The field of electrical engineering in Tennessee is wide and varied. The most important areas of research and practice involve renewable energy sources, telecommunications, aerospace engineering, biomedical instrumentation and control systems, microelectronics, power engineering, and computer hardware and software. The state of Tennessee is a major source of engineering talent in these fields.

Several renowned universities are located in the state offering top-tier programs in electrical engineering. Companies in the state, such as Givens Engine Systems, Second City Engineering and Johnson Controls, offer resources and services to industry and the public. Tennessee is an ideal place for electrical engineers to pursue their careers, offering excellent learning and career growth opportunities.

How Do I Become an Electrical Engineer in Tennessee

To become an electrical engineer in Tennessee, you will need to meet the following requirements:

  • Earn a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or a related field from an accredited university or college.
  • Pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, which is the first step in becoming a licensed professional engineer (PE).
  • Gain relevant work experience through internships or entry-level positions in the field.
  • Pass the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam in electrical engineering.
  • Meet any additional requirements or continuing education requirements set by the state of Tennessee.

Keep in mind, it is important to check the rules and regulations with the Tennessee Board of Architectural and Engineering Examiners for any updates or changes.

Electrical Engineers Job Responsibilities in Tennessee

The responsibilities of an electrical engineer in Tennessee may vary depending on the specific job and industry, but in general, they may include:

  • Designing and developing electrical systems, such as power generation systems, electrical motors, and navigation systems.
  • Analyzing data and designing experiments to test and improve electrical systems.
  • Writing technical reports and specifications for electrical systems.
  • Managing projects and coordinating with other engineers, contractors, and clients.
  • Troubleshooting and resolving problems with electrical systems.
  • Staying up-to-date with advancements in technology and industry regulations.
  • Ensuring that electrical systems are designed and installed in compliance with industry standards and regulations.
  • Supervising the installation and maintenance of electrical systems.

Duration to Become an Electrical Engineer in Tennessee

The duration to become an electrical engineer in Tennessee typically takes about 4-5 years of undergraduate study and additional 2-5 years of work experience to meet the requirements to be eligible to take the Professional Engineer (PE) exam.

Electrical Engineering Job Market in Tennessee

The electrical engineering job market in Tennessee is generally considered to be strong, with a growing demand for electrical engineers in a variety of industries. Some of the key industries that employ electrical engineers in Tennessee include:

Power generation and transmission

Tennessee is home to several major power generation facilities, including nuclear and coal-fired power plants, which employ electrical engineers to design and maintain electrical systems.

Manufacturing

Tennessee is home to a large number of manufacturing facilities, including automotive, aerospace and chemical companies. Electrical engineers are involved in designing and maintaining the electrical systems of these facilities.

Construction

The state of Tennessee is seeing a growing number of construction projects, including commercial, residential and infrastructure projects. Electrical engineers are involved in designing and overseeing the installation of electrical systems for these projects.

Telecommunications

The state of Tennessee is home to several major telecommunications companies which employ electrical engineers to design and maintain their networks.

Transportation

Electrical engineers are needed in the transportation industry, including the design and maintenance of electric vehicles, rail systems and other transportation systems.

According to the O*Net OnLine, the employment of Electrical engineers is projected to grow 21% from 2020 to 2030 in Tennessee, much faster than the average for all occupations. Additionally, the average median salary for an electrical engineer in Tennessee is around $96,630 per year as of 2021.