Electronics EngineerAlternative titles

What are the chances of getting a job?

While demand for their services has remained high, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment estimates the number of electronics engineers dropped from about 800 in March 2000 to 720 in March 2012.

This has seen the job of electronics engineer added to Immigration New Zealand's long-term skill shortage list, which means the Government is actively encouraging skilled electronics engineers from overseas to work in New Zealand.

Constant need for electronics engineers to design new products

New Zealand's electronics industry is small with most companies designing and manufacturing niche electronic products for export, and employ only a few staff. Despite this, electronics engineers continue to be needed to research and design new electronic products.

More demand for electronics engineers in telecommunications

Investment in telecommunications infrastructure is creating opportunities for electronics engineers. Both the Government and telecommunications companies are investing more in developing broadband Internet and mobile phone networks. Electronics engineers who specialise in telecommunications are needed to help develop and build these networks.

Types of employers

Electronics engineers generally work for electronics design and/or manufacturing companies. They can also work as engineers or service technicians for large companies that rely on specialist electronic equipment.

Electronics engineers who specialise in telecommunications may also work for for telecommunications companies.