Design Engineer Review

Designing electronics schematics, laying out PCBs, writing, updating or maintaining C/C++ firmware for embedded systems. For PCB design and layout I use EAGLE CAD software, firmware is primarily written within the MPlab IDE, and for 3d modelling I use Autodesk's Fusion 360. I regularly 3D model, laser cut prototype enclosures, or figs for test rigs.

I have had extensive practice designing an laying out PCBs, and practiced my C programming skills writing firmware for PIC microcontroller based embedded systems. New skills I have learnt during my time at my current company include 3D printing, including maintenance, starting a print, replacing filament etc. I also have learnt how to use a laser cutter to cut and etch Perspex, wood and different metals.

I enjoy my programme, but it is not without stresses. My biggest displeasure is due to the limited time I have to complete my studies, that being one day a week release to attend University or complete University work, and then evenings and weekends. Typically I strive to achieve >70% when studying my university modules, and tend to achieve this, however the time required does have a significant impact on the time available for personal life. For me this is a temporary, and necessary evil to overcome, whereby the benefit will outweigh the sacrafice.

The programme has had some incremental changes since starting, such as modules changing, or even modules being substituted with other modules to be studied, however as a whole the programme has been structured enough, and the university has been flexible enough to complete the degree without any real problems or issues.

My employer allows me a day each week to study, and are also flexible with moving this day as and when required, for example my 'normal' day for Uni study is a Friday, but I need to attend an exam on a Monday, they will let me change my day at short notice. I do not ask for or receive any help with the modules content, but this is a personal choice, I believe if I wanted help, my employer would offer help.

No more or less help than any other full time student. Often submissions, or returning of equipment can leave me as the sole degree apprentice feeling a bit overlooked. For example setting a deadline to return equipment 1 week from the end of a module actually gives me 1 day to return the equipment, whereas a full time student has 5 days to return the same equipment. It seems minor, but on an already time constrained schedule, waiting a few hours to return lab equipment to a grumpy lab technician is a real pain... The lecturers are generally quite compensating in the rare instances where I have asked for allowances to help my study as a part time degree apprentice.

I think without starting the degree apprenticeship, and learning the basics of PCB design, layout and writing firmware/software, I would not have got the job I have today. I moved from a sales engineering position at my previous company where I started the degree apprenticeship where originally the intention and promise was to move into and embedded design role, however it was necessary to move companies in the end to start in the career I am truly interested in, and the experience from the first year or two at University greatly helped me get the job I have.

No, my company is a small

Yes

I would recommend my company as they have treated me very well in the 13 months I have worked here. The holidays and hours are good, and I feel the work/life balance, if I didn't have the degree work to complete, would be perfect. With the degree, it makes life a little more stressful, but this is a temporary pain for long term gain.

If you are confident and can teach yourself, do your own research and find your own answers to questions, then maybe look into working at a smaller company. The rewards of being a useful member of a small team are great if you are up to the task. If you are less confident, I would recommend perhaps the 'traditional route' of taking a junior engineer, or graduate scheme position where learning would be more structured.