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. A graduate degree allows an engineer to work as an instructor at some universities, or in research and development. 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. 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.
Licensure is not required for entry-level positions as electrical and electronics engineers. 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. Each state issues its own licenses. Several states require continuing education for engineers to keep their licenses.
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.
Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U. Source: U. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.
In May , the median annual wages for electrical engineers in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:. In May , the median annual wages for electronics engineers, except computer in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:.
Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program. What exactly does an electrical engineer do, and what is the difference between an electrician vs.
Electricians typically perform routine tasks such as assembling, installing, troubleshooting, and repairing electrical equipment, wiring, or circuits.
They may also program automation process controllers PLCs or provide field service to customers. Electrician jobs typically only require a high school diploma, along with relevant experience or journeyman status. In contrast, most electrical engineering jobs require at least a bachelor's degree, and some require a master's degree or Ph. Electrical engineer responsibilities are at a higher level than most electrician jobs.
For example, rather than just assembling a circuit, an electrical engineer will design and test it. They may also supervise the manufacturing of a device or piece of equipment, such as an electric motor, a microwave antenna, or a turbine that converts steam to electricity. In the green sector, electrical engineers are responsible for designing and overseeing installation of lighting, HVAC, and other building maintenance systems that minimize energy use.
They may work on developing renewable energy sources, such as wind, solar, nuclear, and geothermal, or improving the efficiency of traditional sources, including coal, oil, and gas. A smart grid adds two-way digital communication and sensors along the transmission lines. This allows for more efficient use of energy and a faster response time to power outages, and makes it easier to integrate distributed renewable energy sources with the grid.
Though electrical engineering is a technical field with unique skillsets, there are common traits that the best engineers across multiple fields share, including patience and persistence to get the job done, curiosity about how things work or how to improve a process, tool or product, and a continuous desire to learn new things. Employers also look for engineers who communicate well and work together in teams, bringing different perspectives to bear in order to solve problems in creative new ways.
The highest salaries go to those in scientific research and development positions, followed by jobs in semiconductor and other electronic component manufacturing. In addition to earning a higher salary, a PE license can bring increased responsibility and recognition, both of which are known to increase job satisfaction. Microelectronics Engineer Microelectronics is a subfield of electronics and relates to the study and microfabrication of very small electronic designs and circuit components typically made from semiconductor materials.
Many components of normal electronic design are also available in a microelectronic equivalent which can include transistors, capacitors, inductors, resistors, diodes, insulators and conductors.
Microelectronics engineers use specialized equipment and unique wiring techniques such as wire bonding because of the unusually small size of the components, leads and pads.
As techniques have improved, the scale of microelectronic components has continued to decrease, therefore, the impact of circuit properties such as interconnections may become of more interest. The goal of the microelectronics engineer is to find ways to minimize these 'parasitic' effects, while delivering smaller, faster, and cheaper devices.
Signal Processing Engineer A signal processing engineer analyzes and alters digital signals to make them more accurate and reliable. Responsibilities include developing, managing and updating digital signals, and creating algorithms to process them more efficiently.
A signal processing engineer can work in areas such as image processing, speech processing, pattern recognition, chip designing, radio frequency designs, biomedical signal processing, and space and military applications including satellite and mobile communications. Efficient use of signals arises from implementing precise algorithms coded in software packages with concise steps and real-time outputs.
Engineers need to develop the steps needed, provide the specifications, design the processor which acts like the machine, and simulate the system pre-hand before the fabrication.
Power Engineer A power engineer, also called a power systems engineer, deals with a subfield of electrical engineering that involves the generation, transmission, distribution and utilization of electric power, along with the electrical equipment associated with these systems such as transformers, generators, motors and power electronics. Although much of a power engineer's focus is concerned with the issues faced with three-phase AC power, another area of focus is concerned with the conversion between AC and DC power and the evolution of specific power systems like those used in aircraft or for electric railway networks.
Power engineers draw the majority of their theoretical base from electrical engineering. Control Engineer Control engineering, or control systems engineering, is typically taught along with electrical engineering at many universities, and specifically focuses on implementation of control systems obtained by mathematical modeling of a wide range of systems.
This type of engineering discipline uses the automatic control theory to design controllers that cause systems to behave in a certain way, using micro-controllers, programmable logic controllers, digital signal processors and electrical circuits. By using detectors and sensors to measure the output performance of the controlled process and provide corrective feedback, desired performance can be achieved.
Telecommunications Engineer Telecommunications engineering is a discipline centred on electrical and computer engineering which attempts to assist and improve telecommunication systems.
A telecommunications engineer's work will range from doing basic circuit design, providing high-speed data transmission services, and overseeing the installation of telecommunications equipment such as electronic switching systems, optical fibre cabling, IP networks, and microwave transmission systems.
They use an assortment of equipment and transport media in order to design the network infrastructure such as twisted pair, coaxial cables, and optical fibres and provide solutions for wireless modes of communication and information transfer, such as wireless telephone services, radio and satellite communications, and internet and broadband technologies.
Instrumentation Engineer Instrumentation engineering finds its origin in both electrical and electronics engineering and deals with the design of measuring devices for pressure, flow and temperature. With the expansion of electricity and technology, there are a number of degree programs, career paths and opportunities in the field of electrical engineering that impact what electrical engineers do on a day-to-day basis.
Job duties for electrical engineers may include:. Similar to most fields of work, it is highly recommended, if not required to earn a bachelor's degree. Earning an electrical engineering degree prepares you with the necessary skills and knowledge to begin your career.
With that, it is important to look for an engineering and technology program that provides a strong background in science and mathematics, as well as professional training and hands-on experience where you can put forth your problem-solving skills. Among other engineering institutions in Illinois , at North Central College a combination of inspiring mentors, engaging coursework and state-of-the-art facilities all add to your success as an engineering student.
Opportunities such as research and internships will also be vital to growing your knowledge and work experience in the field. A graduate degree in electrical engineering can be advantageous for those students looking to receive higher earning potential, additional certifications or go into advanced, specialized career paths. This path is also recommended if you are interested in working in research and development or becoming a university instructor.
A degree in electrical engineering is a great choice for those passionate about science, technology and mathematics. There are numerous benefits when you choose to work in this field. Some benefits include competitive pay, the chance to work in a variety of industries and being on the forefront of today's innovations, while working alongside mechanical engineers and computer engineers.
In addition to those, you will also be well prepared for employment in a wide range of companies and research labs. Learn more about the mechanical and computer engineering individual responsibilities to better understand the scope of these industry professions.
With this degree, you will learn important analytical, technical and engineering skills through course such as:. With expert faculty by your side, courses like calculus, engineering design, circuit analysis and more will help you develop core competencies pertaining to electrical components and a variety of specializations.
An electrical engineering program like this will also help you strengthen your problem-solving skills, internal and external communications and critical thinking skills. These competencies and skills will be valuable for your career and everyday life, preparing you to enter the electrical engineering field with confidence.
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