If you are a passionate problem-solver with a technical aptitude and a creative spirit, you may be drawn to electrical engineering as a career path. At first glance, this professional journey may seem straightforward — earn your degree and take on the role of “electrical engineer” or, eventually, “senior electrical engineer.” In reality, there is far more to consider, as electrical engineering is a diverse field with many unique (and often unexpected) niches.
Do you like the idea of working in electrical engineering but struggle to clarify your goals or intentions for entering this field? The perfect career path could be right around the corner. You just need a little inspiration! Keep reading to discover what you can do with an electrical engineering degree.
What Does an Electrical Engineer Do?
While electrical engineering is a diverse field, all electrical engineers draw on the unique intersection between electricity, electronics, and electromagnetism to optimize a variety of electrical systems and devices. This can play out differently between various niches or specialties. In general, electrical engineers can expect to spend much of their time designing circuits, troubleshooting components, and prototyping to help refine their designs.
Key Skills Needed for Electrical Engineering
Electrical engineering is a highly technical field, and yet, the most successful engineers also possess soft skills that help them communicate effectively and collaborate with several types of professionals. Other skills are specific to various niches or industries. For example, engineers working in renewable energy may need an in-depth understanding of grid integration or energy storage, while those focused on materials handling may require greater expertise in automation systems. In general, however, engineers are expected to develop these skills:
- Circuit design. At the heart of electrical engineering is a process known as circuit design, which involves creating purpose-driven circuits that perform specific functions. Engineers must select the right components and create schematics, testing extensively to determine voltage and current before establishing printed circuit board (PCB) layouts and prototypes.
- Signal processing. Concerned with the interpretation of signals and the extraction of useful information, signal processing may involve manipulating analog or digital signals. This calls for strong mathematical skills, including mastery of linear algebra and statistics. Because this subfield is heavily reliant on algorithms, professionals are increasingly expected to use programming languages such as Python, C, or C++.
- Simulations and problem-solving. These days, electrical engineers rely on simulation software to streamline problem-solving efforts. Options such as MATLAB and PSpice allow engineers to optimize designs prior to creating prototypes. These can elevate problem-solving abilities, which allow electrical engineers to determine, based on engineering principles and mathematical techniques, which designs or solutions are most likely to produce safe yet innovative electrical systems.
Industries That Hire Electrical Engineers
Specialization is at the heart of modern electrical engineering, so you may be wondering what you can do with an electrical engineering degree. These days, the possibilities feel endless. Many sectors depend on electrical engineers to boost efficiency and meet rapidly changing, industry-specific needs by developing cutting-edge solutions. To reveal this wide world of potential, we’ve highlighted several of the most promising fields and companies that hire electrical engineers:
Power and Energy
It takes consistent and reliable power sources to bring electricity to our homes and businesses. Electrical engineers help generate and distribute this electricity by designing and maintaining advanced power generation sources that use fossil fuels or, increasingly, renewable sources such as solar and wind energy. These engineers may also be involved in developing the substations or lines that bring electricity from power plants to individual consumers and entire communities.
Telecommunications
Promoting swift and reliable communications on a global scale, electrical engineers optimize both wired and wireless networks. They also work on cell towers or even undersea cables to help transmit data across vast distances. These engineers are heavily involved in the development of fiber optic networks and satellite communication systems. In telecommunications, companies that hire electrical engineers include Verizon, Qualcomm, and Cisco.
Aerospace and Defense
Involved in avionics, radar, and even electronic warfare (EW), electrical engineers have much to offer in the rapidly changing aerospace and defense industries. They are employed by some of today’s most recognizable manufacturers and defense contractors (such as Lockheed Martin, Boeing, and Raytheon), not to mention well-known agencies like NASA and the Department of Defense. These roles may involve extensive testing in extreme environments while offering insights that contribute to developments like AI-powered surveillance.
Automotive
Eager to improve automotive performance and efficiency, electrical engineers elevate everything from vehicle infotainment systems to driver assistance features and even battery management for electric vehicles. They also help to shape automotive manufacturing strategies, increasingly integrating robotics and automation to streamline production.
Electronics and Consumer Goods
Today’s consumers enjoy access to a variety of devices that, even a few short years ago, would have seemed limited to science fiction. These tech-forward consumers have electrical engineers to thank for their favorite gadgets and digital experiences, which would not be possible without the microchips and semiconductors that engineers have worked so hard to perfect. Electrical engineers continue to unleash new opportunities for tech enthusiasts, developing new wearable devices and optimizing microchips to achieve lightning-speed processing.
Technology/Software Sectors
Increasingly involved in software development, electrical engineers have much to contribute to embedded systems design, with the goal of ensuring that hardware and software are seamlessly integrated. These professionals can also guide the creation of software solutions that improve engineering workflows. Electrical engineers involved in the software space are expected to master a variety of programming languages along with fundamental electrical engineering concepts.
Career Paths and Opportunities Beyond Traditional Roles
In addition to the diverse array of sectors and specializations highlighted above, many other roles encourage experienced electrical engineers to put their advanced skills to use. Alternate areas with high demand for electrical engineers include:
Engineering Management
Many experienced electrical engineers enjoy using their expertise to help guide other professionals and to keep entire teams or departments on track. As managers, they draw on their extensive technical knowledge and problem-solving abilities to provide oversight and keep engineering initiatives on track.
Management roles involve a great deal of mentoring and coordination. While project management skills are highly valued, targeted engineering training is still worth pursuing. This provides a strong technical foundation and can help managers communicate more effectively with engineers. Management roles promise increased autonomy and can also lead to higher salaries.
Research and Development
Contribute to the growing electrical engineering body of knowledge by getting involved in research and development. This is a great option for innovation-focused engineers who hope to explore new opportunities in areas such as machine learning or quantum computing. Some engineers are drawn to academic research roles, but many work in corporate R&D, where their innovative spirit can be nurtured.
Consulting
As an electrical engineering consultant, you can use your in-depth knowledge to aid in high-level decision-making, revealing how various teams or businesses can make the most of advanced technologies. Engineering-focused consulting services are especially valued in fields such as telecommunications and renewable energy, where consultants may be involved in troubleshooting or can reveal how to integrate cutting-edge solutions (such as AI or robotics) into critical processes.
Startups
Contribute to the development and deployment of cutting-edge technologies by launching a startup that aligns with your specific electrical engineering interests or passions. Opportunities abound across the full scope of industries highlighted above, with startups driving meaningful solutions in renewable energy, telecommunications, robotics, and beyond.
Advancing Your Career
As you explore compelling opportunities in electrical engineering, consider which fields or niches you might find personally gratifying, plus which areas best allow you to unleash your unique skill set. Keep in mind that you will likely need to earn a master’s degree to move into senior roles or to pursue the most compelling specializations. As you enter the workforce, continue to seek new responsibilities, explore emerging research, and network extensively so you can take advantage of opportunities as they become available.
Professional Electrical Engineering Certifications and Licensure Options
A graduate degree can enhance your resume and equip you with much-needed skills, but ideally, this will be paired with targeted licenses or certifications that reflect your unique interests or your specialized skill set. Consider earning these credentials to take your electrical engineering career to the next level:
Professional Engineer (PE) License
A common pursuit among aspiring electrical engineers, the Professional Engineer (PE) license is often the go-to credential in electrical engineering. It verifies technical competence and a clear commitment to ethical practices. The National Society of Professional Engineers refers to this as “a symbol of achievement and assurance of quality.” This license has also been described as akin to the accountant’s CPA, a trusted option for confirming that an “engineer has mastered the critical elements of the profession.”
Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP)
Available through the International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE), the CSEP credential reflects expertise in designing and integrating complex systems. This credential indicates not only a thorough understanding of engineering principles but also the ability to apply these principles to tackle complex projects in a variety of sectors.
Project Management Professional (PMP)
Available through the Project Management Institute (PMI), the PMP may not initially seem like a go-to credential for an electrical engineer. However, it is increasingly relevant, reflecting the growing project-based approach to systems engineering. This is a great option for electrical engineers who aspire to take on leadership roles or drive innovation while guiding impactful engineering projects.
Industry-Specific Certifications
Given the industry-focused nature of several top engineering niches, it is increasingly important for engineers to develop sector-specific skills and knowledge beyond fundamental electrical engineering concepts. This is where targeted certifications can prove helpful. These credentials allow electrical engineers to build upon knowledge already gained through degree programs while enhancing their resumes, and options worth exploring include:
- Six Sigma. Ideal for electrical engineers working in the manufacturing sector, Six Sigma strives to improve process efficiency while limiting variations. Engineers and engineering leaders with Six Sigma certification feel empowered to promote continuous improvements while enhancing efficiency and keeping costs under control. Design for Six Sigma (DFSS) is also of interest to electrical engineers, helping engineers avoid defects while maintaining a customer-focused approach.
- OSHA certifications. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) offers several certification options relevant to electrical engineers, especially those working in power generation or the construction industry. Some electrical engineers complete OSHA’s 10 or 30-hour General Industry training programs, which offer insights into compliance standards and general workplace safety.
Uncover Exciting Possibilities in Electrical Engineering
There are many exciting opportunities available in the quickly evolving field of electrical engineering. Texas A&M University’s Online Master of Science in Electrical Engineering can give you the strong foundation needed to succeed in your specialization of choice. Get in touch to learn more about this program or take the next step in your electrical engineering journey and apply today.