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Electronics engineer

Alternative titles for this job include

Electronics engineers design and develop systems for industry, from mobile communications to manufacturing and aerospace.

Average salary (a year)

£26,000 Starter

to

£60,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

42 to 44 a week

You could work

evenings occasionally

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become Electronics engineer

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role

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

Entry requirements

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

More Information

College

You can do a Level 4 Higher National Certificate or a Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Electronic Engineering before applying for a job.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 1 or 2 A levels, a level 3 diploma or relevant experience for a level 4 or level 5 course

More Information

Apprenticeship

You can do an Embedded Electronic Systems Design and Development Engineer Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship.

This usually takes 3 years to complete. You'll do on-the-job training and spend time at a college or training provider.

Entry requirements

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

More Information

Work

You could start as an electrical or electronics engineering technician and do training on the job to qualify as an engineer.

More Information

Further information

You can find more details about careers and training from Electrical Careers and The Institution of Engineering and Technology.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
  • knowledge of engineering science and technology
  • maths knowledge
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • analytical thinking skills
  • design skills and knowledge
  • the ability to work well with others
  • to be flexible and open to change
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

In your day-to-day duties you could:

  • assess new developments or innovations
  • prepare technical plans using computer-aided engineering and design software
  • estimate manufacturing and labour costs, and project timescales
  • co-ordinate the work of technicians and craftspeople
  • test prototypes and analyse data
  • make sure projects meet safety regulations
  • plan and oversee inspection and maintenance

Working environment

You could work in a workshop, in a laboratory, in a factory or in an office.

Your working environment may be outdoors some of the time.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

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.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

GE Aerospace Engineering Degree Apprenticeship - Electronics Systems

  • Wage: £12,313.60 to £22,010.56 a year Annually
  • Location: Bishops Cleeve, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire

Courses In England

HNC Engineering (Electrical & Electronic)

  • Provider: HEART OF YORKSHIRE EDUCATION GROUP
  • Start date: 01 September 2025
  • Location: Castleford

LANCS Degree Electrical & Electronic Engineering

  • Provider: FURNESS COLLEGE
  • Start date: 08 September 2025
  • Location: BARROW-IN-FURNESS

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