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The differences between electronics test engineers and special project 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 special project engineer. Additionally, an electronics test engineer has an average salary of $80,610, which is higher than the $70,934 average annual salary of a special project engineer.
The top three skills for an electronics test engineer include RF, labview and C++. The most important skills for a special project engineer are DOD, design changes, and engineering support.
| Electronics Test Engineer | Special Project Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $80,610 | $70,934 |
| Hourly rate | $38.75 | $34.10 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 70,182 | 90,999 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 62% |
| Average age | 45 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 6 |
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.
A special project engineer is in-charged in the preparation, scheduling, coordination, and monitoring of engineering projects. He/She or she should be able to establish good relationships with prospective clients to gain information on engineering requirements and delegate tasks to staff. The core skills that a special project engineer should possess include good creative ability and excellent mechanical and listening skills. Other requirements to qualify for the position include a college degree in business or mechanical engineering.
Electronics test engineers and special project engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Electronics Test Engineer | Special Project Engineer | |
| Average salary | $80,610 | $70,934 |
| Salary range | Between $60,000 And $107,000 | Between $52,000 And $95,000 |
| Highest paying City | Santa Clara, CA | Newark, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Rhode Island |
| Best paying company | Synaptics | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Hospitality |
There are a few differences between an electronics test engineer and a special project engineer in terms of educational background:
| Electronics Test Engineer | Special Project Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 62% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Business |
| Most common college | Northeastern University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between electronics test engineers' and special project engineers' demographics:
| Electronics Test Engineer | Special Project Engineer | |
| Average age | 45 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 94.3% Female, 5.7% | Male, 65.9% Female, 34.1% |
| Race ratio | Black 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, 3.4% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 9.4% Asian, 10.3% White, 72.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 5% |