromagnetic theory and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) principles.

6. Ability to use electronic design automation (EDA) tools.

7. Knowledge of signal processing techniques and algorithms.

8. Competence in firmware and embedded systems programming.

9. Proficiency in using electronic test and measurement equipment (e.g., oscilloscopes, multimeters).

10. Understanding of power electronics and energy conversion.

11. Knowledge of wireless communication systems (e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi).

12. Familiarity with integrated circuit (IC) design and fabrication processes.

13. Competence in programming languages such as C, C++, and Python.

14. Proficiency in using simulation and modeling software (e.g., SPICE, MATLAB).

15. Understanding of system-level integration and testing.

16. Knowledge of digital signal processing (DSP) algorithms.

17. Familiarity with hardware description languages (e.g., VHDL, Verilog).

18. Competence in designing for high-speed digital circuits.

19. Understanding of electronic packaging and thermal management.

20. Knowledge of industrial standards and compliance requirements.

Most In-demand Soft Skills

The following list describes the most required soft skills of an Electronics Engineer:

1. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

2. Effective communication and presentation abilities.

3. Attention to detail and accuracy in work.

4. Ability to work in cross-functional teams.

5. Time management and project planning skills.

6. Adaptability and flexibility in a dynamic work environment.

7. Continuous learning mindset and curiosity.

8. Collaboration and teamwork capabilities.

9. Creativity in finding innovative solutions.

10. Strong work ethic and commitment to quality.

Conclusion

Becoming an Electronics Engineer requires a combination of technical expertise and essential soft skills. By excelling in their responsibilities and possessing the required skills, Electronics Engineers can contribute to the development and advancement of various electronic systems and technologies.