Electrical engineering can provide a lucrative and rewarding career. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the average annual salary of electrical engineers topped $101,000 in 2019. It also points out that the number of electrical engineering jobs is projected to grow 3% between 2019 and 2029.
Many companies need electrical engineers to design, develop, and test electrical equipment. As such, don’t expect the demand for electrical engineers to slow down any time soon. And, for those who want to become electrical engineers, now may be the time to consider your career options.
Pursue a Career As an Electrical Engineer
The path to becoming a successful electrical engineer varies. In fact, there are several career paths available to aspiring electrical engineers, including:
1. Systems Engineer
Systems engineers are often hired by software, transportation, product development and manufacturing companies. They are responsible for building systems that perform consistently from start to finish.
To become a systems engineer, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree in information systems, industrial engineering, or computer engineering. It often helps to pursue internships that allow you to gain hands-on experience as well.
Along with educational requirements, it can be beneficial to earn systems engineer certifications from ASEP, INCOSE, and other globally recognized organizations. These certifications can help you become an expert systems engineer.
2. Test Engineer
Test engineers drive the production cycle of various products. They are responsible for checking product materials, procedures, and mechanical and electrical systems. If test engineers identify product defects, they correct these issues before products are shipped to consumers.
Earning a bachelor’s degree can help you begin a career as a test engineer. To land the best test engineer jobs, you may want to pursue a master’s degree or PhD.
The best test engineers are critical thinkers. They know how to look at issues from multiple angles and determine the best course of action to resolve these problems.
3. Network Design Engineer
Network design engineers design, configure and maintain computer networks for big and small businesses. They help companies get their IT infrastructure up and running and ensure all employees can access printers, servers, and other network devices.
A bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field is typically a must-have for those who want to become network design engineers. In addition, network design engineers usually have a strong understanding of wireless technologies and network topologies.
Successful network design engineers are constantly learning new things. They may enroll in courses relating to operating systems, programming languages, and similar topics. In doing so, these engineers can stay up to date on network design topics and trends.
Find the Right Electrical Engineering Job
If you are ready to pursue a career in electrical engineering, Techneeds can help. We are a leading New Hampshire staffing agency that can help you get your electrical engineering career off the ground.
Our team can put you in touch with companies in search of entry-level and experienced electrical engineers. We can also offer tips and recommendations to help you accelerate your job search. To learn more, please contact us today.