At PracticalAdultInsights, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.
What are Some Jobs in Electrical Engineering?
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
There are many types of electrical engineering jobs. Electrical engineers are responsible for everything from designing and developing electrical equipment to testing developments and supervising the manufacturing process. These engineers work to combine technology with creativity, taking ideas and turning them into reality.
Those in electrical engineering careers use electrical power and computer technologies to change and improve life. Electrical engineers are involved in the design, development, and manufacture of a full range of electronic devices, including, but not limited to, power generators, computer systems, and satellites. Electrical engineers are involved in everything from designing computer components and troubleshooting lighting systems to working towards communicating with animals and developing medical technology. In the field, the range of career and work project choices is both wide and varied.
An individual interested in these kinds of engineering jobs might find job postings for design, project, research, software, and reliability engineers. Typical jobs range from positions for engineering specialists and chief engineers to development and test engineers. Requirements vary for each type of job. However, there are some basic requirements common to most jobs in the field. For example, most entry-level electrical engineering jobs require at least a bachelor’s degree.
It is worth noting that electrical engineers are not limited to the typical jobs. Electrical engineers may find good opportunities in teaching or research. An electrical engineer may choose to become an entrepreneur or to use his or her skills in a military career. Some electrical engineers choose to work as consultants or branch off into non-engineering positions.
Many different types of employers offer jobs to electrical engineers. Employers range from computer-technology corporations and chemical companies to power and telephone companies. Both small and large companies offer electrical engineering jobs. Even the government has a place for electrical engineers.
Though electrical engineering jobs are listed in the newspaper, finding a job is easier with the help of the Internet. There are entire sites devoted to engineering jobs, featuring job descriptions, pay rates, and employer contact information. These websites are helpful not only to those looking for employment, but also to those just beginning post-secondary training. By perusing related job descriptions, students can determine the educational choices best suited to a future career in electrical engineering.
Nicole Madison
Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a PracticalAdultInsights writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.
Learn more...
Nicole Madison
Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a PracticalAdultInsights writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.
Learn more...AS FEATURED ON:
AS FEATURED ON:
-
![Some electrical engineers help design and build spacecraft.]()
By: MechanikSome electrical engineers help design and build spacecraft. -
![Electrical engineers may be called upon to supervise repairs in the field.]()
By: sevaljevicElectrical engineers may be called upon to supervise repairs in the field. -
![An electrical engineer may supervise equipment installation at building sites.]()
By: michaeljungAn electrical engineer may supervise equipment installation at building sites. -
![Some electrical engineers work in the testing and measurement industry.]()
By: motorlkaSome electrical engineers work in the testing and measurement industry. -
![Some electrical engineers focus on designing and building consumer electronics.]()
By: Sergio Di GiovanniSome electrical engineers focus on designing and building consumer electronics. -
![An electrical engineer may ensure the safety of a building's wiring.]()
By: KadmyAn electrical engineer may ensure the safety of a building's wiring.
Discussion Comments
One of the noticeable changes that occurred in India after it partially adopted the free market economic policies of the 1990s, is the mushrooming of engineering colleges in every nook and corner of the country.
Why is a sales role in the electrical industry an exciting career choice?
Engineering is a field with vast scope. Various areas of engineering can be specialized. If you have great skills and the right educational background, then there is a huge scope for you.
I'm doing career research as a 23 year old looking to go to school for something. I'd like to know a bit more about what's required in the job.
How advanced do your mathematics need to be? What is the market for this kind of job? How competitive is it?
@anon172140: I've always enjoyed the rush I get when finishing a difficult problem, or the awesomeness of seeing a computer program that you've built from the ground up work the way I want it to. I find robotics fun, and seeing how math relates to the physical world (namely, integrals) is also interesting.
If you are going through school and hating it, why not try something else? You could switch kinds of engineering, maybe take your masters in mechanical engineering. I'm currently partway through the third year of my bachelor's, and I still find EE interesting.
Of course, don't ask me this question two weeks before finals; you might get a different answer.
I was an electrical engineer doing safety compliance work and left the field ten years ago for personal reasons. Now I'm trying to get back into the field but companies are not interested in my skills or experience. Any suggestions on how I can make myself marketable again? I have a BS in EE and I prefer not to do compliance work as it didn't challenge me. Should I get my MS?
What kind of companies would hire someone in that profession?
how do i become a railway engineer?
I really don't get it. i mean how can someone say that electrical engineering is interesting? what is that in electrical engineering that makes you feel thrilled about. I'm about to finish mt B.tech (EE) but there has never been a moment when i haven't cursed this trade. how and what can anyone find interesting in it?
@ Anon56855- I have always had an interest in electric power and renewable energy systems. I returned to school a few years ago and I almost considered taking electrical engineering courses. I have past course work in Aerospace and aeronautical engineering, but I decided to pursue an interdisciplinary degree in Sustainability. My focus is energy, technology, and materials science, and I am pursuing a minor in materials science engineering.
I would have loved to get back into engineering, but I already have a young daughter, and my fiancée is also a full time student. I just didn't think I could juggle all these things and still give enough attention to my engineering studies. Maybe one day I will finish my engineering studies.
Even within the EE community the positions available are as vast as those in the medical field.
For example, an EE could specialize in micro-electronics, analogous to a neurosurgeon, or work on maintaining overland high-voltage lines (sort of like a general practitioner). You could find yourself in a squeaky clean ultra-HEPA room working on Integrated Circuit Chips, to being responsible for the day-to-day functioning of a steel mill.
Research 'Electrical Engineer' and read through all of the requirements for the hundreds of listings that appear.
But, my best advice is "Do what you love and the money will follow." I've been an Electrical Engineer for 18 years now and it's not every day that I bounce out of bed and can't wait to get to the office.
Post your comments