Most commonly reported Work Activities

• Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Analysing Data or Information Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.

The Work

Electrical engineers may be involved in the generation and supply of electricity for the industrial, commercial or public sectors, or for domestic use. Engineers design and produce equipment such as electrical generators and turbines. They make sure that all equipment used is safe and runs efficiently. It is also part of their jobs to diagnose and supervise any repairs that may be needed.

In electricity distribution companies, engineers work on transformers and transmission systems. Engineers maintain the right voltage for the system, to prevent overloading. Manufacturing companies need electrical engineers to distribute power to their machinery, to install new equipment and to maintain it. Some electrical engineers design electrical industrial machinery and supervise the installation of heating, ventilating and lighting systems.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Operate computer-assisted engineering or design software or equipment to perform engineering tasks.
• Prepare technical drawings, specifications of electrical systems, or topographical maps to ensure that installation and operations conform to standards and customer requirements.
• Confer with engineers, customers, or others to discuss existing or potential engineering projects or products.
• Design, implement, maintain, or improve electrical instruments, equipment, facilities, components, products, or systems for commercial, industrial, or domestic purposes.
• Direct or coordinate manufacturing, construction, installation, maintenance, support, documentation, or testing activities to ensure compliance with specifications, codes, or customer requirements.
• Compile data and write reports regarding existing or potential electrical engineering studies or projects.
• Perform detailed calculations to compute and establish manufacturing, construction, or installation standards or specifications.
• Prepare specifications for purchases of materials or equipment.
• Estimate labor, material, or construction costs for budget preparation purposes.
• Supervise or train project team members, as necessary.

Further Information

• Electrical Engineer - from: N.C.S. [UK]
• Electrical Engineer - from: N.C.S. [UK]
• Electrical Engineer - from: GradIreland
• Electrical Engineer - from: STEPS

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

Electrical Engineers typically hold a degree with a specific electrical engineering focus. Engineering programmes are available at colleges and HEI's around the country, most of which have the option of pursuing an Electrical Engineering focus.

Training & Development 

FET Centre Traineeship: Engineering Operations, Engineering Technology, Cleanroom operations in centres around Ireland at NFQ Level 5-6 Search our FET Coursefinder

FET PLC Courses: Civil, Mechanical & Electronics Engineering, Engineering and Electronic Technology, Engineering Technology with Electronics, Pre-University Engineering, Engineering - Preliminary, Engineering Pre University, Engineering Technology, Carpentry-Plumbing-Electrical (Pre-Apprenticeship) at NFQ Levels 5-6 Search our FET PLC Coursefinder

Apprenticeship: Electrical, Electrical Instrumentation, Industrial Electrical Engineering NFQ level 6-7 Search Apprenticeships

Higher Education CAO Entry: General Engineering, Electronic or Mechanical engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electrical Services & Energy Management, Electrical Services Engineering, Engineering - Electrical and Electronic Systems, Renewable & Electrical Energy Engineering, Automation Engineering courses at NFQ Levels 6-8 Search our CAO coursefinder

Professional Development 

Postgraduate Study Options Electrical & Electronic Engineering - Structured, Engineering - Electrical & Electronic Engineering, Engineering - Electrical Power Engineering, Engineering - Mechanical Engineering - Manufacturing Process & Automation Systems Course at NFQ level 9-10 

Engineers Ireland To apply for the Engineering Technician title, you will need an accredited Level 6 qualification and three years post graduate experience. A list of Engineering Technician accredited programmes is available from Engineers Ireland.  

Last Updated: April, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €45k - €90k

Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.

Data Source(s):
CPL / Morgan McKinley / Brightwater / Sigmar/ WEI

Last Updated: March, 2024

* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.

View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available

This occupation has been identified as a Job in Demand by the most recent National Skills Bulletin.

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

Despite a strong five-year annual average employment growth rate, the numbers employed declined marginally between 2021 and 2022. Over half (55%) were employed in the professional activities sector with the remainder spread across industry and other sectors. The number of employment permits issued in 2022 grew strongly (and remained strong in the first five months of 2023) in roles including electrical, mechanical, automation, and validation engineers. There is evidence in the Recruitment Agency Survey of difficulties in filling vacancies for roles in electrical, automation, mechanical, and environmental health & safety (EHS) engineers.

Skills for Growth and Spotlight on Skills data highlight issues with sourcing mechanical, automation and process engineers, with project management, Lean Six Sigma, and CAD/AutoCAD skills in particular demand for these roles. Despite a 3% fall in 2022, this occupation was amongst the most frequently mentioned in online job adverts. Overall demand for this occupation may moderate, although this may be offset by any increase in the extension of Industry 4.0 and Industry 5 technologies to more traditional manufacturing sectors and smaller sized companies; in addition, increased activity associated with the generation of green energy (mechanical/electrical) will also drive demand for these skills. As such, difficulty in sourcing suitably qualified and experienced engineers is expected to continue, albeit in smaller numbers.

The National Skills Bulletin 2021 highlights a shortage of Electrical Engineers in the current labour market.

Shortage: Engineers (mechanical, electrical, automation, validation)

• Engineers Ireland

  • 22 Clyde Road, Ballsbridge Dublin 4
  • (01) 665 1300
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