Electrical engineer
Design, build and maintain electrical systems and equipment. You’ll help provide renewable energy products across a range of industries.
Also known as: electrical design engineer
About the job
What it's like
You would design, build and maintain the electrical systems and equipment that are vital to industry, the railways and manufacturing.
There are many industries you could work in, such as:
transport – including rail electrification and signalling
energy – generating, transmitting and distributing power
renewable energy – solar panelling, hydroelectric power and wind turbines
manufacturing and construction
building services – dealing with lighting, heating, ventilation and lift systems
You would use computer-assisted engineering and design software to draw up new project plans and circuit diagrams for high- and low-voltage electrical equipment.
You’d lead the installation of a system and make sure it meets the safety regulations.
Depending on the industry, you could:
assess whether new technical developments are feasible
create project plans
draw and interpret technical diagrams
estimate costs and timescales for projects
coordinate the work of technicians and craftspeople
test electrical installations and systems
make sure systems are safe and energy-efficient
analyse the data from tests
oversee inspection and maintenance programmes
You’d also have to write reports, attend meetings and give presentations about projects. You’d need a good understanding of electrical health and safety regulations.
You'd work on projects with other professionals, such as civil engineers, architects, engineering technicians and IT staff.
Green job
In this job you'll be doing work to help the environment. Find out more about green jobs.
Hours
Environment
Travel
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Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Top specialised skills
These are the top specialised skills that have been found in job vacancies across Scotland. From March 2024 to March 2025.
- electrical engineering
- electrical systems
- electrical equipment
- dialux
- building services engineering
- grid connections
- cable sizing
- etap
- low carbon solutions
- short circuits
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- analysing
- making decisions
- developing a plan
- attention to detail
- working with numbers
- problem solving
- written communication
- working with technology
- verbal communication
- cooperating
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Design and Manufacture
Engineering Science
Maths (Mathematics)
Physics
Practical Craft Skills
Skills for Work: Engineering Skills
Foundation Apprenticeship: Engineering
Skills for Work: Building Services Engineering
Applications of Mathematics
Foundation Apprenticeship: Automotive
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
You'd need qualifications at SCQF Levels 4 to 6: a Higher National Certificate (SCQF Level 7), a Higher National Diploma (SCQF Level 8), a degree (SCQF Level 9/10) or a postgraduate qualification (SCQF Level 11) in:
Electrical or Electronics Engineering
Building Services Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Applied Physics
Aeronautical Engineering
Mechatronics
Or you can do a Modern Apprenticeship and gain relevant work-based experience and qualifications such as a Scottish Vocational Qualification in Electrical Installation (SVQ Level 3).
Entry to a Electrical Engineering degree (SCQF Level 9/10) requires Highers at BBBC or above; Advanced Highers are helpful.
An integrated Masters qualifications such as an MEng can also be studied at university. These courses incorporate more independent research and will give you a greater knowledge and understanding of electrical engineering science. They could also prepare you for further postgraduate study such as a PhD or EngD (SCQF Level 11).
Qualifications that demonstrate understanding and experience of the industry such as Skills for Work Engineering Skills (SCQF Level 5).
Employers value work experience. Finding courses with work placements or taking on an internship can be especially useful.
Working towards incorporated or chartered status could benefit your career in the long-run. To do this, you would need to register with a relevant industry body and apply to the Engineering Council.
To work with electrical wiring, you will need to pass a Colour Vision Assessment.
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