Here we look at Electrical and Electronic Engineering jobs within academia, the typical career paths in the sector and opportunities for progression. One of our largest fields for academic engineering jobs advertised here at jobs.ac.uk, you’ll find a wide range of specialised electrical and electronic engineering teaching and lecturing positions with exciting opportunities for research and development. Jobs are advertised in both the higher and further education sectors, with universities and colleges keen to attract experienced engineers who can provide practical, industry-focused training to the next generation.
There is particular focus on electrical and electronic engineers who are specialised in green energy, renewables and sustainability. If you have a PhD and/or professional experience in these areas, you will find yourself in demand.
Here we take an in depth look at some of the lecturing jobs available in electrical and electronic engineering, the qualifications and experience you will need and opportunities to progress your academic career.
Job Descriptions
- Lecturer in Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- Lecturer in Electronics (Further Education)
- Lecturer in Electrical Power Systems
Lecturer in Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Electrical and electronic engineering lecturers teach undergraduate and postgraduate students across a wide range of degree programmes.
Engineering degrees are project-focused so lecturers in this field would spend a lot of their time supervising student projects in subjects specific to their expertise, such as signal processing or wireless technology.
Duties:
- Providing teaching and supervision to electrical and electronic engineering students
- Supervising Bachelor’s and Master’s level projects and placements in a specialised degree area
- Contributing to collaborative research projects and publication of results
- Curriculum and module design
- Delivering practical and laboratory teaching across several subject areas
What qualifications and experience do you need?
A PhD in Electrical and Electronic Engineering or closely related discipline which aligns with the research activities of the university would be essential for lecturing roles.
A strong track record of providing high quality and innovative teaching and supervision of MEng/MSc projects and a recognised higher education teaching qualification would be desirable.
What’s the pay?
Electrical and electronic engineering lecturers can expect a salary in the range of £35,587 to £50,296 p.a., depending on qualifications and teaching experience.
What can it lead to?
On gaining experience as a lecturer, your next step would be to apply for a senior lectureship or associate professor role.
Promotion would depend heavily on the quality of your teaching practice and ability to supervise both Master’s and doctoral projects.
Related roles:
- Lecturer in Electrical Installation
- Teaching Fellow – Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- Lecturer in Renewable Energy
Where can I find jobs?
You will find lecturing jobs within schools or faculties of engineering and technology around the world. Competition for engineering lecturing roles is high and the busiest times for job adverts are June and July.
Find electrical and electronic engineering lecturer jobs here.
Lecturer in Electronics (Further Education)
Further Education (FE) lecturers deliver teaching and training to students aged 16-19, adults and apprentices in colleges and other training facilities. They train students looking towards a career as an electrician or in electrical installation.
Duties:
- Delivering teaching to students following Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications across a range of electronics programmes
- Curriculum design, marking and assessment
- Providing practical workshops and work-based training (apprentices)
- Liaising with employers and supervising work placements
What qualifications and experience do you need?
You would need to be a qualified electrician, educated to a minimum Level 3 in electronics or electrical installation. You would also need to hold Level 2 qualifications (GCSE or equivalent) in English and maths.
Although a teaching qualification is not always necessary in FE, you would be expected to complete a minimum level 4/5 teaching qualification on-the-job. FE electronics courses are vocational, so colleges look for lecturers who have professional experience in industry.
To search for jobs and find out more about the qualifications, experience and training you will need to teach in FE, take a look at our sister site: colleges.jobs.ac.uk.
What’s the pay?
Further Education lecturers without a recognised FE teaching qualification can expect a starting salary in the range of £20,758 to £23,325 p.a. FE lecturers who hold a teaching qualification can expect a salary in the range of £26,702 to £37,258 p.a. Some FE lectureships are offered on a casual basis, where you can expect to earn around £21.90 per hour.
What can it lead to?
On gaining experience and completion of further qualifications (teaching and/or assessor award), you could move up to curriculum lead or head of department within a college.
Related roles:
- Lecturer in Electrical Systems (FE)
- Engineering Lecturer (FE)
Where can I find jobs?
You will find there is high availability of jobs in the FE sector in colleges and training facilities in every area of the UK.
Find lecturer in electronics (FE) jobs here
Lecturer in Electrical Power Systems
Lecturers in Electrical Power systems teach modules related to the design, analysis and control of power system technologies and renewables across multiple engineering disciplines.
They also undertake and publish research in an area which aligns with the academic research activities of the school, specialist centre or faculty.
Duties:
- Delivery and development of lecturing, tutorial and laboratory programmes
- Actively engaging in collaborative research on an international level
- Publication of research activities in peer-reviewed journals and publications
- Supervision of doctoral students in the area of electrical power systems and sustainable energy
- Supervision of student work placement activities
What qualifications and experience do you need?
A PhD in a subject related to electrical power systems would be essential for a higher education lecturing role.
You would also need to have deep technical knowledge of electrical power systems, preferably gained through professional experience in industry, as well as a strong track record of published research outcomes.
A recognised higher education teaching qualification would be desirable.
What’s the pay?
As this role requires highly specialised experience and qualifications, lecturers in electrical power systems can expect a starting salary in the range of £41,349 to £56,899 p.a.
What can it lead to?
Your next career move would be to apply for a senior lectureship or associate professor role. Alternatively, you may want to consider a research-only academic role, which would depend on your publication output and success.
Related roles:
- Lecturer in Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- Lecturer in Renewable Energy Technologies
- Lecturer in Technology and Public Policy
Where can I find jobs?
This is a highly specialised role requiring a niche skillset and qualifications. Therefore, you may find you have to wait for the right job to come along or apply for lecturing roles in a related discipline.
Find lecturer in electrical power systems jobs here.
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