Engineering vs Engineering Technology
Although terminology can be confusing, some basic differences exist between these two areas, both of which also differ from other electronics occupations discussed in previous chapters.
Electronic engineering technologists (also sometimes called technicians, although their work may be on a different level than service technicians or related workers) perform work that in some ways is similar to that done by engineers but differs in that it usually involves applications more than theory. In other words, it has more of a hands-on focus. For instance, an engineer may design a new component or piece of equipment used on an automated assembly line. The new design is turned over to an engineering technologist, who installs the new component and tests its capabilities.
Generally, less education is required to become an engineering technologist, although this is not always the case. Many community and technical colleges offer associate degrees in electronic engineering technology or related areas, which can be completed in two years of full-time study. Most engineering degrees, on the other hand, take at least four years as a full-time student to complete.
Because more education is needed and responsibilities may be greater, the following statements often are true for electronics engineering when compared to engineering technology:
- Electronics engineering may be a more difficult field to enter, with many colleges requiring that students have excellent high school grades and high scores on standardized tests (such as the ACT or SAT exam) just to get admitted to an engineering program.
- Some engineering courses are more difficult than corresponding courses in engineering technology. A deeper understanding of math and physics may be necessary.
- Not only is the minimum educational level for electronics engineers a bachelor's degree, but many engineers hold master's degrees or other advanced degrees.
- Engineers tend to earn the highest salaries of any electronics occupations.
- Engineers are more likely to move into management positions than those holding other types of electronics positions.
Duties of Engineering Technologists
Persons functioning as engineering technologists or technicians often work under the supervision of engineers, or they may work in close coordination with other types of personnel.
The Dictionary of Occupational Titles provides the following job description for an electronics technician in the engineering area:
Applies electronic theory, principles of electrical circuits, electrical testing procedures, engineering mathematics, physics, and related knowledge to lay out, build, test, troubleshoot, repair, and modify developmental and production electronic equipment, such as computers, missile-control instrumentation, and machine tool numerical controls: Discusses layout and assembly problems with electronics engineer and draws sketches to clarify design details and functional criteria of electronic units. Assembles experimental circuitry or complete prototype model according to engineering instructions, technical manuals, and knowledge of electronic systems and components and their functions. Recommends changes in circuitry or installation specifications to simplify assembly and maintenance. Sets up standard test apparatus or contrives test equipment and circuitry, and conducts functional, operational, environmental, and life tests to evaluate performance and reliability of prototype or production model. Analyzes and interprets test data. Adjusts, calibrates, aligns, and modifies circuitry and components and records effects on unit performance. Writes technical reports and develops charts, graphs, and schematics to describe and illustrate systems operating characteristics, malfunctions, deviations from design specifications, and functional limitations for consideration by professional engineering personnel in broader determinations affecting systems design and laboratory procedures. May operate bench lathes, drills and other machine tools to fabricate non-procurable items, such as coils, terminal boards, and chassis. May check out newly installed equipment in airplanes, ships, and structures to evaluate system performance under actual operating conditions. May instruct and supervise lower grade technical personnel. May be designated according to specialization in electronic applications.
Typical jobs undertaken by an electronics engineering technician may include:
- assisting an engineer in designing a prototype for a new kind of medical testing equipment
- writing specifications for a key component of a radar system
- assembling a controlling device for an automated manufacturing system
- diagnosing a problem in malfunctioning radio equipment
- adjusting and improving movement of an industrial robot
- writing a computer program as a part of an automated manufacturing production line
- repairing a piece of malfunctioning navigation equipment
- using computer-aided design (CAD) techniques to help develop a temperature-control device in a chemical plant
- preparing a series of experiments using electronic devices in cooperation with a scientist or engineer
Duties of Electronics Engineers
Engineering differs from engineering technology in that it tends to be based more extensively on theoretical concepts. Engineers must consider why things happen and then use their background to solve problems, design systems, and perform other broad-based functions.
The Dictionary of Occupational Titles lists the following duties for an electronics engineer:
Conducts research and development activities concerned with design, manufacture, and testing of electronic components, products, and systems, and in development of applications of products to commercial, industrial, medical, military, and scientific uses: Designs electrical circuits, electronic components, and integrated systems, using ferroelectric, nonlinear, dielectric, phosphor, photoconductive, and thermoelectric properties of materials. Designs and directs engineering personnel in fabrication of test control apparatus and equipment, and determines procedures for testing products. Develops new applications of electrical and dielectric properties in metallic and nonmetallic materials used in components, and in application of components to products or systems. May develop field operation and maintenance of electronic installations. May evaluate operational systems and recommend design modifications to eliminate causes of malfunctions or changes in system requirements. May specialize in development of electronic principles and technology in fields, such as telecommunications, telemetry, aerospace guidance, missile propulsion control, countermeasures, acoustics, nucleonic instrumentation, industrial controls and measurements, high-frequency heating, laboratory techniques, computers, electronic data processing and reduction, teaching aids and techniques, radiation detection, encephalography, electron optics, and biomedical research.
Typical tasks undertaken by an electronics engineer might include:
- designing new electronic devices such as computers or medical monitoring equipment
- adapting or improving components of an existing device (for example, an airplane's autopilot unit)
- working as a member of a team to design a complex system such as a robot control system
- writing computer software needed for use of electronic equipment
- testing equipment (for example, an automated device used to control an assembly line) to assess capabilities or deficiencies
- establishing performance standards for electronic equipment
- developing maintenance schedules for electronic devices and systems
- analyzing and solving problems in equipment operation
- estimating the cost of work to be performed
- supervising technicians and other technical personnel
- seeing that safety standards are met in use or production of electronic equipment
- completing research or production reports
Places of Employment
Electronics engineers and engineering technologists enjoy a great deal of diversity in the types of jobs available. They are employed by a wide range of companies and organizations. Examples include engineering consulting firms, computer manufacturers, research and development firms, utility companies, manufacturers of electronic equipment, and many others. In addition, some work for government agencies ranging from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to the U.S. Department of Energy, as well as in the military.
The biggest proportion of jobs can be found in large and medium-sized cities, but jobs can be found across the United States and Canada as well as in other countries around the world.
Working Environment
Like others following electronics careers, persons employed as engineers and engineering technologists often work in comfortable surroundings. Some engineers have their own private offices, and even those who work in a shared work space may have certain amenities such as their own personal computer and access to secretarial help.
In some cases, significant travel may be involved. An engineer employed for a large corporation, for example, may travel to plants or work sites around the country or even internationally. This can be an interesting experience for those who enjoy seeing new places.
Educational Preparation
Completion of a college-level program is a must to prepare for employment in this area. The level of studies varies.
For those in electronics engineering technology, subjects studied are somewhat similar to those noted in previous chapters, but with more math and physics as a basic requirement. At Mesa Community College in Mesa, Arizona, for example, students must meet an algebra requirement before beginning the electronic engineering technology program. For this purpose, most enroll in a special course called Beginning Algebra for Technology. They then complete the following required courses:
Engineering Analysis Tools and Techniques Engineering
Problem Solving and Design
DC Circuit Analysis
AC Circuit Analysis
Solid-State Devices & Circuits Digital Logic and Circuits
Computer Programming for Technology
Linear Solid-State Devices
Microprocessor Concepts
Analytic Geometry & Calculus
Calculus with Analytic Geometry
General Physics
General Physics or Fundamental Chemistry and
Fundamental Chemistry Laboratory
Freshman English
An oral communication course
A critical reading course
Several other general education courses
These courses provide a broad background in basic electronics concepts as well as the general education required as a portion of a college education. Subjects range from mathematical and scientific theory to hands-on application of engineering technology principles.
For students studying engineering, even more intensive preparation is required. The typical bachelor's level engineering program includes a healthy number of courses in physics (with more emphasis on calculus than in engineering technology programs), math, computer science, specialized engineering courses, and additional general studies requirements. Some programs are so demanding, in fact, that they require five years to complete instead of four.
This is not to indicate that engineering is unreasonably difficult, but anyone planning on such a career should understand that it is considered one of the more challenging areas college students can take. If you are interested, go for it! But be sure to weigh the challenges and advantages of this area against other careers in electronics before going ahead.
