Electronics Engineers, Except Computer

17-2072.00

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.

Occupation-Specific Information

Tasks

• 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.
• Prepare, review, or maintain maintenance schedules, design documentation, or operational reports or charts.
• Inspect electronic equipment, instruments, products, or systems to ensure conformance to specifications, safety standards, or applicable codes or regulations.
• Determine project material or equipment needs.
• 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.
• Plan or develop applications or modifications for electronic properties used in components, products, or systems to improve technical performance.
• Research or develop electronics technologies for use in electric-drive vehicles.
• Prepare engineering sketches or specifications for construction, relocation, or installation of equipment, facilities, products, or systems.
• Prepare budget or cost estimates for equipment, construction, or installation projects or control expenditures.
• Investigate green consumer electronics applications for consumer electronic devices, power saving devices for computers or televisions, or energy efficient power chargers.
• 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.
• Research or develop new green electronics technologies, such as lighting, optical data storage devices, or energy efficient televisions.

Technology Skills

• Analytical or scientific software - Ansoft Simplorer; Cadence PSpice; MathWorks Simulink; Synopsys Saber; The MathWorks MATLAB ; Very high speed integrated circuit VHSIC hardware description language VHDL simulation software; Visual Numerics PV-WAVE
• Compiler and decompiler software - Rabbit Semiconductor Dynamic C
• Computer aided design CAD software - Autodesk AutoCAD 🔥; Dassault Systemes CATIA; Dassault Systemes SolidWorks 🔥; Field programmable gate array FPGA design software; Mathsoft Mathcad; Mentor Graphics PADS; OrCAD Capture; Three-dimensional 3D computer aided design CAD software; Two-dimensional 2D computer aided design CAD software; Xilinx Integrated Software Environment ISE
• Data base user interface and query software - Oracle Database 🔥; Structured query language SQL 🔥
• Development environment software - C ; Canu; Formula translation/translator FORTRAN; National Instruments LabVIEW; SystemVerilog; Verilog; Very high-speed integrated circuit VHSIC hardware description language VHDL
• Electronic mail software - IBM Lotus Notes
• Enterprise application integration software - Extensible markup language XML 🔥
• Enterprise resource planning ERP software - Agile Product Lifecyle Management PLM
• File versioning software - Apache Subversion SVN 🔥
• Geographic information system - ESRI ArcGIS software 🔥
• Graphics or photo imaging software - Graphics software; Trimble SketchUp Pro 🔥
• Industrial control software - Supervisory control and data acquisition SCADA software
• Internet browser software - Web browser software
• Object or component oriented development software - C++ ; Embarcadero Delphi; Microsoft Visual Basic.NET; Microsoft Visual C# .NET; Oracle Java 🔥; Python
• Office suite software - Microsoft Office software
• Operating system software - Hewlett-Packard HP OpenVMS; Linux 🔥; Magellan Firmware; Real time operating system RTOS software; UNIX 🔥
• Presentation software - Microsoft PowerPoint 🔥
• Project management software - McCabe Software TRUEchange
• Spreadsheet software - Microsoft Excel
• Word processing software - Microsoft Word 🔥

Occupational Requirements

Work Activities

• Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials - Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
• Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information - Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
• Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People - Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
• Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards - Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
• Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Thinking Creatively - Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Developing Objectives and Strategies - Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
• Scheduling Work and Activities - Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
• Performing General Physical Activities - Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
• Handling and Moving Objects - Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
• Controlling Machines and Processes - Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
• Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment - Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
• Working with Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment - Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
• Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment - Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
• Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment - Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
• Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others - Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Communicating with People Outside the Organization - Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
• Assisting and Caring for Others - Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
• Selling or Influencing Others - Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
• Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others - Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
• Performing for or Working Directly with the Public - Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
• Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others - Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
• Developing and Building Teams - Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
• Training and Teaching Others - Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
• Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates - Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
• Coaching and Developing Others - Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
• Providing Consultation and Advice to Others - Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
• Performing Administrative Activities - Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
• Staffing Organizational Units - Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
• Monitoring and Controlling Resources - Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

Detailed Work Activities

• Design electronic or computer equipment or instrumentation.
• Operate computer systems.
• Evaluate characteristics of equipment or systems.
• Direct industrial production activities.
• Confer with technical personnel to prepare designs or operational plans.
• Communicate technical information to suppliers, contractors, or regulatory agencies.
• Discuss designs or plans with clients.
• Advise customers on the use of products or services.
• Provide technical guidance to other personnel.
• Recommend technical design or process changes to improve efficiency, quality, or performance.
• Document technical design details.
• Test products for functionality or quality.
• Analyze design requirements for computer or electronics systems.
• Schedule operational activities.
• Prepare operational reports.
• Inspect finished products to locate flaws.
• Estimate technical or resource requirements for development or production projects.
• Determine operational criteria or specifications.
• Research design or application of green technologies.
• Create schematic drawings for electronics.
• Estimate operational costs.
• Prepare project budgets.
• Explain project details to the general public.