Electrical Engineer Career Guide

What is an electrical engineer?

An electrical engineer works with electricity, electronics, and electromagnetism to create electrical products and systems. They help make many high-tech tools we use every day in areas like phone services, power, and electronics. These engineers design everything from small circuits in devices to big power systems that light up cities. Their work is super important because it helps keep our houses powered, our phones working, and lots of other tech running smoothly.

Duties and responsibilities

Electrical engineers design, make, and test electrical gear and systems. They might work on stuff like making circuits for gadgets, building systems to create power, or making controls for planes or cars. They use computer programs to draw and plan their projects and make sure everything they design is set up right and works well.

Work environment

Electrical engineers usually work in offices where they have all the tech they need to do their jobs. They spend a lot of time on computers—like designing systems or checking data. Sometimes, they go out to places like construction sites to make sure their systems are put in right. They need to be really careful and follow safety rules because working with electricity can be dangerous. Some engineers might have to travel for work to places like factories or power stations.

Typical work hours

Electrical engineers mostly work regular hours, Monday to Friday, about 40 hours a week. Sometimes, they might work late or on Saturdays if they have a big project. They also might have to be on call for emergencies, especially if they work where they need to keep things running all the time, like in power plants. But usually, their schedules are pretty regular.

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How to become an electrical engineer

Becoming an electrical engineer means learning a lot about how electricity works and how to create things that use electricity. Here’s how you can become one:

Step 1: Finish high school

Start in high school. Focus on math like calculus, and science classes like physics and chemistry because these are the basics you need for engineering. Taking computer science is also a good idea since it’s really useful later on.

Step 2: Earn a bachelor’s degree

Go to college and get a degree in electrical engineering. This usually takes about four years and you’ll study things like circuits, electronics, and digital systems. Make sure your college’s program is approved by ABET because this makes it easier to find a job after you graduate.

Step 3: Do internships

While in college, try to get a co-op or internship. You’ll gain real experience and meet people who might hire you later.

Step 4: Think about grad school

After college, you might decide to get a master’s or even a PhD. This can help you learn more advanced stuff and might lead to better jobs and more money.

Step 5: Work in your field

Start working in an entry-level job. This experience is important if you want to get licensed later.

Step 6: Get licensed

If you want to be a top-level engineer, you’ll need a license called a PE (Professional Engineer). To get this, you need a degree from an ABET-accredited program, four years of work experience, and to pass two big tests.

Step 7: Keep learning

Even after you become an engineer, you need to keep learning to stay up-to-date. You can go to workshops, take classes, or study on your own. This is important to keep your license and be the best engineer you can be.

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How much do electrical engineers make?

The earning potential for electrical engineers is impacted by several variables. Experience is often a critical factor, with senior engineers generally earning more than their entry-level counterparts. Specialization within electrical engineering, such as power systems or electronics, can also influence their salary.

Educational qualifications, including advanced degrees or certifications, are other elements that can affect earnings. Industry plays a pivotal role; for example, those in research and development or the energy sector may have different salary ranges. Geography is yet another important consideration, as salaries can vary substantially depending on the state and even within cities.

Highest paying industries

• Oil and Gas Extraction: $128,520
• Support Activities for Mining: $125,980
• Research and Development: $124,870
• Natural Gas Distribution: $121,880
• Satellite Telecommunications: $119,960

Browse electrical engineer salary data by market

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Types of electrical engineers

Electrical engineering is a huge field with lots of different special areas where you can work. Here are some of the main types:

Power engineer

These engineers make sure we have electricity in our homes and businesses. They work on things like power plants and the big systems that carry electricity across long distances. They also work on cool projects using renewable energy, like solar and wind power.

Electronics engineer

If you like gadgets, this might be for you. Electronics engineers create stuff like cell phones, computers, and other electronic devices. They work on the circuits inside these devices that make them work.

Control engineer

Control engineers make systems that control other systems. For example, they might work on the technology that runs factories automatically or drones that fly without a person controlling them directly.

Telecommunications engineer

These engineers help us communicate. They work on the systems that let us make phone calls, send texts, and use the internet. They deal with everything from traditional phones to high-tech satellites.

Radio-frequency engineer

RF engineers work with the invisible waves that wireless devices use to communicate. They design stuff like antennas and the systems inside phones and radios that let them send and receive signals.

Signal processing engineer

This type of engineer works with digital signals, like the sounds in your headphones or the images on your TV. They figure out how to process these signals so they’re clear and accurate. This job is a mix of electrical engineering and computer science.

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Top skills for electrical engineers

Being a good electrical engineer isn’t just about knowing a lot about electricity; it’s also about solving problems, being creative, and working well with others. Here are some of the key skills you need:

Math skills

Math is super important in electrical engineering. You’ll use math like calculus and algebra all the time to figure out how to design and fix electrical systems.

Understanding of circuit theory

Knowing circuit theory is at the core of this job. It’s all about understanding how electricity flows through parts to make things like your phone or TV work.

Problem-solving skills

Electrical engineers need to be great at figuring out problems. When something goes wrong, they need to think critically and use their knowledge to fix it quickly and effectively.

Safety knowledge

Working with electricity can be dangerous, so knowing and following safety rules is a must to keep everyone safe.

Project management

These engineers often work on many projects at once and might lead teams. Being good at organizing, planning, and managing your time is crucial.

Communication skills

You need to explain complex ideas in a way that everyone can understand, whether they’re engineers or not. Good communication helps make sure projects go smoothly and everyone is on the same page.

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Electrical engineer career path options

If you’re just starting out as an electrical engineer, there are a lot of exciting career paths you can take. Here’s how your career might progress:

Early career

When you first start, you’ll be learning a lot and applying what you know under the watch of more experienced engineers. You’ll be an associate or junior engineer, getting your feet wet in the practical side of electrical engineering.

Mid-career

As you gain experience, you can move up to become a senior electrical engineer. Now, you’ll do more than just work with electrical systems; you’ll also manage projects and lead teams. You’ll talk to clients and contractors, help define project scopes, and lead the design efforts.

Advanced roles

With even more experience and proven leadership skills, you could become a team lead or a project manager. In these roles, you manage budgets, set work schedules, lead other engineers, and make sure projects are done right and make clients happy.

Executive-level roles

Some engineers go all the way to the top, becoming a chief technology officer (CTO) or a director of engineering. These big jobs involve setting the technical direction for the company and making important business decisions.

Specialization and lateral moves

You might decide to specialize in something like aerospace, power systems, or electronics. Or, you could even start teaching at a university. Some switch to related fields like civil or mechanical engineering. Others move away from hands-on engineering and into roles like consultancy or sales, where they use their technical skills to help clients and customers.

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Similar job titles

• Aircraft Electrician
• Aviation Service Technician
• Avionics Technician
• Electro-Mechanical Technician
• Electronics Technician
• Petroleum Engineer

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Position trends and outlook for electrical engineers

Electrical engineering is a dynamic field, constantly evolving with technology and societal needs. Here’s what’s shaping the future for electrical engineers:

• Green technology: As the world focuses more on sustainability, they are leading the charge in green technology. This trend is creating more opportunities for engineers who want to make a difference in how we generate and use power.
• Automation: Automation is another big trend. Industries like automotive are on the lookout for electrical engineers, especially with the rise of self-driving cars, to design the complex systems that make automation possible.
• Wearable technology: There’s also a growing demand for these engineers in the wearable technology space. From smartwatches that monitor health to entertainment devices that fit on your wrist, these products need engineers who can pack powerful technology into small, wearable items.

Employment projections

Even though the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says electrical engineering jobs will grow by 3% through 2031, this might be an understatement. The real demand could be higher because of the rapid growth in green tech, automation, the Internet of Things (IoT), and wearable tech. All these areas need more and more electrical engineers.

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Electrical engineer career tips

Understand the industry

Knowing your field inside and out is crucial. Stay updated on the latest in electrical systems, technologies, and trends. This knowledge will make you more effective and can differentiate you from your peers. You can subscribe to industry journals and join online forums and discussion groups related to electrical engineering.

Practice continuous learning

Electrical engineering is always changing, so continuous learning is key. Keep up with new technologies and methods by:

• Enrolling in advanced courses on topics like power systems and communication systems
• Taking online courses on emerging tech such as AI or the IoT
• Attending webinars and workshops led by industry experts

Gain relevant certifications

Certifications showcase your expertise and dedication. They boost your resume and can open up new job opportunities. Some certifications to consider are:

• Professional Engineer (PE) certification
• Certified Energy Manager (CEM)
• Certified Electrical Safety Compliance Professional (CESCP)

Build a professional network

Connections can lead to opportunities and insights that you might not find on your own. Get involved with professional groups like:

• The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
• International Society of Automation (ISA)
• National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE)
• Association for Computing Machinery (ACM)

Focus on communication skills

Being able to explain complex concepts clearly is as important as technical expertise. Strong communication can make you stand out in a crowd. Improve your skills by seeking opportunities to present at workshops or conferences and practicing your writing, perhaps by contributing articles to industry publications.

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FAQs