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ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONICS
ENGINEERS
Overview
Electrical and electronics engineers design, develop, test, and maintain
electrical and electronic equipment, as well as the technological systems
that people use everyday. These products and systems include everything
from power generators to communication devices to lighting and wiring
systems. Electrical and electronics engineers usually specialize in one
area.
Programs
(electronics related)
Electrical and electronics engineers talk to clients to find out what they
need. After that, engineers begin designing systems and equipment. They
make technical drawings of the systems and equipment. For complex lighting
or electrical systems, they may map out how the system will be installed
into the building. They work with other engineers and clients to refine
the design. They oversee the construction of systems and equipment. During
construction, they identify problems and solve them.
When the systems and equipment have been built, electrical and electronics
engineers test and maintain them. They look for ways to improve system
performance.
Several electrical and electronics engineers may work on the same project.
Thus some engineers may supervise the work of others.
Work activities
The following list of occupational tasks is specific to this career.
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Design
electrical equipment and systems.
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Prepare
technical drawings of equipment and systems.
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Refine
engineering designs.
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Plan
layout of electrical systems.
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Oversee
building and development of electrical equipment and systems.
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Inspect
completed installation.
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Communicate
with coworkers and clients about equipment and systems.
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Evaluate
operation of equipment and systems.
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Recommend
adjustments to improve efficiency of equipment and systems.
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Investigate
problems with electrical equipment and systems.
People
in this career perform the following list of tasks, but the tasks are
common to many occupations.
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Get
information needed to so the job.
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Analyze
and process data or information.
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Draft
and design technical devices or equipment.
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Make
decisions to solve problems.
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Implement
ideas, programs, and systems.
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Identify
objects, actions, and events.
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Inspect
equipment, structures, and materials.
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Think
creatively.
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Evaluate
information against standards.
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Monitor
processes.
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Communicate
with coworkers.
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Judge
the qualities of objects, services, or people.
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Estimate
the characteristics of materials and products.
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Provide
advice and consultation to persons outside the organization.
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Coordinate
the work and activities of others.
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Interact
with computers.
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Organize,
plan, and prioritize.
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Document
and record information.
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Develop
objectives and ways to meet them.
Working
Conditions
In a typical work setting, people in this career:
Interpersonal
Relationships
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Provide
an important service to others.
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Are
sometimes responsible for the work results of others.
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Often
deal with customers or clients.
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Are
sometimes responsible for the health and safety of others.
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Have
a medium level of job-required social interaction.
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Sometimes
persuade others to make certain decisions.
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Supervise,
train, or develop other employees.
Physical
Work Conditions
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Usually
work indoors. They may work outdoors if the electrical system or
equipment requires it.
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Are
sometimes exposed to hazardous conditions. However, there is low
likelihood of moderate injury due to exposure.
Work
Performance
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Must
be sure that work is always done accurately and completely. Errors
could seriously endanger people who use the products they design.
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Must
be aware of events that change frequently, such as technical advances.
Hours/Travel
Physical
Demands
People
in this career frequently:
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Use
hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
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Sit
for long periods of time.
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Stand
while touring buildings.
It
is important for people in this career to be able to:
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See
details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
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Speak
clearly so listeners can understand.
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Make
fast, simple, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.
It
is not as important, but still necessary, for people in this career to be
able to:
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Hold
the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving
the arm.
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See
differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
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Make
quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
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Use
hands or fingers to grasp, move, or assemble small objects.
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Recognize
and understand the speech of another person.
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See
details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
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Determine
the distance between objects.
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Hear
sounds and recognize the difference between them.
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Use
stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods
without getting tired.
Skills
& abilities
People in this career need to:
Communicate
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Express
ideas clearly when speaking and writing.
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Read
and understand work-related materials.
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Understand
spoken information by listening to others and asking questions.
Reason
and Problem Solve
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Judge
the costs and benefits of a possible action.
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Use
reasoning to discover answers to problems.
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Analyze
ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
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Identify
problems and review information. Analyze choices and apply solutions.
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Understand
new information or materials by studying and working with them.
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Notice
when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
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Think
of original, unusual, or creative ways to solve problems.
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Determine
how a system should work and how changes in conditions will affect
outcomes.
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Combine
several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
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Recognize
when important changes happen or are likely to happen in a system.
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Identify
ways to measure and improve system performance.
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Make
sense of information that seems without meaning or organization.
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Remember
information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
Use
Math and Science
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Use
math skills to solve problems.
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Add,
subtract, multiply, and divide quickly and correctly.
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Use
scientific methods to solve problems.
Manage
Oneself, People, Time and Things
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Check
how well one is learning or doing something.
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Decide
how to spend money to get the work done and keep track of how the
money was used.
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Obtain
needed equipment, facilities, and materials and oversee their use.
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Manage
the time of self and others.
Work
with People
Work
with Things
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Analyze
needs and requirements when designing products.
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Design
equipment and technology to meet user needs.
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Determine
the tools and equipment needed to do a job.
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Watch
gauges, dials, and output to make sure a machine is working properly.
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Test
and inspect products or processes. Evaluate quality or performance.
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Write
computer programs.
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Determine
the causes of technical problems and find solutions for them.
Perceive
and Visualize
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Imagine
how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are
rearranged.
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Quickly
and accurately compare letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or
patterns.
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Identify
a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in
distracting material.
Knowledge
People in this career need knowledge in the following areas:
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Engineering
and Technology: Knowledge of how to build machines, buildings, and
other things. Also includes knowledge of how to use computers,
machines, and tools to do work more usefully.
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Mathematics:
Knowledge of the rules and uses of numbers. Areas of knowledge include
arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and statistics.
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Computers
and Electronics: Knowledge of computer hardware and software.
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Design:
Knowledge of making and using plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
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Production
and Processing: Knowledge of how products are made and supplied.
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Administration
and Management: Knowledge of managing the operations of a business,
company, or group.
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Telecommunications:
Knowledge of the equipment that is used to send messages as electronic
impulses. Examples include radio, television, telegraph, and cable.
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Building
and Construction: Knowledge of constructing buildings and other
structures.
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English
Language: Knowledge of the meaning, spelling, and use of the English
language.
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Physics:
Knowledge of the features and rules of matter and energy. Areas of
knowledge include air, water, light, heat, weather, and other natural
events.
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Mechanical:
Knowledge of designing, using, and repairing machines and tools.
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Public
Safety and Security: Knowledge of protecting people, data, and
property.
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Economics
and Accounting: Knowledge of producing, supplying, and using goods and
services. Also includes knowledge of the methods for keeping business
records.
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Customer
and Personal Service: Knowledge of providing special services to
customers based on their needs.
Interests
People in this career are people who tend to:
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Consider
achievement important. They like to see the results of their work and
to use their strongest abilities. They like to get a feeling of
accomplishment from their work.
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Consider
independence important. They like to make decisions and try out ideas
on their own. They prefer jobs where they can plan their work with
little supervision.
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Consider
good working conditions important. They like jobs offering steady
employment and good pay. They want employment that fits their
individual work style. They may prefer doing a variety of tasks,
working alone, or being busy all the time.
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Consider
recognition important. They like to work in jobs which have
opportunities for them to advance, be recognized for their work, and
direct and instruct others. They usually prefer jobs in which they are
looked up to by others.
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Have
investigative interests. They like work activities that have to do
with ideas and thinking. They like to search for facts and figure out
solutions to problems mentally.
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Have
realistic interests. They like work activities that include practical,
hands-on problems and solutions. They like to work with plants,
animals, and physical materials such as wood, tools, and machinery.
They often prefer to work outside.
Preparation
A bachelor's degree in some specialty of electrical engineering is the
minimum requirement for entry-level positions. Since this field is so
broad, electrical and electronics engineers often earn a master's degree
in their area of specialty. Electrical and electronics engineers may
choose to go into computer architecture, communications systems, or
digital electronics. Research and teaching positions require an advanced
degree. Professional engineers must be licensed.
To enter an engineering school, a solid background in mathematics and
science is necessary. Helpful high school courses include algebra,
geometry, trigonometry, and calculus. Science courses in chemistry and
physics are also important. Students should also take courses in English,
social studies, humanities, and computers.
Educational
programs
Licensing requirements
No State of Minnesota license requirements are found for this career
Professional engineers must be registered to work in Minnesota.
Registration may be obtained by completing education and experience
requirements and then passing an examination. The Minnesota Board may also
grant registration to persons who are registered in another state or
Canada.
Applicants to practice as a professional engineer must:
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Graduate
from an approved four-year engineering program;
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Pass
the fundamentals of Engineering Exam
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Complete
at least four years of supervised engineering work experience
To
obtain more information, contact:
Board of Architecture, Engineering, Land Surveying, Landscape
Architecture, Geoscience, and Interior Design
85 7th St. East, Suite 160
St. Paul, MN 55101-2333
Phone : 651.296.2388
http://www.aelslagid.state.mn.us/
All states require registration of electrical engineers. Licensing
requirements vary by state.
Wages
In Minnesota, the median wage for electrical and electronics engineers is
$5,455 per month. Half of all electrical and electronics engineers earn
between $4,335 and $6,595 per month.
Nationally, the median wage for electrical engineers is $5,055 per month.
Half of all electrical engineers earn between $4,025 and $6,175 per month.
Wages are slightly higher for electronics engineers.
Most electrical and electronics engineers work for companies that offer
benefits. These benefits may include paid holidays and vacations, sick
leave, medical insurance, and a retirement plan.
Employment
In Minnesota, about 6,381 electrical and electronics engineers work in
this medium sized occupation.
Nationally, about 357,000 electrical and electronics engineers work in
this medium-sized occupation.
Major employers:
Electrical and electronics equipment manufacturers
Engineering and business consulting firms
Federal government agencies
Computer and office equipment companies
Communication equipment companies
Computer and data processing companies
Search and navigation equipment companies
Outlook
In Minnesota, the employment for electrical and electronics engineers is
expected to grow faster than average for all occupations through the year
2008.
Nationally, the number of jobs for electrical end electronics engineers is
expected to grow faster than average through 2008.
Jobs will become available as engineers transfer to other occupations or
leave the work force. Jobs will also become available due to the increased
demand for electrical and electronics equipment. Additional engineers will
be needed to design the new products that consumers want. There will be a
demand for researchers in electrical and electronics engineering so that
companies can stay competitive.
Advancement Opportunities
Opportunities for advancement in this occupation are best for engineers
who keep up on the rapid changes in technology. This requires periodic
retraining.
Engineers start in entry-level positions. They generally advance to higher
positions as they gain experience and knowledge. With experience and the
desire to supervise others, engineers may eventually advance to chief
engineer. This position oversees all projects and manages other engineers.
Page
last updated in December 2001.
Source: Minnesota
Department of Children, Families & Learning (MCIS) Minnesota
Career Information System
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