An electrical engineer is a professional who designs, develops, and supervises the manufacture of electrical equipment. This equipment includes everything from batteries and electric motors to generators and power plants. Electrical engineers also oversee the installation and maintenance of this equipment. Many electrical engineers find work in the automotive industry, but there are also opportunities in aerospace, computing, telecommunications, and other sectors. The demand for qualified engineers is high and salaries tend to be higher than average.
An electrical engineer is responsible for:
- the design, development, and testing of electrical equipment and systems
- working on the electrical components of automobiles, aircraft, computers, power generation plants, or communication systems
- ensuring that the system is safe and reliable, and meets all regulatory requirements
- troubleshooting any issues that arise during production or operation of the vehicle
Requirements for the job:
- minimum of a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a master’s degree or higher
- having a license in some states (must pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam and the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam)
- strong understanding of electrical circuits, battery chemistry, and thermal management
- being able to work with other engineers and technicians to ensure that the batteries meet the requirements of the vehicle manufacturer
- being skilled in using engineering software and tools
- strong problem-solving skills