What is Electrical Engineering What do electrical engineers do Explore Engineering

Summary

Electrical Engineering is a diverse and growing field focused on the study and application of electricity, electronics, and electromagnetism. It spans various subfields like power engineering, telecommunications, and microelectronics, with practical applications in industries ranging from tech to renewable energy. Electrical engineers design, develop, and maintain systems for processing information and transmitting energy. With a median salary of $93,000 per year, the profession offers strong career prospects, though it requires specialized skills. Top employers include Boeing, Google, and IBM. The field is expected to grow due to technological innovations driving demand for engineering expertise.

Takeaways

• 😀 Electrical Engineering is a broad field focused on electricity, electronics, and electromagnetism, with many subfields including electronics, power engineering, telecommunications, and more.
• 😀 The origins of Electrical Engineering date back to the late 19th century, with foundational principles rooted in Michael Faraday's law of induction.
• 😀 Electrical engineers design and work on devices and systems like electric motors, generators, and transformers, which are fundamental to modern electricity use.
• 😀 Electrical engineers work in a wide range of industries, applying physics and mathematics to design and improve systems for processing information and transmitting energy.
• 😀 Key job duties for electrical engineers include feasibility studies, project planning, system testing, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations.
• 😀 Skills needed in electrical engineering include circuit design, power transmission, renewable energy, microcontroller programming, and communication skills.
• 😀 The median salary for electrical engineers is around $93,000 per year, with salaries ranging from $59,240 to $146,820 depending on experience and education.
• 😀 Electrical engineers with a master's degree or professional license may earn higher salaries and are more attractive to employers.
• 😀 Top companies hiring electrical engineers include Boeing, Lockheed Martin, IBM, Google, Apple, General Electric, and BMW Group.
• 😀 Pros of being an electrical engineer include high salaries, job flexibility, and a wide range of career opportunities, while cons include a competitive atmosphere and potential workload unpredictability.
• 😀 The demand for electrical engineers is expected to grow by 4% by 2020, driven by technological innovations and the need for research and development in new technologies.

Q & A

What is electrical engineering?

Electrical engineering is a branch of engineering that focuses on the study and application of electricity, electronics, and electromagnetism. It encompasses a wide range of subfields including electronics, power engineering, telecommunications, and more.

What are some subfields of electrical engineering?

Some subfields include electronics, digital systems, power engineering, telecommunications, control systems, radiofrequency engineering, signal processing, instrumentation, microelectronics, and areas like electrochemistry and nanotechnology.

When did electrical engineering become a distinct branch?

Electrical engineering emerged as a distinct branch in the late 19th century, following experiments with electricity, such as the creation of primitive batteries and static charges.

What is Michael Faraday's law of induction?

Michael Faraday's law of induction states that the voltage in a circuit is proportional to the rate of change in the magnetic field through the circuit. This principle is fundamental to devices like electric generators, motors, and transformers.

What do electrical engineers do?

Electrical engineers design and develop electrical systems, devices, and equipment. Their work can range from designing communication systems and power networks to testing and improving various systems, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations.

What skills are required to be an electrical engineer?

Electrical engineers need skills in circuit design, instrumentation, power transmission, control systems, renewable energy, microcontroller programming, and communication. They should also possess strong presentation and problem-solving abilities.

How much do electrical engineers earn?

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, electrical engineers earn a median salary of around $93,000 per year, with salaries ranging from $59,240 to $146,820. The top 10% of electrical engineers earn over $10,000 per month.

What are the typical working hours for electrical engineers?

Electrical engineers typically work around 40 hours a week. However, they may need to work overtime to meet deadlines depending on the industry and project demands.

Which companies hire electrical engineers?

Top companies hiring electrical engineers include Boeing, Lockheed Martin, IBM, Google, Apple, General Electric, and BMW Group.

What are some pros and cons of being an electrical engineer?

Pros include high salaries, a wide range of career opportunities, and job flexibility. Cons include a risky occupation, unpredictable workload, and a competitive atmosphere for promotions.

What is the projected future growth of electrical engineering jobs?

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the employment of electrical and electronics engineers will grow by 4% between 2020 and 2030, driven by technological innovation and the development of new distribution systems for emerging technologies.