Job Description
Electronics Engineers will apply their knowledge of electrons and electrical components to design electronic systems, devices and circuits which can be used in mobile phones, acoustics, medical instruments, defence, nanotechnology and radio and satellite communication.
Entry Requirements
You can get into job through:
Apprenticeship
You can do a degree apprenticeship as an embedded electronic systems design and development engineer.
This usually takes 3 years to complete. You'll do on-the-job training and spend time at a college or training provider.
You can also do a postgraduate level electronics systems principal engineer apprenticeship.
To do this, you'll need a degree in electronic engineering or a related subject.
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.
Click here to search for an apprenticeship.
University
You'll usually need a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a relevant electronics subject.
Employers may accept related subjects if electronics was covered as part of the course. Examples include:
- aerospace engineering
- physics and applied physics
- computer science
- nanotechnology
- maths
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
Click here to search for a suitable course.
Forces career path
Similar but specialised roles exist within the military, for example, you could be an Electronics Technician for the British Army. Working on all kinds of kit, vehicles and weapons including communications systems and medical equipment. This route involves basic military training and then specialising, with options to learn on the job and gain various qualifications. Find out more here.
Work
You could start as an electrical or electronics engineering technician and do training on the job to qualify as an engineer.
More Information
You can find more details about careers and training from Electrical Careers and The Institution of Engineering and Technology.
Career Path and Progression
With incorporated or chartered engineer status you could:
- move into project management roles
- specialise in research, such as telecommunications, robotics or semiconductors
- work as an engineering consultant
You could also move into patent law.
Related careers you may be interested in:
- Aerospace engineer
- Broadcast engineer
- Electrical engineer
- Electronics engineering technician
- Materials engineer
Required Skills
- Good analytical and problem solving skills
- A high level of technical knowledge
- Good IT skills
- Health and safety awareness
- The ability to multi task
- Good communication skills
- Strong team working abilities
- The ability to translate complex ideas into understandable concepts
Salary Range
£21,000 to £65,000
