Electronic engineer
Job description
Electronic Engineering is concerned mainly with the systems used for the transmission and processing of information of all kinds, from simple control circuits to complex international satellite digital telecommunications systems. It includes analogue and digital television systems, portable computers, super computers and sophisticated space exploration systems. Electronic engineers invent and design the technology that underpins all these areas. They are involved with the design, manufacture and application of electronic components, in particular, semiconductor microchips. Their work is central to industrial automation and encompasses areas such as robotics, artificial intelligence and satellite launching and position control.
Work activities
- Using a mix of science and mathematics along with engineering techniques to design, produce, install and maintain the transmitters, aerials and satellite equipment that modern telecommunications systems need.
- Designing and managing equipment used to control and monitor processes, systems and machinery in many different areas.
- Using systems to control pressures and temperatures and to manage waste in manufacturing industries.
- Writing specifications and testing theoretical designs to create user-friendly interfaces.
- Planning projects and preparing and managing budgets.
- Writing technical reports and keeping up to date with developments in technologies and regulations.
- Evaluating operational systems and recommending design modifications to eliminate causes of malfunctions or changes in system requirements.
- Using computer-assisted engineering and design software and equipment to perform engineering tasks.
Work conditions
Travel: during the working day may be frequent.
Working hours: regular office hours with occasional long days and some weekends depending on project deadlines.
Location: mainly in manufacturing towns and cities.
Opportunities for self-employment: sometimes possible.
Typical employers
- Electronics and electrical manufacturers
- Local authorities
- Research and educational institutions
- Telecommunications and other engineering industries.
Career development
A career as an engineer can lead you in many directions, and the long-term opportunities are excellent. For those with strong initiative, interpersonal, team work and project-management skills opportunities exist to move into managerial roles.
Salaries
Salaries will vary depending on employer, industry sector and experience. An electronics engineer can expect to earn a salary somewhere between €30,000 and €60,000 (Republic of Ireland) or £20,000 and £45,000 (Northern Ireland).
Entry requirements and training
Engineers who graduate from 2013 and wish to become chartered engineers will need to hold an accredited masters degree (level 9), or equivalent. Level 8 bachelor degrees will, from 2013, satisfy the requirements for Institution of Engineers Ireland membership only.
Specific degree subjects required
- Electronics engineering
- Communications engineering
- Telecommunications engineering.