An electrical engineer designs and develops electrical products, which include household appliances and electric power systems and installations. They work with others in distribution and electronics engineering to design and manufacture critical components that make life easier. As a discipline, electrical engineering deals with the study, design, and application of electrical systems, devices, electromagnetism, and electronics.

The U.S is a trendsetter of electricity-dependent gadgets and utilities. According to Statista.com, it is home to five of the ten world’s most popular electric utilities. The country also leads in electrical engineering services that have continued to redefine lifestyles and business processes. But what role does an electrical engineer play in innovation and technology?

The Job of an Electrical Engineer

A typical job description of electrical engineer duties includes overseeing electrical systems and gadgets to ensure their safe function.

They are also charged with building the requisite infrastructure to integrate various sectors such as healthcare, construction, and others. They use their engineering expertise and knowledge to integrate different industries. They are critical in the development of electrical systems and equipment from their design to manufacturing. In the process, they are required to have mathematical, communication, writing, and interpersonal skills, among others.

Core Tasks of an Electrical Engineer

Electrical engineers work with others to do either of two things. First, they seek to redesign current equipment with the goal of improving effectiveness and efficiency. Second, they work with other engineers to develop new electrical engineering services and infrastructure.

Careers for electrical engineers are spread across various disciplines and sectors. You can find them in academia, building construction, technology, rail, automotive, and telecommunications. Jobs are also in oil and gas, aerospace, defense, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, power generation, consumer products and goods, and many more areas.

An electrical engineer is responsible for designing and developing products and infrastructure that make life easier. They undergird almost every technological invention or innovation since most of these are powered by electricity. The electrical engineering services you are likely to come across were made possible by electrical engineers such as Thomas Edison who invented the electric bulb.

Almost all of the most disruptive technologies in the world have been undergirded by electrical engineers. Whether it is AI (artificial intelligence), IoT (Internet of Things), virtual reality, or the metaverse, we rely on electricity to power technology and innovation. This, in turn, means that electrical engineers will continue to play a critical role in driving the present and shaping the future.