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Electrical Engineer

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AVG. SALARY

$101,650

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EDUCATION

Bachelor's degree

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JOB OUTLOOK

Stable

What They Do

Electrical Engineers Career Video

About This Career

Researches, designs, develops, tests, or supervises the manufacturing and installation of electrical equipment, components, or systems for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use.

This career is part of the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics cluster Engineering and Technology pathway.

A person in this career:

  • Operates computer-assisted engineering or design software or equipment to perform engineering tasks.
  • Prepares technical drawings, specifications of electrical systems, or topographical maps to ensure that installation and operations conform to standards and customer requirements.
  • Confers with engineers, customers, or others to discuss existing or potential engineering projects or products.
  • Designs, implements, maintains, or improves electrical instruments, equipment, facilities, components, products, or systems for commercial, industrial, or domestic purposes.
  • Directs or coordinates manufacturing, construction, installation, maintenance, support, documentation, or testing activities to ensure compliance with specifications, codes, or customer requirements.
  • Compiles data and writes reports regarding existing or potential electrical engineering studies or projects.
  • Performs detailed calculations to compute and establish manufacturing, construction, or installation standards or specifications.
  • Prepares specifications for purchases of materials or equipment.
  • Estimates labor, material, or construction costs for budget preparation purposes.
  • Supervises or trains project team members, as necessary.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

People who do this job report that:

  • You would often handle loads up to 10 lbs., sometimes up to 20 lbs. You might do a lot of walking or standing, or you might sit but use your arms and legs to control machines, equipment or tools.
  • Work in this occupation requires being inside most of the time
  • Work in this occupation involves sitting more than one-third of the time

Working in this career involves (physical activities):

  • Seeing clearly up close
  • Speaking clearly enough to be able to be understood by others
  • Identifying and understanding the speech of another person

Work Hours and Travel

  • Regular working hours and limited travel

Specialty and Similar Careers

Careers that are more detailed or close to this career:

  • Circuits Engineer
  • Design Engineer — Researches and develops ideas for new products and production systems.
  • Electrical Controls Engineer
  • Electrical Design Engineer
  • Electrical Project Engineer
  • Instrumentation and Electrical Reliability Engineer (I&E Reliability Engineer)
  • Power Systems Engineer
  • Project Engineer
  • Test Engineer