7 Paths for an Electrical Engineer to Pursue a Career in 2023
Wasim Asghar 
January 4, 2023If you pursue an electrical engineer career, it can be cognitively and financially rewarding. In addition, you have the chance to influence how the world functions as an electrical engineer.
Electrical engineering may be the ideal profession for anyone with a flair for mathematics and science and a desire to work on intriguing projects that have the potential to make a difference in the world.
As an electrical engineer, you get a wide range of career options to choose from and may be able to secure employment in various sectors. In this post, we will explore detailed information regarding seven types of electrical engineering jobs and careers and offer advice on how to get started in this field.
So without any further ado, let’s get started.
7 Types of Careers and Jobs for Electrical Engineers
We have jotted down the list of the seven best careers and job opportunities for the ease of electrical engineers. You can read the job descriptions of each type of electrical engineering career and choose the job best suited for you.
- Test Engineer
- Design Engineer
- Controls Engineer
- Electrical Project Manager
- Electronics Engineer
- Electrical Technician
- Electrical Engineer
1. Test Engineer
A test engineer is in charge of assessing electrical systems. They conduct usage case investigations, develop test strategies, and communicate with stakeholders to fully comprehend business requirements. In addition, test engineers assist in executing solutions or addressing issues they detect. They participate at every stage of the test program, from setting up the test specifications to identifying problems and formulating the ultimate testing methods.
2. Design Engineer
A design engineer creates innovative systems and items utilizing CAD software. They develop designs following the guidelines, examine the designs, record their methodology, and seek opinions on the layouts. Design engineers may be required to make adjustments to ensure that the gear complies with standards.
3. Controls Engineer
A controls engineer is in charge of designing machinery that produces products effectively. Additionally, they develop mechanisms that identify issues with their systems and strategize for upkeep. Finally, control engineers investigate potential solutions, assess their design, and generate efficacy reports demonstrating the system’s effectiveness.
4. Electrical Project Manager
Electrical project managers oversee the design and execution of novel electrical equipment for building projects. They compose project ideas, set financial constraints, recruit contractors, create project timelines, and monitor employees’ performance. In addition, they place supply orders, complete documentation for regulatory obligations, and engage with other departments on construction activities.
5. Electronics Engineer
An electronics engineer is responsible for creating, designing, and using electrical products like electric engines, GPS units, and household appliances. They conduct experimental research, evaluate design elements, and adhere to project requirements. In addition, electronics engineers examine existing equipment, compile paperwork detailing the machinery they utilize and related expenses, and ensure that the electronics they design comply with other systems.
6. Electrical Technician
Electrical technicians build and maintain machinery and equipment that run on electricity. They construct product components, assemble equipment, assess electrical output, and solve operational problems while setting up and fixing the wiring. Moreover, they can recognize the electronic parts of equipment and decide whether basic maintenance or major repairs are required to keep it operating.
7. Electrical Engineer
An electrical engineer is in charge of creating electrical equipment, such as manufacturing machinery, navigational systems, and electrical systems in various vehicles and mobile devices. Additionally, they evaluate the gear and propose solutions for any faults they detect with its operability or configuration.
Electrical Engineer Salary and Benefits
Electrical engineering is a good career choice in terms of salary, and it is one of the solid reasons to pursue a career in electrical engineering. Furthermore, there are many high-paying electrical engineering jobs in the USA.
The average electrical engineer’s salary is $92,500 per year in the United States, which translates to $47.44 per hour.
Entry-level jobs in electrical engineering have a starting salary of $75,004 per year or $38.46 per hour. On the other hand, the most experienced electrical engineers earn up to $120,000 per year or $61.54 per hour.
Electrical engineers may obtain various perks from their workplaces, but they often involve paid leaves, pension schemes, and healthcare insurance. In addition, government privileges are often available to those who serve in the armed services or the government. Electrical engineers employed by academic institutions may be compensated on par with lecturers and other staff members.
Tips for starting a career in electrical engineering
The discipline of electrical engineering is tough and demanding. Therefore, you must create a compelling resume and choose your career path wisely if you want to land your ideal position in electrical engineering. Here are some tips for starting an electrical engineering career:
1. Become acquainted with the basics:
Gain knowledge about the fundamentals of electrical engineering by attending classes and studying engineering-related textbooks. You must have a solid grasp of the fundamental scientific theories underlying electrical engineering to excel in the electrical engineering field and be able to focus on complex projects.
2. Practice independently
Spend time working on individual projects where you can hone your circuits and layout design abilities. By doing this, you can strengthen your industrial skills through practical application.
3. Seek a guide
Communicate to your lecturers, coworkers, and engineering networks to find a mentor who can guide you in discovering the finest electrical engineering prospects.
4. Be selective
Make an effort to land different types of electrical engineering jobs to help you achieve your professional objectives in electrical engineering. Look for positions that will enable you to specialize in your field of interest and offer room for advancement.
What is the Best Job for an Electrical Engineer?
Obtaining suitable employment after graduating in electrical engineering may be challenging. You could be confused about what would fit your expertise the most.
To help clear your confusion, any work that you find fascinating can be considered the best job in electrical engineering. Therefore, your passion for a particular electrical engineering field will determine which employment is suitable for you.
Every person has a distinct set of criteria for what constitutes the best job, and as a result, each person’s idea of the best job is distinctive. But everyone’s prerequisite list will likely still include a few items that are similar to all of them.
We all undoubtedly want a hefty paycheck, five days a week, work that is only done during office timings, work contentment, a handsome raise at the end of the year, etc. But, to be sincere, no job in the world can provide all of these things at once. So one must make some compromises to achieve more from anything.
We have discussed the details of seven different job opportunities that an electrical engineer can opt for. Now, you can easily compare them and choose for yourself the best-suited job. But, in the end, it all depends on your preferences and priorities.
Conclusion
The demand for electrical engineers is never-ending. Moreover, it will keep increasing with every passing decade. This is why an electrical engineer career is one of the best careers to choose.
Licensed Professional Engineer in Texas (PE), Florida (PE) and Ontario (P. Eng) with consulting experience in design, commissioning and plant engineering for clients in Energy, Mining and Infrastructure.