Application engineer (electronics), civil engineer

What does an electronics application engineer do? – Tasks and work environment

An electronics application engineer, with a Master of Science in Engineering, works at the intersection of technology and customer-specific solutions. The role involves designing, testing, and optimizing electronic systems and applications based on specific customer needs. Collaboration often occurs with both internal development teams and external clients, requiring technical expertise and communication skills. Tasks may include technical support, product customization, user training, and participation in product launches. The work environment is usually office-based, but travel to clients or production facilities is common.

Salary development over time

The salary for electronics application engineers has shown steady growth in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 51,800 SEK per month and increased to 53 800 SEK in 2023, representing a rise of approximately 3.9%. In 2024, the trend continued with a further increase to 55 100 SEK, a growth of 2.4% from the previous year. The driving factors behind salary increases include sustained high demand for qualified engineers in electronics, rapid technological development, and skills shortages in the labor market. Salary growth is expected to remain strong, especially for Master of Science engineers with specialized skills or experience in advanced systems solutions.

Electronics application engineer – salary, gender differences, and region

• Average salary: 55 100 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 46,300 SEK/month (female, private sector, high school education, up to 2 years of experience)
• Highest salary: 64,700 SEK/month (male, employed in private sector, doctoral degree)
• Hourly wage (average): 331 SEK
• Gender difference: Women earn 94% of what men do (men: 55 600 SEK, women: 52 500 SEK)
• Regional differences: Specific data is lacking, but generally salaries are higher in metropolitan regions

Education and qualifications

An electronics application engineer typically holds a Master of Science in Engineering with a specialization in electrical engineering or a similar field. The educational path is academic and usually spans five years. Practical experience through thesis work, internships, or trainee programs is highly valuable. For some roles, additional training or certifications in areas such as programming or project management can be advantageous.

• Formal degree: Master of Science in Electrical Engineering, 5 years
• Certifications: Examples include programming, project management, or quality systems
• Internship/trainee: Recommended during studies for practical experience
• Prerequisites: Basic eligibility and specific requirements in mathematics, physics, and chemistry
• Tips for choosing: Focus studies on electronics, automation, or embedded systems to increase competitiveness

Common benefits and compensations

Electronics application engineers are often offered generous benefits beyond the base salary. Common compensations include occupational pension, wellness allowance, flexitime, remote work options, and opportunities for skills development. In some cases, bonus programs, private healthcare insurance, and company cars are included, especially for roles involving extensive customer contact and travel.

Competition and challenges

The profession is characterized by high demand and a certain shortage of qualified candidates, leading to a competitive situation where employers often compete for the most experienced engineers. Rapid technological progress in electronics requires continuous skills development and adaptation to new technologies. For newcomers, it can be challenging to enter the job market without relevant internships or project experience. A balance between technical expertise and communication skills is crucial, as is the ability to quickly understand customer needs and preferences.

Tips for aspiring electronics application engineers

To succeed as an electronics application engineer, it is beneficial to combine strong analytical skills with curiosity about technological development. Early internships or summer jobs in the electronics industry provide valuable contacts and experience. Collaboration skills are important, as the role often involves teamwork and communication with clients. Problem-solving ability is key, as complex challenges are common. Staying updated on new trends and technologies in electronics is an advantage. Flexibility and a willingness to develop contribute to long-term success, as does the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously. Patience and perseverance are vital when solving difficult technical problems.

Key facts about Electronics Application Engineer (Master of Science),

• Education level: Master of Science in Engineering (5 years)
• Work environment: Office-based, often with travel and customer contact
• Demand: Great opportunities for employment nationally
• Special skills: Electronics, programming, customer-specific solutions
• Number of job openings: 564 within the profession (2024)

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as an electronics application engineer, several career paths open up. Many choose to further specialize in technically advanced areas, such as embedded systems or advanced signal processing. Others move into project management, technical sales, or consulting roles. Some advance to leadership positions, such as team leader or product manager. The prognosis from the Employment Service indicates continued good opportunities within the electrical engineering field, with demand expected to remain unchanged over the next five years. Recruitment difficulties combined with a high number of professionals leaving the profession mean that recent graduates face a job market with multiple opportunities.

Common questions about Electronics Application Engineer (Master of Science),

• What does an electronics application engineer earn?
  - The average salary is 55 100 SEK per month, with variations depending on experience, education, and gender.
• Are there significant salary differences between genders?
  - Yes, women earn on average 94% of what men do in the profession.
• What education is required?
  - A Master of Science in Electrical Engineering or a similar field, typically five years of study.
• What is the job market like?
  - Opportunities for employment are plentiful, and demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years.
• What career paths are available after a few years in the profession?
  - Specialization, project management, technical sales, or leadership roles are common pathways.
• Where are the highest salaries?
  - The highest salaries are found among private sector employees with doctoral degrees, especially in metropolitan regions.
• Are there many job openings?
  - Yes, there are 564 job openings within the profession according to current statistics.