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Electronics test engineer vs control systems engineer

The differences between electronics test engineers and control systems engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both an electronics test engineer and a control systems engineer. Additionally, a control systems engineer has an average salary of $92,727, which is higher than the $80,610 average annual salary of an electronics test engineer.

The top three skills for an electronics test engineer include RF, labview and C++. The most important skills for a control systems engineer are PLC, HMI, and C++.

Electronics test engineer vs control systems engineer overview

Electronics Test EngineerControl Systems Engineer
Yearly salary$80,610$92,727
Hourly rate$38.75$44.58
Growth rate3%3%
Number of jobs70,182133,220
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 69%Bachelor's Degree, 74%
Average age4545
Years of experience66

What does an electronics test engineer do?

An electronics test engineer tests plans for use on electronic products, components, and systems. As an electronics test engineer, you will be responsible for evaluating and testing these products to ensure their quality. This role will require you to perform other tasks that include developing digital test patterns for mix signal testing and ASIC, developing procedures and test plans for electronic components and systems, and writing instructions for system assembly. You will also be responsible for evaluating the performance of electronic systems and providing recommendations for improvements.

What does a control systems engineer do?

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.

Electronics test engineer vs control systems engineer salary

Electronics test engineers and control systems engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Electronics Test EngineerControl Systems Engineer
Average salary$80,610$92,727
Salary rangeBetween $60,000 And $107,000Between $72,000 And $118,000
Highest paying CitySanta Clara, CASan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateWashingtonCalifornia
Best paying companySynapticsApple
Best paying industryAutomotiveAutomotive

Differences between electronics test engineer and control systems engineer education

There are a few differences between an electronics test engineer and a control systems engineer in terms of educational background:

Electronics Test EngineerControl Systems Engineer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 69%Bachelor's Degree, 74%
Most common majorElectrical EngineeringElectrical Engineering
Most common collegeNortheastern UniversityGeorgia Institute of Technology

Electronics test engineer vs control systems engineer demographics

Here are the differences between electronics test engineers' and control systems engineers' demographics:

Electronics Test EngineerControl Systems Engineer
Average age4545
Gender ratioMale, 94.3% Female, 5.7%Male, 90.5% Female, 9.5%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 4.9% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 11.4% Asian, 14.4% White, 64.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%Black or African American, 5.0% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 11.6% Asian, 15.4% White, 63.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage6%6%

Differences between electronics test engineer and control systems engineer duties and responsibilities

Electronics test engineer example responsibilities.

  • Lead the automation of vacuum-tube amplifier manufacturing processes using LabVIEW.
  • Apply technical knowledge in electromagnetic theory and microwave technology to plan and manage projects concern with ground-base radar systems.
  • Perform testing and troubleshooting of hybrid, analog and digital print circuit boards (PCB's).
  • Travele to field locations to install and troubleshoot grind, airborne and shipboard high speed RF data communications terminals.
  • Uncover chip manufacturer design issues to exclude those manufacturers in future PCB production runs.
  • Design manufacturing test equipment for several RF test stations for mobile radar systems (TRC-170).
  • Show more

Control systems engineer example responsibilities.

  • Lead the development of smarter controls utilizing DeviceNet and Profibus architecture.
  • Establish communication links and prepare machines for bench-testing to attain UL certification.
  • Research NFPA, ISA, NEC, OSHA, specs and standards.
  • Install Allen-Bradley PLCS, interface to DCS.
  • Set up Ethernet communications from K-tron feeders back to DCS.
  • Assist commissioning team of gas analyzers for ISO compliance of equipment.
  • Show more

Electronics test engineer vs control systems engineer skills

Common electronics test engineer skills
  • RF, 12%
  • LabVIEW, 9%
  • C++, 8%
  • Test Procedures, 8%
  • Test Systems, 5%
  • Troubleshoot, 4%
Common control systems engineer skills
  • PLC, 9%
  • HMI, 8%
  • C++, 7%
  • MATLAB, 6%
  • Simulink, 5%
  • Troubleshoot, 4%

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