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Electrical Engineer

Electrical engineers design, develop and supervise the manufacture, installation, operation and maintenance of electrical systems.

They work on systems for the generation, distribution, utilisation and control of electric power.

They also work on electronic systems used for computing, communications and other industrial applications.

Electrical engineers work with senior administrators, civil and mechanical engineers, computer scientists and various workers in the business, building and construction industries.

They advise employers, associates or clients and consult with scientists, industrial designers and architects.

TASKS

Electrical engineers may perform the following tasks:

plan and design power stations and equipment for generators
supervise construction plans and specifications and draw up contracts
supervise operating and maintenance staff
design and produce drawings of electrical systems using computer-aided design (CAD)
decide on the type and arrangement of circuits, transformers, circuit-breakers, transmission lines and equipment, based on calculations
make or improve products such as electric motors, parts, equipment and appliances
prepare and interpret specifications, drawings and regulations for the use of electric power equipment
determine delivery and installation schedules for machines, switchgear, cables and fittings
organise and manage staff and materials in the making of electrical parts, machines, appliances and equipment
ensure completed works meet specifications and safety standards
design and install control and signalling devices for road, rail and air traffic
design telecommunications equipment and networks
contribute and adhere to safety requirements

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

able to identify, analyse and solve problems
good oral and written communication skills
enjoy computing and technical design
practical and creative
able to work independently and accept responsibility

Interest Area

SPECIALISATIONS

Electrical engineers may specialise as electrical maintenance engineers, electrical power engineers, electrical design engineers, communications engineers or computer engineers. They may also specialise in areas such as the design and operation of power plants, generators, metal refining, rolling mills, motors and transformers, and in researching new applications of technology or production machinery.

EDUCATION & TRAINING

To become an electrical engineer you usually have to complete an engineering degree at university with a major in electrical, electronic, electrical power, telecommunications and network, or communications engineering. To get into these courses you usually need to gain your HSC/ACT Year 12. Prerequisite subjects, or assumed knowledge, in one or more of English, mathematics, biology, chemistry and physics are normally required. Most universities in Australia offer degrees in these areas.

Universities have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements or offer external study. Contact the universities you are interested in for more information as requirements may change.

Additional Information

Graduates may be eligible for membership of Engineers Australia. Visit their website for more details.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Electrical engineers work for state, territory and federal government departments; electricity suppliers; consulting engineers; and firms in the minerals, defence, telecommunications, information technology, steel, manufacturing and service industries.

The telecommunications industry is expanding due to factors such as the rapid development of technology, the increased use of mobile phones by the Australian public and new telecommunications companies entering the market.