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.
• 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.
• Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• 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.
• Thinking Creatively Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
• 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.

The Work

In electronic work, engineers provide a very wide range of sophisticated electronic products to our homes and offices. These include personal computers, digital television, control systems for heating, cooking and washing, games machines and multimedia information systems.  
 
Electronics engineers are involved in communications and information technology - fast growing global industries. They design, produce, install and maintain the transmitters, aerials and satellite equipment that modern telecommunications systems need. Because telephones, computers and televisions are all linking up to provide an ever-expanding range of services, electronics engineers are also working with the Internet.  
 
Electronics engineers can also be found in the aerospace industry, designing, installing and maintaining navigation and control systems, and helping to develop the latest aircraft, satellites and space vehicles.  
 
Electronics engineers research, design and manage the equipment used to control and monitor processes, systems and machinery in many different areas. For example, North Sea oil installations, the National Grid that provides electricity, processing plants and manufacturing industries have sophisticated control systems. For example, some electronic engineers work in manufacturing industries, using systems to control pressures and temperatures and to manage waste.  
 
To research, design and develop an electronic product, engineers usually work in teams. They may use computer-aided design (CAD) to produce a computer image of the product they are working on. Next, engineers build a model of the new product (or version of an existing product). They test the model's reaction to different conditions, for example, temperature and stress; they modify the design if necessary.  
 
When the model is ready, electronic engineers are responsible for producing a few samples of the new model in the laboratory, and then overseeing the start of production on a large scale. Engineers may also be responsible for dealing with any problems that come up during production. Electronics engineers may use their knowledge of products to solve any problems that customers report.  
 
Developing an electronic product usually involves the engineer in working closely with others, including clients (to discuss their requirements and to exp

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Determine project material or equipment needs.
• Prepare engineering sketches or specifications for construction, relocation, or installation of equipment, facilities, products, or systems.
• Prepare documentation containing information such as confidential descriptions or specifications of proprietary hardware or software, product development or introduction schedules, product costs, or information about product performance weaknesses.
• Evaluate project work to ensure effectiveness, technical adequacy, or compatibility in the resolution of complex electronics engineering problems.
• Analyse electronics system requirements, capacity, cost, or customer needs to determine project feasibility.
• Confer with engineers, customers, vendors, or others to discuss existing or potential electronics engineering projects or products.
• Operate computer-assisted engineering or design software or equipment to perform electronics engineering tasks.
• Prepare necessary criteria, procedures, reports, or plans for successful conduct of the project with consideration given to site preparation, facility validation, installation, quality assurance, or testing.
• Plan or develop applications or modifications for electronic properties used in components, products, or systems to improve technical performance.
• Direct or coordinate activities concerned with manufacture, construction, installation, maintenance, operation, or modification of electronic equipment, products, or systems.

Further Information

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

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.

Preparation for a career as an Electrical/ Electronic Engineer requires a basic understanding of engineering principles essential to the development of electrical and electronic devices.  Entrants would typically have a Degree in Electronic Engineering or a related field. There are several Electronic Engineering or combined Electronic Engineering programmes available at various levels, from Certificate through to Degree and Postgraduate level, to prepare graduates for both technician grade and engineer grade job roles.

Training & Development 

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

FET PLC Courses: Civil, Mechanical & Electronics Engineering, Digital Computing Systems & Electronics, Engineering and Electronic Technology, Engineering Technology with Electronics, Pre-University Mechatronics (Electronics), Engineering - Preliminary, Engineering Pre University, Engineering Technology at NFQ Levels 5-6 Search FET PLC Courses

Apprenticeship: Engineering & OEM, ICT Apprenticeships NFQ level 6-10 Search Apprenticeships

Higher Education CAO Entry: General Engineering, Electronic or Mechanical engineering courses at NFQ Levels 6-8 Search CAO courses

Professional Development 

Postgraduate Study Options Engineering, Manufacturing, ICT, Management NFQ level 9

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)* €40k - €85k

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

Data Source(s):
Sigmar / CPL / Morgan McKinley/ Excel/ Clark

Last Updated: July, 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.

• Engineers Ireland

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

• Wind Energy Ireland

  • Sycamore House Millennium Park Osberstown Naas Co Kildare W91 D627
  • 045 899341
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• STEPS - Engineers Ireland

  • 22 Clyde Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4, Ireland
  • (01) 665 1340
  • [email protected] Back to top
  • Click Here

• MIDAS Ireland, (Microelectronics Industry Design Association)

  • Tyndall National Institute, Lee Maltings, Dyke Parade, Cork
  • +353 (0)89 448 9963
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here