Career Paths in Electrical Engineering
Introduction
Electrical engineering is a broad field that encompasses the design, development, and maintenance of electrical systems. Electrical engineers work in a variety of industries, including power generation and distribution, electronics manufacturing, and telecommunications. There are many different career paths available to electrical engineers, depending on their interests and skills.
Power Generation and Distribution
Electrical engineers who work in power generation and distribution are responsible for designing, building, and maintaining the electrical systems that provide power to homes and businesses. They may work for utilities, power plants, or construction companies. Some of the common job titles in this field include:
- Power plant engineer
- Transmission engineer
- Distribution engineer
- Relay engineer
- Substation engineer
Electronics Manufacturing
Electrical engineers who work in electronics manufacturing are responsible for designing, developing, and testing electronic devices. They may work for companies that manufacture consumer electronics, medical devices, or industrial equipment. Some of the common job titles in this field include:
- Circuit design engineer
- PCB design engineer
- Analog design engineer
- Digital design engineer
- Test engineer
Telecommunications
Electrical engineers who work in telecommunications are responsible for designing, building, and maintaining the networks that transmit voice, data, and video signals. They may work for telecommunications companies, equipment manufacturers, or government agencies. Some of the common job titles in this field include:
- Network engineer
- RF engineer
- Microwave engineer
- Telecommunications engineer
- Broadcast engineer
Other Career Paths
In addition to the major career paths listed above, there are many other options available to electrical engineers. These include:
- Sales engineer
- Technical writer
- Patent attorney
- Professor
- Researcher
Education and Training
A bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering is the minimum requirement for most entry-level electrical engineering jobs. However, some employers may require a master’s degree or doctorate for more advanced positions. Electrical engineers must also be licensed in most states. To obtain a license, electrical engineers must pass a written exam and have a certain amount of work experience.
Salary and Job Outlook
The median annual salary for electrical engineers was $98,620 in May 2018, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The job outlook for electrical engineers is expected to be good over the next decade, with employment projected to grow 5% from 2018 to 2028.
Conclusion
Electrical engineering is a rewarding career that offers a variety of opportunities. With a strong educational foundation and a commitment to lifelong learning, electrical engineers can succeed in a wide range of fields.
