what is an electrical engineer?
An electrical engineer deals with electronics, power, control systems, and signal processing. You apply physics and mathematics to design and develop electronics. You rely on computer-aided design (CAD) to create schematics for electrical components and come up with simulations illustrating the system functions of electrical devices. You also carry out maintenance and test if the devices work properly.
what does an electrical engineer do?
As an electrical engineer, you work in various industries, including power generation stations, telecommunications companies, and instrumentation development companies. Despite their differences in specialization, all electrical engineers keep electrical systems up and running in organizations. They ensure all systems are well maintained and perform system upgrades promptly.
These engineers are responsible for planning and initiating electrical projects. Once a project is underway, they participate in the development process to the final installation. Furthermore, electrical engineers offer continuous guidance to company management on all electrical issues and supervise other electrical technicians.
You need various skills to become an electrical engineer, and these range from basic circuit theory to project management skills. You also require specialized tools like simple voltmeters, high-end analyzers, and advanced design and manufacturing software.
Would working as an electrical engineer suit your project management skills and mathematical aptitude? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in an electrical engineer role.
view jobs near youaverage electrical engineer salary
Would you like to know what an electrical engineer earns? Where the highest salaries are paid for an electrical engineer? Then check out this electrical engineer salary page and find out all about the salary of an electrical engineer in the USA.
types of electrical engineers
Electrical engineering is a broad field where you can specialize in different categories, depending on your preference. Here are some types of electrical engineers:
- electronic engineers: As an electronic engineer, you design electrical components, such as circuit boards, for different devices and machines. Those who deal in very small components are known as microelectronic engineers.
- power systems engineers: As a power systems engineer, you work in electricity production plants and are responsible for electricity generation, distribution, and monitoring.
- telecommunication engineers: As a telecommunication engineer, you develop, install, and maintain telecommunication systems and equipment.
- computer engineers: As a computer engineer with a background in electrical engineering, you work with software developers to develop computer hardware and software.
- signal processing engineers: Your job is to analyze and alter digital signals to improve accuracy and reliability. You also regularly update digital signals for radio-frequency designs, military applications, and biomedical signal processing.
working as an electrical engineer
Working as an electrical engineer involves the application of physics to design, develop, and control electricity and electronics. Here is a breakdown of electrical engineers' responsibilities, work environment, schedule, and job expectations.
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electrical engineer job description
Electrical engineers have a lot of responsibilities that vary depending on their place of work and specialization. Nonetheless, some responsibilities are uniform across the board, such as:
- project planning: As an electrical engineer, you are responsible for planning all electrical projects in your company. The planning process begins with designing drafts of electrical systems on paper. During planning, you draft budgets and source all equipment and components essential to the projects. You also organize and hold meetings with investors and clients to discuss budgeting, system specifications, technical requirements, and other issues.
- project development: Electrical engineers ensure projects are completed on time and perform as expected. After drafting a plan, you need to actualize it using CAD machines and oversee its development. Once you make the prototypes, you should test their performance capabilities and make necessary improvements.
- managing and maintaining electrical systems: Apart from developing new systems, an electrical engineer is in charge of operating existing electrical systems. You are expected to conduct frequent inspections to ensure all electrical systems work according to global safety guidelines and regulations. Depending on your job description, you may conduct system maintenance and upgrades to ensure electrical systems work efficiently.
- researching and reporting: Electrical engineers are responsible for data collection on system use, performance, and client feedback. With this information, they compile and table scheduled reports before clients and employers. Electrical engineers also research and innovate new technologies in development laboratories such as biotechnology, medical, and computer labs.
- ensuring product quality: As an electrical engineer, you ensure electrical products and electronics are working as expected. You also ascertain that electrical systems perform all the functions with ease. Sometimes, you have to design electrical testing methods for manufacturers to determine equipment performance. You also conduct tests on finished products and check system capabilities.
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electrical engineer work environment
Since electrical engineers work in various industries, they have unique work environments. In most cases, electrical engineers work indoors during project planning, design, budgeting, and when holding meetings. Production of electrical systems is also done indoors in workstations and labs.
However, there are special assignments that force electrical engineers to work outdoors. In each case, the work environment of an electrical engineer is high-risk, as it usually involves interacting with electricity. High-risk environments include factories, power generation plants, and research labs.
This profession also involves interacting with different people, including superiors, administrators, fellow employees, technicians, and clients. As expected, the working environment demands moderate to high interpersonal skills.
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who are your colleagues?
Depending on your industry, you may work with heavy equipment operators, electricians, electronics technicians, HVAC technicians, auto electricians, maintenance supervisors, industrial electricians, robotics engineers, manufacturing engineers, and mechanical engineers.
You are also likely to work with electronics engineers and broadcast engineers, as well as other specialists that could include project managers, project engineers, civil engineers, aerospace engineers, and program managers.
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work schedule
Electrical engineers have regular but often compartmentalized work schedules. For instance, you could design a project in the morning and move on to test another project or conduct maintenance in the afternoon. However, these schedules are often interrupted, especially if more than one project is underway. You can expect to work an average of 40 hours a week. You also work overtime to meet project deadlines.
In large companies, electrical engineers work in shifts to ensure a professional is always available in the workplace. Although most electrical engineers work full-time, independent electrical engineers have an even more dynamic work schedule. This is because they have to divide their time between working on projects and traveling. Both consultants and paid contractors work part-time and, sometimes, for different companies. Remote work is also possible, though it is most common for consultants.
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job outlook for electrical engineer
Electrical engineering skills are crucial in almost all production and manufacturing areas. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the electrical engineering field is expected to grow 3% over the next decade. When it comes to individual growth potential for electrical engineers, skills, education, and experience levels are crucial determiners of success. Highly recommended engineers rise to managerial ranks in their industry or company. Besides, you can start your private consultancy or contracting firm or become a freelance contractor as a licensed electrical engineer.
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benefits of working for randstad as an electrical engineer
Working through Randstad offers you a range of benefits:
- being paid weekly
- flexibility
- always a contact person you can fall back on and ask for help from
- many training opportunities
- a range of jobs in your area
Want a permanent contract? But you wonder why it would be interesting for you to work with a staffing company? A temporary job as an electrical engineer is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers, thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad, too!
electrical engineer skills and education
You need more than just training to become a dedicated electrical engineer; willingness and commitment to tackle all technical tasks thrown at you matter as well. Apart from answering electrical questions, you need to be versatile enough to work on handheld gadgets and massive electrical grids.
Most companies prefer to hire entry-level electrical engineers with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering. Ideally, to have an easy time landing a job as an electrical engineer, consider taking a program that is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) since most employers often look into this when hiring.
A four-year bachelor’s degree coursework in electrical engineering basically includes differential equations, electrical circuit theory, and digital systems design. It is important to be knowledgeable and adept in the science disciplines, which are physics and math.
In the first two years of your electrical engineering degree program, your professor will take you through calculus, linear algebra, and more to ensure you have fundamental knowledge in mathematics. Other courses included in the program are computer programming, basic engineering, and physics.
Aside from classroom work, a degree program in electrical engineering requires you to take part in field studies and laboratory work. Besides, you can go for a master’s degree after completing your bachelor’s degree. If you hold a master’s degree in electrical engineering, you can take jobs as an instructor at universities and colleges. Alternatively, you can have a private firm hire you in development and research positions.
skills and competencies
As an electrical engineer, you should consider learning some crucial skills because this can help increase your competitiveness in the job market as well as make you stand out to potential employers. As an electrical engineer, your top skills include a combination of software and programming proficiency (such as Matlab and AutoDesk), leadership skills (such as project management), and knowledge of engineering methodologies.
- project management: Electrical engineers who have mastered this skill are likely to earn 6% more than the overall average, according to PayScale.
- engineering design: This is an important skill that helps you identify problems and come up with solutions to them.
- programmable logic controllers (PLC): PLCs are integrated into various electrical devices and equipment; hence, it is important to have a working knowledge of them.
- Matlab: Simulink, a graphical programming environment electrical engineers use to model how designs are likely to perform, is one of the main components of Matlab.
- AutoDesk AutoCAD: PayScale points out that AutoCAD is one of the most common skills for electrical engineers. To be more precise, it is in the top three, which makes it crucial to learn and master.
FAQs about working as an electrical engineer
Here you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions about electrical engineers.
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what challenges do electrical engineers face?
As an electrical engineer, you are likely to face a couple of these key challenges – continuing education and stress management. Since you are expected to be an expert analyst and problem solver, you have to consider continuous education. Moreover, it is important to learn how to manage several tasks in one go since this is a multitasking field.
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why should I pursue a career in electrical engineering?
There are several reasons you should consider becoming an electrical engineer. Some of these are high earning potential, outstanding opportunities, and a steady work schedule. A career in electrical engineering allows you to grow at a personal level and puts you in a good position to achieve your long-term goals.
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is electrical engineering divided into fields?
Yes. Electrical engineering is divided into many different fields, such as:
- radio-frequency engineering
- computer engineering
- telecommunications
- power engineering
- optics and photonics
- and more
These different fields make it possible to specialize and do something you are passionate about always.
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what is the main role of an electrical engineer?
As an electrical engineer, you are expected to manage, test, develop, and design the manufacturing of electrical equipment, according to Ohio University. The electrical equipment, in this concept, refers to electric motors and navigation systems.
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what kinds of equipment or tools do electrical engineers use?
Electrical engineers use tools such as current and voltage probes and meters, oscilloscopes, and signal generators. While probes and meters come in handy in taking electricity measurements, oscilloscopes and signal generators help electrical engineers study electricity flow and create RF signals respectively.
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how do I find a job as an electrical engineer?
Applying for an electrical engineering job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our electrical engineering jobs for vacancies in your area. Then simply send us your CV. If you do not have a resume, no worries. Just check out our resume builder. This state-of-the-art tool will help you to create your own resume. Need help with your application? Check out all our job-hunting tips!
