What Does an Electrical Engineer Do?
An electrical engineer designs, develops, and tests electrical systems and components for a wide range of applications, including power generation, control systems, electronics, and communications. They apply scientific principles and mathematical techniques to solve real-world electrical challenges, improve system performance, and ensure safety and compliance with industry standards.
These professionals may work on large-scale infrastructure projects like power grids or on smaller embedded systems within products and machinery. Electrical engineers collaborate with cross-functional teams, such as mechanical engineers, software developers, and project managers, to bring complex systems to life in industries ranging from manufacturing and construction to aerospace, energy, and telecommunications.
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Electrical Engineer Core Responsibilities
- Design and develop electrical systems, circuits, and components for new or existing applications
- Prepare schematics, wiring diagrams, and layout designs using CAD tools
- Conduct simulations and modeling to validate system performance and safety
- Oversee the prototyping, testing, and troubleshooting of electrical hardware
- Collaborate with mechanical, software, and systems engineering teams
- Ensure compliance with national and international electrical standards (e.g., NEC, IEEE, IEC)
- Manage documentation, design specifications, and revisions throughout the development lifecycle
- Support production, commissioning, and maintenance teams in implementing electrical solutions
- Analyze energy usage, efficiency, and sustainability for continuous improvement
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Proficiency in electrical design tools (e.g., AutoCAD Electrical, Altium, OrCAD)
- Experience with simulation software such as MATLAB, Simulink, or PSpice
- Knowledge of circuit theory, digital and analog systems, and embedded electronics
- Familiarity with applicable electrical codes and safety regulations
- Ability to perform load calculations, grounding design, and fault analysis
Soft skills
- Analytical thinking and complex problem-solving
- Strong collaboration with cross-disciplinary engineering teams
- Clear written and verbal communication for technical documentation and reporting
- Attention to detail and methodical design approach
- Project and time management in deadline-driven environments
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or a related field required
- Master’s degree preferred for research- or development-heavy roles
Certifications
- Professional Engineer (PE) license (often preferred or required for senior roles)
OSHA 10/30 certification or NFPA 70E training is advantageous in field-oriented roles.
Preferred Qualifications
- 3–5+ years of experience in electrical engineering or related design roles
- Industry-specific experience (e.g., utilities, aerospace, telecom, manufacturing)
- Experience with PLCs, SCADA systems, or power distribution networks
- Familiarity with Lean, Six Sigma, or ISO 9001 processes
National Average Salary
Electrical engineer salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for an Electrical Engineer is:
$104,118
Sample Job Description Templates for Electrical Engineers
Junior Electrical Engineer
Position Overview
The junior electrical engineer supports engineering teams with design, drafting, testing, and documentation of electrical systems. This entry-level role is focused on learning industry standards, tools, and workflows under the guidance of experienced engineers.
Responsibilities
- Assist in preparing electrical drawings, schematics, and layouts using AutoCAD or similar tools
- Perform basic calculations for voltage, current, and load analysis
- Support prototyping and testing of electrical components or assemblies
- Document design revisions and compile engineering reports
- Coordinate with other engineering disciplines on multidisciplinary projects
- Research components, standards, and specifications for design support
Requirements
Hard skills
- Familiarity with AutoCAD Electrical or similar drafting tools
- Basic knowledge of circuit theory and electrical components
- Exposure to simulation software (e.g., MATLAB, PSpice)
Soft skills
- Willingness to learn and follow guidance
- Strong attention to detail
- Effective team collaboration and communication
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or related field
Preferred Qualifications
- Internship or co-op experience in electrical or systems engineering
- Exposure to NEC or IEC electrical standards
Electrical Engineer
Position Overview
The electrical engineer designs, tests, and supports the implementation of electrical systems in accordance with industry standards. This role handles moderate complexity projects from concept through production, contributing to system integration and compliance.
Responsibilities
- Develop electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and PCB layouts
- Perform simulations and calculations to validate design performance
- Collaborate with manufacturing and field teams on design implementation
- Select components based on performance, cost, and availability
- Support troubleshooting, testing, and revision of electrical systems
- Ensure adherence to applicable safety and regulatory codes
Requirements
Hard skills
- Proficiency in CAD tools (e.g., AutoCAD Electrical, Altium)
- Experience with simulation and analysis tools (e.g., MATLAB, Simulink)
- Working knowledge of NEC, UL, or IEEE electrical codes
Soft skills
- Problem-solving mindset
- Ability to manage multiple priorities
- Clear written and verbal technical communication
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or similar
Preferred Qualifications
- 2–4 years of electrical design experience
- Experience with project lifecycle documentation and bill of materials (BOMs)
Senior Electrical Engineer
Position Overview
The senior electrical engineer leads complex design projects, providing technical guidance, ensuring code compliance, and optimizing system performance. This role often mentors junior engineers and contributes to high-level design decisions.
Responsibilities
- Lead the design and review of electrical systems for products, facilities, or infrastructure
- Conduct root cause analysis for performance and reliability issues
- Develop and approve system-level requirements and architecture
- Guide junior engineers in design best practices and troubleshooting
- Coordinate with project managers and cross-disciplinary teams
- Maintain compliance with industry standards and client specifications
Requirements
Hard skills
- Expert-level skills in CAD/simulation software (e.g., Altium, PSpice, Simulink)
- Strong understanding of power systems, control logic, and electrical safety
- Advanced troubleshooting and field-testing capabilities
Soft skills
- Technical leadership and mentoring
- Strategic thinking and decision-making
- Clear stakeholder and team communication
Education
- Bachelor’s degree required; master’s preferred in electrical or systems engineering
Certifications
- Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- 5+ years of engineering experience with full project ownership
- Experience in high-voltage systems, embedded electronics, or industrial automation
Lead Electrical Engineer
Position Overview
The lead electrical engineer oversees electrical engineering efforts across large-scale or multi-phase projects. This role ensures design quality, compliance, and integration with other systems, while supervising engineers and coordinating technical deliverables.
Responsibilities
- Serve as project lead for electrical engineering design and execution
- Review and approve technical documentation, drawings, and calculations
- Interface with clients, regulatory bodies, and senior management
- Assign tasks and review work of junior and mid-level engineers
- Develop project timelines and ensure technical milestones are met
- Ensure alignment with budget, safety, and quality requirements
Requirements
Hard skills
- Mastery of circuit design, system modeling, and standards compliance
- Familiarity with project management platforms and team collaboration tools
- Deep knowledge of code compliance (NEC, NFPA 70, IEC, etc.)
Soft skills
- Strong team leadership and delegation
- Cross-functional coordination and decision-making
- Client-facing communication and conflict resolution
Education
- Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree or PE license preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- 7+ years in electrical engineering, with leadership experience
- Experience in highly regulated industries (e.g., aerospace, medical, energy)
Principal/Staff Electrical Engineer
Position Overview
The principal or staff electrical engineer is a senior-level expert responsible for technical strategy, innovation, and standards development across major engineering programs. This role influences high-impact designs, mentors senior staff, and serves as a subject matter expert in specialized electrical systems.
Responsibilities
- Define architecture and technical standards for complex electrical systems
- Lead failure mode analysis, safety studies, and design optimization
- Drive innovation and evaluate emerging technologies for long-term application
- Mentor engineering teams and review high-risk technical decisions
- Represent the organization in regulatory reviews or technical consortiums
- Establish and maintain internal best practices and technical documentation
Requirements
Hard skills
- Deep knowledge of electrical architecture, design for manufacturability (DFM), and risk assessment
- Expert in advanced simulation tools and multi-physics modeling
- Familiar with compliance audits and certification processes
Soft skills
- Visionary leadership and strategic planning
- Exceptional technical writing and public speaking
- Ability to influence at the executive level
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering; master’s or doctorate preferred
Certifications
- PE license required
Certifications in Six Sigma, IEEE membership, or executive training are often expected.
Preferred Qualifications
- 10+ years of electrical engineering experience, including technical leadership
- Recognized expert in a specific domain (e.g., high-voltage systems, embedded systems, aerospace)