what is an electrical engineer?
Electrical engineers are responsible for electrical systems on a larger scale than typical electricians. In this role, you plan and execute the maintenance, upgrades, and installations of entire electrical systems. You supervise other electrical technicians working in your or with your team. You also provide guidance in electrical-related matters to managers in the companies you work for.
You require various skills to succeed in this profession. Technical skills enable you to carry out electrical work, and project management skills allow you to organise the various projects you are responsible for. Your job could involve travelling, so you also need to be comfortable working in various locations and environments.
All industries need electrical engineers, so no specific industry is linked to this profession. If you find yourself working for a firm that provides electrical services to other organisations, you may work in different industries weekly to weekly. However, the need for good organisational skills, project management ability, and attention to detail remains constant. These skills ensure you won't miss things that could later develop into significant problems.
If this matches your skill set, read on to learn more about qualifications, skills, and earnings in this profession.
electrical engineer rolesaverage salary of an electrical engineer
The average electrical engineer's salary in India is around ₹2,81,240, though that figure can climb as high as ₹4,71,003 depending on several factors, including experience and qualifications.
factors that affect electrical engineer's pay
One of the most significant factors in how much electrical engineers get paid is how much overtime they are prepared to work. Naturally, the more hours you work, the more you will get paid. The geographical location of your employer also impacts your pay. For example, electrical engineers in Delhi earn around ₹1,00,000 per year more than electrical engineers in Hyderabad, Telangana.
Education and experience are also important factors, though education is less significant than having the appropriate certifications to carry out electrical work. Having previous experience in project management can also increase your earning potential.
types of electrical engineer
Electrical engineering is a single profession, but there are areas of specialisation within that profession with specific responsibilities. Some of the more common different types of electrical engineers include:
- electrical engineering technician: an electrical engineering technician supports their electrical engineer by assisting them in executing their duties.
- electrical installer and repairer: in this role, you install electrical components, systems, and products, as well as make repairs when necessary.
- electrician: as an electrician, you use your electrical engineering expertise to install, maintain, and repair electrical fixtures and equipment, such as lighting.
- electronics engineer: in an electronics engineer role, you work specifically on electronics rather than wider electrical systems. You are responsible for building, testing, and repairing electrical components.
working as an electrical engineer
Working as an electrical engineer is varied and satisfying. Whichever branch you work in, your technical and organisational skills are paramount. Your day-to-day work focuses on specialised engineering tasks as well as the planning, management and administration of electrical projects.
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duties and responsibilities
The specific duties of an electrical engineer include:
- project planning: you are responsible for planning all electrical projects in your organisation, from designing electrical systems to budgeting for projects. You also hold meetings with clients and colleagues.
- managing and maintaining electrical systems: in addition to planning new systems, you also manage the maintenance of existing systems. You plan maintenance work carefully to minimise the amount of disruption to production processes.
- project development: while the planning side of things is undoubtedly important, projects need constant maintenance to ensure things stay on track. If you are in charge of a project, you closely monitor its development and make changes as and when they are needed.
- writing and presenting reports: reporting back to clients and management in your organisation if you are managing a project. Good communication skills enable you to provide feedback on a project's progress.
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work environment
As an electrical engineer, you work in various environments. A lot of your role will involve working at a computer, but you will still need to head out to the locations where the projects you are managing are taking place. Depending on the role, you may work in the same type of setting, such as all industrial or all commercial, but it depends upon the company you work for.
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who are your colleagues?
As with your work environment, the people you work with will depend a lot on the organisation you are working for. If you are primarily working in industrial settings, you mostly work with heavy plant operators. If you are working in a commercial office setting, you work with the technicians in the building. There will be some colleagues you always work with, regardless of your job specifics, such as other civil engineers, field engineers and project managers.
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work schedule
As an electrical engineer, you consistently work around 40 hours per week, but your schedule may be erratic. You usually work regular business hours of 9:30 am to 5:30 pm, but you regularly work outside of those hours. As you are managing large-scale electrical projects, much of what you do takes place outside of standard business hours in order to cause as little disruption as possible.
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job outlook
Electrical engineering is a crucial field in just about all areas of business, particularly in engineering and other industrial areas. There are plenty of opportunities for someone looking to break into this profession. Regarding progression, it is not uncommon for successful electrical engineers to achieve managerial roles within the organisation they work for or go on to start their own electrical engineering firm.
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advantages of finding an electrical engineer job through randstad
Finding your electrical engineer job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid on a monthly basis
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as an electrical engineer is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too!
education and skills
Some of the academic qualifications for becoming an electrical engineer include:
- bachelor's degree: a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering should be considered the minimum requirement. This will mean at least three years of education, or possibly four years, depending on the specific path you take.
- master's degree: if you are looking to gain an edge when joining the workforce, a master's degree in electrical engineering will help you stand out from those who have only a bachelor's degree.
skills and competencies
Some of the qualities that help you stand out as an electrical engineer include:
- attention to detail: working with electrical systems involves a number of complex aspects, such as wiring diagrams and architectural plans, as well as the electrical systems themselves. Having strong attention to detail helps you ensure you don't miss any potential problems that could become significant issues in the future.
- communication skills: you work with a lot of people during the course of your electrical engineering career, from your superiors to the people who work in the buildings where you are based. Having good communication skills will make your professional life easier.
- problem-solving skills: electrical systems can be tricky, particularly when dealing with older systems that have been in place for many years. An aptitude for problem-solving can help you get around some of the complex issues that arise in a shorter amount of time.
FAQs about working as an electrical engineer
FAQs about working as a electrical engineer:
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how much does an electrical engineer earn in India?
Electrical engineers in India typically earn around ₹2,80,000 per year. That figure can be as high as ₹8,00,000 depending on things like qualifications, past experience, and the organisation that you work for.
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is electrical engineering in demand in India?
India has plenty of demand for electrical engineers as its industrial sector expands. This demand is spread across many areas, including the private and public sectors.
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what does an electrical engineer do?
Electrical engineers design, develop, and perform maintenance on electrical systems for a variety of buildings and organisations.
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how can I become an electrical engineer in India?
To become an electrical engineer in India, you will need at least a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, although a master's degree improves your chances of being hired, as well as increases your likely starting salary.
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how do I apply for an electrical engineer vacancy?
Applying for an electrical engineer job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our job offers for vacancies in your area. Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here!
