Electronics/Electrical Engineer

Also known as:

Engineer, Electronics/Electrical

Introduction

Electronics engineers research, design and develop products that use electronics, for example, telecommunications systems, computers, lasers, satellite systems, radar and television.

Electrical engineers are involved in the generation, supply and use of electricity.

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Work Activities

In electronic work, engineers provide a wide range of electronic products to our homes and offices. These include personal computers, digital television, control systems for heating, cooking and washing, games machines and multimedia information systems.

Electronics engineers are involved in communications and information technology. They design, produce, install and maintain the transmitters, aerials and satellite equipment that telecommunications systems need. Because phones, computers and televisions are providing an ever-expanding range of linked services, electronics engineers work with the Internet.

Electronics engineers can also be found in the aerospace industry, designing, installing and maintaining navigation and control systems, and helping to develop the latest aircraft, satellites and space vehicles.

Electronics engineers research, design and manage the equipment used to control and monitor processes, systems and machinery in many different areas.

To research, design and develop an electronic product, engineers usually work in teams. They may use computer-aided design (CAD) to produce a computer image of the product they are working on. Next, engineers build a model of the new product (or version of an existing product). They test the model's reaction to different conditions, for example, temperature and stress and modify the design if necessary.

When the model is ready, electronic engineers are responsible for producing a few samples of the new model in the laboratory, and then overseeing the start of production on a large scale. Engineers may also be responsible for dealing with any problems that come up during production. Electronics engineers may use their knowledge of products to solve any problems that customers report.

Developing an electronic product usually involves the engineer in working closely with others, including clients (to discuss their requirements and to explain the development of the product), design engineers, and marketing and sales departments.

Some engineers act as consultants, advising clients on the design, purchase and installation of equipment and systems. Sometimes engineers train clients in how to use the finished product, for example, defence equipment used by the Armed Forces.

Electrical engineers may be involved in the generation and supply of electricity for the industrial, commercial or public sectors, or for domestic use. Engineers design and produce equipment such as electrical generators and turbines. They make sure that all equipment used is safe and runs efficiently; they diagnose and supervise any repairs.

In electricity distribution companies, engineers work on transformers and transmission systems. Engineers maintain the right voltage for the system, to prevent overloading. Manufacturing companies need electrical engineers to distribute power to their machinery, to install new equipment and to maintain it. Some electrical engineers design electrical industrial machinery and supervise the installation of heating, ventilating and lighting systems.

Both electrical and electronic engineers may lead teams, including other engineers, technicians and craftspeople.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

You need to have technical ability, and you must be a good problem solver. You must be able to work as part of a team; you need good communication skills for writing technical reports and liaising with other staff and customers. You need organisational skills to plan and co-ordinate resources.

Engineers often work to deadlines, so you must be able to remain calm under pressure. Good IT skills are important. Willingness to take on responsibility and to lead and motivate others is essential.

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Pay and Opportunities

Salaries for electronics/electrical engineers vary, depending on employer, role and responsibilities.

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Electronics/electrical engineers earn in the range of £23,000 - £30,000 a year, rising to £40,000 - £47,000. Higher earners can make around £55,000 a year.

Most electronics/electrical engineers work 35-40 hours, Monday to Friday. However, early starts, late finishes and some weekend work may be required.

Electronics/electrical engineers work in a variety of industries, including engineering manufacturing, electricity generation and distribution, communications, transportation, chemical, water, and marine and offshore industries.

There are also opportunities in the public sector, the armed forces and with computer manufacturers. Some engineers work as independent consultants.

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Adult Opportunities

It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

If you don't have the qualifications needed to enter your chosen degree or HND course, a college or university Access course (eg, Access to Engineering) could be the way in.

These courses are designed for people who have not followed the usual routes into higher education. No formal qualifications are usually needed, but you should check this with individual colleges.

Sponsorship for higher education study, in several branches of engineering, is available from the larger engineering and manufacturing companies.

Funding for postgraduate study is available from some research councils, especially the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council.

Grants and scholarships for study of accredited degrees, and fellowships for postgraduate courses, are available from the Institution of Electrical Engineers (IEE).

Other pathways to registration as a chartered or incorporated engineer include career progression from other levels of registration and routes based on the achievement of Occupational Standards.

• 14% of electronics/electrical engineers are self-employed.
• 4% work part-time.
• 13% have flexible hours.

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New Developments

Some people working in this occupation may be involved in the green jobs sector in areas such as renewable energy.