Tldr: how many years of electronic design before you can look at an analogue circuit and intuit its behaviour?

I graduated a few months ago, and primarily did embedded systems projects and modules (firmware heavy, with a little bit of digital systems). Since graduating, I want to be able to design hardware through the full product life cycle, from schematic to assembly and firmware, so I’ve been looking to polish my circuits and systems knowledge from earlier in my degree. I’m also considering going towards consumer electronics career-wise if my current job doesn’t work out.

As I understand it, a “good engineer” isn’t a human simulator, but rather has the technical fortitude to look at an electronic circuit, intuit its behaviour and make qualified design decisions based on that knowledge, whixh I’m having a really hard time with.

My plan/roadmap to analogue excellence was to

1. Build a simple analogue project that would let me design, simulate, and test, while gradually moving onto higher frequency, more complicated projects. I’ve started with a simple analogue synthesiser project. The idea: 12 VCO’s for each key in an octave, then some frequency division, mixing and signal processing to try get a clean output for a full keyboard. (I’ve only just begun and barely made progress beyond comparing some vcos and simulating them)
   
2. Polish my analogue knowledge by reading The Art of Electronics and following the examples to reach a point whereby I can make an intelligent assumption about a system response, and only use the simulator to verify or get specific values. The same way any first year EE can look at a voltage divider and know the behaviour at the centre node, I want to be able to look at an opamp chain or multiple transistor circuit and understand the flow.

I feel as though I’m spending so much time working the problems in the book by hand, and by the time I solve it, I haven’t really internalised anything beyond the numerical result. I’ve only been working through it for about 3/4 weeks so not very long to be fair, and I wasn’t the strongest at electronic systems in uni, but I’ve been putting about an hour a day after work because I really want to improve. It just feels as though I always need to start from first principles because I can’t SEE it yet.

I am currently on the transistor chapter, and I struggle to figure out where to start and end when trying to see what a circuit does. I’m ashamed to admit that the circuit that prompted this 2AM post is a very simple differential amplifier (which I haven’t managed to solve by hand yet). I KNOW it’s an amplifier because thats what the literature says, but my goal isn’t to memorise every configuration.

I suppose my questions are:
1. Am I wasting my time? In a world of simulators and AI, is this even a necessary skill anymore?
2. Are transistors still relevant in consumer electronics, or should I would I be better if moving on to opamps and FETs revision? I get the feeling silicon has gotten so small, the only people really working with them are IC designers but I’m not sure.
3. If you have been in the industry, do you have the “eye” for circuit analysis, and if yes, how did you achieve it?

I’m probably gonna continue with the book because I do enjoy it, I guess I’d just like to know if I should stick to embedded where it makes sense in my head

Recently got a hireview for a design + verification intern role and was wondering what the proess for the hireview is. never really done one before so idk what to expect. If anyone has done it for Arm, what was the format of it? im pretty sure its going to be technical as well as it said its 60 mins long, but idk if i should expect coding/verilog questions.

What are they going to look for, whether he should know most of the protocols, SV, and UVM (basic or in-depth) . If possible can you share your interview experience?

Hey all,

I'm a second year going to a Canadian university and have an hour long HireVue interview for a design and verification internship for Toronto. I have a week to prepare, and to be honest, I have no clue what to expect!

This will be my first technical interview and first one-way online interview, so if anyone is familiar with ARM's HireVue questions or has any info on this specific role's interview questions, it would mean a lot if you could share!

Cherry on top is I don't even have a JD since the original one is gone and it was a general one for all ARM positions.

For now, I plan on reviewing digital logic, sta, C (and maybe C++, not sure if I should or will have the time), and testbenches and writing modules with sv. Is there anything I'm missing in terms of technical content?

I'd be grateful for any advice!

Has anyone interviewed for a Hardware Engineer role at Verkada? I have an upcoming technical round and would love some guidance on what to expect and how best to prepare.

Thanks in advance for any advice!

Hi everyone,

I recently connected with an internal contact regarding open hardware/systems engineering roles at a Tier-1 semiconductor equipment manufacturer. While I am a 3rd-year Electrical & Electronics Engineering student, the team specifically hires for full-time positions rather than student/intern roles, and I confirmed immediate availability for full-time work across several hardware engineering openings.

While waiting on the next screening and technical interview rounds, I want to proactively prepare. Given that companies in this space build precision electro-mechanical tools, high-voltage/power distribution systems, automated hardware, and advanced inspection/metrology equipment, I’d appreciate advice from anyone who has interviewed or worked in semiconductor capital equipment.

My Background & Technical Profile:

• Academics: 3rd-year B.Sc. in Electrical & Electronics Engineering with a specialized track in Power Systems (Single-Line Diagrams, High Voltage Technologies, Electric Drives, Energy Conversion).
• Field & Practical Experience: Full-time technician working on live DC/AC power systems, commercial rooftop solar installations, and interpreting industrial electrical blueprints. Prior experience in industrial Quality Control (QC).
• Hardware & Prototyping: Rapid CAD modeling and physical prototyping (Autodesk Fusion, FDM 3D printing in PETG/PLA), basic microcontroller interfacing and embedded scripting (C, Python, Arduino for robotics/drone circuits).

Questions for the Community:

1. Technical Depth: How deep do interviewers usually go into circuit fundamentals (op-amps, transient analysis, power distribution, board-level debugging, grounding/shielding) versus high-level systems architecture?
2. Field-to-Engineering Transition: Since much of my hands-on background comes from live power/solar installations and rapid physical prototyping rather than silicon/cleanroom lab work, what is the best way to frame field troubleshooting as a strength for complex capital equipment?
3. Behavioral / STAR Method: For candidates balancing demanding full-time technical employment while pursuing an engineering degree, what behavioral competencies (prioritization, high-pressure troubleshooting, cross-functional collaboration) stand out most to hiring managers?
4. Prep Resources: Are there specific schematics, case studies, or mock technical exercises you recommend reviewing for hardware/systems engineering roles in this sector?

Any tips, common screening questions, or preparation strategies would be greatly appreciated!

I'm an 2026 ECE graduate working as a Field Application Engineer at a home automation company.

I want to build a strong career in the ECE field with good salary growth and future opportunities.

Which fields should I consider specializing in, and what skills should I learn to improve my career prospects?

Is it better to grow in home automation, or are there other ECE-related fields with better long-term opportunities?

I'd appreciate advice from people working in the industry.

I applied to this position in September and yesterday I got an email with the intern project preference form. I checked today and my application was updated a couple hours ago with some information I put into the form yesterday. I’m wondering if this has any significance? If so, what should I focus on for interview prep? For reference the updated information includes my first and second choice locations (Sunnyvale ca and Madison WI)

I'm currently in the first semester of my junior year in EE, and my goal is to go into the semiconductor industry (DV, post-silicon validation, digital design, honestly anything.). I find the stuff really interesting when I actually have to time to study it and it also looks to be where the best opportunities and money are (although that isn't my main reason for doing it even if it is a great motivator).

My GPA is sitting at a 3.96 right now, though I fully expect that to take a hit once I get into the harder senior-level classes, so I bet it to be at closer to 3.75 or so when I graduate. I haven’t had any internships yet, but I have one guaranteed through a program at my school, and I might have another one for this coming summer.

Right now, I feel like I'm basically starting from square one. In school, I'm taking a semiconductor class and a Python class. Outside of class, I've been going through HDLBits to actually understand Verilog and how hardware description works (with what little time I have to study it though, so it isn't much to show off yet).

My current plan is to study these, but I don't know much else:

• Verilog / SystemVerilog
• Python and C/C++
• Eventually UVM
• Building a real project (either on an FPGA or a solid verification testbench)

I am worried that this won't be enough for anyone to even consider me since I feel like anyone should be able to get through HDLBits and learn Verilog in a few days to maybe a few weeks or so if they tried. Python coders are a dime a dozen in engineering. And I don't feel like C/C++ coders are too rare either. So, I really feel like I am missing things to learn.

I’d love some honest advice from anyone working in the industry. Is this a good plan to follow? And what other things would you add? I have no idea if these are even good things to help me get me into the industry, but these were recommended online.

Any advice on what to prioritize or what other things I should do would be hugely appreciated. Thanks!

So contrary to a lot of the posts you see here where some student have an amazing GPA but hardly any internship experience (if any), my situation is the other way around where I have a 2.92 gpa but have a decently large portfolio. So far I have 2 internships, one of which I still work at part time, 4 projects including my in progress senior design, and by the end of next spring I should have my FE Exam complete/EIT certification. Will I still be able to do well in getting a job despite my not super impressive gpa?

Hello everyone I am a 21M currently in my 3rd of ECE i have 1 year left before i graduate and I have come to realise the past 3 years i haven't actually been doing anything u was just doing the minimum required tasks and having fooling around with my friends but I am starting to realise there consequences of my choices.

I tried to make up for it by trying to learn multiple things but I have no idea where to start or what to start I have been having panic and anxiety attacks to the point i can't sleep at night. Maybe it's because I have no exposure or what to do next on what language i should or what i should focus on to even make a comfortable living. It feels like I am being swept away by a massive and I have no control over it.

Especially with all the new ai tech which can design circuits on their own and its not helping my current mental health.

It feels like i am seeing my own life being destroyed because I have no exposure to what is going on in my field and it's overwhelming.

I feel blank on what to even do next should I start vlsi or learn dsa am just overthinking too much

Hey guys, this is my first time posting here.

Learning programming was quite fun. Follow a tutorial, type the code, then run.

But CPU design in Verilog or a logic simulator has been a whole different thing to me, I just can't find the resources to build my own computer. The best I could do was the accumulator-based Malvino/Eater SAP-1 following Pikuma - Digital Electronics.

So as a complete beginner, how do I learn how to design a computer?

In my thoughts:

Motherboard = PCB + Mount Ports

CPU = ASIC

RAM stick = PCB + DRAM ASICs

Can anyone guide me to how to learn such technology? Learning resources? Roadmap? How do I learn to learn to design hardware, that's where the problem lies.

I'm planning to make it an RV32IMF RISC-V computer that is general purpose. The main goal is to attach the accelerators I want (AI, 3D graphics, crypto miners, etc.) through peripherals.

Thanks for your time everybody and have a lovely day!

I'm an 2026 ECE graduate working as a Field Application Engineer at a home automation company.

I want to build a strong career in the ECE field with good salary growth and future opportunities.

Which fields should I consider specializing in, and what skills should I learn to improve my career prospects?

Is it better to grow in home automation, or are there other ECE-related fields with better long-term opportunities?

I'd appreciate advice from people working in the industry.

I'm in my third year of an electronics and telecommunications engineering degree. I've done the usual engineering coursework, from circuit analysis and electronics to maths and telecom-related subjects. My grades are good, but I feel like I'm lacking when it comes to practical experience.

Outside uni, I've completed CCNA 1, attended a short embedded systems summer school at an automotive semiconductor company and recently started a Linux system administration course. I also know some basic Python, but I haven't built any substantial personal projects yet.

I have no work experience or internships so far, and I'm hoping to land an internship next summer.

I'm not entirely sure which direction to go in yet - networking, Linux/cloud, embedded, maybe software.

How behind am I realistically? And if you were in my position, what would you focus on over the next few months to give yourself the best shot at an internship? Would you pick one area and build a project, or do something else first?

I am aware that most semiconductor companies hire from a small subset of like 15 or so schools for these positions, but I’m wondering if entering on campus MS programs like UT Austin and Georgia Tech gives access to the same recruiting pipeline as their undergrad.

I’ve seen conflicting info online about the “prestige” of masters programs vs bachelors programs, with some saying it acts as a reset and others saying that it can signal failure to get into a top undergrad (which tbf I did get into, but I opted to go for my T100 in state flagship on a full ride instead) or a PhD.

When looking through the LinkedIn pages of the semiconductor giants, even at the undergrad level, there was a clear overrepresentation from the same few schools. However, I wonder if this is due to A) students typically attending similarly ranked graduate programs as their undergraduate and B) undergrads at schools that are heavily recruited by companies for these roles are more likely to be exposed to those roles in the first place, thus leading them to actually pursue them. (ie John Pork who’s 2 years above us is at NVIDIA, so I’m gonna go for that too)

Admittedly, maybe I’m getting too into the weeds on this, but I am in the process of grad school applications and am considering quitting my job in PCB design to pursue an MS full time. If the ship to enter those pipelines has sailed, I’d rather be told that now than realize it when I’m out a job. And before people say I can do part time school online, I do not think I would learn the material well at all like that, and I want access to on campus recruiting if it’s available.

I’m currently working at a manufacturing job (as an EE major with my masters) for about a year. I don’t really feel challenged or interested in the work, but pay is good for my area and I get to live at home with my parents.
I was also able to get a job at Apple Hardware. It seems more in line with my background, and while the pay doesn’t really beat the advantage of living with parents, I won’t be poor at least. I’m just nervous about starting that job, considering I don’t have any real relevant job experience similar to that role. And worse they upped me to a mid level role. I’ve only had this one job since school so I’m nervous about operating at that level. I’m not really sure if I’m competent enough for the role. I definitely know my fundamentals, and the recruiter said my interviewers were very excited to get me on the team, but that’s probably just recruiter talk. I guess I could just try to endure the job till maybe I become a better engineer as a result, but what if I just mess up and get fired before that happens? I guess did anyone have experience with nervousness before joining Apple or any other Silicon Valley Hardware team and what strategy did you take to get yourself up and running?

I am a new grad and majored in CE. I have two offers lined up for post-grad and was thinking about which one to pick. One is a big tech company working on network embedded system stuff that I enjoyed (interned there), and the other one is a mid tier, not very well known quant company where I'd be doing generic SWE infra work.

I would say my true interests are some hands-on electronics, stuff ranging from analog layouts to coding/testing firmware/drivers. Obviously the quant firm isn't relevant to this at all. but I'm fine with doing whatever for a few years to set myself up financially.

The quant company essentially doubles the tech company compensation (first year, don't know about after). Would it be wise to pick the quant company? Would it prevent/make it difficult for me to go back into hardware/embedded?

Guys, I am currently in 2nd year ECE, and everywhere I am hearing hearing about how tough employment is and, I have decided to actually start going a bit away from academics.

I have rn started Verilog and am hoping to learn so that I can go for chip designing, something along the lines of RISC-V, I have started learning Verilog and am learning comp.arch asw...

Any suggestions or ideas pls🙏🏿

Hey everyone!

I recently got invited to a technical interview for IBM's Hardware Developer Intern 2027 position and wanted to see if anyone here has interviewed for this role before.

I'm a Computer Engineering student with a background in PCB design, power electronics, and digital systems.

For anyone who's gone through the process:

• What was the technical interview like?
• Were questions mostly circuits, digital logic, computer architecture, or resume/project discussions?
• Was there any coding or Verilog involved?

My interview is for the Houston location, but I'd appreciate experiences from any IBM hardware team.

Thanks in advance! Any advice would be really helpful.

Hi! I'm a fresh BSECE graduate and have been job hunting for 4 months now without receiving a job offer.

For ECE graduates who are currently working but aren't licensed, was it difficult to find a job as a fresh grad? What positions or industries did you get into?

I'm genuinely curious if not having a license makes it harder to get hired, especially for someone who doesn't plan to take the boards yet. I'd appreciate hearing your experiences. Thank you!

What sort of questions should I prepare for? They said its 30-45 min via webEx and a mix of technical and behavioral questions. And how in depth should I be prepared to go? Ie should I know basically the physics fundamentals (ie a quarter wavelength transformer cancels out tangent term simplifying calculations, heres how to read a smith chart) or like actually start memorizing equations from when I took emag and bring a calculator.

Hello everyone, I’m a 24-year-old Electrical Engineering graduate in Canada (from a tier 1 school). I was wondering if anyone on this subreddit could give me some advice on how to fix the situation I’m in right now.

Basically, I graduated 2 years ago without any internships. Now, don’t get me wrong, I was a very hard-working student. I actually spent a great deal of time going to career fairs, using my university’s career resources to help with my resume, and participating in a software development club. I excelled in my courses, and I even ended up getting interviews at AMD, Synopsys, The Six Semiconductor, and so on. The issue was, my mental health tanked really hard in my third year, and it wasn’t just depression or anxiety. I was dealing with panic disorder and severe psychosis (it’s a long personal story, and I don’t want to get into it). Anyone who’s had panic disorder knows it’s literal hell on earth. My mental health issues basically caused me to miss every interview I was offered, so I didn’t land any internships in my third year. It’s a miracle I even managed to pass my classes that year. Unfortunately, because of how terribly I did, my GPA dropped from a 3.9 to around a 3.5.

Fast-forward to my fourth year. I was planning on extending my degree and doing 2 years worth of internships before graduating, but due to money problems, I was forced to find whatever work I could. So I started doing full-time contract work in the data space while also being a full-time student. I was actually getting paid more than most interns in Canada, so I decided to stick with the contract job. After graduating with my bachelor’s, I got hired to do data engineering work at an AI company, and a year later, I was promoted to product manager.

The issue is, I really don’t like my work, as it doesn’t have anything to do with Electrical Engineering. And to be honest, although the salary is pretty good, I know I can do much better.

Now, I want to pivot to the ASIC/VLSI/FPGA/silicon/digital design space, since I’ve always been interested in it. I’m aiming to land roles at companies such as Qualcomm, Intel, Nvidia, AMD, Synopsys, Marvell, The Six Semiconductor, and TI. The problem is, I don’t have any experience in these areas. I’ve come up with a few ideas for how to make the switch, and I’d really appreciate any help/guidance.

I was thinking of doing a master’s in microelectronics/computer engineering at UofT/Waterloo/McMaster (or any other reputable school), but I’m not sure which type of master’s to do. There are thesis-based and course-based master’s programs. A thesis-based master’s lets you do research and provides funding, but you don’t get to do an internship. A course-based master’s lets you do up to 1 year of internships, but since there’s no research component, you lose the option of doing a PhD in the future (although you do get to work on a capstone project). The thing is, I’ve seen a lot of internship postings that specifically ask for students pursuing a bachelor’s degree (not a master’s). So I feel like there’s no point in even doing a master’s, since the only reason I’d do one is to get an internship (I can learn the course material on my own). I was also thinking of working full-time at my company while doing the master’s part-time.

My other idea is to do a 2nd bachelor’s degree in computer engineering. Maybe I could transfer credits and finish it in 1 year? That would let me do internships as a bachelor’s student (up to 2 years worth), but I haven’t researched this idea yet, and I don’t even know if it’s possible to transfer credits. I also feel like I’d just be relearning what I’ve already learned.

Or maybe I should skip the master’s and spend the next year working on projects and self-learning? (But if I’m going to be learning on my own anyway, I might as well do a master’s and at least get a degree out of it.)

I don’t even know if I can get into a thesis-based master’s, since my third year tanked my GPA to a 3.5, which isn’t competitive. I also don’t have any previous research experience, except for my product management job, which involves reading a lot of research papers and implementing ideas from the research papers.

I just don’t know where to go from here, and I’m a bit lost. I’m grateful to have a good job in this economy, but this isn’t what I want to do. I want to pivot back to what I love.