electromagnetic engineer
Snapshot
Are you fascinated by how electricity and magnetism interact? As an electromagnetic engineer, you'll be at the forefront of designing and developing the technologies that power our world, from medical imaging to electric motors.
Electromagnetic engineers are crucial in creating and refining systems that utilize electromagnetic fields. Your days might involve designing components like electromagnets for loudspeakers, developing shielding for sensitive electronics, or simulating the performance of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines. This role demands a strong understanding of physics, mathematics, and engineering principles, alongside practical problem-solving skills to optimize designs and ensure functionality.
- • Designing and developing electromagnetic systems, devices, and components.
- • Conducting simulations and analyses to predict performance and identify potential issues.
- • Testing and prototyping designs, making adjustments as needed.
Where this occupation is in demand
Reported labour shortages and surpluses, by year. Published for occupation groups, not for individual job titles.
Deeper colour: reported the same way in more consecutive years.
Figures cover Science and engineering professionals — 274 jobs including this one.
In shortage: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus and 12 more.
Longest-running shortage: Ireland, 3 years.
Select a place on the map to see its figures.
About this source›
Source: ELA/EURES labour shortages and surpluses. Readings are published at occupation-group level, and cover Europe. Editions differ in annex layout and country coverage, so a change between years does not always mean the labour market changed. Countries in grey were not reported, which is not the same as being in balance.
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Could electromagnetic engineer fit you?
Answer three quick questions. This is not a full assessment — it is a teaser to help you decide whether to compare your profile.
Do you enjoy tasks that require Analytical Thinking?
Do you enjoy tasks that require Integrity?
Do you enjoy tasks that require Attention to Detail?
Future Outlook for electromagnetic engineer
The outlook for electromagnetic engineer reflects a balanced mix of automation exposure and durable, human-led work.
How are these scores calculated?
The Resilience Score (0–100) estimates how structurally protected this occupation is from automation and AI disruption, based on task-level analysis. Higher scores mean more human-judgment-intensive tasks. AI Exposure shows the estimated percentage of task hours that current AI capabilities could affect. These are model-derived structural indicators, not predictions about individual job security.
How could electromagnetic engineer change as AI adoption grows?
This role is likely to change gradually, with AI supporting selected tasks rather than replacing the whole occupation.
Illustrative scenario based on task automatability — not a forecast. Values are rounded the further ahead you look.
How could electromagnetic engineer change as AI adoption grows?
This role is likely to change gradually, with AI supporting selected tasks rather than replacing the whole occupation.
Illustrative scenario based on task automatability — not a forecast. Values are rounded the further ahead you look.
How AI may change this role
Deterministic, model-based interpretation of current role signals — not a guarantee of replacement.
What still depends on people
- process customer requests based on the REACh Regulation 1907 2006
- abide by regulations on banned materials
- interact professionally in research and professional environments
Where AI may become a co-pilot
- analyse test data
- use technical drawing software
- conduct literature research
Tasks most exposed to automation
- synthesise information
- record test data
- report analysis results
Vital Signs & AI Vectors
AI Exposure Vectors
0-100%Exposure to AI-assisted analysis, pattern recognition, and predictive modelling tasks
Exposure to content generation, creative augmentation, and large language model tools
Exposure to physical automation, robotics, and sensor-driven task displacement
Exposure to workflow automation, decision-support software, and process digitisation
Technical Details
NexFuture v3.0 estimates automation exposure natively from ESCO essential-skill groups, weighted by skill mass and calibrated against expert anchors. Scores are probabilistic estimates, not guarantees. See the NexFuture Methodology White Paper for full details.
Measures automation exposure. It does not measure pay, demand, or how many jobs exist near you.
What people in this role usually do
Advanced Manufacturing
A typical day as a electromagnetic engineer
09 09:00 · Morning model electromagnetic products
10 10:30 · Mid-morning abide by regulations on banned materials
12 12:00 · Midday design electromagnets
14 14:00 · Afternoon ensure material compliance
15 15:30 · Late afternoon operate open source software
17 17:00 · Wrap-up process customer requests based on the REACh Regulation 1907 2006
Task order is illustrative. Individual days vary.
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battery design
The techniques used to design batteries, characterise their properties and performance, including electrochemical analysis and physical measurements, as well as to devise the integration of various components, in order to meet specific requirements for different applications.
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battery management systems
The electronic system that manages and monitors the performance of a battery.
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electromagnetism
The study of electromagnetic forces and the interaction between electric and magnetic fields. The interaction between electrically charged particles can create magnetic fields with a certain range or frequency and electricity can be produced by the changing of these magnetic fields.
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electromagnets
Magnets in which magnetic fields are produced by electric current. By manipulating the electric current, the magnetic fields can be changed and manipulated as well, which allows more control than permanent non-electric magnets. Electromagnets are commonly used in electrical devices, such as loudspeakers, hard disks, MRI devices, and electric motors.
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environmental threats
The threats for the environment which are related to biological, chemical, nuclear, radiological, and physical hazards.
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microwave principles
The technologies used in transmission of information or energy via electromagnetic waves between 1000 and 100,000 MHz.
- consumer protection
- design drawings
- electrical engineering
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conduct literature research
Conduct a comprehensive and systematic research of information and publications on a specific literature topic. Present a comparative evaluative literature summary.
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perform scientific research
Gain, correct or improve knowledge about phenomena by using scientific methods and techniques, based on empirical or measurable observations.
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design prototypes
Design prototypes of products or components of products by applying design and engineering principles.
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approve engineering design
Give consent to the finished engineering design to go over to the actual manufacturing and assembly of the product.
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manage research data
Produce and analyse scientific data originating from qualitative and quantitative research methods. Store and maintain the data in research databases. Support the re-use of scientific data and be familiar with open data management principles.
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process customer requests based on the REACh Regulation 1907 2006
Reply to private consumer requests according to REACh Regulation 1907/2006 whereby chemical Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) should be minimal. Advise customers on how to proceed and protect themselves if the presence of SVHC is higher than expected.
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interact professionally in research and professional environments
Show consideration to others as well as collegiality. Listen, give and receive feedback and respond perceptively to others, also involving staff supervision and leadership in a professional setting.
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operate open source software
Operate Open Source software, knowing the main Open Source models, licensing schemes, and the coding practices commonly adopted in the production of Open Source software.
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perform data analysis
Collect data and statistics to test and evaluate in order to generate assertions and pattern predictions, with the aim of discovering useful information in a decision-making process.
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record test data
Record data which has been identified specifically during preceding tests in order to verify that outputs of the test produce specific results or to review the reaction of the subject under exceptional or unusual input.
Skill DNA
Work personality traits and values that define this role
See whether this role fits your Career DNA
Take the free Career DNA assessment to see how electromagnetic engineer aligns with your interests, work style, and future path. In less than 10 minutes, you will get a personalized fit signal and a roadmap for what to do next.
Scan to continue on mobileGrowth Pathways & Similar Roles
Explore typical career progression paths, adjacent skills, and similar roles to plan your next transition.
Where does electromagnetic engineer fit?
Similarity scores based on skill overlap from ESCO data.
Frequently asked questions
- What kind of educational background is typically required to become an electromagnetic engineer?
- A bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, physics, or a related field is generally the minimum requirement. Many electromagnetic engineers pursue a master's degree to specialize in areas like electromagnetics, antenna design, or microwave engineering.
- What are some industries that commonly employ electromagnetic engineers?
- You'll find electromagnetic engineers in a diverse range of industries, including medical device manufacturing (MRI, ultrasound), automotive (electric motors, sensors), aerospace (radar systems, satellite communications), consumer electronics (speakers, wireless charging), and power generation.
- How important are simulation and modeling skills in this role?
- Simulation and modeling are *extremely* important. Electromagnetic engineers frequently use specialized software to model and analyze electromagnetic fields, predict device performance, and optimize designs before physical prototypes are built. Proficiency in tools like COMSOL, HFSS, or CST Studio Suite is highly valued.
- Electromagnetic Engineer — is there a shortage in Europe?
- Yes. In the 2025 ELA/EURES edition, a shortage was reported in 16 of the 18 European countries that assessed this occupation group: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus and 12 more. Ireland has reported one for 3 consecutive years. These assessments are published per occupation group rather than per job title.
- Electromagnetic Engineer — what does it pay in the United States?
- $127,590 a year at the median, as of 2025-05. State medians run from $81,330 to $160,520. Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is a United States figure and not a projection for Europe.