Occupation Details
Electrical Engineers
Research, design, develop, test, or supervise the manufacturing and installation of electrical equipment, components, or systems for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use.
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Interests
Realistic
Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
Investigative
Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
Work Values
Achievement
Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
Working Conditions
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
Independence
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
Salary & Job Outlook
Starting Salary
$71,410.00
New York StateMedian Salary
$103,560.00
New York StateExperienced Salary
$130,070.00
New York StateNational Average for Comparison
New York State Job Market Outlook
Jobs Right Now (2018)
8,460
professionals in NYFuture Job Growth (2030)
9,720
+126 jobs/yearNew Jobs Every Year
706
new opportunities yearlyGrowth Rate
0.2%
projected increasePreparation: Experience, Training, and Education
The list below outlines the prior educational experience required to perform in this occupation.
Degree Needed - Four-year college
Experience Requirements
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
Education Requirements
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Training Details
Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Transferrable Skills and Experience
Many of these occupations involve coordinating, supervising, managing, or training others. Examples include real estate brokers, sales managers, database administrators, graphic designers, conservation scientists, art directors, and cost estimators.
School Programs
The following lists school programs which are applicable to this occupation.
Licensing & Certification
New York State requires workers in this occupation to hold a license or certification.
Professional Engineer
Learn MoreSkills
The list below includes the skills required by workers in this occupation; skills are what allow you to learn more quickly and improve your performance.
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Writing
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Complex Problem Solving
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Skill level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Knowledge
The list below includes knowledge items, the principles and facts required by this occupation.
Engineering and Technology
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Computers and Electronics
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Design
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Physics
Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
Knowledge level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Work Environment
The list below includes the physical and social factors that influence the nature of work in this occupation.
Hover over or tap each factor to see its description.
Work Styles
Included in the list below are the personal work style characteristics that can affect how well a worker is likely to perform in this occupation.
Achievement/Effort
Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
Adaptability/Flexibility
Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
Analytical Thinking
Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
Attention to Detail
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Cooperation
Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
Dependability
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Initiative
Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
Integrity
Job requires being honest and ethical.
Persistence
Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
Stress Tolerance
Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
Tools & Technology
This list below describes the machines, equipment, tools, software, and information technology that workers in this occupation will use.
Tools
- Accelerometers
- Annealing furnaces
- Atomic force microscopes
- Auger electron spectrometers
- Computer servers
- Cylindrical corona testers
- Diffractometers
- Diffusion furnaces
- Digital oscilloscopes
- Digital video cameras
- Digital voltmeters DVM
- Doping tubes
- Electrical flow meters
- Electrochemical CV dopant profilers
- Electrochemical etching devices
- Electron beam evaporators
- Ellipsometers
- Filament evaporators
- Fog chambers
- Frequency counters
- Frequency drives
- Glove box systems
- Imaging spectrographs
- Inductance capacitance resistance LCR meters
- Laptop computers
- Laser printers
- Laser ranging systems
- Low pressure chemical vapor deposition LPCVD systems
- Metal evaporation systems
- Microbalances
Technology
- APLAC
- ATD protocol
- AVEVA InTouch HMI
- Altera hardware description language AHDL
- Apache Subversion
- Autodesk Revit
- Availability prediction modeling software
- Bash
- Bentley MicroStation
- C
- C++
- Chip design software
- Circuit simulation software
- Computer aided design and drafting software CADD
- Computer aided manufacturing CAM software
- Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
Duties
Duties are job behaviors describing activities that occur on multiple jobs. The generalized and detailed work activities described in the list below apply to this occupation.
- prepare reports
- prepare technical reports or related documentation
- lead teams in engineering projects
- direct personnel in support of engineering activities
- delegate authority for engineering activities
- use total quality management practices
- develop budgets
- conduct training for personnel
- coordinate manufacture of electrical or electronic equipment
- direct and coordinate scientific research or investigative studies
- coordinate engineering project activities
- direct and coordinate activities of workers or staff
- advise clients or customers
- advise clients regarding engineering problems
- test equipment as part of engineering projects or processes
- test electrical components or systems
- write business project or bid proposals
- develop policies, procedures, methods, or standards
- develop plans for programs or projects
- evaluate product design
- conduct performance testing
- inspect project operations, or site to determine specification compliance
- explain complex mathematical information
- interpret maps for architecture, construction, or engineering project
- communicate technical information
- work as a team member
- estimate cost for engineering projects
- estimate materials or labor requirements
- estimate time needed for project
- estimate time or cost for installation, repair, or construction projects
- plan testing of engineering methods
- plan scientific research or investigative studies
- design construction projects
- design control systems
- design engineered systems
- design electronic equipment
- design power equipment
- design transmission equipment
- design manufacturing processes or methods
- design waste recovery methods
- improve test devices or techniques in manufacturing, industrial or engineering setting
- create mathematical or statistical diagrams or charts
- design electro-mechanical equipment
- design telecommunication equipment
- determine specifications
- draw prototypes, plans, or maps to scale
- write product performance requirements
- calculate engineering specifications
- investigate customer complaints
- compile numerical or statistical data
- develop tables depicting data
- compute production, construction, or installation specifications
- understand detailed electronic design specifications
- understand engineering data or reports
- perform safety inspections in industrial, manufacturing or repair setting
- inspect facilities or equipment for regulatory compliance
- examine engineering documents for completeness or accuracy
- use drafting or mechanical drawing techniques
- use government regulations
- use hazardous materials information
- use pollution control techniques
- use quality assurance techniques
- use research methodology procedures within manufacturing or commerce
- use scientific research methodology
- follow safe waste disposal procedures
- use technical information in manufacturing or industrial activities
- use technical regulations for engineering problems
- follow manufacturing methods or techniques
- use knowledge of investigation techniques
- use long or short term production planning techniques
- use mathematical or statistical methods to identify or analyze problems
- use project management techniques
- use quantitative research methods
- use library or online Internet research techniques
- use robotics systems technology
- follow statistical process control procedures
- confer with research personnel
- confer with engineering, technical or manufacturing personnel
- analyze engineering design problems
- analyze scientific research data or investigative findings
- calculate differential equations
- determine factors affecting production processes
- evaluate costs of engineering projects
- evaluate engineering data
- evaluate manufacturing or processing systems
- provide analytical assessment of engineering data
- analyze technical data, designs, or preliminary specifications
- analyze project proposal to determine feasibility, cost, or time
- analyze test data
- analyze engineering test data
- use intuitive judgment for engineering analyses
- resolve engineering or science problems
- collect scientific or technical data
- read blueprints
- read schematics
- read technical drawings
- use computer aided drafting or design software for design, drafting, modeling, or other engineering tasks
- use computer graphics design software
- use computers to enter, access or retrieve data
- use relational database software
- use spreadsheet software
- use word processing or desktop publishing software
- develop or maintain databases
Tasks
The list below outlines specific tasks that a worker in this occupation is called upon to do regularly.
- Operate computer-assisted engineering or design software or equipment to perform engineering tasks.
- Prepare technical drawings, specifications of electrical systems, or topographical maps to ensure that installation and operations conform to standards and customer requirements.
- Confer with engineers, customers, or others to discuss existing or potential engineering projects or products.
- Design, implement, maintain, or improve electrical instruments, equipment, facilities, components, products, or systems for commercial, industrial, or domestic purposes.
- Conduct field surveys or study maps, graphs, diagrams, or other data to identify and correct power system problems.
- Direct or coordinate manufacturing, construction, installation, maintenance, support, documentation, or testing activities to ensure compliance with specifications, codes, or customer requirements.
- Compile data and write reports regarding existing or potential electrical engineering studies or projects.
- Investigate customer or public complaints to determine the nature and extent of problems.
- Perform detailed calculations to compute and establish manufacturing, construction, or installation standards or specifications.
- Oversee project production efforts to assure projects are completed on time and within budget.
- Inspect completed installations and observe operations to ensure conformance to design and equipment specifications and compliance with operational, safety, or environmental standards.
- Plan or implement research methodology or procedures to apply principles of electrical theory to engineering projects.
- Design electrical systems or components that minimize electric energy requirements, such as lighting systems designed to account for natural lighting.
- Plan layout of electric power generating plants or distribution lines or stations.
- Prepare specifications for purchases of materials or equipment.
- Assist in developing capital project programs for new equipment or major repairs.
- Estimate labor, material, or construction costs for budget preparation purposes.
- Supervise or train project team members, as necessary.
- Investigate or test vendors' or competitors' products.
- Collect data relating to commercial or residential development, population, or power system interconnection to determine operating efficiency of electrical systems.
- Develop systems that produce electricity with renewable energy sources, such as wind, solar, or biofuels.
- Integrate electrical systems with renewable energy systems to improve overall efficiency.
Learning Resources
More information on this occupation may be found in the links provided below.
American Electronics Association (AeA) Advancing the Business of Technology
AeA is a nationwide non-profit trade association that represents all segments of the technology industry.
Learn MoreDesign and Discovery: Experience Engineering Through Design
A hands-on, inquiry-based experience in problem solving, Design and Discovery is a free curriculum that introduces youth, ages 11-15, to engineering through design, and helps students create an awareness of the role engineering plays in our society. In an extended sequence of hands-on sessions, students follow a design process and build working prototypes that solve problems in the engineered world.
Learn MoreDiscovery Channel School's Curriculum Center
Here you will find classroom science activities, puzzles and project ideas to boost the study and support core curriculum topics like bacteria, chemistry, genetics, the universe and more. The correlated Discovery School videos and CD-ROMs provide a wealth of knowledge. The popular science topics are those taught in upper elementary and middle school.
Learn MoreElectrical and Electronics Engineers
Visit this link for information on this career in the military.
Learn MoreElectrical and electronics engineers, except computer
Visit this link for additional information on this career from the Occupational Outlook Handbook; a publication produced and maintained by the United States Department of Labor.
Learn MoreEngineers (Intro)
Visit this link for additional information on this career from the Occupational Outlook Handbook; a publication produced and maintained by the United States Department of Labor.
Learn MoreFor Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) LEGO League
Considered the little league of the FIRST Robotics Competition, FIRST LEGO League uses LEGO bricks and other elements such as sensors, motors, and gears. Teams gain hands on experience in engineering and computer programming principles as they construct and program their unique robot inventions.
Learn MoreFor Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) Robotics Competition
The FIRST Robotics Competition challenges teams of young people and their mentors to solve a common problem in a six week timeframe using a standard "kit of parts" and a common set of rules. Teams build robots from the parts and enter them in a series of competitions.
Learn MoreFor Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) Vex Challenge
The FIRST Vex Challenge is a mid-level robotics competition intended to bridge the gap between FIRST Lego League and the premier FIRST Robotics Competition. Creative problem-solving skills are used to build robots that do amazing things.
Learn MoreGreatest Engineering Achievements of the 20th Century
How many of the 20th century's greatest engineering achievements will you use today? A car? Computer? Telephone? Explore the Greatest Engineering Achievements of the 20th Century list of the top 20 achievements and learn how engineering shaped a century and changed the world.
Learn MoreInfinity Project
The Infinity Project brings math and science lessons to the real world. It delivers a dynamic new high school engineering curriculum that's easy to use and impactful through simple, powerful classroom technologies, professional development for instructors, and web-based teacher support.
Learn MoreInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
The IEEE is the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. Through its global membership, the IEEE is a leading authority on areas ranging from aerospace systems, computers and telecommunications to biomedical engineering, electric power and consumer electronics among others.
Learn MoreJunior Engineering Technical Society (JETS), Opening the World of Engineering and Technology to Students, Parents, and Educators
Need some insight on the critical role engineers play in the world? JETS works to increase interest and awareness of engineering and technology based careers through student competitions, assessment tools, career guidance resources, an e newsletter, as well as resource materials for parents and counselors.
Learn MoreJunior Engineering Technical Society (JETS):Opening the World of Engineering and Technology to Students, Parents, and Educators
Providing Real-World Engineering Insight and Challenges for High School Students...JETS works to increase interest and awareness of engineering and technology-based careers - with student competitions, assessment tools, career guidance resources, an e-newsletter, and more ? as well as resource materials for parents and counselors.
Learn MoreLEGO? MINDSTORMS?
Robotics is a popular and effective way for teachers to cover important areas of their Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths curricula. The LEGO? MINDSTORMS? for Schools series is tailor-made for classroom and after-school club use. It includes construction sets, programming tools and activity packs.
Learn MoreNew York City / New Jersey FIRST
New York City / New Jersey FIRST is dedicated to inspiring young people's interest in science and technology. Through the FIRST programs young proplr have the opportunity to participate on FIRST Robotics , FIRST Vex Challenge , and FIRST LEGO League and Junior FIRST LEGO League teams and compete in tournaments and competitions in the region and around the nation.
Learn MoreRensselaer Polytechnic Institute Center for Initiatives in Pre-College Education (CIPCE)
RPI, through CIPCE, works with area K12 teachers and students, as well as local, statewide and national organizations, to promote the use of robotics and other technologies in the classroom. Since its inception, a series of professional development, academic and after-school programs have been created.
Learn MoreRobotics: Assistive Design for the Future
The Robotics: Assistive Design for the Future program is designed to integrate engineering and technology into middle school students' after school and in-school curriculum. The curriculum is based on the students designing, building and programming a LEGO robot that will serve as an assistive device for some physically challenged population. The unit consists of ten lessons which take approximately 10 hours of instructional time with students.
Learn MoreSUNY New Paltz Summer Camp: Mad Science Robotics Camp
Mad Science has sparked imaginative learning with their unique brand of engaging and educational live programs and activities. Robotics Camp - Explore the basic technology used to design and build robots and discover how they work. Learn about simple machines, gear structure, battery wiring, motor principles and electronic circuits.
Learn MoreSchool-Business Partnerships of Long Island FIRST LEGO League
Eight weeks of research and design culminate in the SBPLI-LI FIRST LEGO League Tournament. The challenge and excitement of designing and building an original robot for 9 to 14 year olds demonstrates their problem-solving skills, creative thinking, teamwork, competitive play and sportsmanship. The synopsis of the 2007/08 season is not yet available.
Learn MoreScience Adventures Summer Camp: New York City, Long Island and Hudson Valley
Get excited about science with fresh, fun, hands on science programs for K6 grades at Science Adventures. This summer go wild and investigate extreme plants and animals, invent with electronics, launch the Comet Rocket and solve an egyptian mystery.
Learn MoreSummer at RPI: PREFACE and STEP Program
Explore all the engineering disciplines and engage in leadership, career, and professional development. The primary goal is to enable interested and talented students to explore the opportunities in engineering and engineering-related professions. Through interactive laboratory experiences, lectures, discussions, field trips, and plant visits, participants have an opportunity to explore the challenges and rewards of a technological education. Contact smithc@rpi.edu for more information.
Learn MoreU.S. Space & Rocket Center Space Academy
Trainees who want to be Astronauts must learn to think like astronauts and the Space Academy Programs are designed to do just that! Participants have three fields of specialized study (or track options) to choose from: Aviation, Space, and Robotics.
Learn More