Electrical and Electronics Engineering Design and Technology

What Electrical and Electronics Engineers Do? Electrical engineers design, develop, test, and supervise the manufacturing of electrical equipment, such as electric motors, radar and navigation systems, communications systems, or power generation equipment. Electrical engineers also design the electrical systems of automobiles and aircraft. Electronics engineers design and develop electronic equipment, such as broadcast and communications systems, from portable music players to global positioning systems (GPSs). Many also work in areas closely related to computer hardware.   Duties of Electrical and Electronics Engineers: Electrical engineers typically do the following: 1.Design new ways to use electrical power to develop or improve products 2.Perform detailed calculations to develop manufacturing, construction, and installation standards and specifications 3.Direct the manufacture, installation, and testing of electrical equipment to ensure that products meet specifications and codes 4.Investigate complaints from customers or the public, evaluate problems, and recommend solutions 5.Work with project managers on production efforts to ensure that projects are completed satisfactorily, on time, and within budget.   Electronics engineers typically do the following: 1.Design electronic components, software, products, or systems for commercial, industrial, medical, military, or scientific applications 2.Analyze customer needs and determine the requirements, capacity, and cost for developing an electrical system plan 3.Develop maintenance and testing procedures for electronic components and equipment 4.Evaluate systems and recommend design modifications or equipment repair 5.Inspect electronic equipment, instruments, and systems to make sure that they meet safety standards and applicable regulations 6.Plan and develop applications and modifications for electronic properties used in parts and systems in order to improve technical performance.   Electronics engineers who work for the federal government research, develop, and evaluate electronic devices used in a variety of areas, such as aviation, computing, transportation, and manufacturing. They work on federal electronic devices and systems, including satellites, flight systems, radar and sonar systems, and communications systems. The work of electrical engineers and electronics engineers is often similar. Both use engineering and design software and equipment to do engineering tasks. Both types of engineers also must work with other engineers to discuss existing products and possibilities for engineering projects. Engineers whose work is related exclusively to computer hardware are considered computer hardware engineers.   Important Qualities for Electrical and Electronics Engineers: Concentration. Electrical and electronics engineers design and develop complex electrical systems and electronic components and products. They must be able to keep track of multiple design elements and technical characteristics when performing these tasks. Initiative. Electrical and electronics engineers must be able to apply their knowledge to new tasks in every project they undertake. In addition, they must engage in continuing education to keep up with changes in technology. Interpersonal skills. Electrical and electronics engineers must be able to work with others during the manufacturing process to ensure that their plans are implemented correctly. This collaboration includes monitoring technicians and devising remedies to problems as they arise. Math skills. Electrical and electronics engineers must be able to use the principles of calculus and other advanced math in order to analyze, design, and troubleshoot equipment. Speaking skills. Electrical and electronics engineers work closely with other engineers and technicians. They must be able to explain their designs and reasoning clearly and to relay instructions during product development and production. They also may need to explain complex issues to customers who have little or no technical expertise. Writing skills. Electrical and electronics engineers develop technical publications related to equipment they develop, including maintenance manuals, operation manuals, parts lists, product proposals, and design methods documents.