Electronics engineer
Electronics is the technology associated with electronic circuits and systems, and is one of the major branches of electrical engineering.
It is a discipline that uses scientific knowledge of the behaviour and effects of electrons to create components, devices, systems or equipment that uses electricity as part of its source of power. These components include capacitors, diodes, resistors and transistors.
Electronics engineers research, design, develop and test precision components and systems; developing the way electricity is used to control equipment. The work is usually carried out in cross-functional project teams, with colleagues in electronics and other branches of engineering.
Electronics touches on almost all areas of human activity, so its applications are diverse. They include acoustics, defence, medical instruments, mobile phones, nanotechnology, radio and satellite communication and robotics. Subfields of electronics engineering include control engineering, instrumentation, signal processing and telecommunications engineering.
Electronics engineers work on a project through all its stages: from the initial brief for a concept; through the design and development stage; to the testing of one or more prototypes; and through to final manufacture and implementation of a new product or system.
The exact duties vary, depending on the industry, but tasks typically include:
There are two main types of graduate electronic engineer. Chartered engineers (CEng) have the greatest level of responsibility for engineering projects. They develop solutions to problems using new or existing technologies. Incorporated engineers (IEng) take responsibility for specific aspects of a project. They maintain and manage applications of current and developing technology.
A good honours degree is necessary. The following subjects may increase your chances:
To work towards chartered engineer (CEng) status, you will need either:
Pre-entry experience is not essential, but is a strong asset. A relevant placement or industry-based project is highly recommended. You might be able to count some of the experience gained during a sandwich placement towards qualifying for CEng status.
To work towards incorporated engineer (IEng) status, you will need either:
A full list of accredited courses is available from the Engineering Council .
Candidates who have qualifications which are not accredited should contact the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) for advice about individual assessment.
Some employers may consider applicants with certain diplomas for engineering technician posts. Technician training can lead to experience of electronics development and design work at a lower level. You will need either: a relevant National Certificate/Diploma; an approved Advanced Modern Apprenticeship; a relevant NVQ Level 3; or a work-based learning route, approved by a licensed professional engineering organisation.
Vacation work, placements and sandwich courses all provide crucial evidence of skills development and commercial awareness, which are increasingly important in this sector. Candidates need to show evidence of the following:
Some work in sensitive, security-related industries is not open to applicants who have a criminal record, and you will need to pass security clearance for work with the Ministry of Defence (MoD) .
For full information and guidance on training routes, register with the IET.
For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.
In an industry driven by innovation and dominated by products with short life cycles you are expected to maintain your personal and professional competence by undertaking structured continuing professional development (CPD). The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) expects its members to be able to demonstrate commitment to professional development.
After graduation, you need to undertake a programme of initial professional development (IPD), with a mentor assigned to you to monitor your progress in the early stages of your engineering career. To gain chartered (CEng) or incorporated (IEng) status, you should ideally seek out employers who have accredited professional development schemes.
Most large firms offer structured training and encourage professional status. Companies usually offer in-service training and short courses for specific needs. If your employer cannot provide broad training experience, check what arrangements they have in place. You may be able to choose a flexible development programme supported by your employer, or you may have to seek out the experiences that you need by yourself. After your initial training you should be able to take on direct responsibility.
To gain CEng or IEng status you will need to submit a written qualifying report on quality rapid product development (QRPD) and satisfy an assessment panel that you have the skills, specialist knowledge and competence to practise as an engineer. It is usually possible to achieve CEng or IEng status within three to six years of graduation.
Most engineering careers lead to senior positions managing other staff and/or larger projects and budgets. To progress in the profession it is increasingly important to achieve professional status as an engineer.
The Engineering Council maintains the national UK register of professional engineers. To gain registration, engineers must demonstrate competence underwritten by education, training and responsible experience, as set out in the UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UK-SPEC) . These requirements affect all graduates aspiring to achieve chartered engineer (CEng) or incorporated engineer (IEng) status.
As companies operate in an increasingly global market, language skills and international registration may improve your prospects for career progression, as well as opportunities for working overseas. If you have CEng status, you may be able to register as a Eur Ing with the European Federation of National Engineering Associations (FEANI) or the International Professional Engineers Register (IntPE).
Professionally qualified engineers may become senior managers, or move into other roles within the industry, such as recruitment, training, sales or marketing.
Graduates in electronics engineering can find employment in a wide range of industries. These include:
A number of large employers such as BT, Vodafone, Siemens, Sony, Philips, Thales and BAE Systems recruit regularly and often provide opportunities for working abroad. Employment can also be found with the many small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the UK.
Recruitment agencies may advertise vacancies and often handle contract work, particularly for experienced engineers. Look at the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) website for further details of agencies handling engineering vacancies.
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