Electronics engineer
Electronics engineers design and develop systems for industry, from mobile communications to manufacturing and aerospace.
- Potential salary
- £28,000 starter to £60,000 experienced per year
- Typical hours
- 40 to 44 a week. Working pattern: evenings occasionally.
- Career area
- Engineering
- Where they might work
- You could work in a workshop, in a laboratory, in a factory or in an office.
- A typical task
- research and design new electronic systems and circuitry
- Subjects that may help
- 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
- Typical route
- You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in electronic engineering.
- Interest area used here
- Making, fixing and working outdoors, Asking questions and research
What you might do
- 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
More tasks (1)
- produce documentation and technical manuals
Could this suit me?
Consider which of these skills and ways of working appeal to you.
- 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
More skills
- to be flexible and open to change
- the ability to use your initiative
- to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications
Routes into this career
University route
- 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
- 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
- equivalent entry requirements
- student finance for fees and living costs
- university courses and entry requirements
University courses that could lead to this career
These are course families, not published offers. A link does not mean the degree is sufficient on its own.
- Electrical and electronic engineering
Direct qualifying route. Electronic engineering content is the close match. Read the modules if the title is only electrical.
- Mechatronics
Common route. Electronics content is part of the degree, not the whole of electronic engineering.
Apprenticeship or vocational route
- 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.
- 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
- equivalent entry requirements
- guide to apprenticeships
Other routes
- You could do electronic engineering or electronic systems engineering at college before applying for a trainee job.
- Entry requirements for these courses vary.
- equivalent entry requirements
- funding advice for higher education courses in college
- search for courses
Career progression
- 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.
Subjects that may help
Subject guidance
- 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
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship