Electrical Engineer

Electrical engineers work with systems that generate, transmit, distribute, store, control or use electromagnetic energy or electrically coded information. They may be involved in the development, manufacture or application of a wide variety of electrical and electronic devices, circuits, systems, products and equipment. They must apply and comply with known standards and may be involved in the development of standards.

Electrical engineers may specialize in:

• biomedical engineering (for more information, see the Biomedical Engineer occupational profile)
• communications engineering (for example, the compression, transmission, routing and reception of multimedia or digital data information on the internet or mobile phones)
• computer engineering (for more information, see the Computer Engineer and Software Engineer occupational profiles)
• control systems engineering (for example, the control of chemical processes such as those in petroleum extraction, refining and delivery)
• digital systems engineering (for example, the development of hardware systems for communications, process control, computers and signal processors)
• electronic materials and nanotechnology (for example, the integration of semiconductor devices and nanoscale sensors)
• electronics engineering (for example, design of integrated circuits for electronic equipment used in communication or automotive systems)
• electromagnetics and photonics (for example, radio frequency antennae and laser applications)
• power systems engineering (the generation, transmission and distribution of electrical energy).

In each of these fields, electrical engineers may further specialize in one or more of the following:

• maintaining and trouble shooting existing systems
• conducting research
• specifying, designing, implementing and testing products and systems
• designing and simulating electronic product prototypes (models)
• designing manufacturing processes
• developing test and quality control procedures to ensure that products meet quality specifications and safety standards.

In addition to their technical responsibilities, electrical engineers often are required to:

• study design proposals, write reports and make recommendations regarding the specification, design, development, manufacture, testing or application of products and systems.
• prepare contract documents such as drawings and specifications for project construction.
• supervise and co-ordinate the work of others.

They must constantly update their knowledge and skills to keep up with advances in technology.

Electrical engineers generally work in an office environment but also may travel to operating, construction or infrastructure sites or manufacturing facilities. They may work long hours and experience a great deal of pressure to meet deadlines and design standards. In rare circumstances, electrical engineers may be exposed to chemical gasses or work in severe climate conditions.

Electrical engineers need the following characteristics:

• natural curiosity and good observation skills
• analytical and problem solving skills
• a strong aptitude for mathematics and science
• the ability to pay close attention to details
• persistence
• good organization and time management skills
• excellent oral and written communication skills
• the ability to work effectively in teams of people from varied backgrounds.

Electrical engineers should be committed to staying up to date with technological innovations.

They should enjoy being innovative, doing work that requires precision, working independently and making decisions.

Average occupational growth is expected in Alberta for 2016 to 2020. Job openings are a result of employment turnover and newly created positions.

Electrical engineers may be employed by:

• consulting firms
• electrical utilities
• construction companies
• governments
• manufacturers of electrical equipment
• resource extraction and processing companies
• transportation companies
• communication companies (including telecommunication companies)
• health authorities
• universities and other research institutions.

Many engineers spend their entire careers in technical jobs. Some engineers become managers, administrators or sales representatives(for more information, see the Technical Sales Representative occupational profile).

Electrical engineers are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 2133: Electrical and electronics engineers. In Alberta, 78% of people employed in this classification in the following industries:

• Professional, Scientific and Technical Services (PDF)
• Utilities (PDF)
• Manufacturing (PDF)
• Mining and Oil and Gas Extraction (PDF)

The employment outlook in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

• trends and events affecting overall employment (especially in the industries listed above)
• location in Alberta
• employment turnover (work opportunities generated by people leaving existing positions)
• occupational growth (work opportunities resulting from the creation of new positions that never existed before)
• size of the occupation.

Over 6,700 Albertans are employed in the Electrical and electronic engineers occupational group. This group is expected to have an average annual growth of 1.7% from 2016 to 2020. As a result, 114 new positions are forecast to be created each year, in addition to job openings created by employment turnover. Note: As electrical engineers form only a part of this larger occupational group, only some of these newly created positions will be for electrical engineers.

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.

Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA) website: www.apega.ca

For more information on career planning, education and jobs, visit the Alberta Learning Information Service (ALIS) website, call the Alberta Career Information Hotline toll-free at 1-800-661-3753 or 780-422-4266 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Works Centre near you.