Electronic Systems

Electronic Systems are the general term for the smart technology products that pervade our lives. These are microelectronic based, which when combined with sophisticated software, deliver the advanced functionality that we expect from our 'tech gadgets' today ... Phones, tablets, booking systems, autopilots, smart TV's, navigators, stability-control in vehicles, smart cruise controls, Alexa/Siri, medical equipment, AI, etc. are all Electronic Systems. But not only them, also the smart systems that qualify, manufacture and test them; and the infrastructure systems that enable them to work. To the unenlightened, the working of these is indistinguishable from magic; yet the people involved in their creation know they are the result of the hard work of many skilled individuals, applying their knowledge and know-how. These are the creations of real people networking globally; engineers, technicians and scientists and who have requisite knowledge and expertise. Clustered into businesses to create high-value 'components' for these systems, many can be found in the UK and its universities ... Doing leading international work, but under-recognised and undervalued by society, the media and our leaders; the immense strategic and economic value they create is dismissed because it is easier to believe in magic.

So I believe that EngX offers a platform where the Electronic Systems community can share its experiences and its understanding. Also where it can inform those who wish to develop a better understanding of the roles and opportunities that a career in Electronic Systems can offer today. What do you think ...?

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  • Well you did ask about engineering, not support to engineering !! But perhaps I was not clear - I do agree with your point there are plenty of well paid responsible roles in engineering organizations that are in effect senior technician roles,  -  and yes also there are some more abstract engineering types, and some very senior, who you would not want to be too close to the coal face, (*) just as there are some managers who you wonder how they found that role..

    Now I work for a reasonably large consultancy, and I specialise in conventional electronics, RF and power, but that spreads out into software a bit. As it happens I am a physicist by first degree but the PhD is Electrical and Electronic engineering,  However, that is all some way back into the last century, and it is fair to say that no one cares very much or asks about that when I am lining up my next project. The  really important thing, is what has been done more recently before, what the issues were, and how that went. When I joined (late 90s) quite a few of the old sweats, mostly now retired, had far more complex histories. But how to start is another matter, and these days I suspect that newer folk are expected to have a more structured CV. Certainly the ones joining us all do seem to be following the sort of route I suggested.

    Mike

    (*) my jokey test is 'could this person be left in charge of a post office?' If the answer is no then there are probably other roles away from which they need to be politely steered. Like any sort of management...

  • I like these definition: Engineers use technologies and methods that exist, to make things that have never been made before. Technicians use documented methods to reproduce, install, maintain and repair things that Engineers created the first of.

    It doesn't seem right to classify Technicians as 'support to engineers' when their role is complementary to that of the engineer, and thus just as important in the life-cycle of the creation of (Electronic System) End-Products!

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  • I like these definition: Engineers use technologies and methods that exist, to make things that have never been made before. Technicians use documented methods to reproduce, install, maintain and repair things that Engineers created the first of.

    It doesn't seem right to classify Technicians as 'support to engineers' when their role is complementary to that of the engineer, and thus just as important in the life-cycle of the creation of (Electronic System) End-Products!

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