Post job

Electronics test engineer vs project controls engineer

The differences between electronics test engineers and project controls 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 project controls engineer. Additionally, a project controls engineer has an average salary of $86,685, 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 project controls engineer are project controls, project management, and construction management.

Electronics test engineer vs project controls engineer overview

Electronics Test EngineerProject Controls Engineer
Yearly salary$80,610$86,685
Hourly rate$38.75$41.68
Growth rate3%3%
Number of jobs70,18238,974
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 project controls engineer do?

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.

Electronics test engineer vs project controls engineer salary

Electronics test engineers and project controls engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Electronics Test EngineerProject Controls Engineer
Average salary$80,610$86,685
Salary rangeBetween $60,000 And $107,000Between $63,000 And $119,000
Highest paying CitySanta Clara, CASan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateWashingtonCalifornia
Best paying companySynapticsBP America Inc
Best paying industryAutomotiveEnergy

Differences between electronics test engineer and project controls engineer education

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

Electronics Test EngineerProject Controls Engineer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 69%Bachelor's Degree, 74%
Most common majorElectrical EngineeringBusiness
Most common collegeNortheastern UniversityStanford University

Electronics test engineer vs project controls engineer demographics

Here are the differences between electronics test engineers' and project controls engineers' demographics:

Electronics Test EngineerProject Controls Engineer
Average age4545
Gender ratioMale, 94.3% Female, 5.7%Male, 80.3% Female, 19.7%
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, 4.9% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 11.3% Asian, 14.4% White, 64.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage6%6%

Differences between electronics test engineer and project controls 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

Project controls engineer example responsibilities.

  • Manage accruals, cash flows, and invoices for $25MM total install cost EPC project.
  • Manage multiple projects involving both internal and vendor resources affecting national production infrastructure.
  • Create and maintain CPM schedules for engineering, procurement, installation and commissioning phases on various projects.
  • Develop and improve PMO process methodologies.
  • Optimize plant maintenance and manpower scheduling using spreadsheet forecasting models.
  • Prepare summary level CPM schedules and present progress to owner company executive management on a monthly basis.
  • Show more

Electronics test engineer vs project controls engineer skills

Common electronics test engineer skills
  • RF, 12%
  • LabVIEW, 9%
  • C++, 8%
  • Test Procedures, 8%
  • Test Systems, 5%
  • Troubleshoot, 4%
Common project controls engineer skills
  • Project Controls, 12%
  • Project Management, 9%
  • Construction Management, 7%
  • Primavera P6, 5%
  • Control Systems, 3%
  • Project Cost, 3%

Browse architecture and engineering jobs