Engineering design

Electronics engineer

Electronics engineers design and develop systems for industry, from mobile communications to manufacturing and aerospace.

Annual Salary

£28,000 to £60,000

Working hours

40 to 44 a week

You could work: evenings; occasionally

4.3%
Future employment

There will be 4.3% more Electronics engineer jobs in 2029.
In your local area

What's it all about?

Day-to-day tasks

As an electronics engineer you could:

  • research and design new electronic systems and circuitry
  • create technical diagrams using computer-aided engineering and design software
  • upgrade older electronic control systems and instruments with new components
  • test prototypes and assemblies and analyse data
  • service and repair electronic systems
  • make sure projects meet safety regulations
  • produce documentation and technical manuals

Working environment

You could work in a workshop, in a laboratory, in a factory or in an office.

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
University

You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in electronic engineering.

Employers may also accept related subjects combined with electronics, for example:

  • electronic and electrical engineering
  • aerospace engineering
  • physics and applied physics
  • computer science
  • nanotechnology
  • maths

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
For more information
  • equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
  • student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
  • university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/
College

You could do electronic engineering or electronic systems engineering at college before applying for a trainee job.

Apprenticeship

You can apply to do a Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship in electronic engineering, such as:

  • Electrical or Electronic Technical Support Engineer
  • Embedded Electronic Systems Design and Development Engineer

These take between 3 and 5 years to complete. You'll do on-the-job training and spend time with a college or training provider.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship
For more information
  • equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
  • guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide
Work

You could start as an electronics engineering technician and do further training on the job to qualify as an engineer.

More information

Career tips

Electronics are a fundamental part of everyday day life and there are opportunities to work in many different areas. Examples include:audio equipment; telecommunications; aerospace; vehicle manufacturing; medical equipment and assistive technology; robotics

Further information

You can find more details about careers and training from The Institution of Engineering and Technology and Electrical Careers.

With experience, you could:become a principal engineer and project manager; specialise in research and development, such as robotics or semiconductors; provide consultancy services; work in patent law; move into contracts management

You could also register for incorporated or chartered engineer status, which recognises your skills and expertise in the industry.

Skills required and how your skills match up

What skills are required?

  • knowledge of engineering science and technology
  • maths knowledge
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • complex problem-solving skills
  • design skills and knowledge
  • the ability to work well with others
  • to be flexible and open to change
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications
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