mechanical and electrical jobs.

what does an electrical engineer do?

Design, develop and maintain control systems. Your role as an electrical engineer, you will be tasked with to quality, reliability, safety and sustainability of components.

what businesses do electrical engineers work with?

With access to many different industries requiring mechanical and electrical engineers, you could find yourself working in:

• the building industry including HVAC for heating, ventilation and lighting services.
• transport networks such a rail and large scale public transport.
• manufacturing and construction working in teams on large scale projects.
• power production and distribution with a myriad of different uses for engineers.  

Commonly you will be working in teams on large projects with other departments with specialist skills such as other engineers, architects, sales, manufacturers and technicians.

In some cases as an engineer, you could see an entire project from concept and detail to implementation, testing and completion. 

electrical engineer responsibilities. 

In this field of work, you will need to be able to identify the needs of the customer and design systems/products to meet those needs. This will involve reading specs and technical documents and researching solutions with estimated costs and timescales. You will liaise with the design team using 3D modelling software working with the BS and EN standards. Often you will also need to communicate with clients and contractors, attend meetings on-site and design tests to record, analyse and interpret data to inform modifications to products and finalise the product. With this, you may now present reports to launch and monitor the product or system to improve on the design.  

electrical engineer salary.

Graduates - £24000 - £28000

Experienced - £35000 - £60000

Specialist / Chartered - £85000+

skills and qualifications required.

skills

• relevant technical knowledge and current sector awareness
• project management skills
• leadership
• planning and organisational 
• ability to multitask
• willingness to continue professional development
• flexibility to adapt to new technology

qualifications

commonly you will have a degree in a relevant subject such as:

• aeronautical engineering
• building
• communications
• computing/software
• physics
• power and energy
• electromechanical 
• computing
• communications

This should be accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology giving you a start to becoming an incorporated engineer (IEng) or chartered engineer (CEng).

You can also enter these roles via an HND or foundation degree and work your way up or as an apprentice from A-level where competition is high. Both entry points are impacted by work experience which will elevate your degree and make you stand out with relevant experience to pull from. 

work experience.

Some degrees will include a year's paid industrial or commercial placement where you can build a network of contacts and enhance your CV. Membership to the IET will also provide the latest info in the industry with access to contacts and a large network. 

The Power Academy, run by IET may offer financial support and workplace mentoring to accredited electrical or power engineering degree candidates. 

electrical engineer employers.

At Randstad, we have access to a wide variety of different business looking for engineering workers. From small to large scale companies, you can find many exciting roles in construction, transport, power and specialist firms. Find your local branch for job opportunities.