Electrical or Electronics Engineer
Electrical or Electronics Engineer
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What Electrical and Electronics Engineers Do
Electrical engineers design, develop, test, and supervise the manufacture of electrical equipment, such as electric motors, radar and navigation systems, communications systems, or power generation equipment. Electrical engineers also design the electrical systems of automobiles and aircraft.
Electronics engineers design and develop electronic equipment, including broadcast and communications systems, such as portable music players and Global Positioning System (GPS) devices. Many also work in areas closely related to computer hardware.
Duties
Electrical engineers typically do the following:
- Design new ways to use electrical power to develop or improve products
- Perform detailed calculations to develop manufacturing, construction, and installation standards and specifications
- Direct the manufacture, installation, and testing of electrical equipment to ensure that products meet specifications and codes
- Investigate complaints from customers or the public, evaluate problems, and recommend solutions
- Work with project managers on production efforts to ensure that projects are completed satisfactorily, on time, and within budget
Electronics engineers typically do the following:
- Design electronic components, software, products, or systems for commercial, industrial, medical, military, or scientific applications
- Analyze customer needs and determine the requirements, capacity, and cost for developing an electrical system plan
- Develop maintenance and testing procedures for electronic components and equipment
- Evaluate systems and recommend design modifications or equipment repair
- Inspect electronic equipment, instruments, and systems to make sure they meet safety standards and applicable regulations
- Plan and develop applications and modifications for electronic properties used in parts and systems in order to improve technical performance
Electronics engineers who work for the federal government research, develop, and evaluate electronic devices used in a variety of areas, such as aviation, computing, transportation, and manufacturing. They work on federal electronic devices and systems, including satellites, flight systems, radar and sonar systems, and communications systems.
The work of electrical engineers and electronics engineers is often similar. Both use engineering and design software and equipment to do engineering tasks. Both types of engineers also must work with other engineers to discuss existing products and possibilities for engineering projects.
Engineers whose work is related exclusively to computer hardware are considered computer hardware engineers.
Work Environment
Electrical engineers held about 188,800 jobs in 2022. The largest employers of electrical engineers were as follows:
| Engineering services | 19% |
| Electric power generation, transmission and distribution | 9 |
| Navigational, measuring, electromedical, and control instruments manufacturing | 7 |
| Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences | 5 |
| Semiconductor and other electronic component manufacturing | 4 |
Electronics engineers, except computer held about 110,900 jobs in 2022. The largest employers of electronics engineers, except computer were as follows:
| Telecommunications | 18% |
| Federal government, excluding postal service | 14 |
| Semiconductor and other electronic component manufacturing | 11 |
| Engineering services | 7 |
| Navigational, measuring, electromedical, and control instruments manufacturing | 6 |
Electrical and electronics engineers generally work indoors in offices. However, they may visit sites to observe a problem or a piece of complex equipment.
Work Schedules
Most electrical and electronics engineers work full time.
Getting Started
How to Become an Electrical or Electronics Engineer
Electrical and electronics engineers must have a bachelor’s degree. Employers also value practical experience, such as internships or participation in cooperative engineering programs, in which students earn academic credit for structured work experience.
Education
High school students interested in studying electrical or electronics engineering benefit from taking courses in physics and math, including algebra, trigonometry, and calculus. Courses in drafting are also helpful, because electrical and electronics engineers often are required to prepare technical drawings.
Electrical and electronics engineers typically need a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, electronics engineering, or a related engineering field. Programs include classroom, laboratory, and field studies. Courses include digital systems design, differential equations, and electrical circuit theory. Programs in electrical engineering, electronics engineering, or electrical engineering technology should be accredited by ABET.
Some colleges and universities offer cooperative programs in which students gain practical experience while completing their education. Cooperative programs combine classroom study with practical work. Internships provide similar experience and are growing in number.
At some universities, students can enroll in a 5-year program that leads to both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree. A graduate degree allows an engineer to work as an instructor at some universities, or in research and development.
Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations
Licensure is not required for entry-level positions as electrical and electronics engineers. A Professional Engineering (PE) license, which allows for higher levels of leadership and independence, can be acquired later in one’s career. Licensed engineers are called professional engineers (PEs). A PE can oversee the work of other engineers, sign off on projects, and provide services directly to the public. State licensure generally requires
- A degree from an ABET-accredited engineering program
- A passing score on the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam
- Relevant work experience, typically at least 4 years
- A passing score on the Professional Engineering (PE) exam
The initial FE exam can be taken after earning a bachelor’s degree. Engineers who pass this exam commonly are called engineers in training (EITs) or engineer interns (EIs). After meeting work experience requirements, EITs and EIs can take the second exam, called the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE).
Each state issues its own licenses. Most states recognize licensure from other states, as long as the licensing state’s requirements meet or exceed their own licensure requirements. Several states require continuing education for engineers to keep their licenses.
Advancement
Electrical and electronic engineers may advance to supervisory positions in which they lead a team of engineers and technicians. Some may move to management positions, working as engineering or program managers. Preparation for managerial positions usually requires working under the guidance of a more experienced engineer. For more information, see the profile on architectural and engineering managers.
For sales work, an engineering background enables engineers to discuss a product's technical aspects and assist in product planning and use. For more information, see the profile on sales engineers.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of electrical and electronics engineers is projected to grow 5 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.
About 17,800 openings for electrical and electronics engineers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Employment
Projected employment of electrical and electronics engineers varies by occupation (see table).
Some employment growth is expected as companies continue to utilize the expertise of engineers for projects involving electronic devices and systems. These engineers are expected to have key roles in developing sophisticated consumer electronics, solar arrays, semiconductors, and communications technologies.
Contacts for More Information
For more information about general engineering education and career resources, visit
American Society for Engineering Education
Technology Student Association
For more information about licensure as an electrical or electronics engineer, visit
National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying
National Society of Professional Engineers
International Society of Automation
For more information about accredited engineering programs, visit
Similar Occupations
This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of electrical and electronics engineers.
| Occupation | Job Duties | Entry-Level Education | Median Annual Pay, May 2022 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Aerospace Engineers |
Aerospace engineers design, develop, and test aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and missiles. |
Bachelor's degree | $126,880 |
|
Architectural and Engineering Managers |
Architectural and engineering managers plan, direct, and coordinate activities in the fields of architecture and engineering. |
Bachelor's degree | $159,920 |
|
Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers |
Bioengineers and biomedical engineers combine engineering principles with sciences to design and create equipment, devices, computer systems, and software. |
Bachelor's degree | $99,550 |
|
Computer Hardware Engineers |
Computer hardware engineers research, design, develop, and test computer systems and components. |
Bachelor's degree | $132,360 |
|
Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians |
Electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians help engineers design and develop equipment that is powered by electricity or electric current. |
Associate's degree | $66,390 |
|
Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers |
Electrical and electronics installers and repairers install or repair a variety of electrical equipment. |
See How to Become One | $64,190 |
|
Electricians |
Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical power, communications, lighting, and control systems. |
High school diploma or equivalent | $60,240 |
|
Network and Computer Systems Administrators |
Network and computer systems administrators install, configure, and maintain organizations’ computer networks and systems. |
Bachelor's degree | $90,520 |
|
Sales Engineers |
Sales engineers sell complex scientific and technological products or services to businesses. |
Bachelor's degree | $108,530 |
|
Electro-mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians |
Electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians operate, test, and maintain electromechanical or robotic equipment. |
Associate's degree | $60,570 |