Electronics Engineers, Except Computer
SOC: 17-2072.00 · Job Zone: 4
Key Takeaways
- ●AI Impact Score: 52/100 — Partial Automation Likely. Partial automation is likely for key tasks in this occupation.
- ●94K workers currently employed.
- ●Mean annual wage: $127,590. Higher wages create stronger economic incentive for AI replacement.
- ●5 of 15 key tasks can already be performed by AI tools today.
What Electronics Engineers, Except Computer Do
Research, design, develop, or test electronic components and systems for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use employing knowledge of electronic theory and materials properties. Design electronic circuits and components for use in fields such as telecommunications, aerospace guidance and propulsion control, acoustics, or instruments and controls.
Also known as
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AI Impact Analysis
Electronics Engineers, Except Computer represent a critical workforce of 93,940 professionals earning a mean annual wage of $127,590, working in high-stakes environments from aerospace to telecommunications. These engineers design and test electronic components and systems for commercial, industrial, military, and scientific applications, requiring deep technical knowledge and problem-solving capabilities. The field demands expertise in complex systems analysis, circuit design, and technical documentation.
AI is rapidly automating specific engineering tasks within this occupation. Design documentation and report generation are being transformed by GPT-4 and Claude, which can produce technical specifications, maintenance schedules, and operational reports from engineering data. CAD-based design work is being augmented by Autodesk's AI-powered design tools and SolidWorks AI features that can generate circuit layouts and component configurations. Data analysis and systems evaluation tasks are increasingly handled by specialized AI platforms like MATLAB's AI toolboxes and custom machine learning models that can analyze performance data, identify patterns, and recommend optimizations. Project planning and material needs determination are being streamlined through AI-powered project management tools that can analyze requirements and generate resource allocation plans.
Critical human-essential tasks include complex problem solving in novel engineering challenges, real-time decision making during system failures, and creative design innovation that requires understanding of physics principles, material properties, and safety requirements. The conferring with customers and stakeholders remains fundamentally human, as does the evaluation of project work for technical adequacy in mission-critical applications where human judgment and accountability are paramount. Installation oversight and quality assurance in high-stakes environments like aerospace and defense require human expertise that AI cannot replicate.
The automation timeline shows immediate impact (now through 2026) in documentation, routine analysis, and design assistance. By 2027-2029, we expect significant automation in preliminary design work, testing procedures, and project coordination. However, the core engineering decision-making, innovation, and complex problem-solving will remain human-dominated for the next 5-10 years. The role is evolving toward higher-level systems thinking and creative problem-solving.
Major electronics companies like Intel, Qualcomm, and Boeing are already deploying AI tools for circuit design optimization, automated testing protocols, and predictive maintenance scheduling. Defense contractors are using AI for requirements analysis and compliance documentation, while consumer electronics firms leverage AI for rapid prototyping and performance simulation.
Task-by-Task AI Analysis
| Task | AI Status |
|---|---|
Design electronic components, software, products, or systems for commercial, industrial, medical, military, or scientific applications. AI can assist with initial design concepts and optimization, but human creativity and domain expertise remain essential for complex systems. | AI Assists Now |
Operate computer-assisted engineering or design software or equipment to perform electronics engineering tasks. AI enhances CAD operations and automates routine engineering calculations, but human oversight is required for complex operations. | AI Assists Now |
Evaluate project work to ensure effectiveness, technical adequacy, or compatibility in the resolution of complex electronics engineering problems. Critical evaluation of complex engineering problems requires human judgment, accountability, and deep technical understanding. | Human Essential 5+ years |
Direct or coordinate activities concerned with manufacture, construction, installation, maintenance, operation, or modification of electronic equipment, products, or systems. AI can optimize scheduling and resource allocation, but human leadership and decision-making are essential for coordination. | AI Assists 1-2 years |
Confer with engineers, customers, vendors, or others to discuss existing or potential electronics engineering projects or products. Complex technical discussions and relationship building require human communication skills and domain expertise. | Human Essential 5+ years |
Provide technical support or instruction to staff or customers regarding electronics equipment standards. AI can assist with standard documentation and basic instruction, but complex troubleshooting requires human expertise. | AI Assists Now |
Recommend repair or design modifications of electronics components or systems, based on factors such as environment, service, cost, or system capabilities. AI can analyze performance data and suggest modifications, but human judgment is needed for complex trade-off decisions. | AI Assists 1-2 years |
Prepare documentation containing information such as confidential descriptions or specifications of proprietary hardware or software, product development or introduction schedules, product costs, or information about product performance weaknesses. AI excels at generating technical documentation from structured data and specifications. | AI Can Do This Now |
Prepare necessary criteria, procedures, reports, or plans for successful conduct of the project with consideration given to site preparation, facility validation, installation, quality assurance, or testing. AI can generate comprehensive project plans and procedures from requirements and templates. | AI Can Do This Now |
Plan or develop applications or modifications for electronic properties used in components, products, or systems to improve technical performance. AI can suggest optimizations and simulate performance improvements, but human creativity drives innovation. | AI Assists 1-2 years |
Develop or perform operational, maintenance, or testing procedures for electronic products, components, equipment, or systems. AI can generate standardized procedures and automate routine testing protocols. | AI Can Do This Now |
Analyze electronics system requirements, capacity, cost, or customer needs to determine project feasibility. AI excels at data analysis and feasibility modeling, but human judgment is needed for complex requirements interpretation. | AI Assists Now |
Prepare, review, or maintain maintenance schedules, design documentation, or operational reports or charts. AI can automatically generate and maintain schedules, documentation, and reports from operational data. | AI Can Do This Now |
Inspect electronic equipment, instruments, products, or systems to ensure conformance to specifications, safety standards, or applicable codes or regulations. AI can automate visual inspections and compliance checking, but human oversight is required for complex evaluations. | AI Assists 1-2 years |
Determine project material or equipment needs. AI can analyze project requirements and automatically generate material lists and equipment specifications. | AI Can Do This Now |
AI Tools Disrupting Electronics Engineers, Except Computer
Key Skills
Key Tasks
- •Design electronic components, software, products, or systems for commercial, industrial, medical, military, or scientific applications.
- •Operate computer-assisted engineering or design software or equipment to perform electronics engineering tasks.
- •Evaluate project work to ensure effectiveness, technical adequacy, or compatibility in the resolution of complex electronics engineering problems.
- •Direct or coordinate activities concerned with manufacture, construction, installation, maintenance, operation, or modification of electronic equipment, products, or systems.
- •Confer with engineers, customers, vendors, or others to discuss existing or potential electronics engineering projects or products.
- •Provide technical support or instruction to staff or customers regarding electronics equipment standards.
- •Recommend repair or design modifications of electronics components or systems, based on factors such as environment, service, cost, or system capabilities.
- •Prepare documentation containing information such as confidential descriptions or specifications of proprietary hardware or software, product development or introduction schedules, product costs, or information about product performance weaknesses.
- •Prepare necessary criteria, procedures, reports, or plans for successful conduct of the project with consideration given to site preparation, facility validation, installation, quality assurance, or testing.
- •Plan or develop applications or modifications for electronic properties used in components, products, or systems to improve technical performance.
- •Develop or perform operational, maintenance, or testing procedures for electronic products, components, equipment, or systems.
- •Analyze electronics system requirements, capacity, cost, or customer needs to determine project feasibility.
Technology Skills Used
Hot + In Demand Hot Technology In Demand ↗ = View AI replaceability analysis
Salary Range
Career Transition Guidance
Electronics Engineers, Except Computer have strong transition opportunities into related engineering fields that leverage their core technical skills. Electrical Engineers (17-2071.00) represent the most natural transition, requiring minimal additional training since the skill sets overlap significantly in systems analysis, circuit design, and technical problem-solving. Microsystems Engineers and Mechatronics Engineers offer growth paths into emerging technologies, requiring 1-2 years of additional training in specialized areas like MEMS or robotics integration.
Engineering Technologist and Technician roles (17-3023.00) provide options for those seeking more hands-on implementation work, while Mechanical Engineers (17-2141.00) offer broader system design opportunities requiring additional mechanical design knowledge. The transition timeline varies: moving to Electrical Engineering can happen within 6-12 months with certification updates, while Mechatronics or Photonics Engineering may require 2-3 years of specialized training. All transitions benefit from the strong foundation in mathematics, systems analysis, and technical documentation that Electronics Engineers already possess.
Related Occupations
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Electronics Engineers, Except Computer?
No, AI will not replace Electronics Engineers entirely. With a moderate AI impact score of 52/100, significant parts of the role will be automated over 5-10 years, but core engineering tasks requiring complex problem-solving, innovation, and human judgment will remain essential. The 93,940 professionals in this field will see their roles evolve rather than disappear.
What AI tools are used in Electronics Engineers, Except Computer roles?
Key AI tools include MATLAB AI Toolbox for engineering calculations, Autodesk AI and SolidWorks AI for design automation, GPT-4 and Claude for technical documentation, UiPath for testing procedures, and specialized computer vision AI for equipment inspection. These tools augment the existing technology stack including Microsoft Office, AutoCAD, and C++ programming.
What is the salary outlook for Electronics Engineers, Except Computer with AI?
The current mean annual wage of $127,590 is likely to remain strong or increase for engineers who adapt to AI tools. Those who leverage AI for productivity gains and focus on high-value human tasks like complex problem-solving and innovation will command premium salaries, while those who resist AI integration may see reduced opportunities.
What skills should Electronics Engineers, Except Computer develop for the AI era?
Focus on developing advanced critical thinking, complex problem solving, and systems analysis skills that AI cannot replicate. Strengthen speaking and active listening abilities for stakeholder communication, enhance judgment and decision-making capabilities, and develop expertise in AI tool integration and human-AI collaboration workflows.
How many Electronics Engineers, Except Computer jobs are there in the US?
There are currently 93,940 Electronics Engineers, Except Computer employed in the US. While specific projected growth data is not available, the moderate AI impact suggests the field will transform rather than shrink, with demand shifting toward higher-level engineering tasks and AI-augmented productivity roles.