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Electronic Engineer

Electronic engineers create, design and develop everyday devices like mobile phones, portable music devices and computers. Electronic engineering offers a broad range of exciting career challenges including producing new innovations and developments in telecommunications, robotics, computing hardware and power and electrical equipment.

There are plenty of opportunities to focus in areas such as audio, visual and light electronic equipment; control systems and automation; and microelectronics and telecommunications. There is currently a shortage of electronic engineers in Ireland and around the world – a situation likely to continue for some time to come.

If you are interested in a career as an electronic engineer, visit Qualifax (www.qualifax.ie) to search for relevant courses at all levels and entry points.

Some alternative job titles for this role

  • Electronics Technician
  • Electronics Design Engineer
  • Computer Engineer
  • Microelectronics Engineer

What the job involves

  • Use a mix of science and mathematics along with engineering techniques to design, produce, install and maintain telecommunications systems
  • Design and manage equipment used to control and monitor plant operations and machinery in many different areas
  • Test new designs to create user-friendly interfaces
  • Plan projects and prepare and manage budgets
  • Write technical reports and keep up to date with developments in technology and regulations
  • Evaluate operational systems and recommend modifications to create more efficient and reliable systems
  • Use computer-assisted engineering and design software to perform engineering tasks

How your career can develop

A career as an electronics engineer can lead in many directions, and the long-term opportunities are excellent, especially given the current and projected shortages of qualified engineers. For those with strong initiative, interpersonal, teamwork and project-management skills, opportunities exist to move into managerial roles.

Why it matters?

In 2015, Intel, the computer chip giant, has committed $50 million in electronic engineering resources as part of a 10-year partnership with a Dutch university to advance research in quantum computing, a relatively new term in computing which could revolutionise the entire computing industry.

Skills

  • Complex problem-solving – a logical mind
  • Critical thinking
  • Strong interest in technology
  • Strong maths ability
  • Communications skills
  • Strong IT skills
  • Time management and ability to prioritise and plan work effectively

Typical employers

  • Telecommunications providers – mobile phones, radio, TV and satellite companies
  • Manufacturers and providers of PCs, tablets and ATM machines
  • Scientific research - acoustics, optics, physics and nanotechnology
  • Medical device and medical instrument manufacturers
  • Aviation and aerospace companies
  • The manufacturing sector

Typical salary 

  • Graduate/Starting       €35,000
  • Senior/Potential        €65,000+

Typical qualifications 

Engineers who graduate after 2013 and wish to become chartered engineers will need to hold an accredited masters degree (level 9), or equivalent. Level 8 bachelor degrees will satisfy the requirements for Institution of Engineers Ireland membership only. Gateway degrees for the profession include:

  • Electrical engineering
  • Communications engineering
  • Telecommunications engineering

Alternative routes to a bachelor’s degree in this area may apply to students that have a PLC qualification in a related course or general engineering certification or diploma. For further details on eligibility requirements for third level entry following a PLC qualification, students should visit the CAO course search at Careersportal.ie. 

Further information