- Engineers apply the principles of science and mathematics to develop economical solutions to technical problems.
- Their work is the link between scientific discoveries and the commercial applications that meet societal and consumer needs.
- Many engineers develop new products. During the process, they consider several factors. For example, in developing an industrial robot, engineers specify the functional requirements precisely; design and test the robot's components; integrate the components to produce the final design; and evaluate the design's overall effectiveness, cost, reliability, and safety. This process applies to the development of many different products, such as chemicals, computers, power-plants, helicopters, and toys.
- In addition to their involvement in design and development, many engineers work in testing, production, or maintenance.
- These engineers supervise production in factories, determine the causes of a component’s failure, and test manufactured products to maintain quality.
- They also estimate the time and cost required to complete projects.
- Supervisory engineers are responsible for major components or entire projects.
- Engineers use computers extensively to produce and analyze designs; to simulate and test how a machine, structure, or system operates; to generate specifications for parts; to monitor the quality of products; and to control the efficiency of processes.
- Nanotechnology, which involves the creation of high-performance materials and components by integrating atoms and molecules, also is introducing entirely new principles to the design process.
- Most engineers specialize; one of which is Electrical engineer.
- Electrical engineers design, develop, test, and supervise the manufacture of electrical equipment.
- Some of this equipment includes electric motors; machinery controls, lighting, and wiring in buildings; radar and navigation systems; communications systems; and power generation, control, and transmission devices used by electric utilities.
- Electrical engineers also design the electrical systems of automobiles and aircraft.
- Although the terms electrical and electronics engineering often are used interchangeably in academia and industry, electrical engineers traditionally have focused on the generation and supply of power, whereas electronics engineers have worked on applications of electricity to control systems or signal processing.
- Electrical engineers specialize in areas such as power systems engineering or electrical equipment manufacturing.
- It is important for engineers, as it is for workers in other technical and scientific occupations, to continue their education throughout their careers, because much of their value to their employer depends on their knowledge of the latest technology.
- Engineers in high-technology areas, such as biotechnology or information technology, may find that their technical knowledge will become outdated rapidly.
- By keeping current in their field, engineers will be able to deliver the best solutions and greatest value to their employers.
- Engineers who have not kept current in their field may find themselves at a disadvantage when seeking promotions or during layoffs.
- Strong demand for electrical devices—including electric power generators, wireless phone transmitters, high-density batteries, and navigation systems—should spur job growth.
- Electrical engineers working in firms providing engineering expertise and design services to manufacturers should have better job prospects.
Engineers apply the principles of natural science and mathematics in their work. Other workers who use scientific and mathematical principles include the following:
- Agricultural and Food Scientists
- Architects
- Atmospheric Scientists
- Biological scientists
- Chemists and materials scientists
- Computer and information systems manager
- Computer scientists
- Computer software engineers and computer programmers
- Drafter
- Engineering and natural sciences managers
- Engineering technicians
- Environment scientists and specialists
- Geoscientists and hydrologists
- Mathematicians
- Physicists and astronomers
- Sales engineers
- Science technicians
- Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering
This career information is drawn from data provided by the U.S. Department of Labor.