How to become an Electronics Engineering Associate
Electronics engineering associates conduct and assist with the research, design, manufacture, repair and maintenance of advanced electronic equipment and systems. Electronics engineering associates usually have a range of duties that lie between trade and professional engineer levels.
Personal requirements for an Electronics Engineering Associate
- Enjoy technical and engineering activities
- Good with hands
- Good at mathematics
- Able to identify, analyse and solve problems
- Capacity for accurate, careful work
- Good communication skills
- Able to work independently or as part of a team
- Good eyesight (may be corrected) and normal colour vision
- Able to work systematically.
Duties & Tasks of an Electronics Engineering Associate
Electronics engineering associates may perform the following tasks:
- Help electronics engineers to develop, design, test, manufacture, assemble and maintain electronic equipment and associated circuitry such as radio, television, communications, and process-control equipment and computer systems
- Assist engineers with the research and design of process-control and instrumentation systems, communication systems, robotic systems, and computer and other electronic systems
- Prepare drawings, plans and diagrams for electronic engineering work
- Test electronic instruments and equipment, and repair or replace faulty parts
- Construct and test prototype electronic devices
- Perform difficult and complex calibrations, tests and adjustments
- Collect and analyse data, carry out complex calculations and prepare reports
- Estimate materials, costs and quantities
- Look at designs and installations to check they conform to specifications, drawings, contracts and regulations
- Select, start up, operate and maintain electronic equipment including computer-controlled and complex telecommunications equipment.
Working conditions for an Electronics Engineering Associate
Depending on the area of specialisation, work may be carried out in remote localities or require some shiftwork. Electronics engineering associates usually work in a team with engineers, technologists and tradespeople.
Specializations
Electronics engineering associates may specialise in aircraft electronics, communications and data systems, control systems, telecommunications, power station control systems, defence systems, medical equipment or meteorology.
