Electrical and Electronics Engineers
Additional Information
Duties
A typical day in the life of an electrical engineer includes:
- Think of creative methods to put electricity to use in product development or improvement.
- Develop manufacturing, building, and installation standards and requirements by doing in-depth calculations.
- Conduct electrical equipment testing and manufacturing to guarantee that goods fulfill requirements and standards.
- Determine the root causes of client dissatisfaction and propose remedies.
With the help of project managers, we guarantee that projects are finished in a timely and cost-effective manner.
The following tasks are frequently performed by electronic engineers:
- Produce electronic parts, software, products, and systems for a variety of industries, including commercial, government, medical, and defense.
- For establishing an electrical system plan, analyze the demands of the client and evaluate capacity, cost, and requirements.
- Maintain and test electronic components and equipment by developing maintenance and testing processes.
- Evaluate systems and provide suggestions for improvements to the design or repairs to the equipment.
- Test electronic devices and systems for compliance with applicable safety standards and regulations.
- Improve technical performance by creating new applications and modifying existing ones for electronic features found in components and systems.
For the federal government, engineers in the field of electronics are responsible for researching, developing, and evaluating electronic equipment that are utilized in a wide range of industries. Satellites, aviation systems, radar/sonar systems, and communications networks are among the federal electronic gadgets they work on.
Electrical engineers and electronics engineers typically do the same thing, yet their responsibilities are distinct. Engineering and design software and equipment are used by both to carry out engineering activities. Engineering initiatives and current products necessitate collaboration among engineers of both sorts.
Education
High school students interested in electrical or electronic engineering should take physics and math coursework, including algebra, trigonometry, and calculus. So drafting classes are useful for electrical and electronics engineers.
Electrical and electronics engineers frequently need a bachelor's degree in electrical or electronics engineering. Classes are held in classrooms, laboratories, and on the field. Courses include digital systems design, differential equations, and electrical circuit theory. ABET will accredit electrical engineering, electronics engineering, and electrical engineering technology programs.
Co-ops allow students at some institutions and universities to gain real-world experience while still in school. Cooperative education combines school with work. Internships are growing increasingly prevalent and offer full-time benefits.
Select colleges provide five-year bachelor's and master's degrees. Master's degree engineers can work as teachers or researchers in universities.
Important traits
Concentration. Electrical and electronic engineers design and build complex electrical systems and electronic components and products. They must keep track of numerous design and technology factors.
An electrical and electronics engineer must be self-motivated and eager to learn. They must also continue their education to keep up with new technology.
Interaction with others. Electrical and electronics engineers must work with others throughout the production process to ensure their designs are implemented properly. This relationship includes monitoring technicians and resolving concerns.
Mathematical aptitude Electrical and electronics engineers use calculus and other advanced math concepts to design, create, and test equipment.
Speaking ability Electrical and electronic engineers work closely with other engineers and professionals. Clearly communicate their designs and justifications, as well as directions during product development or production. When interacting with non-technical clients, they may have to explain complex issues.
Writing ability. Electrical and electronic engineers write technical publications like operating instructions, maintenance manuals, component lists, product proposals, and design methodology.
Licenses and certifications
Electrical and electronic engineering degrees do not require licensure. A Professional Engineer (PE) license later in one's career provides them more power and autonomy. Engineers who have completed a licensure exam (PEs). A PE can oversee other engineers, approve projects, and serve the public. A state license often requires a background check.
ABET-certified engineering degree.
Achieving a passing FE score.
Qualifying work experience usually requires four years.
Passing the PE (Professional Engineering) exam.
The first FE test requires a bachelor's degree. After completing this exam, engineers in training (EITs) or interns are called EITs (EIs). After gaining work experience, EITs and EIs can take the Principles and Practice of Engineering test (PE).
State-issued permits are not interchangeable. Most states will accept a license from another state as long as the standards meet or exceed their own. Several states require engineers to maintain a specific level of continuing education.
Pay
The median annual wage for electrical engineers was $111,910 in May 2024. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $74,670, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $175,460.
Job Projections
Overall employment of electrical and electronics engineers is projected to grow 9 percent from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations.