Electronics engineer
From smartphones to aircraft, you’ll design and build the core electronic parts inside countless applications!
About the job
What it's like
Want to know how the digital world comes to life? Step into the world of an electronics engineer.
You're at the heart of innovation, designing and developing the electronic systems and parts that power everything from your smartphone to robots and even spacecraft! In this role, there's lots of problem-solving, creativity and constant learning.
There is a wide range of industries you could work in, for example:
telecommunications: mobile phones, radio, TV and satellite communications
datacommunications: computers, tablets and ‘hole-in-the-wall’ cash machines (ATMs)
scientific research: acoustics, optics, physics and nanotechnology
medical instruments: clinical and laboratory equipment
military: communications, navigation and weapons systems
aerospace: avionics, radar, navigation and communication systems
manufacturing: programmable logic controls (PLCs) and industrial machinery
You’ll conduct research and come up with ideas for improving the electronic equipment or systems. Working as part of a team, you'll create the new component and test how well it works.
Your tasks might include:
assessing new ideas to see if they are workable
preparing technical plans using computer-aided engineering and design software
estimating the costs of labour and production, and timescales for a project
coordinating the work of technicians and craftspeople
testing prototypes and analysing data
planning and overseeing maintenance schedules and that safety regulations are met
You'll often work on a project with a team of engineers, technicians and information technology (IT) staff.
Green job
In this job you could be doing work to help the environment. You could:
design and install ways to power systems and devices that currently rely on fossil fuels
working on the electronics needed for renewable energy such as solar power
Hours
You'll typically work around 40 hours a week.
You'll normally work Monday to Friday, but will often work overtime to meet project deadlines.
Depending on the industry and company, you could work shifts.
Environment
Most of your work will take place in offices or in the lab.
Occasionally, you may have to work on site in factories, workshops or outdoors.
Travel
Many positions may involve occasional travel to visit project sites, clients or other company locations. This might be to observe equipment, troubleshoot problems or attend meetings.
Explore more information about this job
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
Engineering and manufacturing Energy Digital technologies
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.
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
Practical Electronics
Skills for Work: Engineering Skills
Foundation Apprenticeship: 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.
University
You’ll need a degree or postgraduate qualification in a relevant subject, such as:
Electrical or Electronics Engineering
Applied Physics
Aeronautical Engineering
Software Engineering
Nanotechnologies
Maths
Computer Science
College
Getting qualifications at college, such as an HNC or HND, could help you get a job or progress to more advanced study. Useful subjects include:
Electrical or Electronics Engineering
Applied Physics
Aeronautical Engineering
Software Engineering
Nanotechnologies
Maths
Computer Science
Apprenticeship
Modern Apprenticeships (MAs) mean you learn on the job. You get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time. You might want to consider an MA in areas such as:
Discover Modern Apprenticeships on Apprenticeships.scot.
Graduate Apprenticeships (GAs) are designed for industry and you'll spend most of your time learning on the job but you'll also go to uni. You'll get a job, get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time.
You might want to consider a GA in areas such as:
Discover Graduate Apprenticeships on Apprenticeships.scot.
Getting work experience in a relevant role can help you build the skills and experience you’ll need to become an electronics engineer. Search for opportunities on Volunteer Scotland.
You'll normally need normal colour vision for this type of work as it's often needed for tasks such as identifying colour-coded components.
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