
Career Guide
On-board Energy Engineer
The role of an on-board energy engineer involves designing, supervising and maintaining energy conversion and management systems integrated into mobile or autonomous equipment, in sectors such as the electric vehicle and aerospace industries.
The profession
What is an on-board energy engineer?
His role
An on-board energy engineer designs electrical and electronic systems intended to convert, store and distribute energy within on-board equipment. You will draw up detailed technical plans, ensure regulatory compliance and guarantee the reliability of the solutions developed, from the design phase through to commissioning.
Its scope
You will be working in industrial environments where the management of on-board energy is critical: electric mobility, on-board aeronautical systems or smart energy networks. You will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams in electrical engineering and take part in energy transition projects involving significant technical challenges.
The functions
What are the responsibilities of an on-board energy engineer?
The responsibilities of an on-board energy engineer cover the entire system lifecycle, from technical design to maintenance under operational conditions.
To design on-board power conversion equipment, in particular high-frequency switching chargers
Check the reliability of the converted energy and the safety of the installations
Oversee the testing phases and rectify any faults detected in production
Draw up the technical plans and reference specifications for each project
Carry out preventive maintenance on equipment to minimise the risk of breakdowns
Monitor production and ensure compliance with technical specifications
Ensure that products comply with current regulatory standards
Diagnose faults and restore systems to full working order in the event of an incident
Qualifications
Qualities and skills required to be a good on-board energy engineer
This profession requires a dual mastery of the types of on-board energy systems – electronic and electrical – as well as an in-depth knowledge of the sector’s technical standards. Engineers must be able to move from theoretical design to practical implementation, whilst ensuring the quality and safety of the systems developed at every stage. The ECE prepares its students to acquire these technical skills as part of its electrical engineering degree programmes.
From a technical perspective, a thorough understanding of power electronics and embedded system architectures is essential. You must also be familiar with the functional safety standards applicable to your sector, whether it be the electric vehicle or aerospace industries. The ability to read and produce detailed technical drawings, as well as to use simulation and design tools, is central to the role.
In addition to technical skills, this role requires project management skills: planning, coordination with production and testing teams, and adherence to deadlines and budgets. A meticulous approach to fault diagnosis and clear communication with stakeholders – R&D teams, suppliers or industrial clients – are also qualities expected on a day-to-day basis.
The benefits
What are the benefits of working as an on-board energy engineer?
The job market for this role is buoyant: in 2025, APEC reported vacancies offering annual gross salaries of between €35,000 and €55,000, with regular recruitment in the electric vehicle and aerospace sectors. Part-time remote working is frequently offered by large industrial groups.
Salaries increase with experience and specialisation: candidates with expertise in standards such as ISO 26262 receive a significant salary bonus. Additional benefits are often provided, including project bonuses, time off in lieu, profit-sharing and reimbursement for professional qualifications.
Remuneration
On-board Energy Engineer: Salary and Career Progression
At the start of a career (0 to 2 years’ experience), the salary ranges from €32,000 to €45,000 gross per annum, with a median of around €38,000, according to APEC and ONISEP. After 3 to 7 years’ experience, the range increases to between €45,000 and €65,000 gross per annum. Senior or expert roles – such as systems architects, R&D managers and technical managers – can earn between €65,000 and €100,000 gross per annum, particularly in the aerospace and defence sectors. In the Île-de-France region, salaries are 10 to 20 per cent higher than the national average. The industrial hubs of Toulouse and Grenoble also offer above-average salary levels, driven by the concentration of companies in the aerospace and electronics sectors.
Up to
€100,000
Annual salary
Training courses
What qualifications do you need to become an on-board energy engineer?
Our training courses
L’accès à ce métier requiert en général un diplôme d’ingénieur (bac+5) en génie électrique, électronique ou systèmes embarqués. Un master spécialisé en électronique de puissance ou en conversion d’énergie constitue également un parcours reconnu par les recruteurs.
Deux certifications RNCP sont particulièrement pertinentes pour ce domaine : RNCP42723 – Ingénieur diplômé de l’ENSEEIHT, spécialité Électronique et Génie Électrique et RNCP38211 – Ingénieur diplômé de l’école polytechnique universitaire d’Université Côte d’Azur, spécialité Électronique et Systèmes Embarqués.
l’ECE propose des formations d’ingénieur en génie électrique et systèmes embarqués, accessibles en formation initiale. Ces cursus permettent d’acquérir les compétences techniques attendues dans ce domaine, y compris en alternance pour certaines voies.

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