Electrical Designer

Electrical Designer Job Profile

What Is an Electrical Designer?

An Electrical Designer is a professional who designs, analyses, and optimises electrical systems. They create schematics, select components, and ensure proper wiring to guarantee the functionality and safety of electrical installations.

An Electrical Designer plans, repairs, and maintains electrical systems. Their field of expertise is broad — with the appropriate education, they are skilled in high-voltage power, household electricity, and information electronics. Handling electrical power is heavily regulated.

Note: The title “electrical designer” is not legally protected. If you intend to work in this field, you should choose a qualification that leads to a recognised title.

What Professions Are Related to Electrical Design?

The term “Electrical Designer” describes someone who can handle power lines and connected equipment. Recognised professions in this field include:

• Electrical Installer — works with power lines, consumers, and power-generating generators
• Electronics Technician — works with small electrical circuits (e.g. PCBs, control systems)
• State-certified Master or Technician in Electrical Installation
• Electrical Engineering Bachelor’s or Master’s degree

It is important to differentiate between “Electrical” and “Electronics” at the technical level. There are areas where both professions overlap, such as in control cabinet construction. In the field of electrical engineering, almost every task requires specific training and qualifications — regulatory compliance is strictly enforced.

What Does an Electrical Designer Do?

Core responsibilities include:

• Creating electrical schematics and wiring diagrams
• Selecting appropriate components (cables, connectors, switchgear, sensors)
• Planning control cabinet layouts and wiring harnesses
• Reviewing technical specifications and ensuring compliance with norms (IEC, EN, VDE)
• Collaborating with mechanical engineers, software developers, and project managers
• Conducting design reviews and troubleshooting electrical faults
• Documenting designs and creating technical documentation
• Supporting production, commissioning, and maintenance teams

How Do You Become an Electrical Designer?

Path 1 — Vocational training: A vocational training as an Electrical Installer or Electronics Technician is an excellent foundation. No Abitur (high school diploma) is required — training can begin at 16 with a good school-leaving certificate. Many follow up with further education to become a state-certified Technician (~4 years part-time), which also qualifies for a Fachabitur and university study.

Path 2 — Engineering degree: Pursuing an electrical engineering degree after Abitur. Graduates from the vocational route often have broader practical knowledge and better career prospects in technical specialist roles.

Path 3 — Dual study programme: Combining practical training with university study. Companies offering dual programmes typically prefer applicants who have already acquired practical qualifications.

What Skills Does an Electrical Designer Need?

Technical:

• Electrical CAD tools: EPLAN Electric P8, AutoCAD Electrical, SEE Electrical
• Electrical engineering fundamentals (circuits, power systems, control technology)
• Component knowledge: cables, relays, PLCs, frequency converters, sensors
• Knowledge of electrical norms and standards (IEC, EN, VDE)
• PLC programming (Siemens TIA Portal, Beckhoff TwinCAT) — increasingly required

Soft skills:

• Precision and systematic thinking — electrical errors can have serious safety consequences
• Compliance awareness — understanding and applying applicable regulations strictly
• Communication — working across mechanical, software, and production teams
• Problem-solving — diagnosing and resolving complex electrical faults

Programming Is Part of It

The handling of software is a skill that is becoming increasingly important. Even an Electrical Installer needs to know how to program applications today. The higher your educational goal, the more important this skill becomes. What starts with programming Smart Homes and PLCs will lead you to simulation and calculation software during your studies, which can be highly demanding. If you master these tools, they become as essential as a multimeter or soldering iron.

Broad Field of Work

As ubiquitous as electrical power is, the demand for electrical professionals who can also design is equally high. Every electrical circuit requires careful planning, otherwise failures and major damages can occur. This applies to small circuit boards as well as to a company’s power grid. As an Electrical Designer, you essentially have two tasks: planning an electrical circuit and controlling the execution.

An Electrical Designer is needed wherever electricity flows — from wiring small, battery-operated electrical devices to complex plant control systems with many connected machines. As tasks become larger, they are distributed among multiple individuals. Teamwork and, if necessary, leadership skills are therefore equally important.

What Does an Electrical Designer Earn?

Electrical Designer salaries in Germany typically range from €40,000 to €65,000 per year. Entry-level positions after vocational training start around €35,000–€40,000. Those with engineering degrees or in industrial automation, automotive, or energy sectors earn towards the higher end. Senior specialists with certifications and extensive project experience can earn significantly above average.

Future Perspectives for the Electrical Designer

The future prospects for a qualified, motivated, and talented Electrical Designer could hardly be better. This field of expertise is in high demand internationally, making it an excellent opportunity to spend a few years working abroad — an experience that can greatly enhance career value.

One aspect to keep in mind is the growing capabilities of artificial intelligence. Currently, AI implementation is still in its early stages. However, one thing is certain: wherever AI can be employed, it will take over tasks. For the Electrical Designer, this is both a challenge and an opportunity. You should closely monitor developments in AI and use them to your advantage wherever possible.

Ideal Conditions for Entrepreneurship

A designer is always an inventor. Particularly capable Electrical Designers regularly impress with spectacular applications that no one had thought of before. As a qualified Electrical Designer, you always have the audience on your side. Investor meetings and startup discussions become much easier with this background. All you need are your ideas and the courage to implement them.