Electrical engineering is an integral part of our everyday lives, but what exactly does an electrical engineer do? Let's explore how electrical engineers take physics, maths, and other sciences and apply them to almost anything that uses or generates electricity! Here's our guide to electrical engineering.
What is an Electrical Engineer?
Electrical engineers are the types of engineers who design, develop, and maintain electrical systems and components¹. Electrical engineers work across industries such as energy, telecommunications, manufacturing, transportation, and technology². They have to apply the principles of physics, mathematics, and circuit theory to create systems that are efficient, safe, and fit for purpose³. Since electricity is key to modern life, electric engineers play a part in everything from national power grids to household appliances and advanced electronic devices².
Electrical engineers keep our power and technology running safely and efficiently. They support essential infrastructure, including power grids, transport networks, and communications systems. From lighting homes to connecting the digital world, their work powers everyday life.
Definition and Scope
Electric engineers use the principles of electricity, electronics, and electromagnetism to design and manage systems that generate, distribute, or use electrical power³. They're essential to modern living since their work is seen in critical infrastructure, often working alongside those in civil engineering, and everyday devices. Since almost every industry has electrical systems, electrical engineers contribute to a range of different projects.
Responsibilities
Electrical engineers oversee electrical systems from design to maintenance, combining analytical thinking with hands-on design skills. They must also apply a strong understanding of safety standards and regulatory requirements, much like anyone working in mechanical engineering. Electrical engineers have to ensure reliability and efficiency, and their responsibilities generally fall into the following areas:
Specialisations within Electrical Engineering
There is a range of specialised areas for electrical engineers to work in. Generally, they'll focus on an area according to different technologies, systems, or applications. Through specialisation, electrical engineers can develop technical expertise while working in industries that align with their interests, including renewable energy, telecommunications, and automation. While every electrical engineer will have a foundation in certain areas, their day-to-day work will vary widely depending on what they choose to do.
Power Engineering
Power engineers develop and maintain the systems that keep electricity flowing from generation to distribution. They work on renewable integration, grid stability, and network design, forming the backbone of large-scale energy infrastructure.
Electronics Engineering
Electronics engineers develop and refine the circuits and components behind modern technology, from medical devices to smartphones and automotive systems. Their expertise covers semiconductors, circuit boards, and digital system design.
Control Systems Engineering
Control systems engineers design automated systems that regulate machinery, processes, or equipment. This work ensures precision, efficiency, and safety in environments such as manufacturing plants, robotics systems, aerospace, and smart infrastructure. The role typically involves modelling system behaviour, developing algorithms, and integrating feedback mechanisms.
Telecommunications Engineering
Telecommunications engineers design and maintain communication networks that transmit voice, data, and digital signals. Their work supports mobile networks, satellite communication, fibre-optic systems, and internet infrastructure. This specialisation is essential for maintaining reliable digital connectivity across local and global communication systems.
The Demand for Electrical Engineers in Australia
Electrical engineering is consistently in demand in Australia. This is due to the country's ongoing investment in energy infrastructure, telecommunications networks, and advanced manufacturing⁴. It's also helped by the transition toward renewable energy sources, including solar, wind, and battery storage. Telecommunications and digital network expansion, including 5G infrastructure and fibre upgrades, creates new roles for electrical engineers across both the public and private sectors.
Current Job Market
Currently, electrical engineers are employed across energy utilities, engineering consultancies, government organisations, transport networks, research institutions, and technology companies⁴. In regions where infrastructure upgrades or renewable energy expansion are underway, demand is particularly strong. Graduate programs offer entry-level roles, while experienced engineers can shift into mid-career roles like design leadership, project management, and specialised technical roles.
electrical engineers in Australia⁴.
Future Outlook
Electrification, automation, and the continued shift toward sustainable power generation are expected to drive future employment growth for electrical engineers. As Australia moves towards increased reliance on digital control systems, electrical engineers will play a key role in upgrading and maintaining essential infrastructure. The field will likely expand further with emerging technologies such as smart grids, electric vehicle charging networks, and advanced automation.
for experienced electrical engineers⁵.
Pathways to Becoming an Electrical Engineer
To become a chemical engineer, civil engineer, or even an electrical engineer in Australia, you'll need an appropriate tertiary qualification, experience, and a strong foundation in both analytical and technical skills. Electrical engineering is a regulated professional field, so education and training pathways are in place to ensure safety, competence, and readiness for real-world systems. It's also common for students to pursue industry placements or internships to complement their education.
Educational Requirements
Most electrical engineers will complete a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) degree with a major in electrical or electrical and electronic engineering³. The degree will typically include coursework in circuit theory, power systems, signal processing, control systems, and digital electronics. It's common for Australian universities to integrate work-integrated learning or professional placements to help students gain practical experience. Look for programs accredited by Engineers Australia, which supports professional recognition and future chartered status.
Pathway Overview
Step 1
Complete secondary school with strong results in mathematics and physics.
Provides the foundational analytical skills required for engineering coursework.
Step 2
Enrol in a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) with an electrical major.
Typically 4 years, often including labs, design projects, and industry placements.
Step 3
Graduate from an Engineers Australia-accredited program.
Ensures national and international recognition under the Washington Accord.
Step 4
Begin work as a Graduate Electrical Engineer.
Practical experience builds competence in real projects and systems.
Step 5
Work towards Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) status.
Demonstrates advanced expertise and leadership in the profession.
Notable Australian Universities Offering Accredited Programs
Skills and Attributes
Electrical engineers combine technical and professional skills. Common technical skills include circuit design, system modelling, and engineering software such as MATLAB, CAD tools, and PCB design platforms. Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities are also beneficial for electrical engineers in evaluating system performance and diagnosing issues. Communication skills and teamwork are essential for working with other engineers, project managers, and specialists. Similarly, electrical engineers need to be adaptable, as the field is fast-moving, so continuous learning is recommended.
Work Environments and Career Opportunities
Electrical engineers can work in a range of professional settings. They may work in office-based roles, laboratory testing, field installation, or on-site monitoring. Thanks to the variety of roles and fields, they can specialise in areas that suit their interests.
Typical Work Settings
With different types of electrical engineering and the various stages that projects go through, there's no typical work setting for an electrical engineer. However, the early stages often take place in an office or lab, but later stages may be on-site. Here are some of the most common areas where electrical engineers could work.
Career Progression
The typical progression for electrical engineers is to go from technical analysis and system development to leadership, project coordination, or specialised technical expertise. As you gain experience, you'll generally be given more responsibilities with larger systems, higher complexity projects, or operational strategy. Electrical engineers can also move into consultancy, research, or executive leadership roles.
Graduate Electrical Engineer
Entry-level technical support, testing, modelling, and data analysis.
Electrical Design Engineer / Systems Engineer
Leads design projects, prepares specifications, and collaborates with multidisciplinary teams.
Senior or Lead Engineer
Oversees major projects, guides junior engineers, and manages technical decision-making.
Project Manager or Technical Specialist
Focuses on either project delivery and coordination or deep expertise in a chosen subfield.
Consultant, Researcher, or Engineering Manager
Strategic roles influencing technology development, organisational planning, or industry standards.
Challenges and Rewards in Electrical Engineering
Like all engineering disciplines, electrical engineering has its opportunities and challenges. Electrical systems are essential and sensitive, so engineers must ensure that designs meet safety and performance expectations. With rapidly advancing technology, they also need to stay on top of new tools, materials, and industry standards.
Common Challenges
With accuracy being critical and minor errors having significant consequences, electrical engineering can be challenging. Engineers must carefully evaluate everything for efficiency, safety, and long-term reliability. They also have to quickly get to grips with new technologies and changing design approaches. Electrical engineers never stop learning.
Rewards and Satisfaction
Though electrical engineering can be challenging, it can also be incredibly rewarding. They contribute ot systems and technologies that power homes, enable communication, improve healthcare devices, and support transportation infrastructure. Electrical engineers have opportunities to be creative, solve problems, and do work with real-world impact.
Electrical engineering allows professionals to blend analytical thinking with practical innovation. The systems they design and maintain support essential infrastructure and everyday technology, providing tangible benefits to communities and industry.
References
- Bureau of Labor Statistics (US). “Electrical and Electronics Engineers.” https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/electrical-and-electronics-engineers.htm
- National University. “What Do Electrical Engineers Do?” https://www.nu.edu/blog/what-do-electrical-engineers-do/
- Michigan Technological University. “What is Electrical Engineering?” https://www.mtu.edu/ece/undergraduate/electrical/what-is/
- Jobs and Skills Australia. “Electrical Engineers – Occupation and Industry Profiles.” https://www.jobsandskills.gov.au/data/occupation-and-industry-profiles/occupations/2333-electrical-engineers
- Randstad Australia. “Electrical Engineer Job Profile & Salary.” https://www.randstad.com.au/job-profiles/electrical-engineer/
- Randstad Australia. “Electrical Engineer Job Profile & Salary.” https://www.randstad.com.au/job-profiles/electrical-engineer/
- SEEK Australia. “Electrical Engineer Jobs.” https://www.seek.com.au/electrical-engineer-jobs
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