Electrical Engineer Careers: Power, HV and Building Services
Five career paths, the skills employers want and how to get started
Electricity sits at the centre of the UK's move to net zero. New wind and solar farms, grid upgrades, data centres, electric vehicles, heat pumps and smarter buildings all need skilled people to design, install and maintain them. That makes the electrical engineer one of the most in-demand professionals in the country. This guide looks at five career paths, the skills and standards employers look for and how to get started.
What does an electrical engineer do?
The role covers the generation, transmission, distribution and use of electricity, as well as the electronics and controls that manage it. Depending on the job, you might design power systems, specify cables and switchgear, carry out protection studies, commission equipment, manage maintenance or lead installation projects. The work can be office based, site based or a mix of both.
5 career paths
1. Power transmission and distribution
Working for network operators, contractors and consultancies on substations, overhead lines and cables that move power around the country.
2. Power generation and renewables
Designing and maintaining electrical systems for wind, solar, battery storage, nuclear and gas power stations.
3. Building services
Designing lighting, power, fire alarm and security systems for offices, hospitals, schools, homes and data centres.
4. Industrial and manufacturing
Keeping factories and process plants running, including motors, drives, controls and automation.
5. Transport and rail
Working on railway electrification, traction power, signalling power supplies and electric vehicle charging.
Becoming a high voltage engineer
A high voltage engineer works on systems above 1,000 volts AC, such as substations, transformers, switchgear and cables. The work is safety critical, so employers use strict safety rules and formal authorisation. You are assessed and appointed to carry out specific tasks, such as switching or issuing safety documents, under your employer’s rules.
Many people reach high voltage work after a few years in electrical maintenance or design, plus specialist training in switching, protection and safety rules. Demand is high because of grid upgrades and the growth of renewables and battery storage.
Building services and the wiring regulations
A building services engineer designs and oversees the systems that make buildings safe, comfortable and efficient. In the UK, low voltage electrical installations are designed to BS 7671, the Requirements for Electrical Installations, also known as the IET Wiring Regulations, published by the Institution of Engineering and Technology. Designers and installers need to know the current edition and keep up with amendments.
Building services work is closely linked with mechanical systems such as heating, ventilation and cooling, so many engineers work in combined mechanical and electrical (M&E) teams. Data centres, hospitals and laboratories are particularly busy areas.
Skills employers look for
- Strong electrical principles, including power systems, protection and earthing.
- Design software for calculations, cable sizing and lighting.
- Knowledge of standards and safety rules.
- Commissioning and fault finding on site.
- Communication with clients, contractors and other disciplines.
- Project management as you take on larger schemes.
Routes into the profession
Common routes include an electrical or electronic engineering degree, a degree apprenticeship, or an electrical apprenticeship followed by further study such as an HNC or HND. Many experienced electricians move into design, testing and commissioning, or high voltage roles. Professional registration through the IET as an EngTech, IEng or CEng is a valuable step as your career develops.
Where to find electrical engineering jobs
Electrical engineering jobs are available across the UK. Network operators and their contractors recruit in every region, renewable projects are concentrated around the coast and in Scotland, and data centre growth is strong around London and other major cities. Nuclear sites, rail electrification and manufacturing also create steady demand.
Find electrical roles with Bernoullis
Our electrical engineering recruitment team works with employers across the UK, from small specialist firms to household names. Check how your CV matches the roles you want with our CV checker, browse our latest engineering vacancies or contact us for a confidential chat about your next move as an electrical engineer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does an electrical engineer do?
They design, build and maintain systems that generate, transmit, distribute and use electricity, as well as the controls that manage them.
What is BS 7671?
BS 7671 is the UK standard for low voltage electrical installations, also known as the IET Wiring Regulations.
How do I become a high voltage engineer?
Most people gain electrical maintenance or design experience first, then complete specialist training and are formally authorised by their employer.
What does a building services engineer do?
They design and oversee the electrical and mechanical systems in buildings, such as power, lighting, heating, ventilation and fire safety.
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