Electrical Engineer

Other Titles

Circuits Engineer, Design Engineer, Electrical Controls Engineer, Electrical Design Engineer, Electrical Engineer, Electrical Project Engineer, Instrumentation and Electrical Reliability Engineer (I&E Reliability Engineer), Power Systems Engineer, Project Engineer, Test Engineer

Electrical Engineers design and develop a wide range of electrical equipment. Such engineers also test new electrical equipment and may oversee its manufacturing and installation. They create detailed blueprints to provide the specifications for new electrical equipment. They also prepare technical drawings and other materials to make sure that the manufacture and installation of the equipment are as per the specifications. A part of their job is to perform maintenance activities on electrical equipment to make sure it serves various commercial or domestic uses. They also supervise the installation process to ensure it conforms to applicable regulations and standards.

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.

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.

Perform detailed calculations to compute and establish manufacturing, construction, or installation standards or specifications.

Prepare specifications for purchases of materials or equipment.

Estimate labor, material, or construction costs for budget preparation purposes.

Supervise or train project team members, as necessary.

Conduct field surveys or study maps, graphs, diagrams, or other data to identify and correct power system problems.

Investigate customer or public complaints to determine the nature and extent of problems.

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.

Assist in developing capital project programs for new equipment or major repairs.

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.

Complex Problem Solving→ Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Critical Thinking→ Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Reading Comprehension→ Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Writing→ Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Speaking→ Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Active Learning→ Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Monitoring→ Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Mathematics→ Using mathematics to solve problems.

Operations Analysis→ Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.

Systems Evaluation→ Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.

Judgment and Decision Making→ Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Science→ Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

Social Perceptiveness→ Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

Systems Analysis→ Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.

Time Management→ Managing one's own time and the time of others.

Coordination→ Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

Instructing→ Teaching others how to do something.

Management of Personnel Resources→ Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.

Negotiation→ Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.

Persuasion→ Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.

Interacting With Computers→ Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

Getting Information→ Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Making Decisions and Solving Problems→ Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Analyzing Data or Information→ Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates→ Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards→ Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge→ Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events→ Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

Processing Information→ Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment→ Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.

Thinking Creatively→ Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work→ Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

Documenting/Recording Information→ Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information→ Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.

Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings→ Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

Communicating with Persons Outside Organization→ Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.

Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships→ Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material→ Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others→ Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

Scheduling Work and Activities→ Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.

Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People→ Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

Developing Objectives and Strategies→ Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.

Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment→ Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical principles.

Provide Consultation and Advice to Others→ Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.

Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others→ Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.

Training and Teaching Others→ Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

Operate computer systems.

Create electrical schematics.

Confer with technical personnel to prepare designs or operational plans.

Discuss designs or plans with clients.

Design electrical equipment or systems.

Design structures or facilities.

Maintain electronic equipment.

Survey land or bodies of water to measure or determine features.

Direct construction activities.

Direct equipment maintenance or repair activities.

Direct installation activities.

Prepare operational reports.

Investigate system, equipment, or product failures.

Estimate technical or resource requirements for development or production projects.

Direct industrial production activities.

Inspect operational processes.

Devise research or testing protocols.

Design energy-efficient equipment or systems.

Design energy production or management equipment or systems.

Estimate operational costs.

Prepare project budgets.

Supervise engineering or other technical personnel.

Train personnel on proper operational procedures.

Test products for functionality or quality.

Design alternative energy systems.

Deductive Reasoning→ The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

Oral Comprehension→ The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

Problem Sensitivity→ The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.

Written Comprehension→ The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

Category Flexibility→ The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.

Information Ordering→ The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g. , patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).

Written Expression→ The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.

Inductive Reasoning→ The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).

Near Vision→ The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

Oral Expression→ The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

Speech Recognition→ The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.

Fluency of Ideas→ The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).

Mathematical Reasoning→ The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.

Number Facility→ The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.

Originality→ The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.

Speech Clarity→ The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.

Visualization→ The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.

Flexibility of Closure→ The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.

Selective Attention→ The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.

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.

Language -- Knowledge of the structure and content of the language - English, French, Swahili et cetera - 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.

Production and Processing→ Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

Education and Training→ Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

Analytical or scientific software -- Automated material handling software; Availability prediction modeling software; Circuit simulation software; Digital timing diagram editing software; Dynamic object-oriented requirements system DOORS; Electromagnetic analysis software; Electronic engineering calculator; Embedded systems testing software; Failure mode and effects analysis FMEA software; Failure mode effects and criticality analysis FMECA software; Failure reporting analysis and corrective action FRACAS software; Fault modeling software; Fault tree analysis FTA software; Finite difference time domain FDTD software; Finite element method FEM software; Functional verification software; Life cycle cost software; Logic synthesis software; Matrix calculation software; Mean time between failures MBTF software; Mean time to failure MTTF software; Mentor Graphics ModelSim; Microwave circuit simulation software; Optimization software; Power analysis software; Reliability analysis software; Signal integrity simulation software; Simulation program with integrated circuit emphasis SPICE; Systems analysis programs for hands on integrated reliability evaluation software SAPHIRE; Test automation software; Time and motion analysis software

Computer aided design CAD software -- Chip design software; Computer aided design and drafting CADD software; Computer aided design and drafting software CADD; Electronic design automation EDA software; Field programmable gate array FPGA design software; Floor planning software; Physical design software; Printed circuit board design software; Schematic design entry software

Computer aided manufacturing CAM software -- Rapid prototyping software

Configuration management software -- e.g., Perforce Helix software

Database user interface and query software -- Data entry software; Microsoft SQL Server

Development environment software -- Hardware description language HDL; Integrated development environment IDE software; Microsoft Visual Basic; Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications VBA; Microsoft Visual Basic Scripting Edition VBScript; Programmable logic controller PLC code generation software; National Instruments LabVIEW; Verilog; VHSIC hardware description language VHDL

Electronic mail software -- e.g., Microsoft Outlook; IBM Notes

Enterprise resource planning ERP software -- e.g., Sage; Xero; Sapama; ebizframe; Odoo; Macro 2000; SYSPRO ERP; QuickEasy BOS; TrueERP; Microsoft Dynamics; NetSuite ERP; Oracle Hyperion; SAP

File versioning software -- Apache Subversion SVN

Financial analysis software -- SWOT Analysis software; Forecasting software; Profitability analysis software; ClicData; Float; Oracle Essbase; FreshBooks; Infor F; BankSense; Sisense; Delphi Technology; Oracle E-Business Suite Financials

Graphics or photo imaging software -- e.g., Adobe Systems Adobe Creative Cloud ; Adobe Systems Adobe Illustrator; Adobe Systems Adobe Fireworks ; Adobe Systems Adobe Flash ; Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop; Corel CorelDraw Graphics Suite; Corel Painter GNU Image Manipulation Program GIMP; Microsoft Visio; Trimble SketchUp Pro; SmugMug Flickr

Industrial control software -- Supervisory control and data acquisition SCADA software; Visualization software

Map creation software -- Geographic information system GIS software; Orbital Africa; ESRI ArcGIS software; Maptitude Mapping Software

Object or component oriented development software -- e.g., C#; C++; JHDL; Practical extraction and reporting language Perl; Python; Sun Microsystems Java

Office suite software -- e.g., Corel WordPerfect Office; Microsoft Office; Google Workspace; Apache OpenOffice.org

Operating system software -- e.g., Apple macOS; Bash; Hewlett Packard HP-UX; Job control language JCL; KornShell; Linux; Microsoft Windows; Oracle Solaris; Red Hat Enterprise Linux; Shell script; Ubuntu; UNIX

Presentation software -- e.g., Google Slides; Apple iWork Keynote; Corel Presentations; Microsoft PowerPoint

Program testing software -- Defect tracking software; Debugging software

Project management software -- e.g., Confluence; Sapama Projects; Sciforma PPM solution; Xero Projects; Microsoft Project; Easy Projects; Microsoft SharePoint; Oracle Primavera Enterprise Project Portfolio Management

Requirements analysis and system architecture software -- Requirements management software; Unified modeling language UML

Spreadsheet software -- e.g., Corel Quattro Pro; Microsoft Excel; Google Sheets

WAN switching software and firmware -- e.g., X. Protocol; ATD protocol

Word processing software -- e.g., Corel Wordperfect; Microsoft Word; Google Docs

Accelerometers

Capacitance meters→ Inductance capacitance resistance LCR meters

Computer servers

Corona treaters→ Cylindrical corona testers

Diffractometers

Digital camcorders or video cameras→ Digital video cameras

Electrical frequency meters→ Noise figure meters

Electronic measuring probes→ Parameter analyzers

Flow sensors→ Electrical flow meters

Frequency analyzers→ Spectrum analyzers

Frequency calibrator or simulator→ Frequency drives; Signal analyzers

Frequency counters or timer or dividers→ Frequency counters

Ion implantation equipment→ Reactive ion etch systems

Isolation glove boxes→ Glove box systems

Laboratory balances→ Microbalances

Laboratory evaporators→ Filament evaporators; Metal evaporation systems; Vacuum system/thermal evaporators

Laboratory safety furnaces→ Annealing furnaces; Diffusion furnaces; Oxidation furnaces

Laser measuring systems→ Laser ranging systems

Laser printers

Level generators→ Pulse generators

Magnetic spin bars or stir bars or stirring beads→ Spinners

Metal markers or holders→ Electrochemical etching devices

Microwave core equipment→ Microwave automatic load-pull tuners

Multimeters

Network analyzers

Notebook computers→ Laptop computers

Oscillographs→ Sweep oscillators

Oscilloscopes→ Digital oscilloscopes; Mixed signal oscilloscopes; Sampling oscilloscopes

Personal computers

Plotter printers→ Plotters

Power meters→ Microwave power meters

Pyrometers

Reactors→ Plasma reactors

Scanning electron microscopes→ Scanning electron microscopes SEM

Scanning probe microscopes→ Atomic force microscopes; Scanning tunneling microscopes STM

Semiconductor process systems→ Electron beam evaporators; Wafer steppers; Wet chemical clean benches; Wire bonders (see all 3 examples)

Signal generators→ Programmable function generators; Synthesized continuous wave CW generators; Vector signal generators

Spectrographs→ Imaging spectrographs

Spectrometers→ Auger electron spectrometers; Electrochemical CV dopant profilers; Secondary ion mass spectrometers SIMS; X ray photoemission spectrometers (see all 5 examples)

Surface testers→ Profilometers

Temperature cycling chambers or thermal cyclers→ Rapid thermal annealers RTA

Thermocouples

Thickness measuring devices→ Ellipsometers

Transistor circuit testers→ Universal microwave transistor test fixtures

Transistor transistor logic TTL→ Pattern generator systems

Tube furnaces→ Doping tubes; Oxidation tubes; Vertical furnaces

Voltage or current meters→ Digital voltmeters DVM; Pulsed current-voltage IV analyzer

X ray generators→ X ray guns

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.

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.

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.

Persistence→ Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.

Integrity→ Job requires being honest and ethical.

Achievement/Effort→ Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering 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.

Adaptability/Flexibility→ Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.

Stress Tolerance→ Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations.

Self Control→ Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.

Independence→ Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.

Innovation→ Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.

Leadership→ Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.

Concern for Others→ Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.

Social Orientation→ Job requires preferring to work with others rather than alone, and being personally connected with others on the job.

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.