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Electrical Engineer

Electrical engineers specify, design and supervise the construction or manufacture of systems and equipment that produce, distribute and/or use electricity. They also maintain, operate and manage these systems and equipment.

Tasks & duties

Electrical engineers:

develop and design, or update specifications and designs for electrical systems and equipment
design ways to generate, distribute and manage electricity
design ways to control electrical processes using automation techniques and computers
examine the safety aspects of the planned work
calculate the cost and amount of materials required for projects
write reports and develop instruction manuals for the installation of new electricity systems and equipment
supervise the installation and maintenance of systems and equipment
oversee the testing of new electricity systems and correct any faults

Electrical engineers may also manage projects and bid for contracts. The range of projects includes infrastructure such as power stations, water and waste water treatment plants, buildings such as commercial and residential properties, factories, and universities.

Skills & knowledge

Electrical engineers need to have:

knowledge of circuit theory, heavy current or power electrical engineering and other electrical principals
an understanding of the equipment and safe practices associated with electrical engineering
knowledge of electronics
knowledge of the acts of legislation, resource management and industry standards that apply to electrical engineering
design and drawing skills, including knowledge of computer-aided design (CAD)
mathematical skills
project management skills
problem-solving and organisation skills
excellent communication skills as they spend a lot of time interacting with people

Entry requirements

To become an electrical engineer you need a four-year Bachelor of Engineering. However, a Bachelor of Engineering Technology or a National Diploma in Engineering with relevant work experience may also be acceptable.

Secondary education

A tertiary entrance qualification is required to enter further training. Year 12 Certificate of Education or Higher School Certificate . Useful subjects include maths with calculus, technology, physics and chemistry.

Tertiary education

A Bachelor of Engineering, Bachelor of Engineering Technology or a National Diploma in Engineering with relevant work experience is normally required.

Training on the job

Skills are gained on the job. Ongoing training is available from various tertiary providers and professional bodies in areas such as safety and new engineering techniques, as well as from product suppliers.