Electrical engineer

Electrical engineers design, build and maintain electrical systems, machinery and equipment in lots of different industries.


Typical Salary

£27,000 – £58,000

per year

Working Hours

35–40

hours per week

Career Area

Electrical engineers

View related courses

Day-to-day tasks

As an electrical engineer, you could:

  • draw up project plans and technical diagrams, using engineering design software
  •  estimate costs and project timings
  •  test installations and systems, and analyse results
  •  make sure projects meet safety regulations
  •  co-ordinate the work of technicians and craftspeople
  •  oversee inspection and maintenance programmes

We've identified this as a potential green job

For an electrical engineer to be a green job, you could:

  • develop battery storage systems that store renewable energy
  •  carry out audits to make electrical systems more energy efficient
  •  work on renewable energy systems like solar panels or wind turbines

Find out more about green careers

Skills needed

  • knowledge of engineering science and technology
  • maths knowledge
  • complex problem-solving skills
  • design skills and knowledge
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to work well with others
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • persistence and determination
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

How to get into this role

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
  • applying directly

Career progression

You can work in many different industries, from power and renewable energy to transport, construction and manufacturing.

You can improve your career prospects through professional registration.

Registration can lead to senior roles in:

  • project management
  •  electrical design
  •  engineering research and development
  •  contracts management
  •  consultancy services

You could also teach in higher or further education.