Embedded electronic systems design and development engineer (degree)
- Level
- 6
- Typical duration
- 36 months (about 3 years)
- Max funding band
- £27,000
- Route
- Engineering and manufacturing
Designing and developing electronic circuits, devices and systems for a range of industries.
About the role
The role of the Embedded Electronic Systems Design and Development Engineer is to apply their knowledge of electronics and of embedded software to the design of circuits or devices that provide a useful function, that are capable of being manufactured at a competitive cost, and that are reliable and safe in use. This involves the use of the engineer’s knowledge of electronics and electronic principles, married to an expertise in the end use of the final product. In electronics this end use can cover a wide spectrum. Examples of industrial sectors that rely heavily on Embedded Systems Design and Development Engineers include Aerospace, Automotive, Automation and Instrumentation, Robotics, Telecommunications, Information and Computer Technology, Defence, Energy (including renewables), Transport and Consumer Electronics. The role provides the basis of learning with potential to specialise as a Hardware Engineer, Software engineer or Systems Engineer in these sectors and can extend from design of integrated circuits through to complete systems. Embedded Electronic Systems Design and Development Engineers will spend their careers in these industries developing the next generations of products such as smartphones, electric vehicles, communications satellites, smart grids and bringing concepts such as smart cities into reality. For others, an initial grounding in design and development will prove an excellent launch pad for a career in applications engineering, product management, marketing or general management. The Embedded Electronic Systems Design and Development Engineer must be proficient in a wide range of skills, underpinned by academic understanding, to enable them to work across these sub-sectors and specialisms. Apprentices will complete a Degree that will support the fundamental scientific and mathematical principles that equip them with the understanding required to operate effectively and efficiently at a high level within any of these sectors. This will be supported by vocational training to develop the required competencies specific to particular roles within the chosen sectors.
How it compares
At 36 months (about 3 years), it is about average length for a degree-level apprenticeship (the average across all 172 Level 6+ standards is 39 months).
The funding band — the maximum an employer's levy can contribute to training costs — is £27,000, at or above the £21,500 average for degree-level standards. Apprentices never pay tuition either way.
Typical job titles
- Hardware engineer
- software engineer
- systems engineer
What you'll learn
The official standard defines 5 knowledge areas, 11 skills, 7 behaviours. This is the actual assessed content of the apprenticeship — worth reading before an interview, because competency questions are usually written straight from these lists.
Knowledge 5
- Understanding of basic electrical theory
- Knowledge of the method of operation of basic semiconductors and passive components including their most common uses. Also the basic formulas used in their application
- Understanding of design of both analogue and digital circuits and the basic design rules for mixed analogue and digital circuit boards
- Comprehension of the fundamentals of structured software design
- Understanding key aspects of the employer’s business and product applications – against a template to be generated by the employer
Skills 11
- Design functional electronic systems and circuits from component level
- Utilise modern CAD technology to implement circuit design with understanding of considerations for heat dissipation, electrical interference and other industry specific considerations affecting layout
- Write and document structured code to comply with industry norms and to allow others to understand and subsequently maintain/modify the code
- Utilise modelling techniques for circuit design, embedded software development and thermal management
- Ability to demonstrate an understanding of the principles and practice of design for market, design for manufacturability, design for testability and design for maintainability
- Ability to develop a test plan for a product that they have developed
- Ability to explain the process by which a product is introduced into production, including what aspects are discussed at what stage and with whom and how development gateways work
- Ability to develop a basic project plan including resource planning, time planning, use of contingencies etc. Also techniques for predicting pinch points and strategies for timescale recovery
- Awareness of international standards and compliance requirements for the products designed by the employer. Ability to discuss the differences between legislative and non-legislative requirements
- Ability to demonstrate knowledge of basic business fundamentals including costs, overheads, gross margin, net margin, profit, and cash
- Ability to demonstrate awareness and understanding of basic health and safety principles both in the general workplace and specific to electronic circuit design
Behaviours 7
- Self-starter, organised thinker. Works safely and effectively without close supervision
- Confident in oral, written and electronic methods. Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of stakeholder
- Exhibits leadership behaviour and qualities. Demonstrable ability to work as a member of a team.
- Committed to personal learning and development
- Enjoys problem solving. Able to demonstrate practical capabilities in their professional role.
- Accepts responsibility for own work and that of others
- Exercises responsibilities in an ethical manner and respects and complies with company rules and guidelines. Able to commit to beliefs, goals, and standards of their employer and the wider industry and its professional standards
Live vacancies
1 live vacancy for this course right now:
-
Apprentice Building Services Design Electrical Engineer
Baileygomm · Herts. (SG12 9BA) · Competitive
Closes today at 11:59pm · starts 28 September 2026
Live adverts from the government's Find an apprenticeship service, checked 2026-07-24. Closing dates move fast — apply on the official service.
Universities registered to deliver it
10 universities are on the government provider register for this standard. Registration means they can deliver it — live vacancies depend on employer partnerships each recruitment cycle.
- Buckinghamshire New University
- London South Bank University
- Sheffield Hallam University
- Southampton Solent University
- University of Greater Manchester
- University of Greenwich
- University of Hertfordshire
- University of Portsmouth
- University of Staffordshire
- University of Wales: Trinity Saint David
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Official sources
- Official standard page (Skills England)
- Registered training providers (Find apprenticeship training)
Occupational summary, duties, knowledge, skills and behaviours reproduced from the ST0151 apprenticeship standard (last updated 2025-12-18) — contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Always check the official page before applying: standards get revised.