What is Electrical Engineering?

A modern branch of engineering, electrical engineering involves designing, building, and maintaining electrical control systems, equipment, and machinery. An electrical engineer focuses on both small and large-scale production as well as distribution of electrical power. Electrical engineering involves handling of motors, batteries, power generation, transmission, and control systems.

Job Description & Responsibilities of Electrical Engineers in North Carolina

Electrical engineers are experts who know how to manipulate voltages and currents, resulting in designing and developing of advanced technology. The responsibilities of electrical engineers include

• Designing and developing electrical products and systems, as well as making necessary improvements.
• Establishing manufacturing processes, construction, and implementation standards.
• Evaluating the safety and reliability of systems, performing maintenance and repairs to make sure the product is in compliance with customer’s requirements.
• Performing different types of engineering tasks by using engineering software and operating computer-assisted design and equipment.

Compiling data and writing reports on electrical engineering projects and studies

Education & Career Info in North Carolina

Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2021) and O*Net Online

Steps to Become an Electrical Engineer in North Carolina

To become an electrical engineer in North Carolina, students have to study numerous courses in engineering, physics, and math. Typically, electrical engineers have a bachelor’s degree, but many go for master’s degree to improve their chances of landing senior level jobs. In the field of electrical engineering, many employers value practical experience, so some universities allow students to earn academic credit for planned work experience.

1. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree

• A bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering is the standard entry-level requirement. Before enrolling in any university in North Carolina make sure that it is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).
• A master’s degree can improve candidate’s chances of marketability and higher paying, senior positions.
• Four years bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering includes field studies, academic work, and laboratory time.
• Some of the courses students study are electrical circuit theory, electrical circuit theory, and differential equations.

2. Passing Fundamentals of Engineering Exam

• The Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam is the first one that the engineers must pass to become licensed professional engineers (PE) in the United States.
• Candidates are eligible to take this exam after completing their bachelor’s degree.

3. Gain Work Experience

• It is mandatory for engineering seniors in university or working engineers to have at least four years of related work experience to become eligible for PE exam.
• Anything from internships to entry-level jobs in the field of electrical engineering are sufficient.

4. Pass a Written Examination

• Passing Professional Engineer (PE) exam is an absolute must if a person wants to work at senior management positions.
• License obtained by passing this exam gives an electrical engineer authority to put legal stamps and seal engineering documents.

Electrical Engineer Salary and Career Outlook in North Carolina

Electrical engineering is a fast-growing field and due to the opportunities it offers. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has reported a 7% increase for this occupation between 2020 and 2030 in the US. O*Net Online forecasts 9% increase in employment opportunities for Electrical Engineers in North Carolina between 2018 and 2028. Below are the states with the highest employment level for Electrical Engineers.

Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2021) and O*Net Online

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports, the mean annual wage for electrical engineers in North Carolina was $103,750 per year in 2021. The corresponding national average annual wage was $107,890 for electrical engineers. Below are the top paying states for electrical engineers.

Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2021)

Top Paying Electrical Engineering Companies in North Carolina

Engineers with a professional degree in electrical engineering along with work experience have the opportunity to work in some of the best companies in the state. Here is a list of top paying companies in North Carolina for electrical engineers.

• Intuitive (Intuitive Surgical) – ($143,125 per year)
• Lockheed Martin – ($136,650 per year)
• BD – ($123,808 per year)
• Boeing – ($121,967 per year)
• Honeywell – ($120,695 per year)
• Thermo Fisher Scientific – ($119,990 per year)

Top Jobs for Electrical Engineers in North Carolina

According to O*Net Online, there are more than 410 projected annual job openings between 2018 and 2028 in North Carolina. The fast technological innovation and development has increased the demand for electrical engineers, especially in the field of research and development. Below are some promising career options in the diversified field of electrical engineering.

• Computer Engineering
• Advanced Automation and Robotic Systems
• Electrical Distribution Designer
• Aeronautics and Defense Research
• Advanced Automotive Driver Assistance Systems
• Electrical Project Engineer
• Biomedical engineering

Some of the highest paying cities for Electrical Engineers in North Carolina are Durham, Raleigh, Matthews, Roseboro, Greenville, and Wilson.

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