Detailed Guide for
Electrical Engineers in San Diego CountyMay also be called: Electrical Design Engineers; Electrical Research Engineers; Power Distribution Engineers; Power Transmission Engineers; Solar Engineers
What Would I Do?
It could be said that Benjamin Franklin was the first person to discover electricity by flying a kite with a key attached to the end of the string during a thunderstorm in 1752. However, there were many others before him (as far back as 600 BCE) who were intrigued by this invisible and unknown energy. In the 19th century, pioneers, such as Ampere, Faraday, Ohm, and Oestad, discovered the electrical properties of charge, current, potential and resistance, and the dynamics between them. Many inventions came out of these discoveries, such as the electric light bulb, electrical communications (telegraph and telephone), and Nikola Tesla’s invention of the first alternate current (AC) motor. However, it was not until the later part of the 19th century that Electrical Engineering became its own field of study.
Electrical Engineers* research, design, develop, manufacture, and test electrical equipment and systems. Products they design are many and varied, and include electric motors for wind turbines; machinery controls, lighting, and wiring; radar and navigation systems; and power generation, control and transmission devices used by electric utilities. In addition, Electrical Engineers analyze, develop, and propose designs for improving products or processes, such as electric and hybrid vehicles, or solar photovoltaic systems. They also use advanced methods, theories, and research techniques to investigate and solve complex technical problems.
The terms “electrical” and “electronics” engineering often are used interchangeably; however, Electrical Engineers traditionally focus on the generation and supply of power, whereas Electronics Engineers work on applications of electricity to control systems or signal processing. They specialize in areas such as power systems engineering or electrical equipment manufacturing.
Electrical Engineers may be employed in a wide range of industries, including the following:
- Aerospace industry, where they design, develop and test electrical systems and components for aircraft, helicopters and missile guidance systems. Electrical Engineers may also work on research and development of spacecraft and space vehicles for space exploration.
- Computer industry, where they perform hardware and software design and test, computer-aided design tool development, system integration and test (bringing together a group of components into one system), and system/component electrical fault analysis (detection and diagnosis of system failures) and reliability studies. The unique aspects of creating cutting edge products require both technical excellence and cooperative teamwork.
- Transportation sector, where they design and develop electrical systems for highways and traffic management. Electrical Engineers may also design the automated highway traffic control signs, which warn travelers of hazards on the road. They may also design fog warning systems, which automatically caution drivers of foggy conditions on the highway. In addition, Engineers work with highway advisory radios (HAR), which broadcasts information over a designated AM radio frequency, to advise motorists of traffic conditions. Some of these electrical systems are designed to use energy-efficient products, such as solar photovoltaic panels.
- Utilities industry, where they design, develop and test devices, such as electric motors, electric generators, relays, and transformers. Engineers conduct research and development on improving energy efficiency for the electrical grid and power plants by developing new technologies, such as the “smart grid.” They also work with alternative energy sources, such as solar, hydropower, and wind developing ways to connect these renewable energy sources into the existing electrical infrastructure.
For many Engineers, the technical aspect accounts for only a fraction of the work. They must also spend time discussing proposals with clients, preparing budgets, and determining project schedules. Some Electrical Engineers provide consultation services to various types of businesses. Many senior Engineers manage a team of technicians or other Engineers. Most engineering projects involve some form of documentation, so strong written communication skills are important.
Tools and Technology
Electrical Engineers use a variety of tools in the course of their work, including computers, frequency calibrators or simulators, signal generators, voltage or current meters, and software, including computer-aided design (CAD/CADD), project management, and word processing.
Green Economy
Electrical Engineers will play an important role in the emerging green economy. They may assist with the research and design of energy-efficient systems, such as “smart grids.” They may also work within the renewable energy generation sector developing, designing, and testing products using energy sources such as solar, wind, geothermal, and biomass. Some Engineers may work with traditional non-renewable sources (oil, coal, gas, and nuclear) that are undergoing green technological changes. In addition, Electrical Engineers may work in the green construction sector, installing green technology into new green buildings or retrofitting existing residential and commercial buildings.
Green economy activities and technologies would most likely have an effect on Electrical Engineers. The advancements in technology may cause changes to the work and worker requirements, such as new tasks, skills, knowledge, and credentials.
Important Tasks and Related Skills
*This product was partially funded by a grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment & Training Administration. The information contained in this product was created by a grantee organization and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Labor. All references to non-governmental companies or organizations, their services, products, or resources are offered for informational purposes and should not be construed as an endorsement by the Department of Labor. This product is copyrighted by the institution that created it and is intended for individual organizational, non-commercial use only.
Each task below is matched to a sample skill required to carry out the task.
| View the skill definitions |
| Task | Skill Used in this Task |
|---|
| Operate computer-assisted engineering or design software or equipment to perform engineering tasks. | Computers and Electronics |
| Confer with engineers, customers, or others to discuss existing or potential engineering projects or products. | Oral Expression |
| Direct or coordinate manufacturing, construction, installation, maintenance, support, documentation, or testing activities to ensure compliance with specifications, codes, or customer requirements. | Complex Problem Solving |
| Design, implement, maintain, or improve electrical instruments, equipment, facilities, components, products, or systems for commercial, industrial, or domestic purposes. | Operations Analysis |
| Perform detailed calculations to compute and establish manufacturing, construction, or installation standards or specifications. | Mathematics |
| Oversee project production efforts to assure projects are completed on time and within budget. | Monitoring |
| Plan or implement research methodology or procedures to apply principles of electrical theory to engineering projects. | Engineering and Technology |
| Estimate labor, material, or construction costs for budget preparation purposes. | Judgment and Decision Making |
| Compile data and write reports regarding existing or potential electrical engineering studies or projects. | Critical Thinking |
| Inspect completed installations and observe operations to ensure conformance to design and equipment specifications and compliance with operational, safety, or environmental standards. | Systems Analysis |
| Design electrical systems or components that minimize electric energy requirements, such as lighting systems designed to account for natural lighting. | Design |
| Integrate electrical systems with renewable energy systems to improve overall efficiency. | Systems Evaluation |
|
Skill Definitions
Below is a definition for each skill.
| View the tasks to skills list |
| Skill | Definition |
|---|
| Computers and Electronics | Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming. |
| Oral Expression | The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand. |
| Complex Problem Solving | Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions. |
| Operations Analysis | Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design. |
| Mathematics | Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications. |
| Monitoring | Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action. |
| Engineering and Technology | Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services. |
| Judgment and Decision Making | Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one. |
| Critical Thinking | Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems. |
| Systems Analysis | Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes. |
| Design | Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models. |
| Systems Evaluation | Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system. |
|
Working Conditions
Electrical Engineers work in office buildings, laboratories, manufacturing firms, or industrial plants. They may spend time outdoors at construction sites, facilities, businesses, and other locations, overseeing the installation of electrical system and equipment; monitoring operations; or solving onsite problems. When working with any type of electrical systems or equipment, Electrical Engineers must be trained in proper safety procedures. Most Engineers work a standard 40-hour workweek but can expect occasional evening, weekend or holiday work to meet deadlines.
Generally, Electrical Engineers are not members of labor unions, although those working in State or local government are required to become full members or pay "fair share" in a union, such as Professional Engineers in California Government (PECG).
Will This Job Fit Me?
Electrical Engineers frequently work with ideas, which they translate to designs that others implement under engineering supervision. Engineers search for facts using a variety of sources in order to solve problems. Electrical Engineers are also skilled in analysis and design. This requires a type of intelligence that is logical, detail-oriented, inquisitive, and creative. Additionally, Electrical Engineers' work activities may involve practical, hands-on problems and solutions.
Electrical Engineers must be able to work alone or as part of a team. Effective oral and written communication skills are critical. Engineers usually convey information to interested parties on a range of technical topics, such as design reviews.
What Wages and Benefits Can I Expect?
Wages
The median wage in 2017 for Electrical Engineers in California was $114,398 annually, or $55.00 hourly. The median wage for Electrical Engineers in San Diego County was $115,714 annually, or $55.63 hourly. The median is the point at which half of the workers earn more and half earn less.
Benefits
Electrical Engineers generally receive excellent benefit packages, including health and life insurance, vacation, sick leave, and pension plans.
What is the Job Outlook?
With the increased focus on environmentally sustainable business practices, it is expected that there may be increased opportunities for Electrical Engineers. However, like many occupations, employment is sensitive to the fluctuations of the economy.
Projections of Employment
In California, the number of Electrical Engineers is expected to grow slower than average growth rate for all occupations. Jobs for Electrical Engineers are expected to increase by 10.3 percent, or 2,500 jobs between 2014 and 2024.
In San Diego County, the number of Electrical Engineers is expected to grow faster than average growth rate for all occupations. Jobs for Electrical Engineers are expected to increase by 18.7 percent, or 790 jobs between 2014 and 2024.
Estimated Employment and Projected Growth
Electrical Engineers |
|---|
Geographic Area
(Estimated Year-Projected Year) | Estimated
Employment | Projected
Employment | Numeric
Change | Percent
Change | Additional Openings
Due to Net
Replacements |
|---|
California
(2014-2024) | 24,300 | 26,800 | 2,500 | 10.3 | 5,400 |
San Diego County
(2014-2024) | 4,220 | 5,010 | 790 | 18.7 | 930 |
|
| View Projected Growth for All Areas |
Annual Job Openings
In California, an average of 250 new job openings per year is expected for Electrical Engineers, plus an additional 540 job openings due to net replacement needs, resulting in a total of 790 job openings.
In San Diego County, an average of 78 new job openings per year is expected for Electrical Engineers, plus an additional 93 job openings due to net replacement needs, resulting in a total of 171 job openings.
Estimated Average Annual Job Openings
Electrical Engineers |
|---|
Geographic Area
(Estimated Year-
Projected Year) | Jobs From Growth | Jobs Due to
Net Replacements | Total Annual
Job Openings |
|---|
California
(2014-2024) | 250 | 540 | 790 |
San Diego County
(2014-2024) | 78 | 93 | 171 |
|
| View Data for All Areas |
How Do I Qualify?
Education, Training, and Other Requirements
A bachelor's degree in electrical engineering is generally the minimum educational level that employers will consider for a position as an Electrical Engineer. Most engineering programs involve a concentration of study in an engineering specialty, along with courses in design, mathematics, physical and life sciences, and hands-on laboratory classes. In addition to the core classes, which often reflect electrical engineering basics, coursework may also include a focus on analog and digital electronics, biomedical engineering, communications engineering, control systems, power engineering, renewable electrical energy, and smart electric power grids. Advanced computer skills are also vital to the Engineer's education.
Experience
Many employers require at least four years of experience in Electrical Engineering, and a professional engineering (PE) license. However, larger companies may offer entry-level engineering positions for college graduates and provide them with formal classroom or seminar-type training. Entry-level Engineers, while under the direction of a licensed Engineer, gain knowledge and experience and are assigned more difficult projects with greater independence to develop designs, solve problems, and make decisions. Once an Engineer is licensed, they no longer require the approval of a professional overseer and can approve documents directly.
Early Career Planning
High school students planning to become Electrical Engineers should take college preparatory courses such as English, mathematics, chemistry, physics, computer science, and mechanical drawing or computer aided design courses. Students would also benefit from participating in extracurricular science or engineering programs geared toward middle and high school students such as Odyssey of the Mind, Science Olympiad, and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) programs.
Work-Study Programs
Some colleges and universities help students find work-study programs or internships. These internships are usually paid and are an opportunity for the sponsoring organization to recruit future employees.
Continuing Education
While continuing education is currently not a requirement for maintaining a professional engineer’s license, most Electrical Engineers stay current with changes to building and electrical codes, such as the California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen). The various Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Professional Credentials require continuing education units every two years. Contact the U. S. Green Building Council for specific details. Engineers must also keep up to date with the latest developments in their field to properly do their jobs.
Licensing and Certification
Electrical Engineers who approve engineering documents or oversee less experienced engineers must obtain a professional engineering (PE) license. The license must be renewed every two years.
To become licensed, Engineers must first pass the Engineer-in-Training or Fundamentals of Engineering examination which requires at least three years of coursework from a college or university offering an engineering program accredited by Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), or three years of engineering-related experience. The next step in the process is to pass the professional examination which requires a bachelor’s degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited institution, along with two years of eligible engineering experience. Engineers without a bachelor's degree in engineering must possess six years of eligible experience. Contact the agency that issues the license for additional information. Click on the license title below for details.
Some certifications or credentials may be required for Electrical Engineers, such as Energy Manager, Lighting Efficiency Professional, Green Building Engineer, LEED, and Sustainable Development Professional. These credentials are offered by various professional organizations. For more information, go to the U.S. Department of Labor's Career InfoNet Web site and scroll down to "Career Tools." Click on "Certification Finder" and follow the instructions to locate certification programs.
Where Can I Find Training?
There are two ways to search for training information:
- Search by Field of Study to find what programs are available and what schools offer those programs. You may use keywords such as: Electrical Engineer and Electrical Engineering.
- Search by Training Provider to find schools by name, type of school, or location.
Contact the schools you are interested in to learn about the classes available, tuition and fees, and any prerequisite course work.
Where Would I Work?
The largest industries employing Electrical Engineers are as follows:
| Industry Title | Percent of Total Employment for Occupation in California |
|---|
| Scientific Research and Development Svc | 19.0% |
| Architectural and Engineering Services | 17.7% |
| Semiconductor and Electronic Components | 15.8% |
| Electronic Instrument Manufacturing | 6.2% |
| Local Government | 3.2% |
|
Finding a Job
Direct contact with employers is a traditional means to finding a job as an Electrical Engineer. Jobs may also be found through college placement offices, company recruiting events, job fairs, online job boards, or professional engineering organizations. Online job opening systems include JobCentral at www.jobcentral.com and CalJOBSSM at www.caljobs.ca.gov.
To find your nearest One-Stop Career Center, go to Service Locator. View the helpful job search tips for more resources. (requires Adobe Reader).
Yellow Page Headings
You can focus your local job search by checking employers listed online or in your local telephone directory. Below are some suggested headings where you might find employers of Electrical Engineers.
- Consulting Engineers
- Electrical Engineers
- Engineers
- Manufacturing Engineers
- Power Plant Engineers
Find Possible Employers
To locate a list of employers in your area, go to "Find Employers" on the Labor Market Information Web site:
- Select one of the top industries that employ the occupation. This will give you a list of employers in that industry in your area.
- Click on "View Filter Selections" to limit your list to specific cities or employer size.
- Click on an employer for the street address, telephone number, size of business, Web site, etc.
- Contact the employer for possible employment.
Where Could This Job Lead?
With increasing experience and skills, the Electrical Engineer may take on additional responsibilities. Some move into supervisory positions where they oversee other Engineers or technicians. Also, numerous professional certifications exist for Electrical Engineers which may offer improved opportunity for advancement to better-paying senior technical or managerial positions. A master's degree or doctor of philosophy degree may lead to teaching opportunities.
Related Occupations
Below is a list of occupations related to Electrical Engineers with links to more information.
| Occupation | Occupational
Guide | Industry
Report | Occupational
Profile |
|---|
| Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technicians | Guide | | |
| Electronics Engineers, Except Computer | Guide | | |
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | Guide | | |
| Mechanical Engineers | Guide | | |
| Nuclear Engineers | | | Profile |
Other Sources
These links are provided for your convenience and do not constitute an endorsement by EDD.
For the Career Professional
The following codes are provided to assist counselors, job placement workers, or other career professionals.
