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Electronics Engineer

Electronics engineers design, develop, test and maintain electronic parts and systems used in computers, communications, navigation, industry and entertainment.

TASKS

Electronics engineers may perform the following tasks:

design circuits for electronic control systems and instrumentation
prepare and supervise designs, specifications, estimates, tenders and contracts
programme and operate computers to assist with complex calculations
determine the type and arrangement of circuit parts and develop testing equipment and methods
determine the type of installation, location, layout and transmission medium by assessing communication traffic and levels of service at installations
determine and monitor performance, safety standards and methods for modification, maintenance and repair
check installations to ensure they meet contract conditions
research new applications of technology
talk to clients, other engineers, technical officers, technicians, tradespeople and other workers

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

aptitude for technical activities
good leadership skills
able to identify, analyse and solve problems
good oral and written communication skills
enjoy computing and technical design
practical and creative
able to work independently and accept responsibility

Interest Area

EDUCATION & TRAINING

To become an electronics engineer you usually have to study electronic engineering at university. To get into these courses you usually need to gain your HSC/ACT Year 12. Prerequisite subjects, or assumed knowledge, in one or more of English, mathematics, chemistry and physics are normally required. A number of universities in Australia offer degrees in electronic engineering.

Universities have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements or offer external study. Contact the universities you are interested in for more information as requirements may change.

Additional Information

Graduates may be eligible for membership of Engineers Australia. Visit their website for more details.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Electronics engineers work in industries such as communications, aviation, defence, robotics, information technology, biomedical engineering and meteorology.

Employment opportunities exist with federal, state and territory government departments and authorities. Electronics engineers are also employed in private industry developing equipment for various industrial purposes; in hospitals; in radio and television stations; in the manufacture of electronic equipment, particularly in the computer field; and as sales engineers. Some may work in research laboratories and in universities and colleges undertaking research and teaching. Others set themselves up in business as consultants. Electronics engineers may be promoted to senior managerial positions.

New opportunities are arising in the areas of entertainment, transport and telecommunications.