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Electrical and Electronic Engineers

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
(202) 785-0017
http://www.ieee.org


State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers 
2535 Capitol Oaks Dr., Suite 300
Sacramento CA  95833-2926
(916) 263-2222
http://www.dca.ca.gov

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.