Electronics engineer: Key skills, career path and security clearance benefits
Electronics engineering jobs are some of the most dynamic and in-demand positions for people with skills and experience. Whether you're just starting out as a graduate or apprentice, or if you're looking for a change of scenery - perhaps after leaving the armed forces, for example - these roles offer a range of benefits.
High earnings, an interesting and varied day-to-day experience and the potential for quick career progression are all amongst the advantages those with the right technical skills can enjoy from electronics engineering positions.
Starting a career in electronics engineering
There are many paths to electronic engineering jobs, with some people taking an educational route. The steps in this process are as follows:
- Studying for a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or a related subject like electronic, production or software engineering, physics or computer science.
- Obtaining further qualifications with a master’s degree or on-the-job professional registration. Entry-level electronic engineering roles provide vital work experience opportunities while continuing to gain certifications.
- An alternative route to university is to undertake a degree-level apprenticeship, which will have a more practical focus. This means being embedded as a trainee in an electronics engineering role for 36 months and working towards a qualification equivalent to a degree.
- The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) is a good place to look for a variety of different types of electronics work experience. These include its Power Academy, which includes paid summer placements.
What is the job of an electronics engineer?
Electronics engineers work on any systems that rely on electronics. It's a specialised discipline, but one that's closely related to fields such as electrical engineering, aeronautical engineering and mechatronics.
They could be asked to design, develop and maintain components for any form of electronic device, from computers and telecommunications systems to manufacturing equipment. As such, it's a wide ranging role with plenty of opportunities across many different industries.
What qualifications do you need to be an electronics engineer?
An undergraduate or master's degree in electronics engineering is often the most obvious path to a career in this field. However, a specific degree isn't always necessary, especially if you have relevant on-the-job experience or a qualification in a related subject. Other degree routes that can prove useful include physics or other engineering specialties that offer electronics modules.
However, an academic path isn't the only way into electronic engineering jobs. Taking on apprenticeships or vocational training can be a great way to build up your knowledge while also gaining real-world experience.
Other steps that may be useful for more experienced professionals looking to move up the ladder include becoming a member of professional organisations such as the Institute of Electrical Engineers (IEEE) or the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).
As well as providing accreditation for your skills, these groups can present numerous opportunities for networking and further professional development to boost your chances of finding the perfect job for you.
Why should you study electronic engineering?
Studying electronic engineering can be a good choice for anyone who wants to work in an interesting, dynamic field with lots of scope for variation. Electronics are at the heart of almost everything we use in our day-to-day lives, so there will always be plenty of opportunities for specialising in an area that particularly interests you.
Some of the key skills that are required to be successful in electronic engineering include:
- Technical knowledge
- IT capabilities
- Strategic thinking
- Attention to detail
- Problem solving
- Communications and collaboration
- Project management and leadership
What jobs can you do with an electronic engineering degree?
Once you have an electronic engineering degree, there are a range of industries where you can put it to good use. Combine it with a security clearance and you’ll find there are some truly fascinating options available, including:
- Developing electronic components for mobile phones, radio, TV and satellite communications equipment.
- Researching and improving electronic systems to aid communications, navigation and weapons systems in the military.
- Creating and testing components for avionics, radar, navigation and communication systems within the aerospace sphere.
- Conducting scientific research into acoustics, optics and nanotechnology.
- Building technical plans using computer-aided engineering for manufacturing.
Finding electronic engineering jobs
You can up your chances of finding an electronics engineer job by taking a multi-pronged approach. This could include attending networking events like the Security Cleared EXPO, where you can chat to recruiters and organisations actively looking for skilled professionals in the electrical and electronic engineering sectors.
Job boards are another great place to look for entry-level and senior engineer roles, but it’s worth making sure they specialise in security cleared jobs. That will give you a wide selection of the most interesting and lucrative roles available to choose from. You can also upload your electronic engineering CV to our website to help match you with your next career step.
Where do electronics engineers work?
A career in electronics could see you working in research or development facilities across the UK or Europe. Many engineers based in the UK will be posted overseas for the duration of a project, making a willingness to travel a good attribute to have.
From designing aerospace systems for the Royal Air Force to developing electronic equipment for private firms, there are many ways to be a security cleared electronics engineer. When starting out, it can be good to gain experience in different fields to see which areas most suit your skills and interests.
Are electronics engineers in demand?
Electrical engineers, electronics engineers, and design and development engineers are all included on the UK Shortage Occupation List for 2024. This catalogue of roles is drawn up by the Home Office to identify where vacancies outsrip the number of trained professionals able to fill them.
The high demand for electronics engineers means that those training in the field can expect to obtain a job soon after graduating. They will also be able to advance up the career ladder fairly quickly as long as they continue with their professional development.
What is the average salary for electronics engineers?
A typical electronics engineer salary in the UK is £37,531 per year, with an additional £2,353 of bonuses and other benefits, according to Glassdoor. As this is the average pay rate, entry-level positions will likely start off lower, but with experience, there’s lots of opportunity to take home more.
Senior electronics engineers can expect to see their wages rise to closer to the £50,000 mark annually. Of course, the industry that you choose to work in will impact potential earnings, with security cleared candidates being able to command higher salaries.
What are security cleared electronics engineering roles?
Many electronics engineering roles require working with highly sensitive equipment, including those critical to national infrastructure and security. As such, many jobs in this field will require applicants to possess - or be able to obtain - a security clearance.
For instance, many positions in sectors such as aerospace, defence, utilities and telecommunications will require these clearances. This is essential in demonstrating that applicants not only have the technical skill and experience necessary for the job, but can also bring qualities such as integrity and trustworthiness to the role.
This is another reason why ex-forces personnel may be highly attractive to recruiters. A military background shows that you have the discipline, leadership and other personal qualities needed to obtain a security clearance. This can be a long and arduous process, so employers will need to feel confident from the start that potential candidates have the best chance of succeeding.