What does a device engineer do?
A device engineer specializes in designing and developing mechanical devices and equipment in adherence to industry or client needs. They may work for companies that produce medical, construction, or even manufacturing devices. Although the extent of their responsibilities depends on their place of employment, they typically include conducting research and analysis, creating prototypes and test structures, coordinating with staff and fellow engineers, performing installations and repairs, and providing technical support to staff as needed. Moreover, a device engineer participates in developing and promoting safety standards and regulations for the products and the workplace.
Device engineer responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real device engineer resumes:
- Stream-Line company design and prototyping activities and manage transitions between internal and subcontract manufacturing with clear, reference, design filing.
- Complete the advanced CMOS TCAD simulation.
- Work with process integration, modeling and TCAD groups.
- Perform BSIM model extraction using ICCAP software for mix signal IC application.
- Provide OS administration and software development, application administration for UNIX and Linux computing platforms.
- Perform CAPA work on IPG and ICD devices.
- Set up the IR's first TCAD tools and flows.
- Review FMEA and control plans.
- Assist on ISO certification teams.
- Experience in Linux shell programming.
- Design test suits for DRC/LVS decks debugging.
- Result is now in customer foundry for prototyping.
- Prepare FMEA's on the processes and implement.
- Implement statistical sampling procedures to correct FDA audit findings.
- Evaluate the feasibility of fab for new power management IC.
Device engineer skills and personality traits
We calculated that 8% of Device Engineers are proficient in Python, Data Analysis, and JMP. They’re also known for soft skills such as Concentration, Initiative, and Speaking skills.
We break down the percentage of Device Engineers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Python, 8%
Trained team in Python script use and creation.
- Data Analysis, 7%
Find cause of problem by using manual electrical test and data analysis and high tech photography tools.
- JMP, 5%
Expedited routine analysis through automation in JMP scripts, enhancing throughput 5x.
- CAD, 5%
Coordinated with CAD to periodically update schematic libraries.
- RF, 4%
Worked closely with Design and Product engineering team on design debugging, product characterization and reliability qualification of low power RF products
- Statistical Analysis, 4%
Perform statistical analysis to find correlations to improve process robustness, trouble shoot potential reliability issues, and ensure parametric matching.
Most device engineers use their skills in "python," "data analysis," and "jmp" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential device engineer responsibilities here:
Concentration. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for a device engineer to have is concentration. Their role and responsibilities require that "electrical and electronics engineers design and develop complex electrical systems and electronic components and products." Device engineers often use concentration in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "developed analytical test methods for measuring drug concentrations using uv-visible and hplc instruments. "
Initiative. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling device engineer duties is initiative. The role rewards competence in this skill because "electrical and electronics engineers must apply their knowledge to new tasks in every project they undertake." According to a device engineer resume, here's how device engineers can utilize initiative in their job responsibilities: "project manager /r&d; lead supporting joint repair product development, early-stage technology assessment, and research initiatives. "
Speaking skills. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of device engineers is speaking skills. This skill is critical to many everyday device engineer duties, as "electrical and electronics engineers work closely with other engineers and technicians." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "presented to customers about the capabilities of ibm design tool and methodology, increasing business for ibm asic. "
Writing skills. device engineer responsibilities often require "writing skills." The duties that rely on this skill are shown by the fact that "electrical and electronics engineers develop technical publications related to equipment they develop, including maintenance manuals, operation manuals, parts lists, product proposals, and design methods documents." This resume example shows what device engineers do with writing skills on a typical day: "automated repeatable part modeling process by writing perl scripts. "
Math skills. Another crucial skill for a device engineer to carry out their responsibilities is "math skills." A big part of what device engineers relies on this skill, since "electrical and electronics engineers must use the principles of calculus and other advanced math in order to analyze, design, and troubleshoot equipment." How this skill relates to device engineer duties can be seen in an example from a device engineer resume snippet: "revise requirements and addition of new features to improve the user experience and device rf statistics. "
The three companies that hire the most device engineers are:
- Amazon13 device engineers jobs
- Intel13 device engineers jobs
- Micron Technology11 device engineers jobs
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Compare different device engineers
Device engineer vs. Engineering trainee
An engineering trainee is responsible for shadowing engineers in their duties and performing administrative tasks as needed. Engineering trainees assist the engineers in inspecting construction sites and conducting field research. They also identify cost-efficient materials and resources that meet quality standards and client specifications. An engineering trainee must have excellent communication and organizational skills, especially in writing reports, attending meetings, and ensuring that all reports are submitted for management's reviews, such as contracts from suppliers and vendors.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between device engineers and engineering trainee. For instance, device engineer responsibilities require skills such as "data analysis," "jmp," "cad," and "statistical analysis." Whereas a engineering trainee is skilled in "excellent interpersonal," "fire protection," "technical support," and "boilers." This is part of what separates the two careers.
Engineering trainees earn the highest salaries when working in the energy industry, with an average yearly salary of $63,253. On the other hand, device engineers are paid more in the technology industry with an average salary of $99,205.The education levels that engineering trainees earn slightly differ from device engineers. In particular, engineering trainees are 7.5% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a device engineer. Additionally, they're 6.0% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Device engineer vs. Control systems engineer
Control systems engineers are interdisciplinary engineers managing the company's control systems. They are expected to be familiar with different engineering disciplines such as mechanical, industrial, and computer science, among others. They are responsible for designing systems based on the company's requirements. Control systems engineers must conduct feasibility studies to ensure that the company's requirements can be met. They are also responsible for developing the systems, creating prototypes, and testing. They test whether the control systems produce desired results. After testing, control systems engineers implement the system and conduct routine maintenance checks.
Each career also uses different skills, according to real device engineer resumes. While device engineer responsibilities can utilize skills like "python," "data analysis," "jmp," and "rf," control systems engineers use skills like "plc," "hmi," "c++," and "matlab."
On average, control systems engineers earn a lower salary than device engineers. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, control systems engineers earn the most pay in the automotive industry with an average salary of $92,020. Whereas device engineers have higher pay in the technology industry, with an average salary of $99,205.control systems engineers earn lower levels of education than device engineers in general. They're 9.8% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 6.0% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Device engineer vs. Research and development engineer
Research and development engineers generally execute research and tests on product ideas, develop new products, and perform redesigns. They are employed in many industries, including manufacturing, electrical, and science-based companies. Their duties vary and depend on the industries they work in. Responsibilities of these engineers include developing new technologies, designing products, and managing the projects until they are completed. Additionally, they lead the project team members to manage their schedules, design the project plans, and collaborate with key departments in developing new products.
The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, device engineers are more likely to have skills like "jmp," "mobile device management," "device design," and "cmos." But a research and development engineer is more likely to have skills like "c #," "patients," "project management," and "prototype."
Research and development engineers make a very good living in the technology industry with an average annual salary of $107,654. On the other hand, device engineers are paid the highest salary in the technology industry, with average annual pay of $99,205.When it comes to education, research and development engineers tend to earn similar degree levels compared to device engineers. In fact, they're 4.8% less likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 2.7% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Device engineer vs. Project controls engineer
A Project Controls Engineer creates project cost reports and progress charts. These professionals interpret the company contract and deal with the existing cost control database and financial risk. Project Controls Engineers reconcile and organize the project cost information with the clients' status reports. Also, they evaluate cash flow reports and project cost reports prepared by CMA.
Types of device engineer
Updated January 8, 2025
