Job Description

Electrical and electronic engineers design, develop, test and supervise the manufacture of electrical and electronic equipment. They design new products and write the performance requirements. They test equipment, solve operation problems and estimate the time cost of projects. Electrical and electronics engineers specialize in different areas such as power generation, transmission, and distribution; communications; computer electronics; and electrical equipment manufacturing-or a subdivision of these areas—industrial robot control systems or aviation electronics.

Necessary Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Helpful High School Courses

Mathematics, Science, English, Computer Applications, Drafting/Drawing

Working Conditions

• Usually work a 40-hour week
• Usually work in offices or research labs
• Usually work as part of a team
• Work can be physically demanding
• Work may require long periods at a computer
• Work sometimes requires outside work and travel

Salary Range

• 2003, Delaware average annual salary, $72,320
• 2003, Delaware average hourly wage, $34.77

Career Ladder Information

• Master’s Degree increase earnings
• With experience, may enter management, administrative or sales position
• Many states require engineers to register as Professional Engineers by passing a PE exam

Personal Qualities and Interests

     You:

• Are creative and detail oriented
• Like mathematics
• Like to examine blueprints, find errors and solve problems
• Have good hand and finger dexterity

Did you know?

• Continuing education is most important. Failure to keep up with rapid changes in technology makes engineers more likely to be laid off

Additional Information

• Occupational Outlook Handbook: http://www.bls.gov/oco
• National Council of Examiners for Engineering: http://www.ncees.org

  
  

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