Can electrical engineers work from home? Yes they can! But is it right for you? Read on to find.out.
Do you have a computer, a stable internet connection, a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering and a few years’ experience in the field? Then you can say goodbye to your daily commute and work at least some of your time from home. Let’s dig deeper into what a remote electrical engineer does so that you can determine whether it’s right for you.
what does a remote electrical engineer do?
Electrical engineers can work from home thanks to the very technologies they help design and develop. They rely on computer-aided design (CAD) to build schematics for electrical components and create simulations to test how electrical devices will function in practice. Indeed, the process of applying physics and mathematics to conceptualize and develop electrical systems can be done from almost anywhere.
Furthermore, as electrical engineers rise through the ranks, they usually find themselves spending less time designing circuits and more time designing projects. If you’re leading a team of technicians and junior engineers, your responsibilities will include drawing up budgets and schedules and communicating with clients and other stakeholders. Not only can these tasks be executed remotely, many electrical engineers find they can be executed more efficiently away from the bustle of an office or shared workspace.
What about maintenance and testing? These are hands-on responsibilities, but given the right technology, the hands can belong to someone else. For example, an on-site engineer might use advanced VR goggles, allowing a remote supervisor to follow and guide their work via a live feed. In certain industries, software controlled test equipment and robotics may also reduce the time electrical engineers need to spend on-site.
can you work alone as a remote electrical engineer?
You might receive smaller solo projects, but most employers and clients will have larger projects that require teams to complete. So don’t expect to be a lone wolf when working remotely.
Instead, you’ll probably have to communicate with in-field employees, testers and project managers. This may take some coordination, especially if you’re in a different time zone, which is why remote electrical engineers tend to develop excellent collaboration skills to complement their technical prowess.
how much can you make as a remote electrical engineer?
On average, entry-level electrical engineers make between $78,998 and $100,838, while senior-level professionals can earn between $128,669 and $159,516.
what type of engineers can work from home?
Specializations within electrical engineering with opportunities for remote or hybrid work include:
- computer engineering — combining computer science and electronic engineering to develop both software and hardware
- telecommunication engineering — designing telecommunications equipment and overseeing its installation
- machine learning engineering — designing and deploying AI systems with predictive models
- robotics engineering — developing robotics to automate routine tasks
- instrumentation engineering — designing and updating controls for both electronic and mechanical systems
the bottom line
While it’s increasingly possible to work as a remote electrical engineer, it's not for everyone. Many professionals enjoy working in environments like power stations and research labs and thrive on real-world interactions with technicians and clients. To achieve the best of both worlds, look for jobs that offer hybrid schedules, such as three days on-site and two days at home. Take a look at our job boards to browse all the latest opportunities for electrical engineering careers.