Electrical and Electronics Engineer
Electrical and Electronics Engineers specialize in the design, development, and testing of electrical and electronic equipment used across various industries, including manufacturing, utilities, and defense. Typically requiring a bachelor’s degree in engineering, these professionals engage in both theoretical research and practical applications, working on projects that range from consumer electronics to advanced telecommunications systems. Their work environment usually consists of laboratories and offices, where they employ computer-aided design (CAD) software and collaborate with teams of engineers, scientists, and technicians.
Aspiring engineers should possess strong interests in electronics and problem-solving, and be prepared for lifelong learning to keep pace with rapid advancements in the field. Key responsibilities include project planning, technical drawing preparation, and overseeing the manufacturing and testing of new equipment. Employment opportunities are expected to grow at a faster-than-average rate, with an average annual salary of around $104,610. Career paths can also lead to specialized roles, such as illuminating engineers or power system electrical engineers, and may include research or teaching positions at academic institutions.
Electrical and Electronics Engineer
Snapshot
Career Cluster(s): Architecture & Construction, Manufacturing, Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics
Interests: Electronics, engineering, performing research, solving problems
Earnings (Yearly Average): $104,610 per year $50.29 per hour
Employment & Outlook: 5% (Faster than average)
Entry-Level Education Bachelor's degree
Related Work Experience None
On-the-job-Training None
Overview
Sphere of Work. Electrical and electronics engineers can work directly for companies in the manufacturing and utilities industries, for an engineering services firm, for the federal government (including the military), or for a university or other educational or research institution. Their work includes basic research and development of new electrical and electronic equipment, as well as the practical design, development, and testing of that equipment and supervision of its manufacture and operation.
New electrical and electronic equipment ranges from consumer electronics and electrical power tools to telecommunications satellites and space probes. Computer hardware engineering is considered a separate occupation.
Work Environment. Work is usually done in a laboratory or office setting, primarily using computers but also with practical testing of physical models of newly designed electrical and electronic equipment. Work can be at temporary locations for a specific project, such as designing and implementing the electrical and electronic infrastructure of a new airport. Some work is done outside, especially when testing newly installed major equipment.
Electrical and electronics engineers often work in teams with other engineers, scientists, and technicians. They also have to interact with customers and clients, many of whom do not have an engineering background.
Occupation Interest. Aspiring electrical and electronics engineers should be interested in engineering work and willing to earn at least an undergraduate engineering degree. They should be interested in developing new equipment and finding solutions to a variety of engineering challenges. Since the field of electronics changes rapidly, they should be willing to engage in lifelong learning and training.
Some electrical and electronics engineers are employed in purely research-focused positions. Individuals interested in such positions would be employed by a university or research institute and should earn a PhD in the field.
A Day in the Life—Duties and Responsibilities. Key tasks of electrical and electronics engineers are design and development of new products. New equipment is created for a large variety of industrial, commercial, consumer, military, and scientific applications. This means that a day’s work is determined by both the nature of a new project and its development phase.
At the beginning of a project, electrical and electronics engineers must communicate with customers and the team of engineers, technicians, and scientists involved. They can fill the role of a team member or a project manager and may also contribute to the analysis of the systems requirements, cost, and capacity and set up a project development plan. This is generally collaborative work.
Design of new electrical and electronic equipment involves the preparation of technical drawings and engineering sketches, which are created with computer-aided design (CAD) software. It is a highly creative task built on solid engineering knowledge.
During the implementation phase, electrical and electronics engineers supervise the manufacture of models, prototypes, and final products. These are constantly tested to make sure they operate as planned and designed. For large, new equipment, electrical and electronics engineers may be responsible for supervising installation and inspection on-site.
In addition to developing new electrical and electronic equipment, some jobs, especially at universities, include pure research and some teaching, work with more managerial and administrative tasks as a person advances.
Illuminating Engineers. Illuminating Engineers design and direct installation of illuminating equipment and systems for buildings, plants, streets, and other facilities.
Power System Electrical Engineers. Power System Electrical Engineers design power system facilities and equipment and coordinate the construction, operation and maintenance of electric power generating, receiving and distribution stations, systems and equipment.
Planning Engineers, Central Office Facilities. Planning Engineers, Central Office Facilities conduct studies to gather information on services, equipment, and costs of new equipment so they can determine what type of equipment is needed for a specific project.
Work Environment
Immediate Physical Environment. Electrical and electronics engineers often work for an engineering firm. Others work for private companies, especially in the power, utilities, or manufacturing industries. The primary workplace of electrical and electronics engineers tends to be a laboratory, an office, or a classroom. There is some travel to customers’ sites, where field work can include outdoor settings.
Human Environment. Teamwork is common for electrical and electronics engineers who interact with colleagues, technicians, and customers. There is also some interaction with individuals from public authorities and the business community.
Technological Environment. Work is generally done in a state-of-the-art, high-technology environment. Electrical and electronics engineering involves cutting-edge technological research and development. Tools used include highly sophisticated CAD software.
Education, Training, and Advancement
High School/Secondary. High school students should focus on classes that prepare them for a degree in electrical and electronics engineering, such as advanced placement (AP)–level electricity and electronics, applied physics, drafting, and machining technology. All areas of mathematics should be studied, including algebra, calculus, geometry, trigonometry, and applied mathematics. Physics, chemistry, general science, and computer-science classes are all valuable. Shop classes can help determine if a person enjoys working with technical apparatuses. Communication and English classes should also be taken.
Students should join a high school science or field-related hobby club if one is available. Summer or part-time work, either with an electrical and electronics engineering company or in an electronics shop, can also be helpful.
Postsecondary. An undergraduate degree is required. Some universities offer a combined five-year program that allows students to simultaneously attain their undergraduate and graduate degrees in engineering. College students should take science and practical engineering courses such as general electronics, electrical circuit theory, or digital systems design. A student may wish to specialize in either electrical or electronics engineering.
In addition to classroom courses, an engineering program includes laboratory work and field studies. Students can gain practical experience through internships, summer jobs, or cooperative programs that combine teaching with practical work experience.
After graduating with a bachelor’s or master’s degree in electrical and electronics engineering, a person entering the job force must be prepared for some on-the-job training. Professional advancement tends to depend on actual job performance. Individuals hoping to pursue research positions at the university level must obtain a PhD.
Related Occupations
Bibliography
“Electrical and Electronics Engineers.” Occupational Outlook Handbook, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Dept of Labor, 17 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/electrical-and-electronics-engineers.htm. Accessed 25 Aug. 2024.
“Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023: 17-2071 Electrical Engineers.” Occupational Employment Statistics, Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Dept of Labor, 3 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes172071.htm. Accessed 25 Aug. 2024.