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Engineer: Electrical

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Engineer: Electrical Career Details

Electrical engineers research, design, and maintain electrical facilities, infrastructure, machinery and equipment in the commercial and industrial sector. The work can cover a wide variety of fields including:

transport networks - rail electrification and signalling
power generation - transmission and distribution systems
renewable energy sources - solar panelling, hydroelectric and wind turbines
manufacturing and construction - plant and machinery
building services - lighting, heating, ventilation and lift systems.

Electrical engineers often work on a project with a team of professionals including engineers from other disciplines, architects, engineering technicians and IT staff.

Duties vary depending on exact role and responsibility but can include:

carrying out feasibility studies for new developments or innovations
drawing up technical plans and specifications for projects using computer-assisted engineering and design software
estimating material, construction, and labour costs, and project timescales
coordinating the work of associated technicians and craftspeople
testing installation/products, analysing data, modifying and retesting
ensuring projects adhere to electrical/construction safety regulations
overseeing inspection and maintenance programmes
attending meetings, writing reports and giving presentations to managers and clients.

Fully qualified professional engineers usually hold incorporated or chartered status.

Chartered engineers are normally involved at a strategic planning level, researching and developing new designs, innovations and more efficient processes for the application of new and existing technologies within their chosen engineering specialism. They are often project leaders and are responsible for teams of incorporated engineers and technicians.

Incorporated engineers specialise in managing the process of applying current engineering solutions in the most cost-effective manner. They have a detailed knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology, and have the skills and know-how to put plans into practice. They often hold key operational management roles.

Working Environment

Electrical engineers typically work 40 hours a week, however, actual times will be dictated by project deadlines. Weekend and night work may sometimes be required.

Electrical engineers can work in offices, factories, production plant, workshops, power stations or research facilities.

Engineer: Electrical Related Skills

To be an electrical engineer, you should:

have excellent maths, science, technology and IT skills
be able to analyse complex problems and critically evaluate solutions
be able to visualise and explain theoretical design solutions
have strong decision-making skills
have excellent communication skills
be able to categorise, prioritise and plan effectively
be able to work within budgetary constraints
have excellent interpersonal and teamworking skills
have a comprehensive understanding of electrical health and safety regulations.

Engineer: Electrical Career Opportunities

There are opportunities for qualified electrical engineers in a wide range of industries including aerospace, marine, agricultural, chemical, construction transport and energy. Employers include local and central government departments, the armed services, manufacturers in all industries, research and development companies, IT companies, and public utilities.

With relevant skills and experience, engineers can specialise in project management, research and development or consultancy.

There is increasing scope for employment overseas, both in the expanding EU and elsewhere, with the signing of international accords recognising signatory states' engineering qualifications and professional development schemes. Countries covered by the accords include UK and Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Honk Kong, South Africa, United States and Canada. More details can be found on the Engineering Council's website below.

Further Career Information

If you would like to know more about a career as an Engineer: Electrical related facts, statistics, articles and websites.

Career Steps

Not quite sure about a career as a Engineer: Electrical? Try our step-by-step career guide to reaching your chosen career.

Career Courses

Not quite qualified to be a Engineer: Electrical? Take a look at Training Engineer: Electrical courses, Postgraduate Engineer: Electrical courses, Undergraduate Engineer: Electrical courses, our course browses or use our search form and find courses which will help you on your chosen career path.

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