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.
Electronics test engineer responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real electronics test engineer resumes:
- 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).
- Review the malfunction of the returned devices, troubleshoot, repair and assemble for final shipment.
- Plan, coordinate and execute development test; troubleshoot and repair electronic boards for airspace and medical industry.
- Create LabView verification & validation solutions.
- Correlate results against an Agilent spectrum analyzer and also MATLAB simulations.
- Conduct geotechnical and environmental subsurface investigations.
- Work on multiple POCs for various Java/J2EE & SSO solutions.
- Work with the infrastructure/ middleware team to resolve various Java/J2EE relate issues.
- Design microprocessor circuits, memory boards and interface modules, and programming applications for the launch processing system.
- Connect solenoid valve cables to SEIMEN PLC electrical junction boxes.
Electronics test engineer skills and personality traits
We calculated that 12% of Electronics Test Engineers are proficient in RF, LabVIEW, and C++. They’re also known for soft skills such as Initiative, Speaking skills, and Writing skills.
We break down the percentage of Electronics Test Engineers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- RF, 12%
Developed Test strategies to cope with new test challenges, wrote test procedures for a wide variety of RF products.
- LabVIEW, 9%
Led the automation of vacuum-tube amplifier manufacturing processes using LabVIEW.
- C++, 8%
Created interrupt driven C++ test software and serial/parallel communication software to control instrumentation.
- Test Procedures, 8%
Debugged test procedures, investigated product failures and performed root cause analysis.
- Test Systems, 5%
Developed software algorithms to provide alternate option of integrated programmable power supply into legacy test system hardware.
- Troubleshoot, 4%
Design, implement, and troubleshoot Test equipment for new products and support existing test equipment as needed.
Common skills that an electronics test engineer uses to do their job include "rf," "labview," and "c++." You can find details on the most important electronics test engineer responsibilities below.
Initiative. One of the key soft skills for an electronics test engineer to have is initiative. You can see how this relates to what electronics test engineers do because "electrical and electronics engineers must apply their knowledge to new tasks in every project they undertake." Additionally, an electronics test engineer resume shows how electronics test engineers use initiative: "lead standardization and continuous process improvement initiatives for assembly department. "
Speaking skills. Another essential skill to perform electronics test engineer duties is speaking skills. Electronics test engineers responsibilities require that "electrical and electronics engineers work closely with other engineers and technicians." Electronics test engineers also use speaking skills in their role according to a real resume snippet: "prepared and presented status and schedule update, testing result, and data analysis to nasa customers during weekly meeting. "
Writing skills. electronics test engineers are also known for writing skills, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to electronics test engineer responsibilities, because "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." An electronics test engineer resume example shows how writing skills is used in the workplace: "included design conceptualization, prototyping, design of pcb, building prototype, troubleshooting prototype, and writing patent description. "
Math skills. electronics test engineer responsibilities often require "math skills." The duties that rely on this skill are shown by the fact that "electrical and electronics engineers must use the principles of calculus and other advanced math in order to analyze, design, and troubleshoot equipment." This resume example shows what electronics test engineers do with math skills on a typical day: "improved test coverage, increased yield and minimized test escapes while monitoring yield and failure statistics of test facilities. "
The three companies that hire the most electronics test engineers are:
- Northrop Grumman8 electronics test engineers jobs
- Joby Aviation8 electronics test engineers jobs
- Nikola Labs
5 electronics test engineers jobs
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Electronics test 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 electronics test engineers and engineering trainee. For instance, electronics test engineer responsibilities require skills such as "labview," "test procedures," "test systems," and "troubleshoot." 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 tend to make the most money working in the energy industry, where they earn an average salary of $63,253. In contrast, electronics test engineers make the biggest average salary, $88,802, in the automotive industry.On average, engineering trainees reach higher levels of education than electronics test engineers. Engineering trainees are 7.9% more likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.2% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Electronics test engineer vs. Test technician
A test technician is responsible for running multiple diagnostic tests on various tools and equipment to boost optimization and ensure its efficient performance on operations. Test technicians inspect system components and manage calibration, following clients' specifications or the business' needs. A test technician also analyzes the system's design processes and features to understand its complexities and identify necessary upgrades. Test technicians keep a record of system issues and resolutions for reference. A test technician must have excellent knowledge of the technical and mechanical industry to perform tasks and achieve the highest customer satisfaction.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, electronics test engineer responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "labview," "c++," "troubleshoot," and "calibration procedures." Meanwhile, a test technician has duties that require skills in areas such as "hand tools," "engineering drawings," "oscilloscopes," and "data acquisition." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
On average, test technicians earn a lower salary than electronics test engineers. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, test technicians earn the most pay in the technology industry with an average salary of $48,786. Whereas electronics test engineers have higher pay in the automotive industry, with an average salary of $88,802.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Test technicians tend to reach similar levels of education than electronics test engineers. In fact, they're 4.7% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.2% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Electronics test engineer vs. Radio frequency engineer
A radio frequency engineer, also known as RF engineer, specializes in designing and developing communication systems using radio waves. One of their primary responsibilities revolves around creating networks and systems and testing equipment. They make sure that equipment is up to high standards by traveling to different areas as needed, troubleshooting issues to identify the root of problems and performing corrective measures required. Furthermore, a radio frequency engineer must continuously optimize equipment quality and ensure efficiency while adhering to the laws and regulations.
The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, electronics test engineers are more likely to have skills like "rf," "c++," "test systems," and "power electronics." But a radio frequency engineer is more likely to have skills like "antenna," "system performance," "system design," and "macro."
Radio frequency engineers earn the highest salary when working in the technology industry, where they receive an average salary of $94,522. Comparatively, electronics test engineers have the highest earning potential in the automotive industry, with an average salary of $88,802.radio frequency engineers typically earn higher educational levels compared to electronics test engineers. Specifically, they're 12.0% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.9% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Electronics test engineer vs. Senior pcb designer
Even though a few skill sets overlap between electronics test engineers and senior pcb designers, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, an electronics test engineer might have more use for skills like "labview," "c++," "test procedures," and "test systems." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of senior pcb designers require skills like "schematic capture," "pcb layout," "analog," and "mentor graphics. "
In general, senior pcb designers hold lower degree levels compared to electronics test engineers. Senior pcb designers are 7.0% less likely to earn their Master's Degree and 0.5% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Types of electronics test engineer
Updated January 8, 2025











