Thinking about a career in Electrical Design Engineering?
If you already know everything you need to know and want to look at what opportunities are available then get in touch with us and we can help you find your next Electrical Design Engineering job.
If you’re considering a career in Electrical Design Engineering, an experienced Electrical Design Engineer looking for your next role or an employer in search of a skilled Electrical Design Engineer professional to join your team – we’ve answered a few key questions below…
What is an Electrical Design Engineer?
Electrical Design Engineers are professionals who have the ability to apply engineering principles, physics and materials science for the analysis, design, installation and maintenance of electrical systems.
Electrical Design Engineers create solutions, which can range from small component designs to large-scale systems. More commonly you would be working on security, alarm systems, lighting and HV / LV systems.
Electrical Design Engineers have the opportunity to work on all stages of design for electrical services, from the early research, development (Concept Design) all the way through to detailed design, installation and final commissioning.
What are the typical duties and activities for an Electrical Design Engineer?
From company to company, the job description of an Electrical Design Engineer can vary, however typical duties and activities undertaken include:
Designing and implementing systems to improve efficiency and sustainability
Solving complex design challenges
Undertaking research
Testing and measuring the performance of systems
Keeping up to date with the latest building regulations
Liaising with suppliers, clients, architects and contractors
Analysing and interpreting data and information
Recommending modifications for systems
Creating reports and documentation
Going out on site
What are the key skills required to be a successful Electrical Design Engineer?
An Electrical Design Engineer plays an essential role in bringing a building to life. To be successful in this role a range of skills are required, including:
Excellent problem solving skills
Good grasp of mathematics
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Highly organized
IT literate
Knowledge of Amtech, Dialux and Relux Design Software
Strong initiative
Decisiveness
Team player with ability to work on your own
What qualifications are needed and what are the training options for an Electrical Design Engineer?
University courses in Electrical Engineering are available in a lot of universities and colleges, which typically take up to 3 years to complete. However a Building Services degree is also available and can take only 3 years. An Electrical Design Engineer is a highly technical role, so a high level of education and commitment is essential.
Below is a list of qualifications that an employer would possibly look for in an Electrical Design Engineer:
HND Electrical Engineering
BEng Electrical Engineering
BSc Building Services Engineering
MEng Electrical Engineering
Msc Electrical Engineering
As a part of your professional development, becoming a member of The Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) and becoming Chartered or even becoming a member of The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) will all help you to become a recognised engineer and will help with your career progression and opportunities.
These accreditations require monthly subscriptions all of which can be funded by your employer and we suggest you find a company that will support you.
Who employs Electrical Design Engineers?
We focus on three types of employers who employ Electrical Design Engineers across the UK, which include M&E Consultancies and Multi-Disciplinary Consultancies within construction industry. However, there are many great opportunities to work at main contractors within the construction industry as they also employ Electrical Design Engineers.
Due to continued growth the construction industry, the demand is high for skilled and qualified Electrical Design Engineers.
When considering potential employers the size of company should be taken in to account. There are many advantages for working for a small or large company.
Smaller companies can often give you a lot more exposure in a much shorter space of time. This will include more responsibility within projects. In comparison a larger company will often allow more opportunity to work on much larger and higher profile projects, as well as having a clear route for progression.
The key to choosing the right company for you is to understand what environment you work best in. It is also important to know that the employer can offer opportunity for development and clear career progression.
What is the average salary and benefits package offered for an Electrical Design Engineer?
Due to the Construction industry being so large and varied salaries can vary greatly. On top of this, location can also play a part in rates and salaries.
With construction experience and qualifications related to the profession, Electrical Design Engineers could see salaries ranging from £30,000 to £50,000 with Senior Electrical Design Engineers salaries ranging from £40,000 to £60,000 per annum. This is depending on experience, which will include previous employers and notable previous projects.
Location does play a part in salaries, in certain parts of the UK Electrical Design Engineers can earn more than other parts. London does consistently offer higher salaries and rates, however we have seen similar figures across the UK.
All companies offer different benefits packages to permanent employees, this can range from car or car allowances, pension scheme and private medical insurance (PMI) to flexible hours, ride to work schemes and travel allowances.
Are you looking for an Electrical Design Engineering job?
If you are looking for your next Electrical Design Engineering role then get in touch with us and we can help you find the perfect role.
Are you looking to recruit an Electrical Design Engineer?
If you’re an employer with an Electrical Design Engineer role to fill, simply get in touch with us to discuss you requirements and let’s get to work on finding you the perfect candidate!
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