What is an electrical engineer?
An electrical engineer designs and tests electrical equipment. They can specialize in motors, aircraft and navigation systems. These are the tasks that electrical engineers have to perform:
Designing and testing electrical products and systems
The first step for electrical engineers is to assess and research the market demand for new equipment and systems. They then design new products and improve existing products. They also create prototypes to test their designs and fix potential problems.
Customer complaints management and resolution
Many of the projects that are managed by electrical engineers result from public complaints. Electrical engineers respond to complaints by investigating the root cause and trying to reproduce the problem before testing and developing solutions.
Supervise the installation and production of designs
Electrical engineers will provide specifications for the manufacturing and installation of their products after their designs have been approved. Many electricians also oversee the production process and ensure that products comply with all manufacturing codes.
Collaboration with project managers
Electrical engineers are often part of teams. Many electrical engineers work in teams with project managers who make sure that projects run on time and have enough resources.
Average salary
Many electrical engineers work full-time. The level of their experience and licensure could impact their earning potential. Click on the link to view the latest salary information from Indeed.
- The common salary in the U.S. is $95,372 per annum
- Some salaries start annually, $32,000 to $164,000
Requirements for an electrical engineer
An electrical engineer needs a bachelor’s degree to be able to perform their job well. They may also require licenses if they wish to move up to more senior positions. Visit vpsm for more information about electrical engineering. If you are looking to pursue electrical engineering or any other engineering then check out these colleges for engineering in Pune.
Education
Employers often require that electrical engineers have a bachelor’s from a program approved for them by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). The most popular majors for electricians are:
Electrical engineering
This degree program teaches students the basics of electrical engineering and gives them a solid technical foundation. As they take courses in electronic design, power systems, communication systems, electromagnetics, and other related subjects, students can expect to be able to think critically and solve problems.
Electronics engineering
This major will give students a solid foundation in electronics engineering theory and concepts. The course covers topics such as computer programming, network analysis and microprocessor applications.
Electronic engineering technology
This major is a great way to gain practical experience in application. It also helps students improve their design, testing, and troubleshooting skills. The classes include chemistry, physics, engineering, communication technology and power generation.
Employers may also require applicants to hold a master’s degree to be considered for higher-level positions. Many electrical engineers are ambitious enough to choose to combine programs, which allow them to get a bachelor’s degree and a masters degree in five years. These five-year programs often have cooperative elements that allow candidates to gain practical experience to complement what they are learning in the classroom.
Training
Many potential electrical engineers are trained professionally through their cooperative programs. This allows them to get practical experience at local businesses. While completing a bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD in electrical engineering, some electricians train as interns. Some receive training on the job to learn about their employers’ procedures, policies and workflows.
Certificates
While employers don’t require licensing for entry-level engineers in electrical engineering, many postings for advanced positions require that engineers have a professional license to supervise others or offer services to the public. Each state has its licensing boards, which usually require you to complete the following:
- A program that is accredited by the ABET can award a bachelor’s degree.
- After obtaining a bachelor’s degree, you can pass the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE), Fundamentals of Engineering exam.
- At least four years of relevant work experience.
- Pass the Professional Engineering exam administered by the NSPE.
- To maintain your current license, you must complete the required continuing education credits.
Skills
These skills are essential to be a successful electrical engineer.
Analytical thinking skills
To design more efficient equipment and systems, electrical engineers must constantly evaluate the needs of customers and their products. To understand the needs of customers and make improvements, electrical engineers must be able to think critically.
Communication skills
Electrical engineers require advanced communication skills because they often work in teams. They need to be able to communicate ideas and provide feedback to their team via email, phone or in person. They might also need to present ideas, designs or results for stakeholders.
Innovation
Electrical engineers need to be innovative, whether they’re designing new products or updating existing products. Electrical engineers must be innovative and able to solve problems in new ways.
Math skills
Electrical engineers require advanced math skills to do their job well. To develop and troubleshoot equipment and systems, they must be proficient in trigonometry, calculus and other high-level math.
Organisational skills
Electrical engineers often work on multiple projects simultaneously. This requires them to have excellent organizational skills. To work effectively with others, they must be able to adhere to deadlines and complete the essential tasks.
The work environment for an electrical engineer
Electrical engineers are most often found in offices where they use computer programs for research and development. Some of their work may be done in manufacturing plants and laboratories, particularly when they supervise testing and production.
How to become an electrician
These are the five steps to becoming an electrician.
1. Earn a bachelor’s degree.
First, get an undergraduate degree. Aspiring electrical engineers have many options.
2. A master’s degree program is an option.
A master’s degree is a great way to make yourself a top candidate for a job and to prepare to move up to a higher-ranking position. A five-year program offering an undergraduate and graduate degree in electrical engineering may be available to you.
3. Doing an internship or participate in a cooperative program is also important.
Look for internships or cooperative programs to gain practical experience. These programs are completed by most aspiring engineers while they earn their undergraduate degrees.
4. Gain work experience.
Once you have completed the required educational and practical requirements, apply for an entry-level position in electrical engineering. To earn a Professional Engineering license, you must have at least four years of experience in the relevant field.
5. Get a Professional Engineering License
A Professional Engineering License is required if you plan to work in management or be more independent as an engineer. A bachelor’s degree is required, along with four years of experience and passing scores on both the Fundamentals of Engineering exam and the Professional Engineering exam.
Example of a job description for an electrical engineer
Edison Electrical Systems is looking for an experienced electrician to join its team. The team leader will oversee all projects from design through manufacture. A master’s degree is required in electrical engineering and a Professional Engineering license. The candidate must also have extensive knowledge of safety protocols and electrical codes. We are looking for an innovative, analytical professional with strong project and organizational management skills.
