Electrical engineer
An electrical engineer is a professional who specializes in designing, developing, and testing electrical systems and components. They often work with a variety of technologies, such as computer chips, transistors, and batteries, playing a crucial role in innovative technology solutions, including communication devices and renewable energy systems. To pursue a career in this field, individuals typically need a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, which includes coursework in mathematics, physics, and specialized engineering subjects.
Electrical engineers may focus on areas such as electronics, telecommunications, or power systems, and they often collaborate with teams to ensure their designs meet industry standards and regulations. The field is experiencing rapid growth, with projections indicating that demand for electrical engineers will significantly outpace the average for all occupations due to advancements in technology and the need for replacements as workers retire.
The median annual salary for electrical engineers is notably higher than that of many other professions, reflecting the rigorous education and training required. Professionals in this field can enhance their careers through memberships in organizations like the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and may seek licensure as a professional engineer to further establish their qualifications. As technology continues to evolve, electrical engineers will be integral in developing solutions that address both modern challenges and future innovations.
Electrical engineer
Earnings (Yearly Median): $109,010 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023).
Employment and Outlook: Much faster than average growth (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023)
O*NET-SOC Code: 17-2071.00
Related Career Clusters: Arts, Audio/Video Technology & Communications; Information Technology; Manufacturing
Scope of Work
Electrical engineers design electrical equipment and electronics and also test equipment, oversee the manufacture of components, and troubleshoot when problems occur. They work with a wide range of technologies, which may include computer chips, transistors, LEDs, superconductors, fuel cells, and batteries. Electrical engineers play a key role in the design and improvement of innovative technology solutions such as handheld communications devices, cardiac pacemakers, and solar panels.
Electrical engineers work with electricity as a method of supplying power. Some other applications include power electronics, the control systems that regulate the behavior of other devices; signal processing, in which signals are enhanced for greater understanding; and telecommunications. Electrical engineers who focus on designing electronic equipment are known as electronics engineers.
Education and Coursework
High-school students intending to pursue a career in electrical engineering should study physics and chemistry. Mathematics is equally important, and aspiring electrical engineers should study algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and calculus. Computer-science classes are helpful as well, as they provide a basic understanding of the function of the components that some electrical engineers design and test. Introductory engineering classes, when available, are also a good choice for students interested in entering the field.
Participation in extracurricular activities that are aligned with the principles of the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) classes taken can also be beneficial to students. Robotics or science competition clubs and science fairs give high-school students interested in becoming electrical engineers the opportunity to demonstrate their interest and practical knowledge. Tutoring younger students may also help an aspiring electrical engineer reinforce the knowledge gained through academic coursework.
At the undergraduate level, students pursuing a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering will take courses in calculus, linear algebra, statistics, and differential equations. Course work in physics and the field of electromagnetics will also be required. Semiconductor chemistry and discrete-signal analysis, in which noise in electronic systems is encoded and filtered before being transmitted, are also areas of study at the university level.
Candidates for an undergraduate electrical-engineering degree typically must also complete coursework in electric circuits, digital logic design, analog and digital electronics, and electromagnetic wave propagation, as well as lab work in fundamental digital circuits and systems. To gain practical experience, students may explore internship opportunities in the field. Such internships allow students to observe the day-to-day responsibilities of electrical engineers. In some cases, undergraduate students may be able to obtain research positions assisting professors or graduate students.
Those pursuing a graduate degree in electrical engineering will complete course work that prepares them for careers in research. Typical areas of research include communications and networking, signal processing, computer engineering, bioelectronics, and systems. Some graduate programs are multidisciplinary and allow students to study multiple branches of engineering or pursue research related to other academic fields.
Career Enhancement and Training
A number of professional associations and societies exist to help electrical engineers network, find jobs, and learn new skills. One of the most prominent of these is the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), which sponsors conferences and events within the United States and worldwide. These conferences are specific to a sector of the field, such as medicine and biology or vehicle power and propulsion. Local chapters provide ample opportunities for networking and professional education on a regular basis.
The IEEE also publishes a range of technical papers and journals of interest to electrical engineers, with topics ranging from aerospace and electronic systems to wireless communications. The organization's digital library, IEEE Xplore, is available to members by subscription. Student memberships in the IEEE are available to those studying technology or engineering at least part time at an accredited institution.
Some employers require that applicants hold a professional engineer (PE) license; even if not required, this credential may help a candidate further establish his or her qualifications. To obtain a PE license, an engineer must pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam after graduating from an engineering program accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). They must then work as an engineer for a period determined by their state of residence before passing the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam. The PE license is awarded by a state board of registration.
Daily Tasks and Technology
Electrical engineers are involved in the design and testing of electrical or electronic components. They may work on circuit boards and circuits, semiconductors, components for existing technology such as global positioning systems (GPS) or heart monitors, or new technology that is in development. Designing a component requires familiarity with the materials available, the function of the component, and any constraints on price that may be in place. Once the part is designed, the electrical engineer will oversee its manufacture. Testing of the component will also take place to ensure that all requirements are met.
Electrical engineers may also work to design and build systems as part of a team of professionals. In this role, an electrical engineer will take part in meetings, give presentations and briefings, and present reports of findings and progress. The components and systems they design must conform to industry standards and other regulations. Additionally, electrical engineers must be able to work under the envisioned conditions and within the pricing parameters of any given project.
An electrical engineer uses various technological devices and systems in order to design and build components or perform other necessary tasks. A familiarity with electronic filters, inverters, power drive systems, oscilloscopes, and spectrum analyzers is often required, and electrical engineers commonly use computer-aided design (CAD) software when designing complex components such as integrated circuits or complex systems such as electrical grids. Engineers working in certain emerging technologies may design, build, or test very small components and systems that require the use of specialized tools.
Earnings and Employment Outlook
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projected that demand for electrical engineers would grow much faster than average for all occupations from 2023 and 2033. This is due largely to workers leaving the labor force and needing replacement. It's likely that there will be growth in research and development, as many companies are turning toward new technologies and innovations in existing technologies. There will likely be significant demand for electrical and electronics engineers in the areas of computer systems design and wireless telecommunications as portable computing devices and other consumer electronics continue to become more powerful and sophisticated. Also, engineering services firms will need electrical engineers as more companies begin contracting engineering services rather than employing in-house engineers.
According to the BLS, the median annual wage for electrical engineers is well above the median annual wage for all occupations. As a result of the stringent requirements for admission to engineering programs and extensive training required of many engineers, wages will likely continue to be above the median annual wage. The BLS estimates that electrical engineers will be slightly more in demand than electronics engineers (except computer); however, average wages for the latter group are slightly higher.
Related Occupations
• Computer Engineers:Computer engineers design and test computer chips and a variety of other hardware and software systems.
• Manufacturing Engineers: Manufacturing engineers develop equipment for manufacturing products, as well as assembly, production, and quality-control processes.
• Aerospace Engineers: Aerospace engineers design and test components for craft that function in the air and in space, including planes, rockets, and satellites.
• Mechanical Engineers: Mechanical engineers design, manufacture, maintain, and analyze the performance of mechanical systems.
• Biomedical Engineers: Biomedical engineers analyze and design solutions to problems in biology and medicine in order to improve the quality and effectiveness of patient care.
Future Applications
Although the demand for electrical engineers has decreased in some sectors, these workers are expected to continue to play an important role in a number of growing industries. In the telecommunications field, ever-expanding networks and capabilities will require innovation to ensure sufficient capacity at the desired speed. As new means of personal computing develop, engineers will be needed to ensure that the electronics and electrical components within such devices adhere to standards of performance as well as legal and environmental regulations. In the biomedical field, artificial hearts, monitoring equipment, and prosthetics with advanced capabilities will require sophisticated circuitry for reliable performance. Nanotechnology is expected to become a significant subject of research within the biomedical field, and work in this area will require the contribution of electrical engineers skilled in working with very small, complex components and systems.
The increasing public interest in more environmentally friendly technology will likely continue to affect many scientific disciplines, including the field of electrical engineering. Electrical engineers may work to miniaturize components and extend the lives and capabilities of batteries, enabling the technology industry to reduce waste. Similarly, those working with large electrical systems may work to improve the efficiency of power grids and integrate solar panels and other tools for harnessing renewable energy into the existing electrical infrastructure.
Bibliography
"Electrical and Electronics Engineers." Occupational Outlook Handbook, Bureau of Labor Statistics, United States Department of Labor, 29 Aug. 2024, www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/electrical-and-electronics-engineers.htm. Accessed 2 Dec. 2024.
"Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2018: 17-2071 Electrical Engineers." Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment Statistics, United States Department of Labor, 3 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes172071.htm. Accessed 2 Dec. 2024.
"Summary Report for: 17-2071.00 - Electrical Engineers." O*NET OnLine, National Center for O*NET Development, 19 Nov. 2024, www.onetonline.org/link/summary/17-2071.00. Accessed 2 Dec. 2024.