Electrical Engineers

17-2071.00

Research, design, develop, test, or supervise the manufacturing and installation of electrical equipment, components, or systems for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use.

Occupation-Specific Information

Tasks

• Supervise or train project team members, as necessary.
• Assist in developing capital project programs for new equipment or major repairs.
• Design, implement, maintain, or improve electrical instruments, equipment, facilities, components, products, or systems for commercial, industrial, or domestic purposes.
• Oversee project production efforts to assure projects are completed on time and within budget.
• Direct or coordinate manufacturing, construction, installation, maintenance, support, documentation, or testing activities to ensure compliance with specifications, codes, or customer requirements.
• Perform detailed calculations to compute and establish manufacturing, construction, or installation standards or specifications.
• Operate computer-assisted engineering or design software or equipment to perform engineering tasks.
• Confer with engineers, customers, or others to discuss existing or potential engineering projects or products.
• Investigate or test vendors' or competitors' products.
• Inspect completed installations and observe operations to ensure conformance to design and equipment specifications and compliance with operational, safety, or environmental standards.
• Investigate customer or public complaints to determine the nature and extent of problems.
• Prepare technical drawings, specifications of electrical systems, or topographical maps to ensure that installation and operations conform to standards and customer requirements.
• Compile data and write reports regarding existing or potential electrical engineering studies or projects.
• Prepare specifications for purchases of materials or equipment.
• Estimate labor, material, or construction costs for budget preparation purposes.
• Plan or implement research methodology or procedures to apply principles of electrical theory to engineering projects.
• Collect data relating to commercial or residential development, population, or power system interconnection to determine operating efficiency of electrical systems.
• Develop systems that produce electricity with renewable energy sources, such as wind, solar, or biofuels.
• Develop software to control electrical systems.
• Plan layout of electric power generating plants or distribution lines or stations.
• Integrate electrical systems with renewable energy systems to improve overall efficiency.
• Conduct field surveys or study maps, graphs, diagrams, or other data to identify and correct power system problems.
• Design electrical systems or components that minimize electric energy requirements, such as lighting systems designed to account for natural lighting.

Technology Skills

• Analytical or scientific software - APLAC; Automated material handling software; Availability prediction modeling software; Circuit simulation software; Digital timing diagram editing software; Dynamic object-oriented requirements system DOORS; Electromagnetic analysis software; Electronic engineering calculator; Embedded systems testing software; Failure mode and effects analysis FMEA software; Failure mode effects and criticality analysis FMECA software; Failure reporting analysis and corrective action FRACAS software; Fault modeling software; Fault tree analysis FTA software; Finite difference time domain FDTD software; Finite element method FEM software; Functional verification software; Hewlett-Packard HP Semiconductor Parameter Analyzer; Isograph Markov; Life cycle cost software; Logic synthesis software; MathWorks Simulink; Matrix calculation software; Mean time between failures MBTF software; Mean time to failure MTTF software; Microwave circuit simulation software; Minitab; Optimization software; Power analysis software; Powersim PSIM; Reliability analysis software; ReliaSoft Weibull++ 6; Siemens ModelSim; Signal integrity simulation software; Simulation program with integrated circuit emphasis SPICE; SKM Systems Analysis Power Tools; Synopsys Design Compiler; Synopsys PrimeTime; Systems analysis programs for hands on integrated reliability evaluation software SAPHIRE; Tektronix EZ-TEST; Test automation software; The MathWorks MATLAB ; Time and motion analysis software
• Computer aided design CAD software - Autodesk AutoCAD ; Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D 🔥; Autodesk Revit ; Bentley MicroStation 🔥; Cadence Allegro Design Entry Capture and Capture CIS; Cadence Encounter Test; Chip design software; Computer aided design and drafting CADD software; Computer aided design and drafting software CADD; Computer aided design CAD software; Dassault Systemes CATIA; Dassault Systemes SolidWorks 🔥; Electronic design automation EDA software; Field programmable gate array FPGA design software; Floor planning software; Keysight Technologies Advanced Design System; MAGIC; Mentor Graphics software; OrCAD Capture; Physical design software; Printed circuit board design software; PTC Creo Parametric; Schematic design entry software; Zuken E3.schematic
• Computer aided manufacturing CAM software - Computer aided manufacturing CAM software; Rapid prototyping software
• Configuration management software - Perforce Helix software
• Data base user interface and query software - Microsoft SQL Server 🔥
• Development environment software - Ada; Advanced boolean expression language ABEL; Altera hardware description language AHDL; C 🔥; Eclipse IDE 🔥; Hardware description language HDL; Integrated development environment IDE software; Microsoft Visual Basic 🔥; Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications VBA 🔥; Microsoft Visual Basic Scripting Edition VBScript; Microsoft Visual Studio 🔥; National Instruments LabVIEW; Programmable logic controller PLC code generation software; Verilog; Very high-speed integrated circuit VHSIC hardware description language VHDL
• Electronic mail software - IBM Notes
• Enterprise resource planning ERP software - SAP software 🔥
• File versioning software - Apache Subversion SVN 🔥
• Financial analysis software - Oracle E-Business Suite Financials
• Geographic information system - ESRI ArcGIS software 🔥; ETAP
• Graphics or photo imaging software - SmugMug Flickr
• Industrial control software - AVEVA InTouch HMI; Programmable logic controller PLC software; Supervisory control and data acquisition SCADA software
• Object or component oriented development software - C# 🔥; C++ ; JHDL; Perl 🔥; Python ; Sun Microsystems Java
• Office suite software - Microsoft Office software
• Operating system software - Bash 🔥; Linux 🔥; Microsoft Windows 🔥; Microsoft Windows Server 🔥; Shell script 🔥; UNIX 🔥
• Presentation software - Microsoft PowerPoint
• Process mapping and design software - Microsoft Visio 🔥
• Program testing software - Debugging software; Defect tracking software
• Project management software - Microsoft Project 🔥; Oracle Primavera Enterprise Project Portfolio Management 🔥
• Requirements analysis and system architecture software - Requirements management software; Unified modeling language UML
• Spreadsheet software - Microsoft Excel
• WAN switching software and firmware - ATD protocol; X.25 Protocol
• Word processing software - Microsoft OneNote; Microsoft Word 🔥

Occupational Requirements

Work Activities

• Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials - Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
• Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information - Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
• Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People - Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
• Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards - Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
• Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Thinking Creatively - Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Developing Objectives and Strategies - Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
• Scheduling Work and Activities - Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
• Performing General Physical Activities - Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
• Handling and Moving Objects - Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
• Controlling Machines and Processes - Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
• Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment - Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
• Working with Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment - Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
• Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment - Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
• Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment - Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
• Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others - Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Communicating with People Outside the Organization - Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
• Assisting and Caring for Others - Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
• Selling or Influencing Others - Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
• Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others - Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
• Performing for or Working Directly with the Public - Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
• Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others - Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
• Developing and Building Teams - Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
• Training and Teaching Others - Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
• Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates - Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
• Coaching and Developing Others - Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
• Providing Consultation and Advice to Others - Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
• Performing Administrative Activities - Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
• Staffing Organizational Units - Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
• Monitoring and Controlling Resources - Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

Detailed Work Activities

• Train personnel on proper operational procedures.
• Supervise engineering or other technical personnel.
• Design electrical equipment or systems.
• Design structures or facilities.
• Maintain electronic equipment.
• Direct industrial production activities.
• Direct construction activities.
• Direct installation activities.
• Direct equipment maintenance or repair activities.
• Estimate technical or resource requirements for development or production projects.
• Operate computer systems.
• Confer with technical personnel to prepare designs or operational plans.
• Discuss designs or plans with clients.
• Test products for functionality or quality.
• Inspect operational processes.
• Investigate system, equipment, or product failures.
• Create electrical schematics.
• Prepare operational reports.
• Estimate operational costs.
• Prepare project budgets.
• Devise research or testing protocols.
• Design alternative energy systems.
• Develop software or computer applications.
• Develop software or applications for scientific or technical use.
• Design control systems for mechanical or other equipment.
• Design energy production or management equipment or systems.
• Design energy-efficient equipment or systems.
• Survey land or bodies of water to measure or determine features.