power electronics engineer
Role lens
Power electronics engineers are at the forefront of energy efficiency, designing and refining the systems that power our world. If you’re fascinated by electrical circuits and enjoy problem-solving, a career as a power electronics engineer could be a rewarding path.
As a power electronics engineer, your days will involve designing, testing, and troubleshooting circuits and systems that control and convert electrical power. You’ll analyze existing designs, identify areas for improvement, and collaborate with other engineering professionals to ensure optimal performance and reliability. This role requires a strong understanding of electrical engineering principles and a meticulous approach to problem-solving.
- • Designing power electronic circuits and systems for various applications.
- • Testing and analyzing circuit performance, identifying and resolving flaws.
- • Collaborating with mechanical engineers and other specialists on cross-functional projects.
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 7 more.
Longest-running shortage: Netherlands, 4 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 power electronics 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 Attention to Detail?
Do you enjoy tasks that require Dependability?
Do you enjoy tasks that require Analytical Thinking?
Future Outlook for power electronics engineer
The outlook for power electronics 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 power electronics 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 power electronics 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
- test microelectronics
- develop electronic test procedures
- define technical requirements
Where AI may become a co-pilot
- analyse test data
- use technical drawing software
- interpret circuit diagrams
Tasks most exposed to automation
- record test data
- report analysis results
- perform data analysis
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
Energy & Natural Resources
A typical day as a power electronics engineer
09 09:00 · Morning model power electronics
10 10:30 · Mid-morning interpret circuit diagrams
12 12:00 · Midday design power electronics
14 14:00 · Afternoon test power electronics
15 15:30 · Late afternoon ensure material compliance
17 17:00 · Wrap-up operate electronic measuring instruments
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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environmental threats
The threats for the environment which are related to biological, chemical, nuclear, radiological, and physical hazards.
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mechanical engineering
Discipline that applies principles of physics, engineering and materials science to design, analyse, manufacture and maintain mechanical systems.
- design drawings
- electricity
- electricity principles
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model power electronics
Model and simulate power electronics systems, products, and components using technical design software. Assess the viability of the product and examine the physical parameters to ensure a successful production process.
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design power electronics
Design and develop power electronics systems, products, and components according to specifications. Select suitable ancillary devices for the intended application.
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design electromechanical systems
Draft sketches and design electromechanical systems, products, and components using Computer Aided Design (CAD) software and equipment.
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develop electronic test procedures
Develop testing protocols to enable a variety of analyses of electronic systems, products, and components.
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define technical requirements
Specify technical properties of goods, materials, methods, processes, services, systems, software and functionalities by identifying and responding to the particular needs that are to be satisfied according to customer requirements.
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test power electronics
Test power electronics using appropriate equipment. Gather and analyse data on systems and components, such as analogue and digital circuit tolerance, power losses and overall efficiency as electricity works its way through circuits. Monitor and evaluate system performance and take action if needed.
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conduct quality control analysis
Conduct inspections and tests of services, processes, or products to evaluate quality.
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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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interpret circuit diagrams
Read and comprehend circuit diagrams showing the connections between the devices, such as power and signal connections.
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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 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
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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 power electronics engineer fit?
Similarity scores based on skill overlap from ESCO data.
Frequently asked questions
- What kind of projects might a power electronics engineer work on?
- Power electronics engineers contribute to a wide range of projects, including designing power supplies for electric vehicles, optimizing solar energy systems, developing efficient motor drives for industrial applications, and creating power management systems for consumer electronics.
- What skills are most important for success in this role?
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are crucial. You’ll also need a solid foundation in electrical engineering principles, experience with circuit simulation software, and the ability to work effectively within a team. Attention to detail and a commitment to quality are also essential.
- Is it common to work as a self-employed power electronics engineer?
- While most power electronics engineers are employed by companies in industries like manufacturing, energy, and technology, there's also a notable opportunity for self-employment, particularly for consulting or specialized design services.
- Power Electronics Engineer — is there a shortage in Europe?
- Yes. In the 2025 ELA/EURES edition, a shortage was reported in 11 of the 13 European countries that assessed this occupation group: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus and 7 more. Netherlands has reported one for 4 consecutive years. These assessments are published per occupation group rather than per job title.
- Power Electronics 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.