Electrical Engineer
O*NET-SOC: 17-2071.00
Researches, designs, develops, tests, and oversees the manufacturing and installation of electrical equipment, components, and systems for commercial, industrial, military, and scientific use.
About this Role
Electrical engineers design, test, and improve electrical systems and components that power everything from household devices to industrial machinery and power grids. They often start a project by reviewing customer requirements, performance goals, and safety standards, then sketching circuit diagrams, selecting components, and running simulations to verify how the system behaves under different loads and conditions. On a typical day they may work in a lab setting, building prototypes, wiring test boards, or debugging why a circuit overheats or behaves erratically. They also collaborate with mechanical engineers, software developers, and project managers to integrate electrical systems into larger products, making trade-offs between cost, reliability, size, and power efficiency. Electrical engineers frequently use tools such as oscilloscopes, multimeters, and computer-aided design software to measure signals, simulate board layouts, and troubleshoot issues before mass production. This role suits people who enjoy mathematics and physics, like building and testing physical systems, and can work both independently and as part of a technical team. The work is rewarding when a design ships to customers or solves a tangible problem, but it can be challenging when dealing with tight deadlines, unexpected failures, and the need to keep learning as technologies evolve.
A Day in the Life
8:30 AM
Review project emails and task list
Check messages from the project manager, customers, and other engineers to prioritize which designs, tests, or documentation must be completed that day.
9:30 AM
Work on circuit design or simulation
Use CAD and simulation tools to update schematics, adjust component values, and verify that the circuit meets voltage, current, and temperature requirements.
11:00 AM
Build or modify a prototype board
Assemble or rework a printed circuit board in the lab, solder components, and connect it to test equipment to observe real-world behavior.
12:30 PM
Lunch and quick design review
Eat while reviewing notes from the last design review, customer feedback, or test results to decide which changes to implement next.
1:30 PM
Conduct measurements and troubleshooting
Connect the prototype to power supplies and measurement tools, scan for anomalies, and adjust values or layouts to fix performance or reliability issues.
3:30 PM
Update documentation and bills of materials
Revise design files, test reports, and component lists so manufacturing and quality teams can build and inspect the product according to the latest specs.
5:00 PM
Collaborate with other engineering teams
Join a meeting with mechanical or software engineers to align on integration requirements, thermal constraints, and interface signals for the next revision.
6:30 PM
Plan for tomorrow’s testing session
Define which tests need to run next, prepare test plans, and set up equipment so the team can collect data efficiently the following day.
Tools & Technologies
Operating Systems
- Bash
- Linux
- Microsoft Windows
- Microsoft Windows Server
- Shell script
CAD & Design
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Autodesk Revit
- Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D
- Bentley MicroStation
- Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
Development Tools
- C
- Eclipse IDE
- Microsoft Visual Basic
- Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications VBA
- Microsoft Visual Studio
Programming Languages
- C++
- Python
- C#
- Perl
- JHDL
Project Management
- Microsoft Project
- Oracle Primavera Enterprise Project Portfolio Management
Analytics & Science
- The MathWorks MATLAB
- SKM Systems Analysis Power Tools
- APLAC
- Dynamic object-oriented requirements system DOORS
- Electronic engineering calculator
Salary Details
Salary Distribution
Most professionals earn between $88K and $142K
| Percentile | Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th | $75K |
| 25th | $88K |
| 50th (Median) | $112K |
| 75th | $142K |
| 90th | $175K |
Certifications, Training & Memberships
Essential
Professional Engineer (PE) License in Electrical Engineering
NCEES
Allows engineers to sign off on designs that affect public safety, after passing a rigorous exam and gaining several years of supervised experience.
Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Electrical and Computer Exam
NCEES
Entry-level exam that tests core engineering concepts and is usually the first step toward earning a PE license.
Recommended
Certified Energy Manager (CEM)
Association of Energy Engineers
Trains engineers to design systems that reduce energy consumption and improve efficiency in industrial and commercial buildings.
Helpful
Electrical Power Systems Design Course
Various universities and technical colleges
Covers power distribution, transformers, protection relays, and grid integration, useful for engineers working on large-scale electrical systems.
Electronics Design and PCB Layout Bootcamp
Association of Energy Engineers
Hands-on program focused on schematic capture, printed circuit board layout, and signal integrity for real-world products.
Professional Memberships
IEEE Membership
IEEE
Connects electrical engineers worldwide through conferences, journals, and standards committees that shape industry practices and technologies.
Work Environment
- Remote Work
- Hybrid (Remote + Office)
- Work Setting
- Traditional office / indoor
- Physical Activity
- Mostly sedentary
- Social Interaction
- Highly collaborative — frequent team interaction
- Schedule
- Extended hours common
Your Skills & Attributes
Skills & Competencies Matches (43)
- WritingStrong Match
- Reading ComprehensionStrong Match
- Critical ThinkingStrong Match
- Active ListeningGood Match
- SpeakingGood Match
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Electrical Engineer a good career?
Electrical Engineer can be a rewarding career choice. Based on current data, the median salary is $112K and job outlook is stable (5% projected growth). Whether it's a good fit depends on your skills, interests, and values — take our quiz to find out how well you match.
What degree do you need to become a Electrical Engineer?
The typical education requirement for a Electrical Engineer is a Bachelor's Degree. However, requirements can vary by employer and specialization. Some professionals enter the field with alternative credentials or relevant work experience.
How long does it take to become a Electrical Engineer?
Becoming a Electrical Engineer typically requires about 4 years of undergraduate study. Additional time may be needed for certifications, internships, or on-the-job training depending on the specific role and employer requirements.
What is the work-life balance like for a Electrical Engineer?
The work-life balance for a Electrical Engineer is moderate, with some periods requiring extended hours or flexibility. Individual experiences vary based on employer, specialization, seniority level, and geographic location.
What is the job outlook for Electrical Engineer?
The job outlook for Electrical Engineer is stable. Employment is projected to grow by 5% over the coming decade. Labor market conditions can vary by region and specialization.