While electrical engineers work in diverse industry sectors, the standard tasks in the role include: designing electrical systems: as an electrical engineer, you spend most of your time creating designs. You develop new designs for the electronics markets or come up with unique designs to improve the performance of electrical systems. This involves investigating the specifics of a system to discover areas of improvement before redesigning it. testing prototypes: as an electrical engineer, your job involves testing electrical designs to ensure they perform the desired functions and meet the project requirements. To create a workable design, it is crucial to ensure that the tests conducted on the prototype confirm its usability. Any failed tests can take an electrical engineer back to the drawing board to fix the issues in the design before retesting the prototype. Testing is usually the most important stage for electrical engineers since it shows if the design can solve the problem and meet the project requirements before development begins. working with customer requirements: when creating specific electrical components or systems for a client, they provide design requirements that the project should meet. The conditions usually include environmental considerations, timelines and pricing. As an electrical engineer, it is vital to adhere to and incorporate the client's requirements into the design. When the project needs are not viable, you communicate with the customer to set reasonable expectations for the project. overseeing the installation of electrical systems: as an electrical engineer, you approve the designs to be installed and provide an installation guide. For instance, you create a straightforward procedure for employees to follow in factory production. You also oversee the production of electronic components, including guiding workers on the electronic parts and instructions to be included in electronic packages.

The work environment of an electrical engineer depends on the industry sector and the stage in the production process they work in. For instance, if you work in the designing stage, you are likely to work in a climate-controlled laboratory or an office environment drawing the technical specifications for an electrical component. Most electrical engineers work indoors since electrical systems are designed in factory settings in manufacturing industries. However, when you work for power generation companies, you are likely to work outdoors installing power distribution systems.

who are your colleagues?

Depending on your employer and the industry you work in, your colleagues might include field engineers, maintenance technicians, electricians and mechanical engineers . You might also be working close to project managers and project engineers , as well as other specialists that could include, but are not limited to, computer engineers, maintenance engineers and factory managers.

Full-time electrical engineers work an average of 44 hours a week, depending on the industry and employer. Some employers provide shift schedules in industry sectors, such as mining, that operate 24 hours daily. You are also likely to work overtime to complete projects within the stipulated timelines or to manage maintenance tasks. Hence, you should expect to work weekends and evenings. Part-time positions are also available, especially consultancy roles. You are also likely to travel from work sites to the factories.

Electrical engineering is a promising career with a strong demand. Most electrical engineers specialise in computer engineering, control and instrumentation or power systems engineering. With specialisation, you can become a consultant in the field. You will also likely progress to higher positions like project engineer and management.

advantages of finding an electrical engineer job through randstad

Finding your electrical engineer job through Randstad provides important advantages such as: a wide variety of training and development opportunities an experienced contact person to provide help if needed a range of opportunities in your area get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job temporary and permanent contracts Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as an electrical engineer is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too.

is electrical engineering a good career?

Electrical engineering is an exciting career with excellent prospects and huge demand. The diverse areas of specialisation allow you to branch out into various fields and build your career. For instance, an electrical engineer can move into control and instrumentation engineering or work as a computer engineer without additional training. You also enjoy an attractive remuneration package and various benefits in the role.

what are the main duties of electrical engineers?

The main role of an electrical engineer is to design and develop electronics and electrical systems. You oversee the design, testing and manufacture of electrical equipment such as power generation equipment, mining machines and electric motors. You also design electrical systems for cars and aeroplanes.

where do electrical engineers work?

You are likely to work in power generation companies and engineering firms as an electrical engineer. Some electrical engineers also work in component manufacturing firms or electromedical companies. Some electrical engineers also work in research and development for robotics and telecommunication companies.

can an electrical engineer work as an electrician?

As an electrical engineer, you may work as an electrician and perform electrical work to the extent limited by professional guidelines for electrical engineers. For instance, an electrical engineer performs testing and designing, depending on their licence.

how much is an electrical engineer paid?

An electrical engineer takes home a median salary of $95,000 per year. However, the salary increases as you improve your skills and experience. Some electrical engineers earn over $110,000 annually.

how do I apply for an electrical engineer vacancy?

Applying for an electrical engineer job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our electrical engineer job offers . Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here.

electrical engineer

what is an electrical engineer?

As an electrical engineer, you design, create and manage electricity and electrical components that help power the world. You apply your mathematical and electromagnetic knowledge to large-scale or small-scale electrical and power systems to process information and transmit energy. You work with various electronic devices, from small pocket devices like phones to large power stations and supercomputers. Aside from creating electrical systems, you also fix or upgrade the existing systems to improve their functions. You may specialise in electrical systems designs or installing and maintaining power systems.

which industries do electrical engineers work in?

Most electrical engineers work for large-scale electrical systems manufacturers or power generation and transmission sectors. You develop systems to assist with motor control and power transmission as an electrical engineer. For instance, electrical engineers complete electrical wirings for lighting buildings and telecommunications systems. Aside from working in power generation and distribution centres, electrical engineers are innovators who develop electrical systems and circuits for mobile devices and computers.

Electrical engineers are technically proficient and aren't limited to the traditional power generation or microelectronics sectors. Some work in renewable energy sectors or create machines for mining and mobile networking. Other exciting fields for electrical engineers include robotics, sophisticated medical technology, space projects and Global Positioning System (GPS) technologies.

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1

average electrical engineer salary

The median salary of an electrical engineer is $95,000 per year. Entry-level electrical engineers take home a starting salary of $63,000 annually. The remuneration package increases with experience and qualification levels. Hence, an electrical engineer with many years of experience takes home a salary of over $110,000 per year. Aside from the base salary, some employers include benefits in the remuneration package. For instance, some electrical engineers enjoy medical and life insurance benefits from employers. In contrast, others earn bonuses annually and overtime pay for working additional hours. Annual leave days and sick leave are also common elements of remuneration packages.

what factors affect the salary of an electrical engineer?

As an electrical engineer, your salary fluctuates based on your expertise, work experience and industry sector. Generally, the greater your knowledge, the higher your earnings. Your area of expertise may also influence your remuneration. Working in specialised areas like robotics and microelectronics will likely increase your salary prospects due to the additional skills required.

The location is also a significant determinant of remuneration packages for electrical engineers. Working in large metro areas typically correlates to a higher salary due to the high cost of living. Local demand for electrical engineers may also push the salary upwards.

2

types of electrical engineers

Some of the sub-disciplines that electrical engineers specialise in include:

electronics engineering: as an electronics engineer, you create and test electronic components and systems used in telecommunications or control and instrumentation. Electronics engineers specialise in designing and creating smaller parts of electrical systems like capacitors, transistors and electronic circuits.
microelectronics engineering: you specialise in small electronic designs and circuit components. Due to the minuscule size of the details, you use specialised skills and equipment. For instance, you rely on wire bonding and other techniques to design smaller and faster devices. Most microelectronics engineers create mobile phones and other small electronic devices.
power engineering: as a power engineer, you specialise in a subfield of electrical engineering associated with power generation, transmission and distribution. You devise ways to distribute and utilise electric power and design electrical equipment such as generators, transformers and motors.

3

working as an electrical engineer

You design and develop new electrical systems and equipment to solve people’s technical problems as an electrical engineer. The complexity and hands-on nature of the role require specialised training and skills. Here are electrical engineers' specific duties, work schedules and working environments:

job description
While electrical engineers work in diverse industry sectors, the standard tasks in the role include:
- designing electrical systems: as an electrical engineer, you spend most of your time creating designs. You develop new designs for the electronics markets or come up with unique designs to improve the performance of electrical systems. This involves investigating the specifics of a system to discover areas of improvement before redesigning it.
- testing prototypes: as an electrical engineer, your job involves testing electrical designs to ensure they perform the desired functions and meet the project requirements. To create a workable design, it is crucial to ensure that the tests conducted on the prototype confirm its usability. Any failed tests can take an electrical engineer back to the drawing board to fix the issues in the design before retesting the prototype. Testing is usually the most important stage for electrical engineers since it shows if the design can solve the problem and meet the project requirements before development begins.
- working with customer requirements: when creating specific electrical components or systems for a client, they provide design requirements that the project should meet. The conditions usually include environmental considerations, timelines and pricing. As an electrical engineer, it is vital to adhere to and incorporate the client's requirements into the design. When the project needs are not viable, you communicate with the customer to set reasonable expectations for the project.
- overseeing the installation of electrical systems: as an electrical engineer, you approve the designs to be installed and provide an installation guide. For instance, you create a straightforward procedure for employees to follow in factory production. You also oversee the production of electronic components, including guiding workers on the electronic parts and instructions to be included in electronic packages.
work environment

The work environment of an electrical engineer depends on the industry sector and the stage in the production process they work in. For instance, if you work in the designing stage, you are likely to work in a climate-controlled laboratory or an office environment drawing the technical specifications for an electrical component. Most electrical engineers work indoors since electrical systems are designed in factory settings in manufacturing industries. However, when you work for power generation companies, you are likely to work outdoors installing power distribution systems.
who are your colleagues?

Depending on your employer and the industry you work in, your colleagues might include field engineers, maintenance technicians, electricians and mechanical engineers. You might also be working close to project managers and project engineers, as well as other specialists that could include, but are not limited to, computer engineers, maintenance engineers and factory managers.
work schedule

Full-time electrical engineers work an average of 44 hours a week, depending on the industry and employer. Some employers provide shift schedules in industry sectors, such as mining, that operate 24 hours daily. You are also likely to work overtime to complete projects within the stipulated timelines or to manage maintenance tasks. Hence, you should expect to work weekends and evenings. Part-time positions are also available, especially consultancy roles. You are also likely to travel from work sites to the factories.
job outlook

Electrical engineering is a promising career with a strong demand. Most electrical engineers specialise in computer engineering, control and instrumentation or power systems engineering. With specialisation, you can become a consultant in the field. You will also likely progress to higher positions like project engineer and management.
advantages of finding an electrical engineer job through randstad
Finding your electrical engineer job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as an electrical engineer is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too.

4

education and skills

Some of the educational qualifications of electrical engineers include:

bachelor's degree: to become an electrical engineer, you should complete a bachelor's degree in engineering. Most employers prefer candidates with a bachelor of engineering majoring in electrical engineering. Usually, the entry requirements depend on NCEA results.
master’s degree: to become an electrical engineer, you can also complete a master’s degree in electrical engineering. Some employers prefer candidates with a master’s degree.
work experience: before working independently as an electrical engineer, you should gain at least four years of work experience.