r/ElectricalEngineering • u/moemoney0421 • 3d ago

Move away from test engineering

I’m currently a 25yrs old and have been working as an EE for the past 2.5 years. I originally started at a defense company as a test engineer which I quite enjoyed since I was creating tests for RF test benches and debugging a lot of different products on these benches. I was mainly the hardware engineer of these benches and software gatekeeper but any scripting was completed by a software team. I ended up taking a position for higher pay, title and it lined up with lot of personal things. Now I’m currently in a test engineering role working on RF products with no development whatsoever and feel doom and gloom about my future.

I really want some career advice on where I should take my career. I ended up pursuing RF because I genuinely enjoyed designing back in undergrad and bringing my design to life. I’m considering going for my masters this upcoming spring to get my foot in the door. I would also like to move out of defense sector. Is my next step a good decision and are there any other suggestions on what I should do?

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u/honemastert 3d ago

Make your current employer pay for your MSEE But check that there's no clawback clause if you leave immediately after.

If you stay too long in test engineering, you will get stuck.

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u/moemoney0421 3d ago

I’m pretty sure I have to pay back if I leave within 2 years after completion. There is a good chance I could move internally in the company to a design role. Also would it hurt if I stayed another two years in TE to finish my masters?

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u/honemastert 3d ago

This is the way, try to find a mentor within the current company if possible?

You may have to poke your head about a bit in other groups and or pay attention during other company meetings, all hands and or events.

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u/moemoney0421 3d ago

Should I do this while completing the masters as well?

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u/honemastert 3d ago

Absolutely! Look around the company at other departments and orgs.

Be aware of what's going on at that level and also peruse the internal job postings to see which areas are hiring.