According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, electronics engineering is that branch of electrical engineering concerned with the uses of the electromagnetic spectrum and with the application of such electronic devices as integrated circuits, transistors and vacuum tubes. To put it another way, it is an engineering discipline which uses the scientific knowledge of the behavior and effects of electrons to develop components, devices, systems or equipment.
Electrical and electronic engineering technicians make up 33 per cent of all engineering technicians in the US. The salary of an electronics engineer depends on experience. The average salary range for five to nine years of experience is around $60,000 to $80,500 per annum.
An increased demand for telecommunications, computers and consumer goods, especially vehicles, has given a boost to this field. The advancements in microelectronics, satellite and optical fibre technology, analog and digital communication techniques have resulted in developing complex electronics devices, circuits and equipments capable of implementing fast and efficient telecommunication systems.
Also, the major driving force for the present day Information Technology revolution is the development in electronics engineering. Knowledge of computer hardware, networking equipment and communication systems enables electronics engineering graduates to have an edge in the IT job market. With computers being used in every field of everyday life, this is a sector they should explore.
Electronics engineers can also find avenues in the automobile industry which has seen an unimaginable growth with so many companies manufacturing four-wheelers, two-wheelers and other vehicles useful in defense or farm activities.
Real time transfer of audio and video signals is now possible with recent trends in broadband technologies. Penetration of electronics has now revolutionalised other areas like healthcare, instrumentation, automation, remote sensing and signal processing.
Graduates in electronics engineering have opportunities in government and private companies for installation, operation and maintenance of electronics equipment and systems. Defence, space and other large research organisations employ electronics engineers. Industries involved in design and fabrication of devices, integrated circuits, embedded systems and electronic equipment also provide large scale placements for engineers with this specialization.
Electronics engineering jobs require the application of engineering principle in manufacturing, designing and testing products. In fact, electronics engineers design, develop, test and supervise the manufacture of electronic equipment such as broadcast and communication systems and radar and navigation systems. Moreover, in steel, petroleum and chemical industries it is the electronic devices that direct, control and test production processes.
Healthcare industry depends on electronic instruments to perform chemical tests and to check body functions. Also, safety in transportation, factories and mines and in homes depends heavily on electronics. Electronics has a major role in improving productivity in industries like oil, energy, agriculture and so many other important sectors of the economy.
With many sectors going green, the use of technology in environmental programmes has also opened new avenues for professionals. Today, technology is growing at a rapid pace. There will always be a demand for professionals in this highly sophisticated and advanced branch of engineering to cope with this advancing technology.
