Undergraduate Hardware Engineer (Electronic Systems) Review

My role on a day to day basis includes inspecting and testing PCBs to make sure they function as intended. With the help of senior engineers, we analyse the results and make modifications to the designs to ensure the requirements are met. I work closely with the other engineers throughout the development of our electronic products. I also have stretch assignment responsibilities which includes completing non-project work for an outreach task.

My team was quite large with a number of senior engineers however I was given, mostly, meaningful tasks to do. I was given some independent work and was responsible for certain aspects of the physical hardware. Support was always there when needed though.
Due to having stretch assignments, I had a responsibility to continuously complete these non-project tasks as well.

I have learnt new fault finding and hardware analysis skills, improving the tools I have to solve problems concerning analogue hardware. I have developed my interpersonal skills and team working as well as my ability to articulate my ideas. My project work has not included any design tasks involving schematic capture or layout but in being involved in a project with complex designs these skills have still improved. My skill in researching and selecting components as well as analysing datasheets and schematics has also improved.

When I first got placed on my project there wasn't much information given and it was a bit confusing. However, my colleagues have been incredibly supportive and welcoming and helped me with anything I have needed. When I've been light on work they include me in their work packages and introduce me to new things. As this is a big company, there is always someone to help with any query. There are also a range of training modules available. We also have the freedom to not have to book to certain tasks and get experience in a range of things.

This is a big company so its hard to gauge everyone but in general the employees are well motivated and take pride in the work here. In my department most people are on site 3/4 days a week and are very dedicated. Everyone is very polite and are open to learning and improving the processes here. There is also a large population of early careers employees with large cohorts of Graduates, Undergraduates and Apprentices so working. This means daily interactions are with a range of different types of people.

For a first role in this industry, this has been mainly enjoyable. The project I have been placed on has been very interesting and challenging. My team are knowledgeable and supportive. I have gelled well with my colleagues and that has made this a fun experience. At times, especially during the middle of my placement, my work became a bit boring but this picked up again. To make it a bit more enjoyable, if I were to redo the year, I would take part in more of the early career opportunities.

Yes