The field of electrical engineering is vast. There are opportunities to design, develop and test all manner of electrical systems in fields ranging from computing and manufacturing to government and utilities. As the job title suggests, however, electrical designers and electrical design engineers specialize in the design phase of electrical projects.
Engineers interested in design need to have strong technical skills, but they must also be able to conceptualize complex systems and develop plans that meet the specifications and expectations of their clients or their employers. They must do this under tight timelines and often tight budgets, which requires high-level problem-solving skills and an endless supply of interpersonal skills.
Required Education and Experience
A master’s degree is almost always required to become an electrical design engineer, as is real-world experience on the job or through an internship. Many engineers choose five-year programs that allow them to graduate with both their bachelor’s and master’s degrees. These programs also typically have field work requirements that provide hands-on experience to make graduates more marketable.
Many engineers also choose to focus on a single discipline within electrical engineering. Industry knowledge is often very important when applying for jobs. Specializations are available in a variety of areas like telecommunications, computers, controls, electronics and microelectronics, and more.
A license is also often required to work as an electrical designer, and most colleges prepare graduates to sit for the exam given by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying. Once a license has been secured, professional engineers must maintain continuing education credits annually.
Job Outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for electrical engineers is around $96,270. The BLS is currently predicting average but steady job growth through 2026 at a rate of about 7 percent per year. Engineers should always remember that salaries can vary significantly from job to job based on factors like company size, geographic location, experience of the engineer and the industry the company operates in.
Current Opportunity for Electrical Design Engineers
Selectek is currently recruiting for a senior electrical designer for a company in Tucker, Georgia. This is a six-month contract, perfect for engineering consultants. The designer will be responsible for producing power distribution plans for an industrial power facility. Candidates must be proficient with Revit Electrical 3D and must be skilled with wiring diagrams, cable trays and underground duct bank layouts.
You can learn more about this opportunity and apply online here.
If you are an experienced electrical engineer looking for exciting 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 achieve your goals.
