Interested in military electronics engineering positions?

I'm considering a career in military electronics engineering. What type of work do these jobs involve, and is it similar to civilian electronics engineering roles? Are there specific educational paths that would be beneficial for this career?

Military electronics engineering roles vary, but they often involve the design, testing, and improvements of electronic systems used in defense applications. This could include radar and sonar systems, avionics (aviation electronics), antenna design, communications systems, or electronic warfare - essentially, any systems that require electronic components and are used by the military. The essential focus is on the needs of the military, which can differ significantly from those in civilian roles. For instance, military systems often need to be hardened against harsh environments or electromagnetic interference, designed for specific requirements in field operations and meet rigorous safety and reliability standards.

In parallel to civilian electronics engineering roles, military electronics engineering also covers the breadth of the engineering design process, from early-stage research and design, to testing, troubleshooting, and maintenance. They leverage the same fundamental principles of electronics engineering. Therefore, the main difference isn't so much in the nature of the work (though the type of projects may differ), but in the context — military vs. civilian applications.

In terms of educational paths, a Bachelor’s degree in electronics engineering, electrical engineering, or a related engineering field is typically the foundational requirement. Furthermore, courses that cover areas such as electrical circuit design, microprocessors, digital systems, and communications engineering could be particularly beneficial for a career in military electronics engineering.

As far as practical experience goes, internships or co-ops during your undergraduate years can help you gain practical experience. Some defense contractors offer internship programs, which could give you a leg up. Similarly, if your school has a ROTC (Reserve Officer Training Corps) program, participating could give you a strong foundation in military culture and protocols, and could offer pathways into military engineering.

Finally, remember that to work in most military and defense roles, you'll need to be able to obtain a security clearance. Factors like your criminal record, drug use, credit history, and citizenship can impact your ability to get a security clearance. Therefore, it's important to keep these aspects in mind as you prepare for your career.