Comprehensive Career Guide for

Electronics and Communication

Engineers
Covering VLSI, Embedded Systems, Physical Design, RTL,
Verification and More
Created by Kittu Patel

1
ECE Career Guide 2

Contents

1 Introduction: ECE in the Modern World 5

2 VLSI Engineer 5
2.1 Role Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2.2 Key Responsibilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2.3 Top Companies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2.4 Important Subjects to Master . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
2.5 Expected Salary (India) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
2.6 Current Industry Trends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
2.7 Trend Analysis (Graph) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
2.8 Skills Roadmap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

3 Embedded Systems Engineer 8

3.1 Role Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
3.2 Key Responsibilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
3.3 Top Companies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
3.4 Important Subjects to Master . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
3.5 Expected Salary (India & Abroad) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
3.6 Current Industry Trends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
3.7 Trend Analysis (Graph) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
3.8 Skills Roadmap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

4 Physical Design Engineer 10

4.1 Role Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
4.2 Key Responsibilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
4.3 Top Companies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
4.4 Important Subjects to Master . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
4.5 Expected Salary (India & Abroad) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
4.6 Current Industry Trends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
4.7 Trend Analysis (Graph) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
4.8 Skills Roadmap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

5 RTL Design Engineer 12

5.1 Role Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
5.2 Key Responsibilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
5.3 Top Companies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
5.4 Important Subjects to Master . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
5.5 Expected Salary (India & Abroad) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
5.6 Current Industry Trends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
5.7 Trend Analysis (Graph) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
5.8 Skills Roadmap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

6 Verification Engineer 15
6.1 Role Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
6.2 Key Responsibilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
6.3 Top Companies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
ECE Career Guide 3

6.4 Important Subjects to Master . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

6.5 Expected Salary (India & Abroad) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
6.6 Current Industry Trends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
6.7 Trend Analysis (Graph) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
6.8 Skills Roadmap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

7 Design for Testability (DFT) Engineer 17

7.1 Role Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
7.2 Key Responsibilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
7.3 Top Companies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
7.4 Important Subjects to Master . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
7.5 Expected Salary (India & Abroad) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
7.6 Current Industry Trends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
7.7 Trend Analysis (Graph) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
7.8 Skills Roadmap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

8 Analog Layout Engineer 19

8.1 Role Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
8.2 Key Responsibilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
8.3 Top Companies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
8.4 Important Subjects to Master . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
8.5 Expected Salary (India & Abroad) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
8.6 Current Industry Trends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
8.7 Trend Analysis (Graph) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
8.8 Skills Roadmap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

9 PCB Design Engineer 21

9.1 Role Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
9.2 Key Responsibilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
9.3 Top Companies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
9.4 Important Subjects to Master . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
9.5 Expected Salary (India & Abroad) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
9.6 Current Industry Trends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
9.7 Trend Analysis (Graph) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
9.8 Skills Roadmap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

10 IoT System Designer 23

10.1 Role Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
10.2 Key Responsibilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
10.3 Top Companies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
10.4 Important Subjects to Master . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
10.5 Expected Salary (India & Abroad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
10.6 Current Industry Trends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
10.7 Trend Analysis (Graph) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
10.8 Skills Roadmap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
ECE Career Guide 4

11 Signal Processing Engineer 25

11.1 Role Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
11.2 Key Responsibilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
11.3 Top Companies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
11.4 Important Subjects to Master . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
11.5 Expected Salary (India & Abroad) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
11.6 Current Industry Trends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
11.7 Trend Analysis (Graph) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
11.8 Skills Roadmap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

12 Communication Systems Engineer 27

12.1 Role Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
12.2 Key Responsibilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
12.3 Top Companies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
12.4 Important Subjects to Master . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
12.5 Expected Salary (India & Abroad) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
12.6 Current Industry Trends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
12.7 Trend Analysis (Graph) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
12.8 Skills Roadmap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

13 Power Electronics Engineer 29

13.1 Role Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
13.2 Key Responsibilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
13.3 Top Companies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
13.4 Important Subjects to Master . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
13.5 Expected Salary (India & Abroad) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
13.6 Current Industry Trends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
13.7 Trend Analysis (Graph) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
13.8 Skills Roadmap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

14 Control Systems Engineer 31

14.1 Role Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
14.2 Key Responsibilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
14.3 Top Companies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
14.4 Important Subjects to Master . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
14.5 Expected Salary (India & Abroad) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
14.6 Current Industry Trends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
14.7 Trend Analysis (Graph) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
14.8 Skills Roadmap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
ECE Career Guide 5

1 Introduction: ECE in the Modern World

Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE) is one of the most versatile and
demanding branches of engineering. From silicon chips to smart cities, ECE professionals
are the architects of tomorrow’s technology. This guide is aimed at helping students and
professionals understand career paths, skills needed, latest trends, and salary expectations
in core ECE fields.
Why this document?

• To explore career-specific guidance within ECE.

• To highlight high-paying and in-demand roles.

• To share company-wise hiring insights and interview focus.

2 VLSI Engineer
2.1 Role Overview
VLSI (Very Large Scale Integration) engineers design complex integrated circuits (ICs)
using semiconductor technologies. They work in designing digital and analog circuits,
standard cells, memory, and SoCs (System on Chips).

2.2 Key Responsibilities

• Designing and simulating RTL code for SoCs.

• Working on floor planning, placement, and routing.

• Running verification and timing closure.

2.3 Top Companies

• Intel

• Qualcomm

• NVIDIA

• AMD

• Synopsys

• Cadence
ECE Career Guide 6

2.4 Important Subjects to Master

• Digital Electronics

• CMOS Design

• Verilog/SystemVerilog

• STA (Static Timing Analysis)

• VLSI Technology

2.5 Expected Salary (India)

• Entry-level: 6–12 LPA

• With 3+ years: 15–30 LPA

• Abroad (US): $80K–$150K

2.6 Current Industry Trends

Chat format:

Student: Is VLSI still relevant in 2025?¡br¿ Expert: Absolutely! With

demand for AI, 5G, and EVs, chip design is booming.¡br¿ Student: What’s
trending now?¡br¿ Expert: Open-source chip design (like RISC-V), AI chips,
and FinFETs.

2.7 Trend Analysis (Graph)

VLSI Market Growth (in Billion USD)

160
150

140
130
Market Size

120
110

100 95

80
80

50
2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
Year

Figure 1: Projected Global VLSI Market Growth

ECE Career Guide 7

2.8 Skills Roadmap

1. Learn Digital Electronics thoroughly.

2. Start with Verilog and simulate basic modules.

3. Understand CMOS design rules and timing.

4. Work on mini-projects and open-source IC design tools.

ECE Career Guide 8

3 Embedded Systems Engineer

3.1 Role Overview
Embedded Systems Engineers design and develop dedicated computing systems that per-
form specific functions within larger electrical or mechanical systems. They integrate
hardware and software to create reliable, real-time solutions for applications such as au-
tomobiles, medical devices, consumer electronics, and industrial automation.

3.2 Key Responsibilities

• Architecture and design of microcontroller/microprocessor-based systems.

• Writing and debugging firmware in C/C++ and assembly.

• Integrating sensors, actuators, and communication modules (SPI, I²C, UART, CAN).

• Implementing Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS) and ensuring deterministic

behavior.

• Performing hardware–software co-simulation and board bring-up.

3.3 Top Companies

• Texas Instruments

• STMicroelectronics

• NXP Semiconductors

• Arm

• Qualcomm

• Microchip Technology

• Bosch

3.4 Important Subjects to Master

• Microcontrollers and Microprocessors (ARM, AVR, PIC)

• Embedded C/C++

• Real-Time Operating Systems (FreeRTOS, Zephyr)

• Computer Architecture

• Hardware Description Languages (for FPGA-based embedded designs)

• Communication Protocols (I²C, SPI, UART, CAN, Ethernet)

• Debugging Tools (JTAG, SWD, Oscilloscopes, Logic Analyzers)

ECE Career Guide 9

3.5 Expected Salary (India & Abroad)

• Entry-level (0–2 yrs):

– India: 4–8 LPA

– USA: $70K–$90K

• Mid-level (3–5 yrs):

– India: 10–18 LPA

– USA: $90K–$120K

• Senior (5+ yrs):

– India: 20–35 LPA

– USA: $120K–$160K

3.6 Current Industry Trends

Chat format:

Student: Are embedded systems still in high demand in 2025?

Expert: Absolutely—IoT, edge computing, and automotive ADAS are driv-
ing growth.
Student: What should I focus on learning today?
Expert: RTOS internals, low-power design, and secure boot in microcon-
trollers.

3.7 Trend Analysis (Graph)

Global Embedded Systems Market Size (in Billion USD)

300
285

270 260
Market Size

240
240
220
210 200

180

150
2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
Year

Figure 2: Projected Growth of Embedded Systems Market

ECE Career Guide 10

3.8 Skills Roadmap

1. Master C/C++ for bare-metal programming.

2. Learn microcontroller architectures (e.g., ARM Cortex-M series).

3. Practice peripheral interfacing and low-level driver development.

4. Study and implement an RTOS on development boards.

5. Build end-to-end IoT prototypes (sensor → MCU → cloud).

4 Physical Design Engineer

4.1 Role Overview
Physical Design Engineers translate RTL descriptions into silicon layouts. They handle
floorplanning, placement, routing, clock-tree synthesis, and ensure timing, power, and
area goals are met for tape-out.

4.2 Key Responsibilities

• Floorplanning: defining macro placement and chip outline.

• Placement: positioning standard cells and macros.

• Clock Tree Synthesis (CTS) and insertion of buffers.

• Routing: global and detailed routing of signals.

• Design Rule Checking (DRC) and Layout Versus Schematic (LVS).

• Timing Closure: static timing analysis and fixes.

• Power Optimization: multi-VT, multi-corner, multi-mode analysis.

4.3 Top Companies

• Cadence Design Systems

• Synopsys

• Mentor Graphics (Siemens EDA)

• Arm

• Broadcom

• MediaTek
ECE Career Guide 11

4.4 Important Subjects to Master

• VLSI Physical Design Flow
• Static Timing Analysis (STA)
• EDA Tools (Innovus, ICC2, Astro)
• Design for Manufacturability (DFM)
• Power Analysis and Optimization
• Signal Integrity and Crosstalk

4.5 Expected Salary (India & Abroad)

• Entry-level (0–2 yrs):
– India: 7–12 LPA
– USA: $80K–$100K
• Mid-level (3–5 yrs):
– India: 15–25 LPA
– USA: $100K–$140K
• Senior (5+ yrs):
– India: 30–50 LPA
– USA: $140K–$180K

4.6 Current Industry Trends

Chat format:
Student: What’s the hottest topic in physical design today?
Expert: Advanced node timing closure at 3nm with EUV and power-performance
co-optimization.
Student: Any emerging tools or methodologies?
Expert: Machine-learning-driven placement and routing, and in-design DFM
hot-spot prediction.

4.7 Trend Analysis (Graph)

4.8 Skills Roadmap
1. Understand the complete physical design flow (floorplan to GDSII).
2. Gain hands-on experience with at least one commercial tool (e.g., Innovus, ICC2).
3. Learn STA concepts and practice on design corners.
4. Study power-performance trade-offs and low-power techniques.
5. Explore AI/ML applications in placement and routing.
ECE Career Guide 12

EDA Tool Market Share by Segment (2025 Projection)

30
30
Market Share (%) 25
25

20
20

15
15

10
10

Front-End Physical Verification PCB Simulation

Segment

Figure 3: Projected EDA Tool Market Share by Segment in 2025

5 RTL Design Engineer

5.1 Role Overview
RTL (Register-Transfer Level) Design Engineers convert architectural specifications into
synthesizable RTL code (Verilog/SystemVerilog), optimize for timing and area, and col-
laborate with synthesis and backend teams to ensure design correctness and performance.

5.2 Key Responsibilities

• Writing clean, synthesizable RTL in Verilog/SystemVerilog.

• Performing functional simulations and linting.

• Collaborating with architecture and backend teams on timing constraints.

• Running synthesis and analyzing reports.

• Optimizing code for area, power, and timing.

• Ensuring code coverage and adhering to coding standards.

5.3 Top Companies

• Intel

• AMD

• Qualcomm

• Broadcom

• Xilinx (AMD)
ECE Career Guide 13

• Marvell

• Arm

5.4 Important Subjects to Master

• Digital Logic Design and FSMs

• Verilog / SystemVerilog RTL Coding

• Synthesis Flow and Constraints (SDC)

• Cycle-Accurate and Event-Driven Simulation

• Static Timing Analysis Basics

• Coding Guidelines and Linting

5.5 Expected Salary (India & Abroad)

• Entry-level (0–2 yrs):

– India: 5–10 LPA

– USA: $75K–$95K

• Mid-level (3–5 yrs):

– India: 12–20 LPA

– USA: $95K–$130K

• Senior (5+ yrs):

– India: 25–40 LPA

– USA: $130K–$170K

5.6 Current Industry Trends

Chat format:

Student: What’s new in RTL design for 2025?

Expert: Adoption of high-level synthesis (HLS) and domain-specific lan-
guages is growing, but hand-crafted RTL remains critical.
Student: How can I stand out?
Expert: Master SystemVerilog features, constrained-random testbench inte-
gration, and multi-corner synthesis strategies.
ECE Career Guide 14

RTL Synthesis Tool Market (in Million USD)

200
180
170
Revenue 150
140
120
110
95

80 70

50
2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
Year

Figure 4: Projected RTL Synthesis Market Growth

5.7 Trend Analysis (Graph)

5.8 Skills Roadmap
1. Solidify fundamentals of digital logic and FSM design.

2. Learn Verilog/SystemVerilog syntax and constructs.

3. Practice coding synthesizable RTL for common IP blocks.

4. Understand and write SDC constraints for timing.

5. Run synthesis flows and interpret reports.

6. Contribute to real designs and perform code reviews.

ECE Career Guide 15

6 Verification Engineer
6.1 Role Overview
Verification Engineers ensure that RTL designs behave as intended by writing testbenches,
developing verification environments (UVM), creating assertions, and achieving coverage
closure before tape-out.

6.2 Key Responsibilities

• Developing SystemVerilog/UVM testbenches and verification IP.

• Writing functional coverage and constraints.

• Implementing assertion-based verification (SVA).

• Performing simulation, emulation, and FPGA-based prototyping.

• Debugging design bugs and reporting issues.

• Collaborating with design and validation teams for closure.

6.3 Top Companies

• Synopsys

• Cadence Design Systems

• Mentor Graphics (Siemens EDA)

• Intel

• NVIDIA

• Arm

6.4 Important Subjects to Master

• SystemVerilog and UVM Methodology

• Functional and Code Coverage

• Assertion Languages (SVA, PSL)

• Constrained-Random Verification

• Formal Verification Basics

• Emulation and Prototyping Flows

ECE Career Guide 16

6.5 Expected Salary (India & Abroad)

• Entry-level (0–2 yrs):

– India: 6–12 LPA

– USA: $80K–$100K

• Mid-level (3–5 yrs):

– India: 15–25 LPA

– USA: $100K–$140K

• Senior (5+ yrs):

– India: 30–45 LPA

– USA: $140K–$180K

6.6 Current Industry Trends

Chat format:

Student: Is UVM still the gold standard in 2025?

Expert: Yes, but alternative lightweight frameworks and functional safety
verification are on the rise.
Student: What’s next?
Expert: Integration of AI/ML to generate directed tests and improve cover-
age closure speed.

6.7 Trend Analysis (Graph)

Verification Tool Spend (in Million USD)

350 330
300
300
250
250
Spend

200
200
150
150

100
2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
Year

Figure 5: Projected Verification Tool Spend

ECE Career Guide 17

6.8 Skills Roadmap

1. Master SystemVerilog and UVM basics.

2. Build simple testbenches and incrementally add features (coverage, assertions).

3. Learn formal verification concepts and tools.

4. Gain experience with emulation and FPGA prototyping.

5. Explore AI-driven verification workflows.

7 Design for Testability (DFT) Engineer

7.1 Role Overview
DFT Engineers embed test structures into IC designs to ensure manufacturability and
high test coverage. They develop scan chains, built-in self-test (BIST), boundary scan,
and ATPG (Automatic Test Pattern Generation) methodologies.

7.2 Key Responsibilities

• Inserting scan flip-flops and test multiplexers.

• Developing BIST architectures for memory and logic.

• Defining test points and compression schemes.

• Running ATPG tools and analyzing fault coverage.

• Collaborating with design and manufacturing teams to meet DFT objectives.

7.3 Top Companies

• Synopsys

• Cadence Design Systems

• Mentor Graphics (Siemens EDA)

• Samsung Foundry

• Texas Instruments

7.4 Important Subjects to Master

• Digital Logic and Scan Fundamentals

• ATPG and Fault Modeling

• Boundary Scan (JTAG) Standards

• Memory BIST Architectures

ECE Career Guide 18

• Test Compression Techniques

• DFT EDA Tools (TetraMAX, DFTMAX, TestKompress)

7.5 Expected Salary (India & Abroad)

• Entry-level (0–2 yrs):

– India: 6–10 LPA

– USA: $75K–$95K

• Mid-level (3–5 yrs):

– India: 12–22 LPA

– USA: $95K–$130K

• Senior (5+ yrs):

– India: 25–40 LPA

– USA: $130K–$170K

7.6 Current Industry Trends

Chat format:

Student: Is DFT still critical with modern node scaling?

Expert: Yes — compression and at-speed test are more vital at 5nm/3nm
to control costs.
Student: Any emerging techniques?
Expert: AI-driven test pattern generation and embedded deterministic BIST.

7.7 Trend Analysis (Graph)

7.8 Skills Roadmap
1. Understand scan chain insertion and management.

2. Learn ATPG workflows and fault models.

3. Practice memory BIST design and verification.

4. Explore test compression and at-speed testing.

5. Gain hands-on experience with Synopsys DFTMAX or Cadence TetraMAX.

ECE Career Guide 19

Global DFT Tool Spend (in Million USD)

140
125

110
110
Spend

95

80
80

60

50
2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
Year

Figure 6: Projected DFT Tool Market Spend

8 Analog Layout Engineer

8.1 Role Overview
Analog Layout Engineers translate circuit schematics into physical layouts, carefully man-
aging parasitics, matching, and signal integrity to meet performance specifications for
analog/RF IP blocks.

8.2 Key Responsibilities

• Generating precise transistor and passive layouts.

• Ensuring device matching and minimizing parasitics.

• Performing DRC/LVS checks and parasitic extraction.

• Collaborating with circuit designers to meet noise, gain, and linearity targets.

• Tape-out sign-off and design reviews.

8.3 Top Companies

• Cadence Design Systems

• Synopsys

• Mentor Graphics (Siemens EDA)

• Texas Instruments

• Infineon Technologies

• Analog Devices
ECE Career Guide 20

8.4 Important Subjects to Master

• Analog IC Design Principles
• Layout Techniques (common centroid, guard rings)
• Parasitic Extraction and Extraction Tools
• Mixed-Signal Verification Flows
• DRC/LVS and PEX Methodologies
• RF Layout Considerations (if applicable)

8.5 Expected Salary (India & Abroad)

• Entry-level (0–2 yrs):
– India: 5–10 LPA
– USA: $70K–$90K
• Mid-level (3–5 yrs):
– India: 12–20 LPA
– USA: $90K–$120K
• Senior (5+ yrs):
– India: 25–40 LPA
– USA: $120K–$160K

8.6 Current Industry Trends

Chat format:
Student: What’s new in analog layout for 2025?
Expert: Advanced analog-digital co-layout and parasitic-aware synthesis are
gaining ground.
Student: Tools evolving?
Expert: ML-assisted matching optimization and automated parametric lay-
out generation.

8.7 Trend Analysis (Graph)

8.8 Skills Roadmap
1. Master analog device layout techniques and matching.
2. Learn parasitic extraction and back-annotation flows.
3. Practice DRC/LVS using Calibre or PVS.
4. Study mixed-signal co-verification methodologies.
5. Explore ML tools for layout optimization and automation.
ECE Career Guide 21

Analog IC Market Size (in Billion USD)

120

110 105
Market Size
90
90

75
70
60

50
2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
Year

Figure 7: Projected Global Analog IC Market Growth

9 PCB Design Engineer

9.1 Role Overview
PCB (Printed Circuit Board) Design Engineers create and optimize board layouts for
electronic assemblies, balancing signal integrity, power distribution, thermal management,
and manufacturability across single- and multi-layer PCBs.

9.2 Key Responsibilities

• Schematic capture and component placement.

• Multi-layer stack-up design and impedance control.

• High-speed signal routing and differential pair layout.

• Power plane design and thermal via implementation.

• DFM checks and collaboration with fabrication vendors.

• Generating Gerber files and assembly drawings.

9.3 Top Companies

• Cadence Design Systems

• Altium

• Mentor Graphics (Siemens EDA)

• Zuken

• Autodesk
ECE Career Guide 22

9.4 Important Subjects to Master

• Electronics CAD Tools (Altium, OrCAD, PADS)
• Signal Integrity and EMI/EMC Principles
• High-Speed Digital Design
• Power Integrity and Thermal Management
• Design for Manufacturability (DFM/DFT)
• PCB Fabrication Processes and Materials

9.5 Expected Salary (India & Abroad)

• Entry-level (0–2 yrs):
– India: 3–6 LPA
– USA: $60K–$75K
• Mid-level (3–5 yrs):
– India: 7–12 LPA
– USA: $75K–$95K
• Senior (5+ yrs):
– India: 12–20 LPA
– USA: $95K–$120K

9.6 Current Industry Trends

Chat format:
Student: What’s hot in PCB design for 2025?
Expert: Rigid-flex boards for advanced electronics and HDI (high-density
interconnect) are booming.
Student: Any new tools?
Expert: Cloud-based collaboration platforms and AI-assisted layout opti-
mization.

9.7 Trend Analysis (Graph)

9.8 Skills Roadmap
1. Learn a leading PCB CAD tool and complete basic tutorials.
2. Study signal and power integrity fundamentals.
3. Practice layout of high-speed interfaces (USB, PCIe).
4. Implement thermal reliefs and via stitching techniques.
5. Collaborate with manufacturers to understand DFM rules.
ECE Career Guide 23

Global PCB Market Size (in Billion USD)

90
85

Market Size 80
80
75

70
70
65

60
2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
Year

Figure 8: Projected Global PCB Market Growth

10 IoT System Designer

10.1 Role Overview
IoT System Designers architect end-to-end connected solutions, integrating sensors, edge
computing, communication protocols, cloud platforms, and data analytics to deliver smart
applications.

10.2 Key Responsibilities

• Selecting and integrating microcontrollers, sensors, and wireless modules.

• Designing edge-computing firmware and low-power strategies.

• Implementing communication stacks (BLE, LoRa, NB-IoT, Wi-Fi).

• Developing cloud interfaces and data pipelines.

• Ensuring security (encryption, secure boot) and OTA update mechanisms.

10.3 Top Companies

• Cisco

• Amazon Web Services (AWS IoT)

• Microsoft Azure IoT

• Google Cloud IoT

• ARM

• Bosch IoT
ECE Career Guide 24

10.4 Important Subjects to Master

• Embedded Linux and RTOS
• Wireless Communication Protocols
• MQTT, CoAP, HTTP/MQTT-SN
• Cloud Platforms and IoT SDKs
• Data Analytics and Visualization
• Security and Device Management

10.5 Expected Salary (India & Abroad

• Entry-level (0–2 yrs):
– India: 5–9 LPA
– USA: $70K–$90K
• Mid-level (3–5 yrs):
– India: 10–18 LPA
– USA: $90K–$120K
• Senior (5+ yrs):
– India: 20–35 LPA
– USA: $120K–$160K

10.6 Current Industry Trends

Chat format:
Student: What’s driving IoT growth in 2025?
Expert: Edge AI, Low-Power Wide-Area Networks (LPWAN), and digital
twins.
Student: Where to upskill?
Expert: Federated learning on edge devices and secure multi-tenant IoT
platforms.

10.7 Trend Analysis (Graph)

10.8 Skills Roadmap
1. Gain hands-on experience with embedded Linux and RTOS.
2. Learn and implement popular IoT communication stacks.
3. Build end-to-end prototypes with cloud integration.
4. Explore Edge AI frameworks (TensorFlow Lite, Edge Impulse).
5. Study security best practices and device management tools.
ECE Career Guide 25

Global IoT Market Size (in Trillion USD)

15

14
13
Market Size
11
11

8
8
6

5
2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
Year

Figure 9: Projected Global IoT Market Growth

11 Signal Processing Engineer

11.1 Role Overview
Signal Processing Engineers design algorithms and systems to analyze, modify, and syn-
thesize signals such as audio, video, radar, and biomedical data. They work on DSP
architectures and real-time implementations.

11.2 Key Responsibilities

• Developing digital filters, transforms (FFT, DCT), and estimation algorithms.

• Implementing signal processing pipelines on DSP cores or FPGAs.

• Analyzing system performance (SNR, BER) and optimizing latency.

• Integrating with communication, radar, audio, or imaging systems.

• Collaborating with software and hardware teams for real-time deployment.

11.3 Top Companies

• Texas Instruments

• Qualcomm

• Analog Devices

• MathWorks

• NVIDIA

• Bosch
ECE Career Guide 26

11.4 Important Subjects to Master

• Digital Signal Processing (DSP) Theory
• Linear Systems and Transforms
• Adaptive Filtering and Estimation
• Multirate Signal Processing
• Embedded DSP Architectures (TI C6000, ARM Ethos)
• MATLAB/Simulink and C/C++ Implementation

11.5 Expected Salary (India & Abroad)

• Entry-level (0–2 yrs):
– India: 5–10 LPA
– USA: $75K–$95K
• Mid-level (3–5 yrs):
– India: 12–20 LPA
– USA: $95K–$130K
• Senior (5+ yrs):
– India: 25–40 LPA
– USA: $130K–$170K

11.6 Current Industry Trends

Chat format:
Student: What’s trending in signal processing for 2025?
Expert: AI/ML-driven DSP, edge inference, and compressed sensing are
major areas.
Student: Which tools should I learn?
Expert: MATLAB DSP Toolbox, TensorFlow Lite for microcontrollers, and
GPU-accelerated libraries.

11.7 Trend Analysis (Graph)

11.8 Skills Roadmap
1. Master fundamentals of discrete-time signal processing.
2. Implement filters and transforms in MATLAB/Simulink.
3. Learn fixed-point arithmetic and DSP hardware architectures.
4. Port algorithms to embedded platforms (DSP cores, FPGAs).
5. Explore AI/ML integration for adaptive processing.
ECE Career Guide 27

Global DSP Market Size (in Billion USD)

25
23
22
Market Size 20
19
17
16
14
13 12

10
2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
Year

Figure 10: Projected Global DSP Market Growth

12 Communication Systems Engineer

12.1 Role Overview
Communication Systems Engineers design, simulate, and optimize analog/digital com-
munication links, covering modulation, coding, RF front-ends, and network protocols for
wireless and wired systems.

12.2 Key Responsibilities

• Modeling and simulation of modulation schemes (QAM, OFDM).

• Designing channel coding and error-correction algorithms.

• RF system design: amplifiers, filters, mixers, and antennas.

• Link-budget and propagation analysis.

• Integrating PHY and MAC layers for wireless protocols.

12.3 Top Companies

• Qualcomm

• Ericsson

• Nokia

• Huawei

• Broadcom

• Keysight Technologies
ECE Career Guide 28

12.4 Important Subjects to Master

• Communication Theory and Information Theory
• Modulation and Coding Techniques
• RF Circuit Design and Antenna Theory
• Wireless Standards (5G NR, Wi-Fi 6/7, LTE)
• MATLAB/Simulink and RF simulation tools (ADS, HFSS)
• Network Protocols and PHY/MAC Integration

12.5 Expected Salary (India & Abroad)

• Entry-level (0–2 yrs):
– India: 5–11 LPA
– USA: $80K–$100K
• Mid-level (3–5 yrs):
– India: 12–22 LPA
– USA: $100K–$140K
• Senior (5+ yrs):
– India: 25–45 LPA
– USA: $140K–$180K

12.6 Current Industry Trends

Chat format:
Student: What’s hot in communications for 2025?
Expert: Terahertz links, Massive MIMO, and software-defined radios are key
drivers.
Student: Which area to specialize?
Expert: mmWave system integration and network slicing for 6G.

12.7 Trend Analysis (Graph)

12.8 Skills Roadmap
1. Study digital communications and coding theory deeply.
2. Practice link-level and system-level simulations in MATLAB.
3. Learn RF design fundamentals and use ADS/HFSS.
4. Implement PHY/MAC for a wireless standard on SDR platforms.
5. Explore emerging areas: 6G, terahertz, and network virtualization.
ECE Career Guide 29

Global Wireless Infrastructure Market (in Billion USD)

150
140

125
Market Size 125
105
100
80
75
60

50
2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
Year

Figure 11: Projected Wireless Infrastructure Market Growth

13 Power Electronics Engineer

13.1 Role Overview
Power Electronics Engineers design and implement circuits and systems that convert,
control, and condition electric power using semiconductor devices for applications in
renewable energy, electric vehicles, industrial drives, and consumer electronics.

13.2 Key Responsibilities

• Designing DC–DC converters, inverters, and rectifiers.
• Selecting and characterizing power semiconductor devices (MOSFETs, IGBTs, SiC,
GaN).
• Developing control algorithms (PWM, vector control) for motor drives and convert-
ers.
• Performing thermal management and EMI/EMC compliance.
• Collaborating with mechanical and systems engineers for integration.

13.3 Top Companies

• ABB
• Siemens
• Schneider Electric
• Mitsubishi Electric
• Infineon Technologies
• ON Semiconductor
ECE Career Guide 30

13.4 Important Subjects to Master

• Power Semiconductor Devices and Characteristics
• Converter Topologies (Buck, Boost, Inverter)
• Control Theory and Digital Control
• Thermal Management and Heat Sink Design
• EMI/EMC Standards and Filtering
• Simulation Tools (PSIM, MATLAB/Simulink)

13.5 Expected Salary (India & Abroad)

• Entry-level (0–2 yrs):
– India: 5–10 LPA
– USA: $75K–$95K
• Mid-level (3–5 yrs):
– India: 12–22 LPA
– USA: $95K–$130K
• Senior (5+ yrs):
– India: 25–45 LPA
– USA: $130K–$170K

13.6 Current Industry Trends

Chat format:
Student: How is power electronics evolving in 2025?
Expert: Wide-bandgap semiconductors (SiC, GaN) and matrix converters
are driving efficiency improvements.
Student: What should I focus on?
Expert: Learn digital control with FPGAs/MCUs and thermal–EMI co-
design.

13.7 Trend Analysis (Graph)

13.8 Skills Roadmap
1. Study converter topologies and semiconductor device physics.
2. Implement PWM and advanced control in MATLAB/Simulink.
3. Build prototype converters using SiC/GaN devices.
4. Perform thermal and EMI analysis on hardware.
5. Explore digital control with FPGA-based platforms.
ECE Career Guide 31

Global Power Electronics Market (in Billion USD)

130
120

Market Size 110

100

90 85

70
70
60

50
2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
Year

Figure 12: Projected Power Electronics Market Growth

14 Control Systems Engineer

14.1 Role Overview
Control Systems Engineers develop algorithms and hardware/software solutions to regu-
late dynamic systems in industries such as automotive, aerospace, robotics, and manu-
facturing.

14.2 Key Responsibilities

• Modeling and linearization of dynamic systems.

• Designing controllers (PID, state-space, adaptive, robust).

• Implementing control algorithms on microcontrollers, DSPs, or PLCs.

• Performing stability and frequency-domain analysis.

• Integrating sensors and actuators and tuning control loops.

14.3 Top Companies

• ABB

• Siemens

• Honeywell

• Rockwell Automation

• Bosch Rexroth

• Mitsubishi Electric
ECE Career Guide 32

14.4 Important Subjects to Master

• Control Theory (Classical and Modern)
• State-Space Analysis and Design
• Digital Control Systems
• System Identification and Estimation
• MATLAB/Simulink and Control Toolbox
• PLC Programming and Industrial Networks

14.5 Expected Salary (India & Abroad)

• Entry-level (0–2 yrs):
– India: 5–12 LPA
– USA: $80K–$100K
• Mid-level (3–5 yrs):
– India: 12–25 LPA
– USA: $100K–$140K
• Senior (5+ yrs):
– India: 25–45 LPA
– USA: $140K–$180K

14.6 Current Industry Trends

Chat format:
Student: What’s new in control engineering by 2025?
Expert: AI-driven adaptive controllers and digital twins for predictive con-
trol are emerging.
Student: How to upskill?
Expert: Learn model predictive control (MPC) and digital twin simulation
techniques.

14.7 Trend Analysis (Graph)

14.8 Skills Roadmap
1. Master classical control (PID, root locus, Bode).
2. Learn state-space modeling and modern control techniques.
3. Implement controllers in MATLAB/Simulink and deploy on hardware.
4. Study digital twin frameworks for system simulation.
5. Explore AI/ML techniques for adaptive and predictive control.
ECE Career Guide 33

Global Control Systems Market (in Billion USD)

90
90
Market Size
75
75

60
60
50
50
40
40
2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
Year

Figure 13: Projected Control Systems Market Growth

Thank You
Thank you for taking the time to explore this comprehensive career guide for Electronics
and Communication Engineers. We hope it helps you chart a clear path toward your
dream role and equips you with the insights needed to excel in today’s fast-evolving tech
landscape.

Author: Kittu Patel

Founder, VeriCore
Email: infoex31@gmail.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kittupatel03/