Electronics Engineer
What is the work like?
Electronics engineers research, design and develop precision electronic components and equipment in a wide range of industries. Some examples include:
- telecommunications – mobile phones, radio, TV and satellite communications
- datacommunications – PCs, laptops, PDAs, ATM machines and electronic point of sale (EPOS) terminals
- scientific research – acoustics, optics, physics and nanotechnology
- medical instruments – clinical and laboratory apparatus
- military – communications, navigation and weapons systems
- manufacturing - programmable logic controls (PLCs) and industrial machinery
- automated systems – robotics and artificial intelligence (AI).
As an electronics engineer, your exact duties will vary depending on your industry but could involve:
- assessing new developments or innovations to see if they are workable
- drawing up technical plans using computer-assisted engineering and design software
- estimating manufacturing and labour costs, and project timescales
- coordinating the work of technicians and craftspeople
- testing prototypes and analysing data
- making sure projects meet safety regulations
- planning and overseeing inspection and maintenance schedules
- attending meetings, writing reports and giving presentations to managers and clients.
You would often work on a project with a team of engineers, technicians and IT staff.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You normally need a foundation degree, BTEC HNC/HND or degree in electronic / electrical engineering or engineering technology. Employers may accept related subject areas, which cover electronics in the course. These include:
- aerospace engineering
- physics and applied physics
- software engineering
- nanotechnology
- maths
- computer science.
The Institution of Engineering and Technology website has details of UK colleges and universities offering relevant courses.
See the websites for SEMTA and Women into Science, Engineering and Construction for more general details about electronic engineering as a career. The Engineering Training Council (Northern Ireland) has careers information and a course database for colleges in that area.
For specific information on software engineering, AI and nanotechnology, see the British Computer Society and the Institute of Nanotechnology.
What further training and development can I do?
You will receive on-the-job training from your employer and you may be able to start on a graduate apprenticeship scheme if you have a degree. Throughout your career, it will be very important that you continue to update your knowledge and skills by taking up professional development opportunities, for example working towards chartered engineer status.
Gaining incorporated or chartered status
You could help your career development by working towards incorporated or chartered status. To do this, you should register with your professional industry body and apply to the Engineering Council.
As an incorporated engineer, you would specialise in the day-to-day management of engineering operations. At chartered level, you would have a more strategic role, planning, researching and developing new ideas, and streamlining management methods.
Where can I go for more information?
Interpoint20-24 York Street
Belfast
BT15 1AQ
Tel: 028 9032 9878
Weston House
246 High Holborn
London
WC1B 7EX
Tel: 020 3206 0408
London
WC2R 0BL
Tel: 020 7240 1871
Watford
Hertfordshire
WD18 0JT
Tel: 0800 282167
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
Related profiles...
Manufacturing Systems Engineer
What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- New entrants start between £18,000 and £24,500 a year.
- Average income for electronics engineers is £37,500.
- Senior electronics engineers can earn between £40,000 and £52,000 a year.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would normally work around 40 hours a week but your actual working hours would depend on the project, priorities and deadlines.
Most of your work will take place in clean and well lit, air-conditioned offices or laboratories. Occasionally, you may have to work on site in factories, workshops or outdoors.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- excellent maths, science, technology and IT skills
- the ability to analyse problems and assess solutions
- strong decision-making skills
- excellent communication skills
- the ability to prioritise and plan work effectively
- budget management skills
- excellent people skills and teamworking skills
- a clear understanding of electrical health and safety regulations.
What opportunities are there?
You will find career opportunities as a qualified electronics engineer in a wide range of industries, including aerospace, telecommunications, defence, IT and manufacturing.
Scientific, medical and educational institutions can also offer you good prospects in the development and maintenance of systems and equipment. With relevant skills and experience, you could specialise in project management, research and development or consultancy.
As a qualified engineer, you could find job opportunities overseas. There are international agreements between a number of countries, recognising each other's engineering qualifications. The signatories include Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, United States and Canada. The Engineering Council has more details.
You may find the following links useful for job vacancies and general reading: (links open in new window)
SCENTA
JustEngineers.net
The Engineer Online
Engineering Jobs Network
We do not accept responsibility for the content of external sites.
Contact an adviser
Email
Call back
or phone: 0800 100 900
Bilingual advisers available
Face-to-face advice
