What Jobs Can You Get With an Electrical Engineering Degree?
Given the proper skill set and technical knowledge of the field, getting some top jobs with a degree in electrical engineering is much simpler than in other fields. You can opt for Jobs with an electrical engineering degree in different industries and segments where the theoretical and practical knowledge of electrical engineering is well implemented. However, your job role and description may vary from industry to industry.
According to a recent survey by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, The median annual salary of electrical engineers was USD 100,420 by mid-2021. Whereas, the medium annual salary of electronics engineers for the same period was USD 104,820. The industry’s requirements for the role of electrical and electronics engineers are projected to grow by 3% in the next 10 years.
Electrical engineering major jobs align with other engineering domains due to the broad spectrum implications of modern electrical engineering for other domains. Therefore, most private and public organizations offering jobs for electrical engineering degree holders expect cross-fertilization of ideas and knowledge sharing between electrical engineering and other engineering or technical departments.
When you land a Job with an electrical engineering degree, you are expected to work in close collaboration with other engineers belonging to different engineering domains. These engineering domains range from the automotive sector to the aviation sector, defense, renewable energy, electronics, etc.
If you need an in-depth understanding of what to expect from your electrical engineering job, It is recommended to check out our dedicated blog about what does an electrical engineer do.
This blog post will discuss the availability of scope and careers for electrical engineering majors in different industries and segments. Let’s discuss in detail what to expect in jobs with an electrical engineering degree and how well this engineering domain integrates with various industries.
8 Jobs You Can Get With a Degree in Electrical Engineering
Below are some of the best jobs for electrical engineers in the US.
- Electrical Engineer
- Systems Engineer
- Electronics Engineer
- Field Service Engineer
- Automation Engineer
- Power System Technician
- Transmission Engineer
- Renewable Energy Consultant
Let’s discuss each of these electrical engineering opportunities and jobs in detail.
1. Electrical Engineer
As an electrical engineer, you will design, develop, and oversee the installation of electrical systems in a variety of settings. Your work may include Power generation, transmission, and distribution
You will also work on a variety of projects, from small devices to large-scale systems. You may also be responsible for supervising the work of other engineers and technicians.
In order to be successful in this role, you will need to have a strong understanding of electrical theory and principles. You should also be able to work effectively in a team environment.
Read More: FE exam Electrical Engineering Preparation Guide
2. Systems Engineer
Systems engineers are responsible for the design, development, and maintenance of systems and products. They work with other engineers and technicians to create specifications for products and systems and develop prototypes and models. Systems engineers also develop testing procedures and oversee the manufacturing process.
Systems engineers typically have a bachelor’s degree in engineering, although some jobs may require a master’s degree. Many systems engineers also have certification from professional organizations such as the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) or the International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE).
3. Electronics Engineer
As an electronics engineer, you will be responsible for designing and developing electronic equipment and systems. This may include circuit boards, microprocessors, sensors, and other electronic components.
You will also be responsible for testing and troubleshooting these systems to ensure they are functioning properly. In addition to your engineering duties, you may also be responsible for managing projects and teams of engineers.
You will also need to be proficient in using engineering software and tools. Furthermore, good communication and interpersonal skills are essential in this role, as you will be working closely with other engineers and technicians. Imagine yourself working for Intel, AMD, or Nvidia as a high-end and skilled electronics engineer.
4. Field Service Engineer
A Field Service Engineer is responsible for providing on-site support for customers and ensuring that all systems are functioning properly. They work closely with customers to identify and resolve any technical issues they may be experiencing. In addition, Field Service Engineers are responsible for maintaining accurate records of all customer interactions and service requests.
Field Service Engineers must have a strong technical background and be able to effectively communicate with customers. They must be able to troubleshoot problems quickly and efficiently. In addition, Field Service Engineers must be able to work independently and be self-motivated.
5. Automation Engineer
As an Automation Engineer, you will be responsible for developing and maintaining automated systems to improve the efficiency of our operations. In this role, you will work closely with our engineering and manufacturing teams to design and implement new automation solutions, as well as troubleshooting and maintaining existing systems.
An ideal candidate for this position will have experience with a variety of automation technologies, as well as strong problem-solving and communication skills.
6. Power System Technician
A power system technician is responsible for the installation, maintenance, and repair of electrical systems in a variety of settings. They may work in residential, commercial, or industrial settings, and their duties may vary depending on the type of facility in which they work.
In all cases, however, power system technicians must be skilled in the use of electrical testing equipment and have a thorough knowledge of electrical codes and regulations.
7. Transmission Engineer
As a Transmission Engineer, you will be responsible for the planning, designing, and construction of transmission projects. You will also be responsible for providing engineering support during the construction and maintenance of transmission projects.
In addition, you will be responsible for ensuring that transmission projects are designed and constructed in accordance with applicable standards and regulations.
8. Renewable Energy Consultant
Renewable Energy Consultants work with clients to assess their energy needs and help them develop renewable energy solutions that are both economically and environmentally sustainable. They typically have a background in engineering, environmental science, or economics, and must be able to effectively communicate with both technical and non-technical audiences.
Renewable Energy Consultants are responsible for analyzing a client’s energy needs and helping them develop renewable energy solutions that fit those needs. This includes everything from conducting energy audits to developing business plans for implementing renewable energy systems. They must be able to understand and communicate complex technical information, as well as have strong project management skills.
Electrical Engineering Degree Holders Jobs in Different Sectors
With a range of career choices and jobs for an electrical engineering degree holder, individuals can serve and grow in the following industries.
- Electronics industry
- Power generation industry
- Aerospace industry
- Construction industry
- Automotive industry
- Defense industry
- Marine industry
- Oil and gas industry
Let’s discuss what to expect from each of these industries with electrical engineering opportunities.
Electronics industry
The field requires skilled individuals having a sound knowledge of logic gates, electronic circuits, transistors, solid-state physics, microprocessors, etc. Some of the big names in the Electronics industry include Western Digital, Samsung, Apple, Intel, Nvidia, AMD, Radeon, etc.
Power generation industry
The industry involves various power generation sectors including coal, wind, hydro, nuclear, etc. The industry is linked with the generation, transmission, and distribution of electrical power to the consumer and business sector. The industry involves practices to convert different energy sources into electrical power for daily usage.
Aerospace industry
This is another industry that greatly depends on electrical engineering, more specifically, electronics engineering. Modern commercial airlines and Airforces around the world are equipped with modern airplanes and fighter jets with advanced electronic systems, radars, communication systems, intelligent flight avionics, etc. You can expect to work for companies like Lockheed Martin, Boeing, or even NASA.
Construction industry
The construction industry has gone through a remarkable revolution around the globe. Now, the construction sector also offers positions for engineers looking for a job with an electrical engineering degree.
From laying down power connections and cables to capturing construction sites using the latest electronic gadgets to ensure QA & QS of the involved electrical equipment, the construction industry is becoming more inclusive of the electrical and electronics engineering domain.
Automotive industry
Modern automobiles are equipped with smart and intelligent driving instruments. Our cars with auto-driving features are now as intelligent as aircraft with auto-pilot features. Tesla is a living example of this claim. Now electric cars are new and cool in society. This dependence of the world on emission-less vehicles has changed the entire makeup of the automotive industry.
California is expecting to adopt the “Only-Electrical Vehicle” policy by the end of this decade and implement a complete ban on the entry of vehicles with naturally aspirated or gas engines.
All these revolutionary phases are increasing the demand for electrical and electronic engineers in the automotive sector. Apart from Tesla, other car manufacturers in the US that need electrical and electronics engineers include Dodge, Cadillac, Ford, Chevrolet, Lincoln, etc.
Defense industry
The defense industry heavily relies on electrical and electronics engineering. From state-of-the-art Air Defense systems to the 8th wonder of the world Lockheed Martin’s F-35 fighter jets, the industry is fully indulged in the electrical engineering domain.
The advent of UAVs or drones is another significant step for the industry to deeply integrate electrical engineering best practices. Some of the giant sharks in this domain also include McDonnell Douglas, Boeing, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon Technologies, etc.
Marine industry
The marine industry also depends on electrical engineering for shipbuilding, marine warfare, transportation, communication, and logistics. There are multiple jobs for an electrical engineering degree holder in the Marine industry with different sub-domains and key opportunities to develop their skillset.
Some of the big names in the US Ship Building industry, include General Dynamics Corporation, Huntington Ingalls Industries, and Bae Systems.
Oil and gas industry
The oil and gas industry is another well-known industry that opens different avenues for bright careers for electrical engineering majors. You can expect both on-site and off-site job roles while working as an electrical engineer in the oil and gas industry.
Conclusion
There is a wide range of career choices for engineers gearing up to hunt for their jobs with an electrical engineering degree. The world continues to adopt modern electrical solutions and replace traditional methodologies. This makes it clear that the need for electrical engineers isn’t going to die down any time soon.
Some of the best jobs for electrical engineers discussed in this blog post are sure to open gateways to remarkable success and exceptional career growth. From broad-scale electrical engineer roles to the role of automation engineer or renewable energy consultant, your likelihood to land a high-paying job is inevitable with an electrical engineering degree.
Since there are multiple paths for an electrical engineer to pursue a career, don’t forget to check out these vital tips for electrical engineers to stand out in the current job market.
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.