ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC ENGINEERS California Occupational Guide Number 12 Interest Area 5-A 1996
TRENDS
In the 1880's Thomas Edison's invention of the light bulb signaled the beginnings of the Electrical Engineering field. After this seemingly miraculous electrical illumination came the electric motor, telephone, telegraph, motion pictures and radio. Today, we have electronics and the computer. With the advent of the semiconductor chip, the computer, formerly housed in a large computer room, can now be found as a portable laptop PC. Presently, research continues in many different areas including sources of electrical energy, intelligent robotics systems, digital computer technologies, multimedia computing and optoelectronics.
THE JOB
ELECTRICAL and ELECTRONICS ENGINEERS are involved in the science that studies elementary particles, smaller than the atom, called electrons. This field of study is very broad. Engineers apply theories and principles of science and mathematics to solve practical technical problems. Electrical Engineers specialize in the production, transmission and uses of electrical power. Electronics Engineers are more involved with low power applications including radio and television, computers and telephones.
Most of California's Electrical and Electronics Engineers are employed in manufacturing industries including aerospace, electrical equipment, personal electronics, computer electronics, medical electronics and telecommunication equipment. Engineers in manufacturing may be researchers and investigate issues related to possible applications, such as chemical interactions and new materials. Engineers who actually do product design and development use CAD/CAE (computer-aided design and computer-aided engineering) tools to draw up plans for efficient production. The Production Engineers are the "hands on" engineers. They guide products through all stages of the manufacturing process. They also determine performance standards for new products and write maintenance schedules to ensure that these standards will be met. Many Engineers also write technical manuals, instructional pamphlets, and installation instructions.
Electrical and Electronics Engineers work in other fields including power plant construction and design, nuclear power, research, field service and teaching. Engineers are also employed by consulting firms, public utilities and government. Other engineers skilled in the marketing and sales of technical products are in demand as Sales Engineers.
Electrical and Electronics Engineers frequently present the findings of their work in oral presentations, as well as in technical reports. This requires the keeping of accurate records of all work performed and the ability to clearly communicate findings and results. Much of their time is also spent consulting with specialists in other engineering disciplines and business occupations.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Electrical and Electronics Engineers generally work in comfortable, well- equipped offices and laboratories. Some positions require more active or outdoor work, such as directing operations in manufacturing plants or at construction sites, while some sit at a desk most of the day.
Technological advances have created the need for most Engineers to work as part of a team, requiring the development of interpersonal as well as technical skills. The intensely competitive nature of high technology manufacturers can cause emotional strain, as each company pushes to develop and introduce new products faster and more cheaply than its competitors. Many engineers are members of the Institute for Electrical and Electronics Engineers or other professional organizations.
EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK
Electrical and Electronic Engineers rank among the top fifty
largest growth occupations in California.
The following information is from the California Projections and Planning Information published by the Labor Market Information Division.
Estimated number of workers in 1993 68,100 Estimated number of workers in 2005 87,240 Projected Growth 1993-2005 28% Estimated openings due to separations by 2005 21,410
(These figures do not include self-employment nor openings due to turnover.)
The U. S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that employment opportunities are expected to be good through the year 2005. Some job growth will be due to increased demand for computers and communications equipment. Consumer demand for electrical and electronic goods and increased research and development on computers, robots, and other types of automation should also create additional jobs. However, further defense related spending cutbacks could adversely affect job outlook.
WAGES, HOURS, AND FRINGE BENEFITS
Salaries for Electrical and Electronics Engineers vary depending on the employer, experience, and location. Electrical and Electronics Engineers with little or no experience can earn from $2,500 to $2,940 per month. Experienced Engineers can earn from $2,900 to $5,000 monthly.
Most Electrical and Electronics Engineers work a 40 hour, five day week. Overtime and weekend work is sometimes necessary but not on a frequent basis.
Employers usually offer attractive benefits packages to Engineers, including vacation, sick leave, holiday pay, and health insurance programs, as well as stock option and profit sharing plans.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING
A Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical or Electronics Engineering is essential for one to secure an entry position. Since there are continuing technological advances, Electrical And Electronics Engineers frequently go on to graduate school after obtaining their four year degree. Research jobs or faculty positions usually require an MS or Ph.D degree. Graduate degrees are also sometimes required for promotions. Electrical and Electronics Engineers often continue to study throughout their career to keep up with the latest technologies, which in turn makes them more valuable to their employers.
Engineers in some specialties must be registered by the State of California. This registration qualifies them to offer services to the public or to work in positions where their actions may affect the public welfare. To obtain registration, graduating Engineers take the Engineer-in- Training examination which covers knowledge of engineering fundamentals. Applicants who pass this exam must obtain a minimum of two years of engineering experience, then take the professional examination in electrical engineering. Those who pass this test, which involves practical application of engineering principles, are qualified to register with the State as Electrical Engineers.
Colleges and universities are usually very specific in their entrance requirements. High school students considering a career in this field should find out what the entrance requirements are for each college or university to which they may eventually apply. High school courses usually required include advanced courses in subjects such as calculus, algebra, plane and solid geometry, trigonometry, physics, chemistry, English, and a foreign language. Computer science classes are also highly recommended. Engineers must have an aptitude for science and mathematics, as well as an analytical mind and the ability to do detailed work.
ADVANCEMENT
The entry level engineering position is customarily that of Assistant Engineer. At this level, Engineers conduct standardized tests, prepare data for reports, and perform other routine engineering tasks. From the assistant level, promotional steps may include Associate, Staff, and Senior Engineer positions. Other senior level positions are referred to as Design, Project, or Principal Engineers. Depending on the industry and firm, Engineers often move into managerial, sales, and administrative positions. Many Engineers become engaged in graduate study in engineering or business administration to improve their job skills and enhance their advancement potential.
FINDING THE JOB
Firms employing Electrical and Electronics Engineers frequently recruit for entry level positions on college campuses in both the fall and spring. Advertisements of open positions appear in professional journals, trade magazines, and newspapers. Employers and applicants use the employment services of professional societies, private employment agencies, and the Employment Development Department.
ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers 1828 L Street, NW, Suite 1202 Washington, DC 20036
State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers 2535 Capitol Oaks Dr., Suite 300 Sacramento CA 95833-2926
RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES
Industrial Engineers No. 3 Mechanical Engineers No. 5 Chemical Engineers No. 8 Civil Engineers No. 39 Nuclear Engineers No. 367
OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES
DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th ed., Rev. 1) Electrical Engineer 003.061-010 Electronics Engineer 003.061-030
OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System Electrical and Electronics Engineers 221260
Source: State of California, Employment Development Department,
Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
(916) 262-2162.
Home 
Job Key 
Wages 
Demand