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Electrical Engineer Job Description

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Electrical engineer job description

As an electronic or electrical engineer, you'll be involved with designing,


developing and maintaining electrical control systems, machinery and equipment.
You could work in a very wide range of sectors, including transport networks, power
generation, transmission and distribution, manufacturing, building services,
telecommunications as well as scientific and military research.

So, what will I actually be doing?


Your exact duties will depend on your industry, but are likely to involve:

Carrying out feasibility studies for new technical innovations


Drawing up plans using computer-assisted engineering and design software
Estimating material, construction, and labour costs, and project timescales
Coordinating technicians and craftspeople
Testing installations and systems, and analysing data
Making sure projects meet electrical and construction safety regulations
Overseeing inspection and maintenance programmes
Attending meetings, writing reports and giving presentations to managers and
clients.

You'll normally work on a project with a team of other professionals, which


could include civil engineers, architects, engineering technicians and IT staff.

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The finer details...
You'll normally work around 40 hours a week, with occasional overtime to meet
deadlines.
As an incorporated engineer, you'll specialise in the day-to-day management of
engineering operations. At chartered level, you will have a more strategic role,
planning, researching and developing new ideas.
With relevant skills and experience, you could specialise in project management,
research and development or consultancy work.
Money, money, money
Figures are intended as guideline only.

Newly qualified engineers can earn between 18,000 and 24,500 a year.
Experienced incorporated engineers earn between 28,000 and 37,000 a year.
Average income for electronics engineers is 37,500.
Senior and chartered engineers can earn between 40,000 and 52,000 a year.

See what people are earning in this job

The good points...


You could find job opportunities with a wide range of employers, including local
authorities, the armed forces, manufacturers in all industries, research and
development companies, IT companies and public utilities.
If you're an electronics engineer, your options will also include the aerospace,
telecommunications and defence industries, as well as scientific, medical and
educational institutions.
As a qualified engineer, you could find job opportunities overseas so its time to pack
your suitcase. Many countries recognise each other's engineering qualifications,
including Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, United States and Canada.

...and the bad


No time for day-dreaming, a lot of your job is made up of complex problems that you
have to find solutions to. Good luck with that one

Is there study involved?


You would normally need to complete a foundation degree, BTEC HNC, HND or
degree in electrical or electronic engineering, or engineering technology.
Other subjects you would need include:

Building services engineering


Mechanical engineering
Physics and applied physics
Aeronautical engineering mechatronics
Software engineering
Nanotechnology
Maths
Computer science
See the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) website for details of
colleges and universities offering these courses.
For information about electrical engineering as a career, see the websites for the IET,
SEMTA and Women into Science, Engineering and Construction.
For specific details about building services engineering, visit the Chartered Institution
of Building Services Engineers' (CIBSE) website.
For information on software engineering, AI and nanotechnology, see the British
Computer Society and the Institute of Nanotechnology.
You'll continue to develop your skills and knowledge through on-the-job training with
your company. If you have a degree, you may be able to join a company's Graduate
Apprenticeship scheme.
You could also help your career development by working towards incorporated or
chartered status. To do this, you should register with your professional industry body
and apply to the Engineering Council.

OK, I'm interested... But is it really the job for me?


To be a successful electrical or electronic engineer you'll need:

Excellent maths, science, technology and IT skills


The ability to analyse complex problems and assess possible solutions
The ability to explain design ideas clearly
Strong decision-making skills
Excellent communication skills
The ability to prioritise and plan effectively
Good budgetary skills
Excellent teamworking and people skills
A comprehensive understanding of electrical health and safety regulations

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