© UNT in partnership with TEA1 7 th Grade Career Exploration Module Career Focus: Electrical Engineer Occupation

What they do They design, test, and improve electronics They contribute to the development of telecommunication systems, global positioning systems, and electric power generation They manage large projects – meeting with clients, preparing budgets, determining schedules, and managing teams of other engineers or technicians © UNT in partnership with TEA2

Knowledge They must know physics, technology, and mathematics They must understand the practical application of engineering, design, and technology They must have a working knowledge of computer components, electronics, and machines © UNT in partnership with TEA3

Skills They need to have good writing skills to communicate their designs to their bosses, clients, and co-workers They must have the ability to problem-solve They must have good time management skills to make sure that the project is progressing on the correct schedule © UNT in partnership with TEA4

Tools they use They use computer aided design (CAD) software to design circuits and other parts of electronic objects They use resistors, capacitors, diodes, transistors, and inductors to make circuits They use oscilloscopes to observe and measure the wave shapes of electrical signals © UNT in partnership with TEA5

Working conditions Most jobs are 40 hours a week in an office If there is a deadline or a problem with a job, an Electrical Engineer will have to work longer hours in the evenings or on the weekends Sometimes the jobs can become stressful, and the Electrical Engineer needs to be able to remain calm and use problem-solving skills © UNT in partnership with TEA6

Training required Most Electrical Engineering jobs require a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or a graduate degree in electrical engineering Some companies require beginning Electrical Engineers to work with someone with experience or take additional courses or workshops Some engineering positions require certifications in their field © UNT in partnership with TEA7

They work for Automobile and aircraft manufacturers Manufacturers of electrical equipment Communications and navigation companies © UNT in partnership with TEA8

Income The average income for an Electrical Engineer is between $52,990 and $102,520 per year The top 10% earn more than $125,810 The Electrical Engineers are not expected to see much employment change over the next decade because of competition from other countries © UNT in partnership with TEA9