Electronics engineers research, design and develop precision electronic components, products and installations for commercial, industrial and military applications. They also develop inspection, testing and maintenance programmes for these fields. Their work spans a wide range of areas, including:

• telecommunications – mobile phones, radio, TV and satellite communications
• datacommunications – PCs, laptops, peripherals, 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 and weapons systems
• aerospace – radar, sonar and navigation systems
• manufacturing - programmable logic control (PLC) systems and industrial machinery
• automated systems – robotics and artificial intelligence (AI).

Electronics engineers often work on a project with a team of engineers, technicians and IT staff.

Duties vary depending on the exact role and responsibility but can include:

• carrying out feasibility studies for new developments or innovations
• drawing up technical plans and specifications for projects using computer-assisted engineering and design software
• estimating component costs, manufacturing and labour costs, and project timescales
• coordinating the work of associated technicians and craftspeople
• testing prototypes, analysing data, modifying and retesting
• ensuring projects adhere to safety regulations
• implementing and overseeing inspection and maintenance schedules
• attending meetings, writing reports and giving presentations to managers and clients.

Hours and Environment

Electronics engineers work 40 hours a week but actual working hours depend on the project, priorities and deadlines.

Most electronics engineers work in clean and well lit, air-conditioned offices or laboratories. Occasionally, they may have to work on site in factories, workshops or outdoors.

Skills and Interests

To be an electronics engineer, you should:

• have excellent maths, science, technology and IT skills
• be able to analyse complex problems and critically evaluate solutions
• be able to visualise and explain theoretical design solutions
• have strong decision-making skills
• have excellent communication skills
• be able to categorise, prioritise and plan effectively
• be able to work within budgetary constraints
• have excellent interpersonal and teamworking skills
• have a comprehensive understanding of electrical health and safety regulations.

Entry

You normally need a degree or foundation degree in electronic / electrical engineering or engineering technology. An Edexcel (BTEC) HNC/HND in Electronic Engineering is also a valid route into the career. Other subjects may be acceptable including:

• aerospace engineering
• physics and applied physics
• software engineering
• nanotechnology
• maths
• computer science.

These courses are widely available at colleges and universities throughout the country. The Institution of Engineering and Technology website has details of UK colleges and universities offering the electronic/electrical engineering programmes. See their site in Further Information.

For a degree course you will need at least five GCSEs (A-C)/S grades (1-3) and two or three A levels/three or four H grades, normally including maths and a science subject, or equivalent qualifications such as vocational A levels.

An Access to Higher Education qualification may also be accepted for entry to certain courses. Please check with colleges or universities for exact entry requirements.

For information about electronic engineering as a career, see the websites for the Institution of Engineering and Technology, SEMTA and Women into Science and Engineering in Further Information. For specific information on software engineering, AI and nanotechnology, see the websites for the British Computer Society and the Institute of Nanotechnology.

In addition, the Engineering Training Council (Northern Ireland) has careers information and a course database for local colleges. See their website in Further Information.

If you are aged between 16 and 24 you may be able to progress through an engineering apprenticeship scheme, initially qualifying as a technician (see the profiles for Electrical/Electronic Engineering Technician), then eventually moving on to the higher level qualifications outlined above.

Training

Training is normally on the job. Graduate apprenticeship schemes are commonly available for those holding a first degree.

Gaining incorporated or chartered status
Professional engineering bodies recommend that you gain incorporated or chartered status to enhance your career prospects. You can achieve this by registering with a professional body and applying to the Engineering Council to start the process.

Chartered engineers normally work at a strategic level, planning, researching and developing new designs and innovations, and streamlining management procedures. They are often project leaders with responsibility for teams of incorporated engineers and technicians. Incorporated engineers specialise in the day-to-day management of engineering operations.

To qualify as an incorporated or chartered electronic engineer, you need:

• an accredited university qualification
• a period of Initial Professional Development, including practical training to gain experience
• to pass a professional review 
• membership of an appropriate professional body.

As part of the process, you are assessed against UK-SPEC (UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence), developed by professional bodies, employers and the Engineering Council.

For details of accredited courses and applying for incorporated or chartered status, see the Institution of Engineering and Technology website in Further Information.

Opportunities

There are opportunities for qualified electronics engineers in a wide range of industries, including:

• aerospace
• marine
• telecommunications
• defence
• IT
• robotics
• electronics manufacturing.

Scientific, medical, educational and private research institutions also employ electronics engineers to develop and maintain systems and equipment.

With relevant skills and experience, engineers can specialise in project management, research and development or consultancy.

There is increasing scope for employment overseas, both in the expanding EU and elsewhere, with the signing of international accords recognising signatory states' engineering qualifications and professional development schemes. Countries covered by the accords include UK and Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Honk Kong, South Africa, United States and Canada.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

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.

Further information

Interpoint
20-24 York Street
Belfast
BT15 1AQ
Tel: 028 9032 9878 1 Sanford Street
Swindon
Wiltshire
SN1 1HJ 6 The Alpha Centre
University of Stirling Innovation Park
Stirling
FK9 4NF
Tel: 01786 447520 6th Floor
10 Maltravers Street
London
WC2R 3ER
Tel: 020 7557 6426 14 Upton Road
Watford
Hertfordshire
WD18 0JT
Tel: 0800 282 167 Savoy Place
London
WC2R 0BL
Tel: 020 7240 1871