Types of Electrical Engineering and Careers

The types of electrical engineering refer to the different forms of the electrical engineering discipline, which involves the use of computer-intensive technologies and specialized knowledge to design, build, and maintain systems and machines. Pursuing this academic area can prepare a professional for interesting specializations in several industries, including:

• The aerospace industry
• The information technology (IT) industry
• The telecommunications industry
• The transportation industry
• The energy industry
• The health care industry
• The robotics industry
• The construction industry

Qualifications for the majority of jobs in electric engineering include a bachelor’s degree for entry-level jobs. For mid-level and senior positions, a master’s degree and employment experience are preferred. Occupations differ based on the selected electrical engineering type or specialization. These types include:

Electrical engineering: Electrical engineering is a core academic discipline and professional field. It involves the design, development, test, and maintenance of different types of electronic equipment. With an academic credential in this discipline, a professional can work as an electrical engineer or an electrical engineering technician. Additionally, they can find employment in electric engineering specializations.

Computer systems and equipment: In the IT industry, electrical engineering is used to design, build, and maintain computer components and systems. Qualified professionals also develop computers using quantum computing.

Communication systems and equipment: In telecommunications, electrical engineering is used to develop telecommunication networks for the internet, including wireless networks. It’s also utilized for the development of mobile telecommunication networks. Additionally, this discipline is used to develop microwave and optical communications.

Vehicles and machines: In the transportation industry, electrical engineering knowledge is leveraged to design, build, and maintain electromechanical machines, including electric vehicles, that perform a myriad of essential tasks.

Aerospace systems and equipment: In the aerospace industry, electrical functionalities required for systems such as navigation systems, and products are designed and developed by professionals qualified in electrical engineering.

Energy systems and machines: People with an academic background in electrical engineering contribute significantly to the energy industry. Their contributions include developing machines to generate electrical power, such as electronics that convert solar energy to electricity; building systems that enable the transmission of electrical power; and designing renewable energy systems.

Health care equipment: In the health care industry, electrical engineering is utilized to build biomedical instruments, such as pacemakers, hearing aids, bionic ears or cochlear implants, and medical imaging scanners.

Robotics: In the robotics industry, electrical engineering is used to design and build intelligent machines that can perform a variety of complex tasks.

You can use the following careers, which relate to the various types of electrical engineering, to find one that matches your interests and achievements:

Electrical engineer

An electrical engineer creates and maintains electronics, which include machine components and systems that involve electricity. These professionals use their academic knowledge, training, and industry experience to provide essential contributions in industries such as energy, transportation, and telecommunications. You need at least a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering for this job, and ideal candidates have graduate degrees.

Electrical engineering technician

An electrical engineering technician supports the work of an electrical engineer by helping them to develop electronics. Job duties include assessing electrical equipment, maintaining testing equipment, using diagnostic equipment to identify issues in electrical systems and products, and making recommendations for repairs. For this job, you’re likely to need an associate degree.

Electrical installer and repairer

An electrical installer and repairer installs electrical components, products, and systems and makes the necessary repairs. You need at least a high school diploma and employment experience for this job. Many employers recruiting for specializations in electrical installation and repair, such as line installation and repair, will prefer candidates with apprenticeships or advanced education.

Electronics engineer

An electronics engineer designs, builds, tests, and oversees electronic devices and systems. For this job, you need a degree in electronic engineering or a related field. Additionally, employers seek industry experience, which can be gained through volunteering, internships, and cooperative engineering programs.

Electrician

An electrician uses electrical engineering knowledge and skills to install, maintain, and repair things that require electrical energy to be operational, such as electricity, control, lighting, and communication systems. These professionals work in various industries, such as construction and telecommunications. You usually need a high school diploma, an apprenticeship, and a license in most states to work in this occupation.

Computer hardware engineer

A computer hardware engineer uses electronic and electrical engineering knowledge to develop components and systems that enable the functionality of computer systems. For this job, you typically need a bachelor’s degree in electronic engineering, computer engineering, electrical engineering, or a related field.

Solar photovoltaic technician

A solar photovoltaic technician maintains energy systems that convert the sun’s power into electricity. These technicians assemble, maintain, and repair system components. Demand for these professionals is increasing exponentially with a 51% increase in jobs between 2019 and 2029 estimated by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. You need a high school diploma for this job. When hired, you will receive on-the-job training.

Biomedical engineer

A biomedical engineer with an educational background in electrical engineering develops the electrical functionalities of equipment used in the health care industry. Job duties involve developing diagnostics equipment; building devices that replace body parts; installing, maintaining, and repairing equipment; and collaborating with scientists on the application of engineering expertise on biological systems. To qualify for this job, you need a bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering or another relevant field.

Electromechanical technician

An electromechanical technician tests, operates, and maintains electromechanical equipment. These professionals collaborate with and support the work of electrical engineers and mechanical engineers. They work in diverse industries such as energy, plastics, aerospace, automobiles, IT, and telecommunications. To enter this profession, you need a postsecondary certificate or an associate degree in a relevant field.

Robotics engineer

A robotics engineer designs and builds robots. Job duties involve using advanced robotics and electrical engineering knowledge to design complex, high-performance machines; build systems, such as sensors for detecting environmental stimuli; develop prototypes; and test and improve prototypes. To get hired in this position, you need a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field.

Researcher

A professional educated in electric engineering can become a researcher who works with scientists and other types of engineers to increase knowledge in various academic disciplines and industries. While job duties differ according to the area of research, general duties involve using engineering expertise to explore the possibilities of building new products and services; collaborate with experts; conduct field research; perform data analysis; and present research findings to industry professionals via reports, presentations, and journal articles. In this job, you can extend the body of knowledge in industries such as health care, telecommunications, and IT. To qualify for this job, you need a master’s degree in electrical engineering as well as substantial industry experience.

Mechanical engineer

With an academic background in electrical engineering, you can become a mechanical engineer, who designs and builds machines, automobiles, and components that are powered by electricity and electrical systems. To get hired for this job, you need a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or a related field.

Engineering manager

An engineering manager plans and supervises projects that involve engineering activities. Key job duties include planning the development of new things; identifying labor, financial, and equipment requirements; hiring, motivating, and supervising teams; training staff; developing budgets; providing leadership; coordinating engineering projects; checking project outputs; and collaborating with subordinates, colleagues, and supervisors. To get this job, you need a bachelor’s degree as well as several years of employment experience in an engineering occupation.

Industrial engineer

An industrial engineer is tasked with designing and building systems that provide a service or develop a product. These professionals must work with materials, electricity, equipment, information, and workers to meet project requirements and achieve targets. Jobs are estimated to grow 10% between 2019 and 2029, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. You need a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering, electrical engineering, or a related field to enter this occupation.

As discussed, there are many job options you can choose from among the types of electrical engineering. Utilize what you learned in this article to select the occupations that appeal to you. Then, collect more information on them until you find one that works for you.

Looking for a new job? Start here.