Engineering is a broad and rewarding industry with opportunities across mechanical, electrical, software and data-driven roles. For graduates or individuals taking their first step into the industry, knowing what to expect from salary ranges to daily tasks can make all the difference when planning your next move.
Whether you’re still studying or just finished your degree, this blog will help you understand the career paths available and what life as an engineer might really look like.
Ready to kick-start your engineering career? Upload your CV to Platform Recruitment today and we’ll connect you with roles that match your skills and ambitions.
Mechanical Engineer
Average Graduate Salary (UK): £28,000 - £32,000
Experienced Salary: £35,000 - £50,000+
Day-to-Day Responsibilities:
-
Designing and developing mechanical systems or components.
-
Using CAD software (like SolidWorks or AutoCAD) to model products.
-
Conducting performance testing and quality assurance.
-
Collaborating with manufacturing teams to bring concepts to life.
What to Expect:
Mechanical engineers often enjoy varied, hands-on roles. You could be designing new components, solving manufacturing problems or testing mechanical systems for efficiency and safety. You'll likely collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams and get to see real-world impact from your work, whether that's in aerospace, energy, medical devices or automotive design.
Electrical or Electronics Engineer
Average Graduate Salary: £27,000 - £35,000
Experienced Salary: £40,000 - £60,000+
Day-to-Day Responsibilities:
-
Designing electrical systems or circuit boards.
-
Prototyping and testing hardware.
-
Working closely with software or embedded teams.
-
Ensuring compliance with safety regulations and EMC standards.
What to Expect:
Expect a balance between design and troubleshooting. You may be working on printed circuit boards, power systems or embedded devices. Roles range from highly technical R&D to client-facing project engineering. The work is ideal for those who love solving complex problems with precision and who are curious about how things work on a micro level.
Data Engineer / Data Scientist
Average Graduate Salary: £40,000 - £55,000
Experienced Salary: £50,000 - £70,000+
Day-to-Day Responsibilities:
-
Managing large data pipelines and databases.
-
Using tools like Python, SQL or Hadoop to extract insights.
-
Collaborating with business teams to drive data-led decisions.
-
Creating models to predict trends or automate tasks.
What to Expect:
Data scientists extract meaning from complex datasets using programming, statistical analysis and machine learning. In engineering industries, they often work on predictive maintenance, product optimisation or quality control by analysing sensor data or production metrics. If you’re analytical, curious and enjoy turning raw numbers into actionable insights, this path is a great mix of coding, problem-solving and real-world impact.
QA / Test Engineer
Average Graduate Salary: £30,000–£35,000
Experienced Salary: £55,000–£70,000+
Day-to-Day Responsibilities:
-
Writing test cases and performing manual or automated testing.
-
Ensuring the quality and reliability of software or hardware products.
-
Collaborating with development teams to catch issues early.
-
Working with tools like Selenium, JIRA and Postman.
What to Expect:
QA roles are critical for ensuring products are safe, compliant and reliable. You’ll get involved in testing procedures, audits and validation processes particularly in industries like medical devices, automotive and manufacturing. If you're detail-oriented, good at documentation and enjoy working in a structured environment, QA offers a strong career path with growth opportunities in compliance and regulatory affairs.
Embedded Software Engineer
Average Graduate Salary: £28,000 – £35,000
Experienced Salary: £40,000 – £60,000+
Responsibilities:
-
Writing and testing code (typically C/C++) for hardware devices
-
Collaborating with electronics engineers to integrate software and hardware
-
Debugging and optimising firmware performance
- Supporting product development in areas like IoT, automotive and medical devices
What to Expect:
Embedded software engineers are at the heart of tech innovation, creating the systems that power smart devices. The role is hands-on and technical, with lots of collaboration across departments. It’s a great fit for problem-solvers who love code, logic and making things "just work."
Manufacturing/Production Engineer
Average Graduate Salary: £25,000 – £32,000
Experienced Salary: £35,000 – £50,000+
Responsibilities:
-
Improving manufacturing processes and workflows
-
Managing quality control systems and lean methodologies
-
Liaising with design and maintenance teams to reduce downtime
- Implementing automation or robotics into production lines
What to Expect:
Expect a practical and fast-paced environment where every improvement you make is felt across the business. You’ll solve real-world problems, work closely with technicians and contribute to output, safety and sustainability. Ideal for detail-oriented engineers who enjoy balancing strategic planning with hands-on delivery.
How to Make the Most of an Engineering Career From Day One
-
Stay curious: Engineering roles are constantly evolving - stay up to date with tools and technologies in your field.
-
Build your portfolio: Whether it’s personal coding projects or university work, make sure you can show what you’ve done.
-
Tailor your CV and cover letter: Use job descriptions to highlight relevant experiences and align your application with the role.
- Be open to learning: Most graduate engineers continue to develop new skills on the job through training and mentorship.
Whether you’re leaning toward mechanical systems, code or data, there’s a place for you in engineering. Use this guide to explore your options and take the first step toward a rewarding career. At Platform Recruitment, we work closely with graduates and early-career professionals to match them with companies looking for fresh talent.
If you’re unsure which direction to take or want advice on breaking into the engineering world, we can help.
Upload your CV HERE and we’ll be in touch with roles tailored to your goals, skills and values.
Note: The salary figures listed are UK averages and can vary significantly depending on location, company size, sector, and level of experience.
Want a breakdown for a specific role, region, or experience level?
Request a free, tailored salary guide here: platform-recruitment.com/our-solutions
