Electrical Engineer Job Descriptions, Average Salary, Interview Questions

What Does an Electrical Engineer Do?

Electrical engineers develop and test electronic products and systems for consumer goods like computers and appliances to large-scale electrical power systems. They use principles of engineering, electricity, and electromagnetism to develop electrical systems. An electrical engineer can work across multiple industries, including telecommunications, manufacturing, energy, the automotive industry, the military, aerospace, and more. In addition to possessing experience in engineering, electrical engineers must also be well-versed in the use of tools like computer-assisted design software.

Electrical engineer candidates should have strong skills in science, math, communication, teamwork, analytical problem-solving, and critical thinking. Most electrical engineers specialize in a particular area of expertise, such as signal processing, power engineering, or microelectronics. In addition to designing and testing systems, electrical engineers create new applications and conduct risk assessments to make sure products comply with safety standards and electrical engineering codes.

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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

Electrical Engineer Job Descriptions

Crafting the perfect job description may be the key to finding an exceptional electrical engineer. To help you with your recruiting search, our team has put together some examples from past openings.

Candidate Certifications to Look For

  • Certified Electrical Safety Compliance Professional (CESCP). This certification program is designed for electrical and safety professionals who oversee electrical safety programs or who manage electricians and other personnel exposed to electrical hazards. The certificate recognizes a candidate’s knowledge of electrical safety in workplace environments and their competence as related to the standards for electrical safety in the Workplace. 
  • Professional Engineer (PE) License. The National Society of Professional Engineers offers the PE license, which demonstrates that candidates have the credentials to work as a professional engineer, displaying the highest standard of competence and quality. Obtaining the PE license can greatly enhance your career options. To earn their license, they must complete a four-year college degree from an accredited engineering program, work under a professional engineer for at least four years, and pass the Principles and Practice of Engineering exam.

Sample Interview Questions

  • Why did you decide to become an electrical engineer, and what are your long-term career goals?
  • What resources do you use to keep up with the latest advances in electrical engineering?
  • What is impedance, and how does it affect current flow in an electrical circuit?
  • What precautions do you take to prevent accidents in electrical engineering?
  • What is the difference between a relay and a contactor, and where would each be used?
  • What tools do you use for circuit analysis and design?
  • Have you ever had to troubleshoot an electrical system problem, and how did you approach it?
  • What resources do you use to ensure that your designs comply with industry standards and regulations?
  • How does power factor impact an electrical system’s efficiency?
  • How have you used simulation tools like MATLAB in your work?
  • How do you ensure that your team communicates and collaborates effectively on electrical engineering projects?
  • How have you used programming languages like C or Python in your work as an electrical engineer?
  • What are the differences between AC and DC power, and how are they used?
  • What tools do you use to aid in problem-solving in electrical engineering?
  • Could you describe how you approached the design and implementation of a complex project?

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