How to Become a Product Test Specialist in Electronics

Product Test Specialist/ Engineer - Job Description

Product test specialists or engineers work on the most complex product-related challenges in the world, from reducing pollutants in the City of Lights to powering the Mars Rover and safeguarding the F-35 fighter plane.

They work on a wide range of electronic, electrical, mechanical items, from the most basic to the most complicated.

A product test engineer is an engineer who creates items and oversees the production process. As long as manufacturing is involved, product engineers can work in practically any business. 

He or she may specialize in electrical, electronic, mechanical, software, or any of the other engineering fields.

They usually work in manufacturing plants, where they supervise the production of a product. They can, however, work in corporate settings. 

Product Test Engineer duties and responsibilities

At every level of a product's development, product engineers play a critical role. Here are some of the roles and obligations that product engineers are expected to perform daily:

• Developing new product concepts based on industry expertise
• Collaborating with the product development team to bring product concepts to fruition
• Creating items with computer-aided design (CAD) software
• Prototypes are being tested to see whether there are any design faults.
• Identifying potential safety issues by evaluating the product prototype
• Consult with shipping managers and logistics experts to determine the most cost-effective manufacturing processes and materials.
• Managing the beginning of the production process to ensure productivity and safety.

Key skills required to become a Product Test Engineer (PTE)

To fulfill their varied work obligations, product test engineers require competence in a variety of skill areas. Here are some abilities that they must have:

Teamwork

Because they constantly cooperate with product development teams and other engineers to discuss, design, and manufacture things, PTEs must be open to teamwork. 

Product engineers can efficiently complete their work obligations if they have a team-oriented mentality.

Example: A PTE discovers that a new smartphone model keeps crashing whenever you attempt to load a certain type of app. He discusses the issue with the design and development teams.

Now that they are made aware of the problem the development team quickly isolates the flaw and fixes it. By making all the relevant teams work together a potential problem was solved before the product hit the market, saving the company millions.

Want to learn teamwork and earn a certificate?

Creative thinking

Product Test Engineers need to be able to think creatively. They must create prototypes and come up with creative solutions to faults as part of their jobs. They must also be inventive in determining which materials would be appropriate for the product's construction while retaining cost-effective strategies that benefit the organization.

Example: A Product Test Engineer working for a furniture brand realizes that the furniture they are designing based on US market knowledge takes up a lot of space. This is a major issue when they try to sell in a market like Hong Kong where living space is very limited.

By coming up with creative ideas, the PTE is able to suggest furniture concepts that are collapsable or of dual-purpose so that space can be utilized better. 

These concepts are used by the design team to create furniture that can be sold in markets such as Hong Kong, which they have previously failed to sell.

If you want to learn more on how to be creative with problem-solving here is a great course for you for only $134.90

Interpersonal communication

Interpersonal communication refers to a person's ability to modify their communication skills to meet the needs of various relationships. 

Product engineers must have good interpersonal communication skills since they must speak not just with other engineers, but also with shipping managers, logisticians, and corporate leaders who do not have the same degree of engineering knowledge as they do.

Example: A product test engineer makes a presentation to higher management at their company to gain approval for a prototype they produced. Rather than concentrating on the engineering and design features, they concentrate on the market value and how consumers may benefit from utilizing it.

This short focused course on interpersonal skills costs only $60.60 and gets you a certificate along with the skill required.

Mathematics

Mathematical skills, particularly calculus, linear algebra, and statistics, are required of product engineers. This can assist them in determining the prototype's size and the parts required for it to perform properly.

Example: A product engineer and his team utilize statistics to determine whether a cordless vacuum cleaner is a success or a flop.

Prototype software proficiency

Prototype software proficiency is a crucial technical talent for product engineers to have. Before building the actual product, product engineers use prototype software applications to create blueprints and 3D representations of prototypes.

Example: To develop detailed images of prototypes and their parts, product engineers employ computer-aided design (CAD) software. They, on the other hand, utilize CAM software to create instructions for CNC machines to cut, drill, or assemble the product during the production process.

The average salary for product test engineers

Product engineers earn an average of $86,165 per year. It's vital to keep in mind that this figure varies depending on your level of expertise, work location, and company size.

Average cash bonus: $4,000 per year

The most common benefits that product testers enjoy

1. 401(k)
2. 401(k) matching
3. Employee assistance program
4. Life insurance
5. Disability insurance
6. Parental leave
7. Vision insurance/ health insurance
8. Health savings account
9. Dental insurance
10. Paid time off
11. Tuition reimbursement
12. Profit-sharing
13. Relocation assistance
14. Flexible spending account

Top companies hiring Product Test Engineers in the United States

Here are the top five companies that are paying the most for a product test engineer

Highest-paying cities for Product Engineers in the United States

How to become a product engineer

Before you can become a product engineer, you must first learn what employers seek for in product engineering applicants in terms of educational background and professional experience.

This is a comprehensive step-by-step guide to becoming a product test engineer.

1. Transfer to a four-year university after earning an associate's degree from a community college.

If you want to save money on tuition, going to community college first and earning an Associate's Degree is the best alternative. For the first two years, you will pay one-tenth of the average bachelor's degree tuition.

After earning your Associate's Degree, you can transfer your credits to a four-year university program and complete your bachelor's degree there. Our comprehensive guide to transferring from a community college to a university is a good place to start if you want to look at this option..

2. Get a bachelor's degree

A four-year bachelor's degree in an area such as mechanical engineering, quality engineering, product design engineering, or general engineering is required for those interested in pursuing a career as a product engineer.

Before you enroll, make sure you properly study the majors offered by the college or university you're considering. Some community colleges do offer bachelor's degrees, but only in exceptional cases.

3. Obtain a few years of experience in a comparable field

You must have worked in a relevant job title for a few years before applying for a product engineer post.

Consider positions like product engineer entry-level or quality control specialist. These jobs will prepare you to take on the technical and managerial responsibilities of a senior product engineer.

4. Optional industry certifications can be obtained.

For product engineers, certifications are optional. They can, however, demonstrate to employers that you are enthusiastic about your field and are well-versed in it.

Certifications in the industry can also help you gain specialist knowledge in a certain field of product engineering like electronics, which can lead to better job performance or promotions.

If you're looking for certifications that can help you advance in your career or raise your salary, the best place to start is Unmudl, where you can find a complete list of accessible courses.

5. Apply for the position of product engineer

You can start applying for product engineer jobs if you have the necessary education, professional experience, and industry certifications.

Make sure your CV, cover letter, and other application materials are customized for each company to which you apply.

If the business employs an Applicant Tracking System(ATS), highlight essential job applicant attributes and talents specified in the job description and include them in your application materials. Based on the existence of keywords, this software picks applications for assessment.

PIMA Community College: A fast track to Product Test Specialist (Electronics)

Many colleges and universities offer electrical, mechanical, and software engineering degrees, all of which lead to product testing. PIMA Community College's Fast Track to Product Test Engineering Course is one that we believe should be mentioned.

Pima Community College is the primary training institution in Southern Arizona for adult learners seeking to achieve skills and certificates rapidly. PIMA is the place to go if you want to advance in your current job or look for a new one.

Pima Fast Track is a brand-new method of getting to college. It's designed for adults who wish to gain industry-recognized skills quickly.

You may work full-time, raise a family, and acquire today's in-demand skills for a new profession with PimaFastTrack.

Course duration: 8 Months

Description

The iRAMM Grant is supporting this credential. Each course costs $995.00 in total. Students who qualify will pay a discounted tuition of $395.00 using grant funds. To find out if you're eligible, email Raichelle at rsutton6@pima.edu or call her at 520-206-4767.

• UTEC 100 Circuit Analysis I
• UTEC 113 Solid State Devices & Circuits
• UTEC 124 Electronic Assembly & Fabrication
• UTEC 121 Circuit Analysis II
• UTEC 128 Electronic Measurements
• UTEC 221 Solid State Devices and Circuits II
• UTEC 228 Communication Systems

Textbooks, laboratory materials, and certification tests are all included in the course fees (NCCER Core Certification and emphasis in respective discipline.)

Cost

$2,187.50 Total Price (Excluding Tax)

Additional attendance information

Students complete online content learning and also demonstrate learning in the lab once a week.

Eligibility restriction (Prerequisite)

Students should have basic skills in applied math.

This course will open your paths to…

• Associate's Degree

• Manufacturing Engineering
• Manufacturing Engineering Technology/Technician
• Electrical and Electronics Engineering
• Industrial Electronics Technology/Technician
• Electrical/Electronics Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians

• Certificates

• Industrial Electronics Technology/Technician

Knowledge: Things you will learn

1. Computers and Electronics
2. Engineering and Technology
3. Administration and Management
4. Design
5. Mathematics
6. English Language
7. Physics

Skills you will acquire

1. Reading Comprehension
2. Systems Analysis
3. Complex Problem Solving
4. Critical Thinking
5. Writing
6. Repairing
7. Speaking

Experience: You can list these work activities on your CV

1. Determine product specifications or materials required by reading work orders or other instructions.
2. Go through technical documentation to plan work.
3. Determine operational procedures or sequences by reviewing blueprints or other instructions.
4. Examine the condition and operation of facilities and equipment.
5. Look for defects in finished products.
6. Inspect equipment to find or diagnose electrical issues.
7. Test the performance of electrical, electronic, mechanical, or integrated systems or equipment.

Contact Details

Website URL

https://unmudl.pima.edu/

Address

1255 N Stone Ave, Tucson, AZ 85705, United States

Contact Email

mmromance@pima.edu

Contact Phone Number

520-206-4775 - Maggie Romance

Some more community colleges that can help you become a product test specialist

1. San Juan College

According to New Mexico legislation, San Juan College was established in 1956 as the Farmington Branch of the New Mexico College of Agriculture and Mechanical Arts.

With the completion of the Computer Science Technology Building expansion, the campus now has ten buildings and three off-campus facilities totaling more than 526,300 square feet and more than $60 million in value.

The Advanced Technology/Enterprise Center and the Early Childhood Development Center added around 576,300 square feet to the multi-campus facility in 1999.

In addition, the institution built a 129,000-square-foot Health and Human Performance Center (financed by a $12 million countywide bond issue approved by voters in September 1998), which was completed in 2000.

Program Title: Engineering

Degree: Associates of Science (AS) degree in Engineering

Program Description: Consider earning a degree in engineering if you have that uncommon blend of intellect and creativity. 

It's a rewarding job that allows you to make a difference in the world and you have a lot of earning possibilities! Mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, civil engineering, and petroleum engineering are just a handful of the four-year degrees available if you want to pursue them further.

The Associates of Science (AS) degree in Engineering at San Juan College has been designed to articulate with New Mexico State University, University of New Mexico, and New Mexico Tech, so you can transfer with junior-level status after graduation. 

You'll be ready to enroll in a Bachelor of Science (BS) program in a range of fields, including mechanical, electrical, civil, chemical, environmental, and aerospace engineering putting you in a strong position to become a product test specialist in any of these fields.

2. GateWay Community College

GCC has a long history of innovation in Phoenix, which is one of the fastest-growing major metropolitan areas in the country.

The college is known for educating and training future workers in disciplines such as healthcare and nursing, manufacturing and industrial design, automotive, beauty and wellness, as well as business, information technology, water technologies, and the legal system.

Avnet, PetSmart, Apollo Education Group, Republic Services, ON Semiconductor, Insight Enterprises, and Sprouts Farmers Market are just a few of the Fortune 1000 worldwide organizations with headquarters in Phoenix that GateWay is near or partners with.

Banner Health, a major clinical partner for the college's healthcare and nursing programs, American Airlines, which merged with Tempe-based US Airways, American Express, Wells Fargo, Boeing, and Intel, which has a large regional campus in Chandler, are among the Fortune 500 companies with significant presence.

Program Title: Industrial Design Technology

Degree: The Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Industrial Design Technology

Program Description: This degree prepares students for professions in the field of industrial design. This knowledge will allow you to work in a variety of hi-tech product development and manufacturing companies such as medical devices, consumer products, aerospace, and automotive. 

The curriculum comprises courses in product design, product development, and rapid part manufacture to provide students with a working knowledge of the sector. 

Industry-specific three-dimensional (3D) Solid Design software and 3D printers, competency, and technical skills will be taught. Hands-on experience with Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and 3D printing is the program's main focus. There is also a Certificate of Completion (CCL) in Industrial Design Technology: Design Specialist.

3. Central New Mexico Community College

CNM is the largest higher education institution in New Mexico in terms of undergraduate enrollment, with over 22,000 students. It is located amid the beautiful Sandia Mountains.

Business and industry representatives assist CNM in developing programs to guarantee that CNM students learn the skills they need to succeed in the workplace.

CNM provides associate degrees and certifications in more than 100 disciplines of study, as well as non-credit accelerated skills training that connects students to high-demand jobs in the region's economy.

Program Title: Engineering

Degree: Associate of Science - Engineering

Program Description: The engineering degree contains math and science foundation courses that introduce the concepts and procedures of engineering. 

These courses build the foundation that will make you a great Product Test Specialist. The associate degree is can also serve as the first two years of a four-year engineering bachelor's degree, with graduates encouraged to pursue further study in a specific field of engineering at a four-year college.

4. Tombolo Institute at Bellevue College

The learning experience at Tombolo Institute is distinguished by two factors. For starters, programs provide opportunities for hands-on practice and exercises. The second advantage is that their instructors are industry specialists with real-world expertise.

They work for local businesses and apply knowledge in the field. As a result, they bring real-world experience to the classroom.

This means you won't get a theoretical answer when you ask a question. You get a response that has been earned through hard work and experience. You'll hear from someone who has put solutions in place at their place of work.

Program Title: Software Test Engineer

Degree: Certificate Program (12-14 months)

Program Description: Of course, not all test engineers are mechanical, electrical, or electronic engineers. These days a lot of Product Testing is done on computer software.

The Software Test Engineer Certificate Program prepares students for entry-level software testing positions. Workers in these positions must be able to successfully locate software issues and provide logical, brief written reports on them. 

The program was created with the help of specialists in the software testing industry to represent the abilities needed to succeed in today's workplace.

5. SUNY Broome

SUNY Broome Community College is a vibrant presence in the heart of Upstate New York's Southern Tier. As part of the State University of New York, it is a nationally and internationally renowned college (SUNY).

In nearby Binghamton, NY, IBM was created, and the flight simulator was invented. Dick's Sporting Goods, Eureka! Camping and Johnson Outdoors are among the significant firms created in the area.

Program Title: Manufacturing Technology

Degree: Associate in Applied Science

Program Description: This curriculum, which includes a capstone project, stresses the use of scientific and engineering knowledge, as well as practical technical skills and procedures, in support of advanced manufacturing. 

Additionally, the curriculum provides students with the opportunity to receive training in the highly specialized field of Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) using cutting-edge technology. 

Students will have hands-on experience with a variety of popular CNC software packages.

6. San Diego Continuing Education

San Diego Continuing Education (SDCE) is the San Diego Community College District's adult education section (SDCCD).

SDCE's objective is to deliver accessible, equitable, and creative quality education and career training to adult students as the state's leading supplier of noncredit education. For more than a century, SDCE has provided career training and other classes.

Students attend classes in more than 70 free career training programs and thousands of classes from all 50 states and 160 countries.

Many programs are available online in addition to the traditional fall, spring, and summer semesters, allowing students to pursue higher education or career training while maintaining other responsibilities and active lives.

Program Title: Electronics Technician

Degree: Certificate Program (9 Months)

Program Description: This short course can quickly prepare you to start working as a Product Test Specialist in a junior capacity. Some people are fascinated by wires and electronic components. 

This may be a suitable job for you if you enjoy working with your hands, have good eyesight, and are committed to precision.

In this hands-on training program, instructors are field engineers who are currently employed by local businesses to teach the latest trends in electronics and market demands.

7. Washtenaw Community College

Washtenaw Community College was founded in 1965 after voters in Washtenaw County approved a millage to fund a countywide community college.

WCC began with a six-member Board of Trustees, a newly appointed president, and a piece of property in Ann Arbor and Superior Townships.

With 1200 students enrolled in 30 occupational programs and a transfer curriculum, classes began in September 1966 on a temporary campus at Willow Run.

Program Title: Engineering and Design Technology (CTEDT)

Degree: Certificate

Program Description: The Engineering Design Technology program educates students to construct and design items utilizing engineering software and manufacturing procedures that are common in today's global economy. 

Product design methods, as well as engineering and design technology ideas, will be exposed to students. Students will experiment with design concepts using various software tools in order to produce distinctive products for the construction, automotive, or other manufacturing industries. 

The development process will be completed with hands-on experience with design-appropriate materials. According to the Michigan Community College Network, this is a high-demand, high-skill, and high-wage program.

8. Mott Community College

Mott Community College's objective is to provide high-quality, accessible, and affordable educational opportunities and services that foster student achievement and personal growth while also improving the overall quality of life in a multicultural community.

Program Title: CAD and Design, A.A.S.

Degree: Associate in Applied Science

Program Description: The CAD system is used to drive the concurrent design and manufacturing environment in this dynamic program, which prepares students for entry-level design and engineering technology careers. 

From the concept until the conclusion of the product's useful life, the entire product lifecycle is addressed. Students create digital design solutions using equipment such as rapid prototyping. In the second year, the focus is on both product and process (tool) design. 

The transformation of the CAD model into the basis for manufacturing-related design processes, known as CAM, is explored in related electives (computer-aided manufacturing). Graduates are frequently employed in design-related fields such as aerospace, defense, automobile, and medical technology.

Final Word

One of the first things to consider if you want to become a Product Test Specialist is how much education you'll need. A bachelor's degree is held by 44.9 percent of Product Test Specialists, according to our research. 

However, you can still become one with only a high school diploma or GED and a few good, short and focused courses from community colleges.

In this guide, we shared with you all the information that you need to have to become a Product Test Specialist including a Fast Track Method. For a list of courses that can help you with any career including this one, log on to Unmudl.