Electrical engineers design, develop, troubleshoot and test electrical systems. They can be found working with all manner of electrical systems ranging from pocket-sized personal devices, to robots, to large-scale industrial and public projects.
The field of electrical engineering is vast. It involves the study of power, controls, signal processing, electromagnetism and more. Electrical engineers are problem-solvers who must define what a system should be able to do and then execute plans to make it happen. Along the way, they oversee testing and troubleshooting to ensure the end result matches the goals and targets for the project.
Required Education and Experience
Most electrical engineers hold bachelor’s and master’s degrees in electrical engineering. They may also study one of the many sub-disciplines of electrical engineering like microelectronics, signal processing, control, power, telecommunications and computers.
Licensure is not always required, but is highly recommended. The National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying oversees licensing, which typically requires a degree from an accredited program, four years of work experience and successful passing of a state licensing exam. Once licensed, continuing education is required to maintain credentials.
Electrical engineers typically move up the ladder from entry-level positions working under the supervision of a senior engineer. These jobs typically involve collecting data and conducting surveys to identify problems with the system. Over time, engineers advance to mid-level engineering positions after achieving their license.
Job Outlook
According to the salary aggregator at Indeed, the annual salary for electrical engineers is $87,000. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports the median annual national salary of electrical engineers was $95,230 in 2015, and they predict job growth for electrical engineers to remain steady in the coming years. Electrical engineers seeking new opportunities should remember the compensation packages offered by employers can vary greatly depending upon the location, the size of the company and the experience of the engineer.
Current Vacancy
A Selectek client in Atlanta, Georgia, is currently seeking an electrical engineer for help with power distribution work for industrial projects. The ideal candidate will be familiar with basic power and lighting design, and familiarity with AutoCAD is preferred. They are seeking an engineer with at least eight years of experience working on industrial projects. You can learn more about this opportunity and apply online here.
If you are an experienced electrical engineer looking for exciting new opportunities in the Southeast region of the U.S., we encourage you to reach out to the expert recruiters at Selectek. We are always seeking strong engineering talent for our clients. Contact us today to learn more about our process for helping you take the next step in your career.
