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Job holders in this unit group perform a variety of professional engineering functions.

Main tasks

  • Provides technical consultancy services.
  • Examines and advises on patent applications.
  • Prepares sketches, drawings and specifications showing materials to be used, construction and finishing methods and other details.
  • Devises and implements control systems to monitor operational efficiency and performance of system and materials.
  • Designs new systems and equipment with regard to cost, market requirements and feasibility of manufacture.
  • Establishes principles and techniques to improve the quality, durability and performance of materials such as textiles, glass, rubber, plastics, ceramics, metals and alloys.
  • Researches into problem areas to advance basic knowledge, evaluate new theories and techniques and to solve specific problems.

Source: Office for National Statistics.

Salary and earnings

Potential earnings

£64,420.04

Average earnings

£42,613.99

Source: Office for National Statistics' Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE).

What course level do I need to study?

The level of study required will vary with each job, sector and company. The table below shows the level of study achieved by those currently working in this career choice.

Educational requirements: Honours, Bachelor's degree

Source: Office for National Statistics.

Level of study Percentage achieved
Level 0 1%
Level 1 3%
Level 2 12%
Level 3 26%
Level 4-5 (Higher Education) 14%
Level 6 (Bachelors) 27%
Level 7 (Masters or equivalent) 12%
Level 8 (Doctorate) 5%

Source: Labour Force Survey (LFS) data.

Economic data for careers is provided by Lightcast and also available through our Career Coach app. Job postings, employment and earnings information is represented at the regional level for the East Midlands.