Description

An electronics hardware design engineer works for an electronics-manufacturing company by conducting research of what consumers need and want and designing cost-effective, efficient hardware that will be implemented into various types of electronics.

Designers work on designs that have the lowest cost possible for the business, yet also represent high-quality. They often are given budgets which must be followed constantly; the products also have to comply with all regulations and laws. Engineers do not just create products, but they will assist in the development and debugging hardware. Various tests and experiments must be conducted to ensure the best products. They also assist with the process of distribution.

The engineer who designs electronics hardware must be aware of any developments in the market and also what competitors are creating to create the most effective and efficient products. Collaboration is a crucial ability, since engineers typically works on teams that include employees from the company as well as external parties to tackle the design and development of products. Engineers often use computers for design, like CAD to design products and.

In general, an undergraduate qualification with a major in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering or another similar subject is needed. This is a highly specialized job that often requires years of work experience.

Roles & Responsibilities

As an Electronics Hardware Design Engineer with 3-6 years of experience in the United States, your main responsibilities include:

  • Designing and developing electronic hardware components and systems for various applications, ensuring compliance with industry standards and specifications.
  • Conducting thorough analysis and testing of electronic circuits and systems, identifying and troubleshooting any issues or failures.
  • Collaborating with cross-functional teams, including software engineers and mechanical designers, to ensure seamless integration of electronic hardware into overall product designs.
  • Participating in the product development lifecycle, from conceptualization to manufacturing, and providing technical support during the production phase.

Qualifications & Work Experience

For an Electronics Hardware Design Engineer job role, the following qualifications are required:

  • A strong command of software tools such as Cadence Allegro, Mentor Graphics, or Altium Designer is essential to design and develop complex electronic schematics, printed circuit boards (PCBs), and integrated circuits (ICs).
  • In-depth understanding of analog and digital circuit design principles, signal processing, microprocessors, and microcontrollers is crucial for designing and implementing high-performance electronic systems.
  • Hands-on expertise in PCB layout and design, including component placement, signal integrity analysis, power delivery network (PDN) design, and thermal management, is critical to ensure optimal performance, reliability, and manufacturability of electronic hardware.
  • Strong problem-solving abilities and attention to detail are necessary to identify and resolve technical issues during the hardware design and development process, as well as to conduct thorough testing and debugging of electronic circuits and systems.

Essential Skills For Electronics Hardware Design Engineer

1

Electronic Equipment Maintenance

2

Electronics Devices & Circuits

3

Electronic Troubleshooting

Skills That Affect Electronics Hardware Design Engineer Salaries

Different skills can affect your salary. Below are the most popular skills and their effect on salary.

Debugging

4%

Career Prospects

The role of an Electronics Hardware Design Engineer is essential for developing and designing electronic components. For professionals with 3-6 years of experience in the United States, there are several alternative roles worth considering. Here are following options to explore:

  • Firmware Engineer: A role focused on designing and developing embedded software that runs on electronic devices and systems.
  • Test Engineer: A position that involves creating and implementing test plans to ensure the quality and functionality of electronic hardware.
  • Product Development Engineer: A role that includes managing the entire product development lifecycle, from concept design to prototype production.
  • Systems Engineer: A position focused on integrating different hardware components into a cohesive system and ensuring their optimal performance.

How to Learn

The future for Electronics Hardware Design Engineers in the United States seems promising. The job role is expected to grow steadily in the market due to increasing technological advancements. According to a 10-year analysis, there is a positive outlook for this position, with a projected growth rate of around 6-8% annually. This growth aligns with the expanding demand for consumer electronics, IoT devices, and innovative technologies. The employment opportunities for Electronics Hardware Design Engineers are also expected to increase in the coming years, offering a wide range of prospects in various industries.