what is an electrical engineer?
As an electrical engineer, you are involved in the design, development, installation, and maintenance of systems related to electrical power, electronic circuits, and control systems.
Electrical engineers work in various industries, including power generation stations, telecommunications companies and instrumentation development companies. Despite the differences in specialisation, all electrical engineers keep electrical systems up and running in organisations. You make sure that all systems are well maintained and perform system upgrades promptly. You are also responsible for planning and initiating electrical projects. Once a project is underway, you participate from the development process to the final installation. Furthermore, you offer continuous guidance to company management on all electrical issues and supervise other electrical technicians.
You need various skills to become an electrical engineer, from basic circuit theory to project management skills. You also require proficiency in using specialised tools, such as simple voltmeters, high-end analysers, and advanced design and manufacturing software.
Would working as an electrical engineer suit your project management skills? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in an electrical engineer role.
electrical engineer jobsaverage electrical engineer salary
In Greece, the salaries of electrical engineers vary depending on experience and field of employment. According to various estimates, the starting salary for a junior electrical engineer with little professional experience is around €25,000 gross annually. After a few years of professional experience, the salary can rise to €45,000 gross annually. Finally, highly experienced engineers or those in senior positions (e.g., project managers, technical directors) can earn salaries in the range of €56,000 gross annually or higher.
how to increase your earnings as an electrical engineer
As an electrical engineer, there are several ways to increase your income by leveraging your expertise, continuous education, and the development of professional opportunities. For example, obtaining a master's degree or certifications in high-demand fields such as renewable energy, automation, or project management. Specializing in high-demand areas like renewable energy or automation and robotics systems can help boost your earnings. Additionally, you should enhance your communication and leadership skills to take on more strategic roles within companies or projects. Lastly, project management can be a key area, as taking on project management roles can increase your income, especially if you obtain certification in Project Management (e.g., PMP). Project managers often earn more than purely technical roles.
types of electrical engineers
Electrical engineering is a broad field in which you can specialise in different categories, depending on your preference. Here are some types of electrical engineers:
-
electrical power and energy systems engineers
As an electrical engineer specializing in energy and power systems, you are responsible for the design, analysis, and optimization of electrical energy transmission and distribution networks. Additionally, you manage and maintain high-voltage equipment and power systems.
-
electronics and microelectronics engineers
As an electronics engineer specializing in electronics and microelectronics, your primary role is the design and development of electronic circuits and systems. You also conduct research and are responsible for the production of integrated circuits and miniature electronic devices.
-
automation and control systems engineers
As an electronics engineer specializing in automation and control systems, you design and implement automation systems for industry and production control processes. You are responsible for the development and maintenance of control systems such as PLC and SCADA.
-
telecommunications engineers
As a telecommunications engineer, you will design and implement telecommunications networks, such as mobile and fixed-line telephony. You will also be required to manage and improve data transmission systems, radio frequencies, and fiber optics.
-
computer and digital systems engineers
Your primary responsibility is the design and development of computer systems, digital circuits, and processor architectures. As a computer and digital systems engineer, you will need skills in algorithm development and software engineering to solve technical problems and optimize systems.
-
renewable energy systems engineers
Your main duties will involve the design, installation, and maintenance of photovoltaic, wind, and other renewable energy systems. Additionally, to help reduce an organization's environmental footprint, you must continuously analyze and optimize the efficiency of energy systems.
working as an electrical engineer
Working as an electrical engineer involves the application of physics in order to design, develop, and control electricity and electronics. Here's a breakdown of the typical responsibilities, work environment, schedule and job expectations of an electrical engineer.
-
what does an electrical engineer do?
Electrical engineers have many responsibilities, which vary depending on their workplace and specialization. However, some duties are common across the field, such as:
- Design and development of electrical systems: The electrical engineer designs electrical networks for buildings, factories, and industries, from power systems to more specialized circuits.
- Power systems: They are responsible for the production, distribution, and management of electrical energy, including renewable sources like solar and wind power.
- Automation and control: They work on regulating and controlling automation systems in industries, factories, or buildings.
- Telecommunication and electronic systems: They are involved in the development and design of telecommunications systems, microelectronics, and digital data processing systems.
- Maintenance and troubleshooting: The electrical engineer is responsible for diagnosing and solving issues in electrical systems to ensure they operate safely and efficiently.
- Safety standards and regulations: They implement regulations and safety standards to prevent hazards like electric shocks and fires from electrical installations.
-
work environment of an electrical engineer
Electrical engineers work in various sectors, resulting in unique work environments. As an electrical engineer, you can work in the power generation and distribution industry, for example, in power plants and electrical distribution networks. In such an environment, electrical engineers design and maintain power generation and distribution systems.
Next is the construction sector, where you can collaborate with architects and civil engineers to design and install electrical systems in buildings, including lighting, heating, and automation systems. You also have the opportunity to work in the electronics and telecommunications industries, where you will specialize in the development and manufacturing of electronic products, telecommunications systems, and networks, contributing to the design and improvement of communication systems.
You can work in the automotive and aerospace industries, where your primary responsibility is designing electrical and electronic systems for vehicles, aircraft, and space applications, developing new energy and control systems.
There are also job opportunities in engineering consulting firms, offering consulting services for the design and development of electrical installations and infrastructure projects. Moreover, the automation industry in factories and production plants can be an environment where electrical engineers thrive, contributing to the design and installation of automated control systems and robotic systems.
As an electrical engineer, you can work in research centers or technology companies, developing new technologies, such as smart grids, renewable energy sources, and advanced communication systems. You can also take on educational roles and teach at universities and technical schools.
Finally, you can work in government agencies and organizations, being responsible for energy regulatory authorities and other public organizations related to infrastructure, energy, and technology.
-
who are your colleagues?
Depending on your industry, you work alongside electronics technicians, mechanical engineers and maintenance engineers. You will likely interact with robotics engineers, industrial electricians and automation engineers. You may also work with aerospace engineers, QA test engineers and project managers.
-
electrical engineer work schedule
Electrical engineers have regular but often compartmentalised work schedules. For instance, you could design a project in the morning and move on to test another project or conduct maintenance in the afternoon. However, these schedules are often interrupted, especially if more than one project is underway. You work an average of 40 hours a week.
In large companies, electrical engineers work in shifts to ensure a professional is always available in the workplace. Although most electrical engineers work full-time, independent engineers have an even more dynamic work schedule. This is because they divide their time between working on projects and travelling. Both consultants and contractors work part-time and often for multiple companies. Remote work is possible for electrical engineer consultants.
-
career opportunities as an electrical engineer
Electrical engineering skills are crucial in almost all production and manufacturing areas. Skills, education and experience are vital determiners of success when it comes to the individual growth potential of electrical engineers. Highly recommended engineers rise to managerial ranks in their industry or company. After gaining sufficient experience, you can start a private consultancy or contracting firm or become a licensed electrical engineer contractor.
-
advantages of finding a job as an electrical engineer through randstad
Working with Randstad offers you a range of benefits.
- always a contact person you can fall back on and ask for help
- a range of jobs in your area
electrical engineer skills and education
Here are the qualifications you require to become an electrical engineer:
- Education: The first and most important step is obtaining a degree in engineering, preferably in electrical engineering or a related field (e.g., electronics, telecommunications). Typically, this is a four-year undergraduate program. In Greece, there are universities offering degrees in electrical engineering. Postgraduate studies are optional but can provide specialization in specific areas of electrical engineering, such as power systems, renewable energy, microelectronics, or telecommunications.
- During or after your studies, it is important to gain practical experience through internship programs in companies or organizations active in the field of electrical engineering.
- Licences and work experience: In Greece, to work as a professional electrical engineer, you must obtain a license from the Technical Chamber of Greece (TEE). To acquire the license, you must pass relevant exams after completing your studies. Advancements in the field of electrical engineering require continuous learning and participation in seminars, conferences, and training programs.
competencies and characteristics of electrical engineers
Some qualities for success in electrical engineering include:
- Professional skills: In terms of design, production, and safety, you need to be familiar with all relevant theories and applications to ensure the success of your engineering projects. It's essential to have skills in modeling and design software, such as AutoCAD, MATLAB, or other tools used for circuit analysis and system simulation. Additionally, knowledge of energy systems is crucial for electrical engineers, as it helps them stay proficient with power systems, renewable energy sources, and smart grids.
- People skills: As an electrical engineer, you need to be a good leader. You ensure that your engineers and technicians perform all tasks correctly and meet deadlines. Strong communication skills are also necessary, as you will collaborate with colleagues and interact with individuals both within and outside your profession, such as clients and representatives from regulatory bodies. Therefore, you must be able to simplify technical terms and communicate details in a clear, understandable way.
- Problem-solving skills: Electrical engineers need to have strong analytical and critical thinking skills to solve technical problems.
FAQs
Here, you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the profession of an electrical engineer.
-
what do electrical engineers actually do?
As an electrical engineer, you design and develop electrical systems and electronics. You are involved in the planning and design stage to create blueprints for electronic devices. Aside from building electrical systems, you test them and supervise the manufacturing of the equipment.
-
is electrical engineering a good job?
Working as an electrical engineer in Greece is a promising career with great prospects. You earn a lucrative salary and have the opportunity to build your skills and gain valuable experience in designing electrical systems.
-
are electrical engineers in demand?
Yes. Electrical engineers are highly skilled in designing and building electronics and electrical systems. They are useful in various industries for the production of electronics and the development of electrical systems.
-
how much does an electrical engineer make in Greece?
In Greece, the starting salary for a junior electrical engineer with little professional experience is around €25,000 gross annually. After a few years of professional experience, the salary can rise to €45,000 gross annually. Finally, highly experienced engineers or those in senior positions (e.g., project managers, technical directors) can earn salaries in the range of €56,000 gross annually or higher.
-
do electrical engineers need coding skills?
As an electrical engineer, you use low-level (C++) and high-level programming languages (Python) to test hardware. Hence, knowledge of programming and coding is useful in executing your duties.
-
how do I find a job as an electrical engineer?
Finding a job near you as an electrical engineer is easy. Search our job offers. Have you found what you're looking for? Then submit your application using the ‘Apply’ button top right on the page.
No jobs available right now? Then log in or register an account to send us your resume and we'll pass it on to a recruiter who will contact you if an opportunity opens up for you.
