Also called: Radar engineer, Electronic warfare engineer, Antenna engineer
Designs radar, jamming, and communications systems that operate across the radio spectrum.
RF engineers design antennas and circuits, run tests in echo-free 'anechoic chambers' that look like sci-fi sets, and analyze signals. Electronic warfare is one of the fastest-growing defense areas. Military EW specialists often move into these roles after earning degrees.
BLS electronics engineers (except computer), May 2024.
Bachelor's degree (4-year), about 4 years after high school. Bachelor's in electrical engineering; master's common.
Ways in: 4-year college, Graduate school. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Electrical Engineering, Physics, Computer Engineering.
Growing slowly (about 1% over 10 years). BLS projects slow growth for electronics engineers overall, but defense EW demand is strong.
Low risk in 5 years, medium in 10. AI-aided circuit and antenna design speeds work; lab testing and hard RF problems stay human.
Classes: AP Physics, AP Calculus, Electronics CTE.
Official data: O*NET occupation 17-2072.
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