How to Become an Electronics Design Engineer

An electronics design engineer designs electronic equipment and devices, such as broadcast and communications systems. Many electronics design engineers work with computers or in areas related to computers. Electronic design engineers are required to specialize in areas like signal processing, communications and control systems. This job requires you to work with various electronic components, such as capacitors, transistors, inductors, resistors and diodes.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• High school diploma or GED
• Postsecondary education
• Professional Engineer Certification

1. Evaluate whether or not you meet the minimum requirements. You must be at least 18 years of age and possess a high school diploma or GED.
2. Visit a local community college or university. Speak with a career counselor or academic advisor about the degree requirements for this career.
3. Obtain the appropriate degree. You will need a bachelor's degree in electronics engineering or in a related engineering specialty. Alternatively, you could choose to earn a 2-year associate's degree in engineering or electronics technology first, and then work towards a bachelor's degree.
4. Choose the appropriate degree for your goals. An associate's degree prepares students for jobs that focus on practical design and production work rather than jobs that require scientific and theoretical knowledge. Visit the ABET, Inc. Website for a list of accredited engineering programs (see Resources below).
5. Become familiar with telecommunications systems, signal processing, circuits, microprocessing, control systems and transistors. You must also have strong writing skills.
6. Receive the Professional Engineer Certification. Take the first exam, which is the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam. Once you pass this exam, you will become an engineering intern or an engineer in training.
7. Complete the certification requirements. You must gain work experience in your area of specialty and take the second exam, the Principals and Practice of Engineering. Visit the National Council of Examiners for Engineering for certification information (see Resources below).
8. Locate a job by visiting the job-placement center at your school, or try the National Society of Professional Engineers website to find a job (see Resources below).

Tips & Warnings

• In order to become an electronics design engineer, develop excellent math, science and computers skills.

Who Can Help:

• Earn an Associate's, Bachelor's or Master's Degree from the University of Phoenix
• University of Phoenix, degree Programs to Fit Your Life.