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Electrical and Electronics Engineers are concerned with design, development, manufacture and testing of electrical and electronic components, products, and systems for commercial, industrial, medical, military, and scientific purposes.

NATURE OF THE OCCUPATION

Electrical and Electronics Engineers may:  

Consult with peers, customers and others to discuss potential projects and products

Design electronic and electrical equipment, products and procedures and evaluate their performance

Develop new and improved devices using certain materials  

Conduct research and development activities  

Write specifications for and maintain equipment  

Supervise workers and projects  

Perform administrative and managerial functions  

Direct field operations  

Write and use computer programs  

Recommend and implement equipment design changes  

Write reports and articles for professional publications  

Evaluate operational systems and make recommendations for repairs or other modifications

Perform detailed calculations to establish standards and specifications

Investigate and test products

Prepare bidding documents, drawings, and specifications for the application and installation of various systems  

Click here to watch a brief video on Electrical Engineers.

The tools and equipment used may include:  

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES  

Electrical & Electronics Engineers may specialize in these areas:  

003.061-010 ELECTRICAL and 003.061-030 ELECTRONICS ENGINEERS are concerned with the design development, manufacture, and testing of electrical and electronic components, products, and systems for commercial, industrial, medical, military, and scientific purposes.  

003.061-038 ELECTRONICS-RESEARCH ENGINEERS conduct research in various fields of electronic phenomena.  

003.061-046 ILLUMINATING ENGINEERS design and direct the installation of illuminating equipment and systems for buildings, plants, streets, and other facilities.  

003.167-018 POWER SYSTEM ELECTRICAL ENGINEERS design power system facilities and equipment and coordinate the construction, operation, and maintenance of electric power generating, receiving, and distribution stations, systems, and equipment. These Engineers may be designated by the type of engineering functions they perform, such as design-and-construction engineer and operations-and-maintenance engineer.  

003.061-050 CENTRAL-OFFICE-FACILITIES PLANNING ENGINEERS conduct studies to develop data required for planning central telephone office switching facilities. They prepare plans and schedules for obtaining and installing equipment to meet current and long term requirements.  

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may also find it helpful to explore the following Career Exploration Scripts:  

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Electrical and Electronics Engineers usually work with other Engineers, technicians, and construction or manufacturing workers. Sometimes they work as part of a team that includes specialists in other areas in order to solve a problem. They may also spend time supervising construction or factory workers.  

Some work in well lighted and well ventilated offices, classrooms, and laboratories. Others work in factories, power installations, or outdoors and may be exposed to factory hazards or severe weather conditions. Some may be required to move from place to place to work on different projects. Long-term projects may last 2 or 3 years.  

Electrical and Electronics Engineers usually work a 40- to 50-hour, 5-day week. They may work overtime to complete projects. Additional time may also be spent studying technical journals in order to keep up with changing technology affecting the field.  

Electrical and Electronics Engineers may join professional organizations such as The National Society of Professional Engineers or The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers . Members pay annual dues.  

You Should Prefer:

• Activities that are scientific and technical in nature

• Activities dealing with things and objects

• Activities relating to processes, machines, and methods

 You Should Be Able To:

• Think logically in a clear and organized manner

• Work carefully and pay close attention to detail

• Understand and use high level mathematics

• Compare/see differences in size/shape/form of objects/lines/figures

• Analyze and solve problems based on accurate information

• Make decisions

• Adjust to a variety of different tasks

• Direct/control/plan an entire activity and the activities of others

• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing

  Math Problem You Should Be Able To Solve:

 If given a parallel electrical circuit containing 55, 75 and 125 ohm resistors, what is the total equivalent resistance in the whole circuit?  

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:  

A battery supplies direct current (dc). That is, the polarity of the voltage does not change. Generators can produce either direct current or alternating current.  

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:  

Create an accurate written report of your work for your boss.  

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:  

An electric circuit is malfunctioning. You have to analyze the symptoms and use good problem solving skills to find a cure.  

Engineers working in areas that affect public health, life, or property must be licensed by the Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth, Board of Professional Engineers. The State of Michigan may require a license for this occupation.  Click  here for "Michigan Licensed Occupations," see Engineer, Licensed Professional for specific licensing information.

EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES  

NOTE: A Bachelor's Degree (four years of study beyond high school) or a Master's Degree (five to six years of study beyond high school) or a Professional Degree or Doctorate (seven to ten years of study beyond high school) may qualify a person for this occupation.  

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in this Career Exploration Script:  

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***  

0500 BUILDING TRADES , 0700 CAREERS , 0900 COMMUNICATIONS , 1000 COMPUTERS , 1200 ELECTRONICS , 1300 ENGLISH , 2200 MATH , 2900 SCIENCE , 3000 SOCIAL STUDIES , 3200 TECHNICAL DRAWING , 3300 TECHNOLOGY  

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***  

There are no Vocational Education Programs related to this Career Exploration Script.  

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***  

053 ELECTRICAL & ELECTRONICS ENGINEER  

Programs in Electrical and Electronics Engineering provide opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills necessary for professional leadership in applying the principles of Electrical and Electronics Engineering. Fields of application include electronics, automatic control, power utilization, communications, and computers. Electrical and Electronics Engineers function as researchers, developers, designers, and inventors.  

Courses within this program will vary from school to school but may include:  

 058 ENGINEERING (PRE-PROFESSIONAL)  

Pre-Engineering Programs provide opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills required for admission to professional engineering colleges.  

Many Michigan colleges and universities offer programs which may satisfy the prerequisites for admission to engineering schools. Students should contact the engineering schools of their choice for admission requirements and consult their school's pre-professional adviser to ensure that admission prerequisites will be met.  

Courses vary from school to school but may include:  

The most common requirements for entering a community college are a high school diploma, or GED, or being at least 18 years old and completing application forms. In addition, entering a college or university may require graduation from high school in a college preparatory program, a grade point average acceptable to the school to which you apply, and passing entrance examinations.  

Search for a College and/or Instructional Program  

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***

Although this occupation has apprenticeship programs available in Michigan, they are limited in number. See the Sources of More Information below for name, address and phone number of the Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training.  

***MILITARY TRAINING PROGRAMS***  

Please check the Military web site at http://www.myfuture.com.

 ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS ENGINEERS  

Equipment such as radar, missile guidance systems, and communication equipment depends on advanced electronics. Electrical and electronics engineers design, develop and test electrical and electronic equipment. They also direct equipment installation and repair.  

 What They Do  

Electrical and electronics engineers in the military perform some or all of the following duties:

• Direct research to improve and develop computer, navigation, and other electronic systems

• Direct equipment installation and repair

• Develop test standards and operating instructions for electrical and electronic systems

• Design and develop test instruments

• Test new or modified equipment to check its performance and reliability

• Review test data, report results, and recommend actions

 Special Requirements  

A 4-year college degree in electrical, electronic, or communications engineering is required to enter this occupation.  

Helpful Attributes  

Helpful attributes include:

• Interest in engineering concepts and principles

• Interest in planning and directing research projects

• Interest in working with mathematical formulas

 Work Environment  

Electrical and electronics engineers usually work in offices while planning research studies and designing electronic systems. They may work outdoors when overseeing the installation of new equipment.  

Civilian Counterparts  

Civilian electrical and electronics engineers work for manufacturers of electrical and electronic equipment. Many work for government agencies, public utilities, and engineering firms. Civilian electrical and electronics engineers perform duties similar to those performed in the military. However, they usually specialize in product areas, such as computers, communications, or aerospace systems. They may also be called electronics design engineers and electronics test engineers.  

Training Provided  

Initial job training is usually provided on the job. Classroom training is provided for some specialties in this occupation. Course content typically includes.

• Combat and tactical communications systems

• Telecommunications center systems

• Signal center site defense systems

Opportunities  

On average, the military needs new electrical and electronics engineers each year. After job training, electrical and electronics engineers are usually assigned to engineering research and development units or to communications centers. Initially, they conduct studies and supervise research and development staff. With experience, they may advance to senior management positions, such as engineering staff officer, research and development manager, or communications center director.  

E-Learning Courses and Programs

OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY  

High school students may gain experience through participation in a local chapter of the Junior Engineering Technical Society (JETS). Postsecondary programs in pre-engineering and electrical and electronics engineering may offer opportunities for experience. The military may offer related experience also.  

School-to-Work opportunities include:

informal apprenticeships  

mentorships  

job shadowing experiences  

touring a local Electrical and Electronics Engineer employer  

internships  

volunteer work with an Electrical and Electronics Engineer employer  

community service work with an agency  

To get a job as an Electrical or Electronics Engineer, apply directly to employers, take civil service exams, and register at college placement offices. Additional sources such as newspaper want ads and professional publications such as the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers' " Spectrum " and college faculty may be helpful also. In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:  

 You should also enter an electronic resume on these on-line services.

EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT  

Salaries of Electrical and Electronics Engineers usually depend on their experience, responsibilities, capabilities, education, and on the type, size, and location of the employer. Engineers working in business services and communications generally receive the highest salaries. The lowest salaries were paid to Engineers in government and education.  

Nationally, the median annual earnings of Electrical and Electronics Engineers were $75,608 in 2007. Most licensed Electrical and Electronics Professional Engineers had annual average salaries ranging from $55,099 to $152,150 (early 2008). Salaries are highest in the East and Northeast. The median yearly earnings of "all" workers in the U.S. were $36,140 in 2007.

In the federal government (2008) annual starting salaries for Electrical and Electronics Engineers, depending on college records, were between $34,139 and $42,290 with a bachelor's degree, $42,290 and $51,738 with a master's degree, and a minimum of $56,173 for a doctorate.  

The average annual starting salaries offered to most graduates of Electrical and Electronics Engineering programs nationwide were (early 2008): $56,512 with a bachelor's degree, $61,667 with a master's degree, and $64,406 for a doctorate. Graduates in Michigan received similar offers.  

Annual salaries for Electrical Engineers working for state and local governments were (early 2008):  

                                     *May begin within this range depending on market conditions.  

Depending on the employer, fringe benefits may include paid vacations, holidays, and sick leave; life, health, accident, and disability insurance; retirement and educational reimbursement plans; and stock purchase or savings plans. Benefits are usually paid for, at least in part, by employers.  

Most Electrical and Electronics Engineers start out as trainees. After obtaining experience, Electrical and Electronics Engineers may advance to Chief Engineer, Manager, and Administrator. Graduate study can be very helpful. Other factors affecting promotions are: experience, education, professional registration, and personal ability.

EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK  

Nationally, almost 291,200 Electrical and Electronics Engineers were employed in 2006. Employment is expected to grow more slowly than the average for all occupations through the year 2016. Additionally, about 1.7% of them were self-employed. The industry distribution for Electrical and Electronics Engineers looked like this:  

To find employers, click Employer/Business Locator.  

The need for electronics manufacturers to invest heavily in research and development to remain competitive will provide openings for graduates who have learned the latest technologies. Increased demand by businesses and government for improved computers and communications equipment is expected to account for much of the projected employment growth. Consumer demand for electrical and electronic goods should create additional jobs. Job growth is expected to be fastest in non-manufacturing industries, however, because firms are increasingly getting electronic engineering expertise from consulting and service companies.  

Engineers who fail to keep up with rapid changes in technology in some specialties risk technological obsolescence, which makes them more susceptible to layoffs or, at minimum, more likely to be passed over for advancement. Opportunities for electronics engineers in defense-related firms may improve as the trend shifts to upgrading existing aircraft and weapons systems with improved navigation, control, guidance, and targeting systems.  Innovation and technology trends in developing technology using alternative energy sources such as wind, solar and nano-technology will increase the demand for highly skilled engineers.

There are about 8,400 Electrical and Electronics Engineers employed in Michigan. Most Electrical and Electronic Engineers worked in urban areas. In the services industry, most worked for computer and data processing services. Many worked for manufacturers of transportation equipment and electronic and electrical equipment. Others were employed by utility companies, colleges and universities, and engineering consulting firms.  

Employment of Electrical and Electronics Engineers in Michigan is expected to increase faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2014. An average of 270 annual openings is expected, with 110 due to growth and 160 due to replacement of those who retire or leave the labor force for other reasons. Additional openings will occur as workers change jobs or occupations.

Employment opportunities will occur in basic research, device development and application, and system design and development as well as in technical service, customer service, and technical sales. In Michigan, the auto industry and its suppliers will require more Electrical and Electronics Engineers as the industry expands its use of electronics in automobiles, particularly such equipment as electronic ignition and electronically-controlled fuel injection. Additional Electrical and Electronics Engineers will be needed as Michigan industry expands to high technology areas, such as robotics and alternative fueled vehicles (i.e. battery powered).  

MICHIGAN 'S EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK TO 2014

 MSA designates a Metropolitan Statistical Area

SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION  

Printed Occupational information is available upon written request from the sources below.  

Copyright © 2008 Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth