Specifically the design of the printed circuit boards... I have worked on everything from Sat phones to Sat modems to cell phones to smart phones to M to M modules. These are dense, small, many-layer designs with complex RF structures that also include complex power, digital and analog aspects. I also do some mechanical design. I am well versed in a number of tools and simulators... but I am not an RF engineer. (close, but I don't make that claim)

This stuff was quite fun years ago when this industry was in more of a startup mode, and a lot of these concepts were bleeding edge. I especially enjoyed the Ku band, L band and S band stuff involving distributed element layout. I have seen this industry mature and change from fancy expensive substrates and individual discreet components to the now current cheap substrates and near "black box" chip to chip layouts. A lot of this work is shifting to offshore as the basic designs become more chip to chip layouts. The more complex RF stuff however tends to remain here in the US due to the need for complex antenna designs and the extensive design testing involved.

Lately a lot of the devices have become "commoditized" and the "challenge" has been more of meeting deadlines rather than meeting new engineering goals.

I have avoided going into middle management by keeping my hands well in the work... which has kept me flexible and employable... middle managers don't fare well in the tech fields.

I think though at this point I might just go with contracting... still a matter of meeting "impossible deadlines," but I can take longer breaks... perhaps get in some good sailing time. The rat race is better suited for younger "rats." GRIN

Thanks for asking SG... I hope this makes some sense to you. Fair winds.