What does an electrical engineer do?
Have you ever wondered, 'what do electrical engineers do and what is electrical engineering?'. From the electrical grids that power our businesses and homes, to the communication technologies that connect us – electrical engineering enables it all. As an electrical engineer you would design, develop and maintain electrical equipment and systems. For example, you might work with solar power generation and distribution, or you could contribute to the design of the next smartphone. Troubleshooting issues, complying with regulations, and staying up-to-date with the latest technologies would also be part of your role.
Your workplace would change depending on the specific job or industry you’re in, but could take place in an office setting, laboratory or manufacturing facility.
Is a career as an electrical engineer right for me?
If you love a bit of maths, physics, and computer science, a career in electrical engineering might suit you. Other skills and attributes beneficial for this role include:
- the ability to identify, analyse and solve problems
- an interest in technical design
- strong attention to detail
- good oral and written communication skills
- the ability to be both practical and creative
- the ability to work independently and as part of team.
How to become an electrical engineer
Every journey to study is individual and there are several paths to reaching your career in electrical engineering. A bachelor degree in engineering or science, majoring in electrical engineering is essential to start an electrical engineer career path. Networking is also key, with membership in organisations such as Engineers Australia playing a significant role in professional development.
At UniSQ, we offer the following degrees in the area of electrical engineering:
Average salary per week
$2187
Future demand
Moderate
Industries
Related careers
Source: yourcareer.gov.au
© Commonwealth of Australia
Last updated May 2024.
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Electrical engineer FAQs
Do electrical engineers code?
Yes, electrical engineers code, especially those involved in fields such as digital systems, embedded systems, and control systems engineering. Common programming languages that might use include C, C++, Python, and MATLAB. The extent of coding can vary based on your specific role and the complexity of the projects you work on. You will typically learn how to do this in your university degree, and at UniSQ, we will help make sure you're prepared for a career in electrical engineering.
How much can an electrical engineer make?
An electrical engineer’s salary varies based on factors such as location, experience, and workplace setting. Refer to the information on this page for further details.
Are electrical engineers in demand?
Electrical engineers are consistently in demand due to their role in various industries such as telecommunications, manufacturing, and energy. The expansion of renewable energy, smart grid technology, and robotics also continues to drive demand for electrical engineering expertise. Electrical engineers are vital to the ongoing development of technology and infrastructure.
What are the day-to-day responsibilities of an electrical engineer?
The responsibilities of an electrical engineer include:
- developing, designing, and updating engineering plans, and calculating project costs.
- planning and designing power stations and power generating equipment.
- developing products such as electrical motors, components, or appliances.
- supervising the installation and maintenance of electrical systems.
- determining the specifications for circuits, transformers, and other necessary equipment for projects.
- understanding and interpreting technical drawings, standards, and regulations.
- overseeing tests of electrical systems, identifying faults, and implementing corrections.
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