How to Be Electrical Systems Engineer - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Sep 26, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Electrical systems engineers are responsible for designing, developing and testing electrical systems for a wide variety of products. They also work on the development and improvement of existing electrical systems. This is an important role as electrical systems are the backbone of many modern products, providing power, illumination, communication, and control.

The success of a product often depends on the quality of its electrical system, so it's critical that the engineer is able to accurately create and test the system. This requires a combination of scientific knowledge, technical skills and creativity. The engineer must understand the theoretical principles behind electricity and be able to apply them in practical situations.

They must also be able to design circuits, interpret schematics and troubleshoot issues. Their work also includes software engineering, so they must be familiar with programming languages such as C++ and Java. With their expertise, electrical systems engineers can ensure that the products they are working on are reliable, efficient and safe for their users.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelor's Degree. To become an electrical systems engineer, you'll need to first earn a bachelor's degree in a field such as electrical engineering, computer engineering, or a related engineering field.
Gain Experience. After earning a degree in engineering, you'll need to gain experience in the field of electrical systems engineering. You can achieve this by doing an internship or entry-level job in the field.
Obtain Certification. Certification is not always necessary to become an electrical systems engineer, but it can help to demonstrate a level of expertise to employers.
Stay Up to Date on Trends. Electrical systems engineering is constantly evolving, so it is important for engineers to stay up to date with the latest trends and technologies.
Pursue Advanced Degrees. Pursuing an advanced degree such as a master's degree or PhD in electrical systems engineering could be beneficial for those looking to move into more senior roles in the field.

The demand for Electrical Systems Engineers is increasing rapidly, as the need for complex and efficient electrical systems grows. The complexity of electrical systems requires engineers with a strong technical background who are able to understand the intricate engineering principles and design principles of these systems. In order to be successful, an Electrical Systems Engineer needs to have an excellent understanding of electrical circuits, power systems, as well as control systems.

They must also have the ability to identify and solve problems quickly, create innovative solutions, and effectively communicate their designs. they must possess the knowledge and skills to develop and implement effective strategies to meet customer needs and expectations. As a result of this, employers are increasingly seeking out Electrical Systems Engineers with high levels of competence and experience.

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Job Description

Design electrical systems and components for use in a variety of industries
Create schematics, wiring diagrams, and other technical drawings to ensure accuracy in products
Develop, test, and troubleshoot electrical systems and components to ensure they meet design specifications
Conduct research to develop and implement innovative solutions to improve existing systems
Analyze test data to identify potential problems and recommend solutions
Work with teams of engineers, technicians, and other professionals to complete projects
Provide technical guidance and support to production teams
Monitor the performance of electrical systems and components in order to identify and address any issues
Maintain updated knowledge of industry trends and advancements in technology
Ensure compliance with all relevant safety regulations

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of electrical systems design and engineering principles
Proficient in the use of computer-aided design (CAD) software
Ability to interpret complex engineering drawings and schematics
Expertise in using electrical engineering analysis tools and programs
Understanding of electrical safety regulations and standards
Ability to troubleshoot, diagnose and resolve electrical system issues
Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment
Strong organization, time management, and problem-solving skills
Knowledge of industry best practices and regulations

Having strong problem-solving skills is an essential requirement for Electrical Systems Engineers. Being able to identify issues quickly and accurately allows them to create better solutions that can be implemented efficiently and cost-effectively. having a thorough knowledge of electrical systems and components is necessary in order to understand the implications of any changes made.

Furthermore, Electrical Systems Engineers must have excellent communication skills in order to effectively communicate with clients and colleagues, as well as to ensure that all new solutions are properly understood by everyone. Finally, having strong technical writing skills is also a must since they are often responsible for producing reports and specifications. By having these skills, Electrical Systems Engineers can ensure that their solutions are correctly designed and implemented, and that the systems they are designing are working as intended.

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Frequent Interview Questions

Explain your experience in designing electrical systems and components.
Describe some of the challenges you've encountered while working on electrical systems projects.
How have you used your knowledge of electrical systems to solve complex problems?
What safety protocols do you employ when working on electrical systems?
How do you stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the electrical systems industry?
What methods do you use to troubleshoot and diagnose electrical systems issues?
How have you incorporated automation into your electrical systems designs?
Tell me about a time when you had to modify an existing electrical system to meet customer requirements.
How do you handle working with vendors and suppliers to source components for your electrical systems designs?
How would you go about training new technicians on how to install and maintain electrical systems?

Common Tools in Industry

Circuit Simulation Software. Used to simulate how electrical systems behave in a virtual environment. (e. g. PSpice)
Oscilloscope. Used to measure electrical signals by displaying them on a graph. (e. g. Tektronix MSO4054)
Multimeter. Used to measure voltage, current, and resistance in electrical circuits. (e. g. Fluke 87V)
Signal Generator. Used to generate electrical signals for testing and troubleshooting circuits. (e. g. B&K Precision 4040)
Power Analyzer. Used to measure the power consumption of electrical devices and systems. (e. g. Fluke 434 Series II)
Logic Analyzer. Used to analyze digital signals and detect errors in digital circuits. (e. g. Tektronix TLA7012)
CAD Software. Used to design and create electrical schematics and layouts. (e. g. Altium Designer)
Thermal Imaging Camera. Used to detect overheating components in electrical systems. (e. g. Fluke Ti400)
Programmable Logic Controller (PLC). Used to control and automate electrical systems. (e. g. Allen-Bradley ControlLogix)
Soldering Iron. Used to connect components in an electrical circuit by melting and joining metal together. (e. g. Weller WES51)

Professional Organizations to Know

Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
International Council of Systems Engineers (INCOSE)
Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)
Institute of Navigation (ION)
National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE)
American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
Institute for Electrical and Electronic Engineers Power and Energy Society (IEEE PES)
National Association of Corrosion Engineers (NACE)
American Institute of Electrical Engineers (AIEE)
International Federation of Automatic Control (IFAC)

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Common Important Terms

Circuit Design The process of creating a schematic or diagram that outlines the flow of electricity through a system.
Circuit Analysis The evaluation of a circuits performance to determine its behavior under various conditions.
Power Electronics The application of electronic circuits to power conversion and control, including rectifiers, inverters, motor drives, and power converters.
Embedded Systems A combination of hardware and software designed to perform dedicated functions within a larger system.
Control Systems Systems that allow for the manipulation of inputs to produce desired outputs.
Robotics The science of creating autonomous machines to carry out prescribed tasks.
Automation The use of computer-controlled systems to automate a variety of tasks.
Signal Processing The manipulation of electrical signals in order to extract useful information.
Digital Systems Systems that use digital logic to process information and control devices.
Networking The connection of computers and other devices through communication networks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Electrical Systems Engineer?

An Electrical Systems Engineer is a professional who designs, develops and tests electrical systems, components and products.

What are the primary responsibilities of an Electrical Systems Engineer?

The primary responsibilities of an Electrical Systems Engineer include designing and developing electrical components, systems and products; testing electrical systems; and conducting research and analysis of electrical systems.

What qualifications are required to become an Electrical Systems Engineer?

To become an Electrical Systems Engineer, you must possess a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or related field. Additionally, experience in the field of electrical engineering is preferred.

What are the typical work environments for an Electrical Systems Engineer?

Electrical Systems Engineers typically work in laboratories, research facilities, manufacturing plants and office environments.

What salary can an Electrical Systems Engineer expect to earn?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Electrical Systems Engineers earn a median annual salary of $93,010.

Web Resources

Electrical and Systems Engineering | A Department of the School www.ese.upenn.edu
Electrical Systems Engineer Career and Professional career.albany.edu
Home | Electrical & Systems Engineering at WashU ese.wustl.edu