Electrical Engineers

Research, design, develop, test, or supervise the manufacturing and installation of electrical equipment, components, or systems for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use.

On the job, you would:

Supervise or train project team members, as necessary.
Assist in developing capital project programs for new equipment or major repairs.
Design, implement, maintain, or improve electrical instruments, equipment, facilities, components, products, or systems for commercial, industrial, or domestic purposes.

Important Qualities

Concentration. Electrical and electronics engineers design and develop complex electrical systems and electronic components and products. They must keep track of multiple design elements and technical characteristics when performing these tasks.

Initiative. Electrical and electronics engineers must apply their knowledge to new tasks in every project they undertake. In addition, they must engage in continuing education to keep up with changes in technology.

Interpersonal skills. Electrical and electronics engineers must work with others during the manufacturing process to ensure that their plans are implemented correctly. This collaboration includes monitoring technicians and devising remedies to problems as they arise.

Math skills. Electrical and electronics engineers must use the principles of calculus and other advanced math in order to analyze, design, and troubleshoot equipment.

Speaking skills. Electrical and electronics engineers work closely with other engineers and technicians. They must be able to explain their designs and reasoning clearly and to relay instructions during product development and production. They also may need to explain complex issues to customers who have little or no technical expertise.

Writing skills. Electrical and electronics engineers develop technical publications related to equipment they develop, including maintenance manuals, operation manuals, parts lists, product proposals, and design methods documents.

Personality

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Characteristics of this Career
		92%	Attention to Detail - Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
		83%	Persistence - Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
		82%	Analytical Thinking - Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
		80%	Initiative - Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
		78%	Cooperation - Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
		75%	Adaptability/Flexibility - Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
		75%	Integrity - Job requires being honest and ethical.
		73%	Dependability - Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
		70%	Stress Tolerance - Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
		69%	Self-Control - Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
		68%	Innovation - Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.
		65%	Achievement/Effort - Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
		61%	Independence - Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
		60%	Concern for Others - Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.
		58%	Leadership - Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.
		55%	Social Orientation - Job requires preferring to work with others rather than alone, and being personally connected with others on the job.

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Strengths
		89%	Investigative - Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
		83%	Realistic - Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Values of the Work Environment
		78%	Achievement - Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
		75%	Working Conditions - Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
		72%	Recognition - Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.
		72%	Independence - Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
		56%	Relationships - Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.
		56%	Support - Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.

Aptitude

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Abilities \| Cognitive, Physical, Personality
		78%	Written Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
		78%	Written Comprehension - The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
		75%	Oral Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
		75%	Deductive Reasoning - The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
		75%	Oral Comprehension - The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
		75%	Inductive Reasoning - The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
		75%	Problem Sensitivity - The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
		72%	Information Ordering - The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
		72%	Category Flexibility - The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
		69%	Near Vision - The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
		66%	Speech Recognition - The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
		63%	Mathematical Reasoning - The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
		60%	Number Facility - The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
		56%	Fluency of Ideas - The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
		56%	Speech Clarity - The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
		56%	Originality - The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
		53%	Visualization - The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
		53%	Perceptual Speed - The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
		53%	Selective Attention - The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Skills \| Cognitive, Physical, Personality
		63%	Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
		61%	Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
		61%	Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
		59%	Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
		59%	Mathematics - Using mathematics to solve problems.
		59%	Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
		57%	Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
		55%	Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
		55%	Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
		52%	Systems Evaluation - Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
		52%	Science - Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

Job Details

Responsibilities

Confer with technical personnel to prepare designs or operational plans.

Discuss designs or plans with clients.

Design structures or facilities.

Design electrical equipment or systems.

Maintain electronic equipment.

Operate computer systems.

Direct construction activities.

Direct installation activities.

Direct equipment maintenance or repair activities.

Estimate technical or resource requirements for development or production projects.

Devise research or testing protocols.

Estimate technical or resource requirements for development or production projects.

Train personnel on proper operational procedures.

Supervise engineering or other technical personnel.

Test products for functionality or quality.

Direct industrial production activities.

Create electrical schematics.

Design energy production or management equipment or systems.

Design electrical equipment or systems.

Prepare operational reports.

Survey land or bodies of water to measure or determine features.

Design energy-efficient equipment or systems.

Design alternative energy systems.

Design energy-efficient equipment or systems.

Estimate operational costs.

Prepare project budgets.

Investigate system, equipment, or product failures.

Inspect operational processes.

Develop software or computer applications.

Develop software or applications for scientific or technical use.

Design control systems for mechanical or other equipment.

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Attributes & Percentage of Time Spent
		97%	Electronic Mail - How often do you use electronic mail in this job?
		95%	Telephone - How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?
		93%	Face-to-Face Discussions - How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job?
		93%	Indoors, Environmentally Controlled - How often does this job require working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions?
		90%	Structured versus Unstructured Work - To what extent is this job structured for the worker, rather than allowing the worker to determine tasks, priorities, and goals?
		89%	Importance of Being Exact or Accurate - How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?
		87%	Freedom to Make Decisions - How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?
		84%	Contact With Others - How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?
		83%	Work With Work Group or Team - How important is it to work with others in a group or team in this job?
		78%	Frequency of Decision Making - How frequently is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?
		76%	Spend Time Sitting - How much does this job require sitting?
		75%	Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results - What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer?
		73%	Time Pressure - How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?
		70%	Importance of Repeating Same Tasks - How important is repeating the same physical activities (e.g., key entry) or mental activities (e.g., checking entries in a ledger) over and over, without stopping, to performing this job?
		69%	Responsibility for Outcomes and Results - How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers?
		67%	Coordinate or Lead Others - How important is it to coordinate or lead others in accomplishing work activities in this job?
		58%	Level of Competition - To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures?
		56%	Frequency of Conflict Situations - How often are there conflict situations the employee has to face in this job?
		55%	Physical Proximity - To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks in close physical proximity to other people?
		55%	Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets - How much does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hard hats or life jackets?
		53%	Responsible for Others' Health and Safety - How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job?
		53%	Deal With External Customers - How important is it to work with external customers or the public in this job?
		79%	Duration of Typical Work Week - Number of hours typically worked in one week.

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Tasks & Values
		98%	Working with Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
		97%	Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
		90%	Scheduling Work and Activities - Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
		89%	Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
		88%	Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
		84%	Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment - Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
		84%	Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
		83%	Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
		83%	Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
		81%	Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards - Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
		80%	Thinking Creatively - Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
		79%	Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
		75%	Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
		73%	Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
		71%	Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
		69%	Communicating with People Outside the Organization - Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
		68%	Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others - Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
		66%	Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others - Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
		66%	Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People - Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
		64%	Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
		63%	Providing Consultation and Advice to Others - Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
		63%	Developing Objectives and Strategies - Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
		60%	Monitoring and Controlling Resources - Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
		59%	Training and Teaching Others - Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
		58%	Developing and Building Teams - Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
		57%	Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information - Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
		57%	Coaching and Developing Others - Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.

What Electrical and Electronics Engineers Do

Electronics engineers analyze the requirements and costs of electrical systems.

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

Education:

82%

Bachelor's Degree

11%

Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)

How to Become an Electrical or Electronics Engineer

Becoming an electrical or electronics engineer involves the study of math and engineering.

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

ABET

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

Electrical Engineers

Electrical or Electronics Engineer

What they do: