Electronics Engineer

Electronics is the use of low-power electricity, electronic circuits and systems to control, communicate and process information. Electronics engineers may work on the development, installation and maintenance of equipment for the transport industry, the aerospace industry, heavy and light industry, hospitals and commerce. Electronic systems are also used in fields of science such as biology, physics and acoustics, and there is an increasing need for electronics engineers to be familiar with them. Electronics engineers usually work as part of a team that may include engineers and technicians from different engineering disciplines.

Most electronics engineers work regular daytime hours, but they have to be flexible. The hours worked depend on the project in hand, priorities and deadlines. The environment is likely to be clean, well-lit, air-conditioned offices or laboratories, although from time to time electronics engineers have to work elsewhere.

Salaries range from around £20,000 to £65,000 or more a year.

Electronics engineers should:

• be good at maths
• be highly computer literate
• have relevant technical skills
• be good with their hands
• have normal colour vision.

There are opportunities for electronics engineers in a wide range of industries across the UK, including aerospace, marine, agricultural, chemical, energy and medical.

It is possible to begin training for craft or technician-level jobs straight from school with GCSEs (A*-C) in English, maths and science and one way to start is as a technician apprentice with an employer. Some entrants may start at Advanced Apprenticeship level. Full-time courses are also available at many colleges, which, like Apprenticeships, can lead to relevant NVQs at Level 3 or above and BTEC Nationals and HNC/HNDs. The Diploma in engineering may also be relevant.

To train directly as a professional electronics engineer a degree or equivalent in a relevant subject can be obtained before starting work. For degree courses, applicants need at least two A levels, normally including maths and a science subject, and five GCSEs (A*-C), or equivalent qualifications. A full list of accredited courses is available from the Engineering Council UK (ECUK).

Electronics engineers can go on to register with the Engineering Council (ECUK) as a professional engineer - either Incorporated Engineer (IEng) or Chartered Engineer (CEng).

Electronics engineers are expected to undertake continuing professional development (CPD).

There are promotion routes in most companies and larger companies offer the possibility of overseas work, especially within Europe and in the USA. An increasing number of chartered electronics engineers work freelance or on short-term contracts.

Further details