what is an electrical engineer?
An electrical engineer works with electronics, electric power, control systems, and signal processing. You apply physics and mathematics to design and develop electronics. You rely on computer-aided design (CAD) to create schematics for electrical components and create simulations that illustrate the system functions of electrical devices. You also perform maintenance and test whether the devices are working as they should.
electrical engineer jobswhat does an electrical engineer do?
As an electrical engineer, you work in various industries, including power generation plants, telecommunications companies, and instrument development companies. Electrical engineers are needed in fields such as electronics, electric power, communications, space technology, defense, medical technology, automotive, and IT. They can work in everything from design and production to development and research. Specializing in specific areas is common.
Regardless of specialization, the tasks can be summarized as electrical engineers keeping electrical systems running. They ensure that all systems are well maintained and carry out system upgrades quickly. These engineers are responsible for planning and initiating electrical projects. When a project is underway, they participate in the development process up to the final installation. In addition, electrical engineers provide ongoing guidance to company management on all electrical matters and lead or support other electrical technicians.
You need different skills to become an electrical engineer, from basic circuit theory to project management. You also need specialized tools such as simple voltmeters, advanced analyzers, and advanced design and manufacturing software.
Would the job as an electrical engineer suit your project management skills and mathematical ability? Then read on to find out what skills and qualifications you need to take on the role of an electrical engineer.
average salary as an electrical engineer.
The average salary for an electrical engineer according to Statistics Sweden (SCB) in 2022 is 43 300 SEK per month.
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factors that affect the salary for electrical engineer
As an electrical engineer, your salary varies depending on the work and skills required to make the systems operational and safe. Different specializations offer different salaries because some roles are more complex. For example, you are likely to earn more if you specialize in manufacturing than in power engineering. Your experience and level of education also increase your salary. A Master of Science in Engineering earns more than a Bachelor of Science in Engineering.
Private companies pay more than the public sector. The specific company you work for also affects your salary. For example, electrical engineers working on research and development projects have better salary prospects than those providing regular maintenance services.
different roles of electrical engineer.
Electrical engineering is a broad field where you can specialize in different categories depending on what you prefer. Here are some types of electrical engineers:
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electronics engineers
Design electrical components, such as circuit boards for various devices and machines.
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pcb designer
Design printed circuit boards for computer hardware and industrial machines.
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hardware developer
Responsible for device development. The term hardware includes everything that belongs to the technical equipment in a system, for example computer parts, modems or USB drives.
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test engineer
Check whether the systems you are dealing with function correctly and meet legal requirements. These can be cars, power plants, cranes, elevators, toys, and much more.
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product setter
Creates, designs and develops electronic products.
working as an electrical engineer.
Working as an electrical engineer involves applying physics to design, develop, and control electricity and electronics. Here is a breakdown of electrical engineers' responsibilities, work environment, schedule, and job expectations.
Electrical engineers have a lot of responsibilities that vary depending on the workplace and specialization. However, some areas of responsibility are consistent for everyone, such as:
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job duties
- Project planning: As an electrical engineer, you are responsible for planning all electrical projects in your company. The planning process begins with drafting electrical system designs on paper. During planning, you prepare budgets and purchase all equipment and components that are important for the projects. You also organize and hold meetings with investors and clients to discuss budgeting, system specifications, technical requirements, and other issues.
- Project development: Engineers make sure that projects are completed on time and work as expected. Once you have drawn up a plan, you need to implement it using CAD machines (Computer-Aided Design) and monitor its progress. After you have made the prototypes, you should test their performance and make any necessary improvements.
- Manage and maintain electrical systems: In addition to developing new systems, an electrical engineer is responsible for the operation of existing electrical systems. You are expected to carry out frequent inspections to ensure that all electrical systems operate according to global safety guidelines and regulations. Depending on your job description, you may perform system maintenance and upgrades to ensure that electrical systems function efficiently.
- Research and reporting: Electrical engineers are responsible for collecting data on system usage, performance, and customer feedback. With this information, they compile scheduled reports for customers and employers. Electrical engineers also conduct research and create new technology in development laboratories, such as biotechnology, medical, and computer laboratories.
- Ensuring product quality: As an electrical engineer, you make sure that electrical products and electronics work as expected. You also ensure that electrical systems perform all functions with ease. Sometimes you need to design electrical testing methods for manufacturers to determine equipment performance. You also carry out tests on finished products and check the system's capacity.
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work environment
Since electrical engineers work in different industries, they have different work environments. In most cases, electrical engineers work indoors during project planning, design, budgeting, and when holding meetings.
Production of electrical systems also takes place indoors at workstations and labs. However, there are special assignments that require electrical engineers to work outdoors. An electrical engineer's work environment is high-risk, as it usually involves interacting with electricity. High-risk environments include factories, power plants, and research laboratories.
This profession also involves working with different people, including managers, administrators, colleagues, technicians, and customers. The work environment therefore requires moderate to high interpersonal skills.
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your colleagues
Depending on your industry, you may work with electrician, maintenance engineer, robot engineers and mechanical engineers. You can also work with electronics engineers and broadcast engineers, as well as other specialists who may include project manager flight engineers and program managers.
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work schedule
Electrical engineers have regular but often split work schedules. For example, you might design a project in the morning and then move on to test another project or perform maintenance in the afternoon. However, these schedules are often interrupted, especially if more than one project is ongoing. You can expect to work an average of 40 hours per week. Sometimes you may need to work overtime to meet project deadlines.
In large companies, electrical engineers work in shifts to ensure that an engineer is always available at the workplace. Although most electrical engineers work full time, independent electrical engineers have an even more dynamic work schedule. This is because they have to divide their time between working on projects and traveling. Both consultants and salaried contractors work part time and sometimes for different companies. Remote work is only possible for consultants.
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future prospects
Electrotechnical competence is crucial in almost all production and manufacturing fields. When it comes to individual growth potential for electrical engineers, competence, education, and experience levels are key to success. Highly recommended engineers rise to leadership positions in their industry or at their company. You can start your own private consulting or contracting business or become a freelance contractor as a licensed electrical engineer.
education and qualifications as an electrical engineer.
To become an electrical engineer, you need to be skilled and knowledgeable in scientific disciplines, mainly mathematics and physics. Some of the approaches are:
Basic courses in mathematics, physics, electrical engineering and electronics.
Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering: you study for three years at a university. Here you study electronics, telecommunications, electrical power and energy technology, as well as control and computer engineering. You gain practical skills in the form of microcomputer design.
During the third year, you will take application courses that provide you with the necessary knowledge and skills for work in the electrification of the transport sector or in the development of IoT products for smart cities and communities. You will also choose whether you want to carry out a development project or a workplace-based education (AFU). You will complete your studies with a degree project in an area that interests you.
You must complete a degree in electrical or electronic engineering. You can also apply with a degree in applied physics, mechatronics, and electromechanical engineering. Alternatively, you can continue with a college course such as a level 4 or 5 higher national diploma in electrical engineering.
You also have the opportunity to supplement for further studies at the master's level.
skills and competencies.
Some characteristics of electrical engineering include:
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professional competence
You must be familiar with all relevant theories and applications for your technical projects to succeed in terms of design, production, and safety. These include mathematics, circuit design, project development, and maintenance of electrical systems. In addition to basic engineering education, you must prepare projects effectively. Relevant skills you need in this case include sketching, drafting, and budgeting for large and small projects.
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interpersonal skills
Electrical engineers must be good leaders. You have to make sure your engineers and technicians do everything properly and meet set deadlines. You also need good communication skills. Electrical engineers work together with colleagues and people both inside and outside the profession, such as customers. Therefore, you should be able to break down technical terms and communicate other details in a simple way.
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problem-solving skills
Problems tend to arise during engineering work. Therefore, you need good problem-solving skills to solve the problems and handle troubleshooting.
frequently asked questions about the role of electrical engineer.
Here are the most frequently asked questions about working as an electrical engineer.
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what does an electrical engineer actually do?
An electrical engineer works in production and manufacturing processes in various industries. They plan, develop, test, improve, install electrical systems, and maintain and upgrade systems.
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do electrical engineers get good pay?
Electrical engineering is a well-paid job. The average salary for an electrical engineer according to Statistics Sweden (SCB) in 2022 is 43,300 SEK per month. You can also earn more if you specialize.
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is electrical engineering a good career?
Electrical engineering is a good career choice for anyone passionate about electrical systems or the development and management of systems.
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what qualifications do you need to become an electrical engineer?
You must complete a three-year university degree in electrical or electronic engineering, or alternatively complete a degree in applied physics, mechatronics, and electromechanical engineering.
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is electrical engineering hard?
Most people think that electrical engineering is difficult. The career in general can be challenging because it involves a lot of abstract thinking and requires science and math skills.
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how do i apply for a job as an electrical engineer?
It's easy to apply for a job as an electrical engineer. Search among our available jobs in your area. Then submit your CV and your personal letter or apply via LinkedIn
If you need help with your job application you can read all our job tips here!
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further reading about the role of electrical engineer
Here you can find more information about the role electrical engineer.
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