Electrical and Electronics Engineering

Job Description

Electrical Engineering jobs involve the design, development, testing and supervision of the manufacture of electrical equipment. This equipment includes electric motors; machinery controls, lighting, and wiring in buildings; automobiles; biomedical; aircraft; radar and navigation systems; and power-generating, -controlling, and transmission devices used by electric utilities. The terms “electrical” and “electronics” engineering often are used interchangeably in academia and industry, however, electrical engineers have traditionally focused on the generation and supply of power, whereas electronics engineers have worked on applications of electricity to control systems or signal processing. The Electrical engineering career specializes in areas such as power systems engineering or electrical equipment manufacturing, working with the principles and application of electrical engineering. Electrical engineering technology is continually advancing, and professionals must keep up to date with new electrical engineering software and technologies.

Electronics engineering jobs are responsible for a wide range of technologies, from portable music players to the global positioning system (GPS), which can continuously provide the location of a vehicle. Electronics engineer career involves the design, development, testing, and supervision of the manufacture of electronic equipment such as broadcast and communications systems. Electronics engineers also work in areas closely related to computers. Note that engineers whose work is related exclusively to computer hardware are considered computer hardware engineers. The Electronics engineering career specializes in areas such as communications, signal processing, and control systems or have a specialty within one of these areas—industrial robot control systems or aviation electronics.

Electrical and electronics engineers study and work within the broad field of electrons. Electrical and electronic engineers apply fundamental theories and principles of science and mathematics in order to solve practical technical problems. Specialized fields include the production, transmission and uses of electrical power. Electronics engineers tend to be more involved with lower power applications including radio and television, computers and telephones. Much of the work may be on electrical engineering projects.

Electrical and electronics engineers can be employed in manufacturing industries including aerospace, electrical equipment, personnel electronics, computer electronics, medical electronics and telecommunication equipment. The engineers involved in product design and development use CAD/CAE (computer-aided design and computer-aided engineering) tools to draw plans for efficient production practices. Production engineers guide products through all stages of the manufacturing process. These engineers also determine performance standards for new products and organize maintenance schedules ensuring these standards are met. Electrical engineers may also write technical manuals, instructional pamphlets and installation instructions.

The Electrical engineering career may include work in other fields including power plant construction and design, nuclear power, research, field service and teaching. Electrical and electronics engineers may be employed by consulting firms, public utilities and government departments. Engineers may also be used for marketing and sales of technical products and become Sales Engineers. Electrical and electronics engineers may spend much time consulting with specialists in other engineering disciplines and business occupations.

Working Conditions

Electrical and electronics engineers generally work either in electrical engineering company offices as consultants or in laboratories. However, some positions may require more active, outdoor work. An example of this is directing operations in manufacturing plants or at construction sites. Recent technological advances now require most electrical and electronics engineers too work as part of a team.

Entrance Requirements

An Electrical engineering degree (Bachelor’s) in Electrical or Electronics engineering from electrical engineering schools, colleges or universities is considered the minimum to secure an entry level position or an internship. Any research or university teaching jobs require a masters or PhD degree in electrical or electronics engineering.

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