What are some good jobs for RFID work?
#technology #career #tech #programming #engineering #computer
3 answers
Brennan Weems
Brennan’s Answer
It sounds like you want to work on the chips themselves, which would be hardware electrical engineering. For programming, you're looking for embedded software engineer or systems engineer, as it's closer down near the chip.
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Shyam’s Answer
Hi John,
First, I want to make sure that we have the same idea, so that I don't go off ranting into a tangent.
In my understanding, an RFID (radio frequency identification) engineer handles developing and implementing a organization's system to track goods and information via wireless chips. Industries where RFID engineers are needed range from retail to health care to pharmaceuticals, according to an emiment, partner and co-leader of the technology practice in the Americas for executive search firm Battalia Winston International, demand for these hires will grow as more businesses adopt RFID. A 2007 survey by CompTIA found that more than two-thirds of organizations surveyed believe there is an insufficient pool of RFID talent from which to hire. RFID is "coming into vogue in the future, without doubt,".
However fast-forward to 2019, and the major areas you're going to be looking at are
- Hardware oriented : Electronics engineering or hardware electrical engineers
- System engineering or Embedded systems software development / VLSI
Applications for tracking technology are limitless, and more uses for RFID will be developed as chip prices decrease and standards are introduced, according to the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. However, the technology's newness means that a company's level of RFID use will determine the depth of the role and the type of hire needed. Firms with a more established program will need employees who can help maintain the system. Companies with limited or no RFID experience may require someone to build all aspects of a system.
Desired skills: An electrical engineering degree from a major technical institution (think MIT; Carnegie Mellon; University of California, Berkeley; or Georgia Tech). Industry experience using RFID is a definite plus. In a retail environment, ERP, CRM, distribution and supply chain management experience strengthen candidates. An understanding of security doesn't hurt either, since RFID tags may hold sensitive data.
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Tanner’s Answer
There are also roles such as Supply Chain Analyst, where you can utilize RFID technology to enhance inventory and logistics operations. As a Security Consultant, you can use RFID for controlling access and tracking assets.
Furthermore, you might consider jobs like RFID Project Manager, where you'll be in charge of managing the rollout of RFID projects. If you're interested in integrating RFID with other IoT technologies, a role as an IoT Specialist could be a promising career path for you.