Description
Lead research, design, prototyping, and validation of advanced electronic components and systems for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use, applying electronic theory and materials science. Develop and refine circuits, sensors, and controls; translate concepts into tested prototypes and transfer successful designs to production.
- • Define research objectives, technology roadmaps, and feasibility studies for new electronic components, products, or systems.
- • Design and prototype electronic circuits, sensors, RF, power, or control modules for target applications.
- • Plan and execute experiments, simulations, and design-of-experiments to evaluate concepts, materials, and architectures.
- • Develop and perform verification and validation test plans for prototypes and pre-production units.
- • Analyze system requirements, capacity, cost, risks, and user needs to determine project feasibility.
- • Create schematics, PCB layouts, and design documentation using computer-aided engineering tools.
- • Inspect and debug prototypes to ensure conformance to specifications, safety standards, and regulations.
- • Prepare technical reports, specifications, and design histories, including performance data and known limitations.
- • Define bills of materials and determine materials, equipment, and lab needs for R&D activities.
- • Collaborate with manufacturing and supply chain to plan pilot builds and transfer designs to production.
- • Develop test fixtures, procedures, and automation for characterization, reliability, and environmental testing.
- • Recommend design changes to improve performance, cost, manufacturability, and robustness.
- • Evaluate vendor components and coordinate with suppliers on part selection and qualification.
- • Prepare and manage project plans, schedules, budgets, and risk registers.
- • Present findings and prototypes to stakeholders, customers, and review boards; negotiate scope or tradeoffs.
- • Investigate and develop green electronics solutions, such as energy-efficient power stages or chargers.
- • Research new materials, devices, and processes for improved efficiency, sensing, or data storage.
- • Maintain design control records, change notices, and test data per quality system requirements.
- • Provide technical guidance, training, or support to lab staff, interns, or customers on designs and standards.
- • Comply with and help define safety, EMC, and regulatory requirements throughout development.
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This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
