1. Home: Explore careers
  2. Electronics engineer

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)

£28,000 Starter

to

£60,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

40 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 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

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 could do electronic engineering or electronic systems engineering at college before applying for a trainee job.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

More Information

Apprenticeship

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.

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 electronics engineering technician and do further training on the job to qualify as an engineer.

More Information

Career tips

Electronics are a fundamental part of everyday day life and there are opportunities to work in many different areas. Examples include:

  • audio equipment
  • telecommunications
  • aerospace
  • vehicle manufacturing
  • medical equipment and assistive technology
  • robotics

Further information

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

What it takes

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

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • 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
  • to be flexible and open to change
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications

What you’ll do

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

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As an electronics engineer you could:

  • 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
  • produce documentation and technical manuals

Working environment

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

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and 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.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Level 6 Electronic Systems Design and Development Engineer Apprentice

  • Wage: Competitive Annually
  • Location: Unit 10 Walton Industrial Estate, Stone, Staffordshire

2025 Engineering (Training and Technical Publications Design) Apprentice

  • Wage: £22,500 a year Annually
  • Location: Throop Road

Courses In England

HTQ Engineering (Electrical & Electronic)

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

Engineering (Electrical and Electronic Engineering) - BEng Hons Degree (Part-time)

  • Provider: BLACKPOOL AND THE FYLDE COLLEGE
  • Start date: 09 September 2025
  • Location: Blackpool

Jobs In the United Kingdom

The Find a job service can help you with your search for jobs and send alerts when new jobs become available.

Skills assessment

Take an assessment to learn more about your skills and the careers that might suit you.

Is this page useful?

Yes No

Thank you for your feedback.

Thank you for your feedback. Click here if you'd like to let us know how we can improve the service.