Electronic Engineering
From geographical information systems that can continuously provide the location of a vehicle, to giant electric power generators, electrical and electronics engineers are responsible for a wide range of technologies. Electrical and electronics engineers design, develop, test, and supervise the manufacture of electrical and electronic equipment. Some of this equipment includes power generating, controlling, and transmission devices used by electric utilities; and electric motors, machinery controls, lighting, and wiring in buildings, automobiles, aircraft, radar and navigation systems, and broadcast and communications systems. Many electrical and electronics engineers also work in areas closely related to computers. However, engineers whose work is related exclusively to computer hardware are known as computer hardware engineers.
Electrical and electronics engineers specialize in different areas, such as power generation, transmission, and distribution; communications; and electrical equipment manufacturing, or a subdivision of these areas for example, industrial robot control systems or aviation electronics. Electrical and electronics engineers design new products, write performance requirements, and develop maintenance schedules. They also test equipment, solve operating problems, and estimate the time and cost of engineering projects.
Businesses and other organizations depend on complex electronic equipment for a variety of functions. Industrial controls automatically monitor and direct production processes on the factory floor. Transmitters and antennae provide communications links for many organizations. Electric power companies use electronic equipment to operate and control generating plants, substations, and monitoring equipment. The Federal Government uses radar and missile control systems to provide for the national defense and to direct commercial air traffic. These complex pieces of electronic equipment are installed, maintained, and repaired by electrical and electronics installers and repairers.
Telecommunications technology continues to saturate the electronics field, with its focus upon the transmission of voice, video and data information. Careers in this field continue to increase, as the telecommunications infrastructure moves toward less expensive materials with greater security like fiber optic cable. Electronics engineers remain on the front lines of a worldwide move toward faster and more efficient global communications systems, which include microwave, satellite, broadband and Internet technologies, to name a few . Most of our beloved everyday gadgets fall under the vast telecommunications umbrella; and the skillful creativity of electronics engineers continues to give birth to innovation.
Jobs as electronics engineers generally require at least a bachelor’s degree; and new hires usually apprentice under the supervision of experienced workers in order to gain practical on-the-job training. Apprentices are provided with thorough training in safety procedures, which increases the probability of longevity and success in this field.
