Electronics engineer | Prospects.ac.uk

As an electronics engineer, you'll design, develop and test components, devices, systems or equipment that use electricity as part of their source of power. These components include microcontrollers, sensors, capacitors, diodes, resistors and transistors.

You may be involved at any stage of a project including the initial brief and concept development, the design and development stage, testing of prototypes and the final manufacture and implementation of a new product or system. You'll typically work in project teams with colleagues from other branches of engineering and related disciplines such as software development or data analysis.

As electronics are used widely across all sectors, you can find work in a variety of areas including:

acoustics
defence
medical instruments
mobile phones
nanotechnology
radio and satellite communication
robotics and automation.

Types of electronic engineering

You could specialise in a particular subfield of electronic engineering, such as:

control engineering
instrumentation
signal processing
telecommunications engineering.

Job roles in these areas may have different titles such as control and instrumentation engineer or embedded systems engineer, so consider this when looking for vacancies.

Responsibilities

You'll need to:

discuss proposals with clients or internal stakeholders
work with colleagues to design new systems, circuits and devices or develop existing technology
test and evaluate theoretical design
write specifications and technical reports
follow defined development processes
systematically improve the detailed design of a piece of electronic equipment
ensure that a product will work with devices developed by others, can be made again reliably, and will perform consistently in specified operating environments
create clear and user-friendly interfaces where required
ensure safety regulations are met
carry out project planning and support budget preparation
supervise technicians, craftspeople and other colleagues as you gain experience.

The tasks you're responsible for will depend on the level at which you're working. For example, early-career roles often focus on specific technical tasks and learning on the job. At a higher level, possibly with chartered status, you may have a more strategic role where you take responsibility for entire projects or teams and develop long-term solutions.

Salary

Starting salaries for electronics engineers are around £25,000 to £33,000. Graduate training schemes may pay towards the top end of this scale.
With experience, possibly working at an incorporated engineer level, you could earn around £30,000 to £45,000.
As a senior engineer you can expect a salary in the range of £45,000 to £65,000+, with chartered engineers earning a salary at the top end of this scale.

Salaries vary depending on employer, location and sector, with high-demand industries sometimes offering higher pay.

Income figures are intended as a guide only.

Working hours

Hours of work can vary, but a 37 to 40-hour week is typical. Commercial pressures associated with electronic design mean that extra hours during evenings and weekends may be required at busy times to meet deadlines. Flexible working arrangements are increasingly common, particularly in larger organisations.

Self-employment and freelance work as a contractor is sometimes possible if you have a good track record and relevant experience. Short-term contract work is available, and is often arranged through agencies.

What to expect

You'll typically be based in a laboratory or office, although some projects may require you to work in factories, workshops or outdoors.
Electronics engineering is still male-dominated, but initiatives are in place to encourage greater diversity and inclusion. These include the Women's Engineering Society (WES) and WISE.
Opportunities are usually available across the UK particularly in areas with strong technology, manufacturing or research sectors.
Travel within the working day can be frequent. Overnight stays or overseas travel may be required, depending on your employer and your role.
There are increasing opportunities to work abroad. Chartered engineers can apply for European engineer status (EUR ING), in order to gain professional recognition in other European countries.

Qualifications

Most electronics engineers have a degree in electrical or electronic engineering. Other relevant subjects that may include electronics content are:

aeronautical engineering
communications engineering
computer/software/computer science engineering
mathematics
mechanical engineering
physics and applied physics
production and manufacturing engineering.

If you have an HND, relevant NVQ Level 3 qualification or have completed an apprenticeship, you may be considered for an engineering technician role. Further study or workplace training is usually required to become an electronics engineer.

A postgraduate qualification isn't essential, but may be useful if your first degree isn't in electrical or electronic engineering or if you want to specialise.

Search for postgraduate courses in electronic engineering.

It's useful if your degree is accredited by a relevant professional body, such as the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), as this can support progression to incorporated (IEng) or chartered (CEng) engineer status. Details of accredited courses are available at Engineering Council - Accredited Course Search.

If you're unsure about completing a degree, you may want to consider a degree-level apprenticeship. This allows you to gain paid work experience while studying towards a degree qualification. Find out more about the embedded electronic systems design and development engineer level 6 degree apprenticeship.

Skills

You'll need to have:

a high level of technical knowledge and digital skills
strong analytical and practical problem-solving ability to improve designs
clear communication skills, including the ability to explain complex ideas to non-specialists
creativity, innovation and attention to detail
commercial awareness and an understanding of how technology is used in industry
organisation, project management and leadership skills
the ability to work in a multidisciplinary team
an understanding of electrical health and safety legislation.

Work experience

Pre-entry experience isn't essential but carrying out a relevant placement or industry-based project can be very valuable. Some experience gained during a placement year may contribute towards professional registration requirements.

Placements, vacation work and a year in industry can help you develop technical skills, confidence and commercial awareness, all of which are highly valued by employers.

The IET Power Academy offers a scholarship of up to £3,000 per student for each year of study. The scheme provides the opportunity to develop work-based skills and offers mentoring from industry partners.

Find out more about the different kinds of work experience and internships that are available.

Employers

You can find employment in a range of industries, including:

electronics and digital technology companies such as BAE Systems, BT, Philips, Siemens, Sony, Thales and Vodafone.
aerospace, automotive, energy and manufacturing sectors
telecommunications and networking organisations
utility companies
research establishments, both academic and commercial
the public sector, including:
- the Civil Service (look out for relevant graduate schemes such as Defence Engineering and Science Group (DESG) Graduate Scheme)
- NHS
- local authorities.

Large organisations recruit graduates regularly and may offer international opportunities, while small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can provide broad experience and early responsibility.

In some cases, work in security-sensitive industries may require UK citizenship and security clearance.

Look for vacancies at:

Vacancies at all levels are advertised by specialist recruitment agencies such as:

Professional development

Most employers provide training, particularly for graduates and early-career engineers. Many engineers work towards incorporated (IEng) or chartered (CEng) status, which can improve career prospects and earning potential.

You'll be expected to complete continuing professional development (CPD) throughout your career. This can include formal training, short courses, conferences, mentoring, volunteering and self-directed learning.

You'll need to be a member of a professional body, such as the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), and you must be able to meet a certain set of criteria. For more information see Engineering Council - Professional Registration.