Electrical Engineering Jobs in the United States

Electrical Engineering Jobs Overview

Electrical engineers put the E in STEM! Education in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) is vital to the advancement and growth of our country and the world. Watching TV, using your smartphone, and finding your way on vacation would not be possible without those who fulfill jobs in electrical engineering solving problems and designing or improving products that rely on electric power.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, most electrical engineers work with telecommunications and are in engineering firms. As an electrical engineer, your duties on the job will include:

• evaluating and researching electrical systems and products
• directing the manufacturing and installation of electrical equipment
• investigating and providing solutions to complaints and failures of electrical equipment and systems

Soft skills that will help you to succeed in jobs in electrical engineering include the ability to focus on quality, analyze information, and pay attention to detail. Check out our example job description with more information on what you may do in an electrical engineering job.

Salaries for Electrical Engineering Jobs

Among all types of engineering jobs, electrical engineering is one of the best paying. The median pay for an electrical engineer in the U.S. is $87,520 a year within a range from $62,459 to $109,573 depending on location.

Check out Monster's Salary Tools to find out what you can expect to make as an electrical engineer in different parts of the country. You'll also discover where there is high demand for electrical engineers and ways to advance your career.

How to Find the Electrical Engineering Job That Fits You

Finding the perfect job might take time, but by asking yourself the right questions and following best practices, you can increase your chances of landing a fulfilling engineering job. For example:

• What type of electrical engineering jobs interest me the most? Identify your areas of interest within electrical engineering, such as power systems, electronics, telecommunications, control systems, etc.
• What is my preferred work environment? Consider whether you prefer working in a corporate setting, a research lab, a startup, or any other type of work environment.
• What is my ideal company size and culture? Think about whether you’d like to work in a large corporation, a mid-sized company, or a smaller startup and the culture and values that resonate with you.
• Where do I want to work geographically? Determine your preferred location for work. Consider factors like cost of living, proximity to family, and job opportunities for electrical engineers in that area.
• Am I open to internships or entry-level positions? If you’re just starting out or want to change your career path, don’t shy away from internships or entry-level positions. These often represent stepping stones to more advanced roles.

Set Your Goals for a Bright Future

First, define your short- and long-term career goals. Having clear career goals is like having GPS for your professional journey, they give you direction and purpose. Then, determine which electrical engineer jobs align with your aspirations and provide growth opportunities.

• Picture yourself in the near future. What lights your engineering fire? Do you want to be working on groundbreaking renewable energy projects? Maybe you’d rather be designing cutting-edge electronic gadgets?
• Keep your goals achievable and aligned with your interests. For example, if you love coding but not power systems, your path might lean more toward software-oriented positions.

Analyze the Job Descriptions

Analyzing the job description is like getting a sneak peek into the company’s mind. Read between the lines, highlight the skills and qualifications employers seek in the job description, and compare them with yours to find a role matching your expertise.

Research the Organization

Getting a job is important. Finding a job that is a good fit is essential. A positive work culture can make your career journey a thousand times better. Do some homework before you apply to an opening by researching the company, exploring their websites, social media, and news articles, and getting insight into their:

• most recent projects and press releases
• mission statement and values
• locations, headquarters, employee reviews, and benefits

How to Apply to Electrical Engineering Jobs

Before you hit that “Apply” button on your electrical engineering job application, let’s talk about a game-changing strategy: customizing your resume and cover letter. Keep reading to learn how to do it and why it matters.

Tailor Your Resume

Do you have an up-to-date resume? If not, Monster can help! We have examples of resumes for entry-level electrical engineers, mid-level applicants, and experienced candidates. Use these as templates and plug in your own information to showcase your unique skill set and work experience.

Here are some tips to make your resume shine brighter than a power grid and “wow” hiring managers:

• Spotlight your strongest skills in a dedicated section and, when appropriate, add them within your past job experience descriptions. For example: “Proficient in CAD software (AutoCAD, SolidWorks) for designing and analyzing complex electrical circuits.”
• List projects that showcase your hands-on experience. Mention the achievements and results you achieved. For example: “Led a team in developing an autonomous robotic arm capable of precise movements, demonstrating expertise in control systems and automation.”
• If you need a bit of extra help, check out Monster’s professional resume writing services.

Add a Cover Letter

Accompany your resume, with a cover letter for jobs in electrical engineering. Also check out the following tips to help you make hiring managers excited to meet you:

• Address your cover letter to the hiring manager and indicate the role and company behind the job offer.
• Mention why you’re passionate about electrical engineering and why their company stands out to you.
• Highlight your achievements and explain how they relate to the job and how you can contribute to the company’s goals.

Submit the Application

With our tips and your awesome skills, you are on your way to a bright and electrifying career. Let’s master the application process on Monster for your dream electrical engineer job:

• Create a profile on Monster and upload up to five versions of your resume to attract job offers from employers and recruiters.
• Browse the electrical engineering jobs on this page or refine your search using keywords or search filters.
• Customize your resume and cover letter as previously illustrated to increase your chances of success.

How to Follow Up with an Employer

Following up on your applications is like giving them an extra boost. Here are a few tips to do so:

• Check whether the job listing mentions an email address, or person with whom you should follow up with, and a closing date.
• Wait about one week after sending your application, so that the employer has enough time to review all the applicants.
• Keep your follow-up message concise and mention your application and excitement about the role.
• Politely ask about the status of your application and the next stages in the process.

Interviewing for Electrical Engineering Jobs

You never know exactly what an employer will ask in a job interview, but we can give you advice for nailing that interview as well as examples of common interview questions. Preparation is your best friend here—the more you've spoken sample responses out loud before you walk into that interview, the more confident you'll be.

Commonly Asked Job Interview Questions

Here are some typical interview questions you might encounter when applying for an electrical engineering job:

• Tell us about a challenging project you worked on and the obstacles you overcame.
• How do you ensure the safety of electrical systems and components in your designs?
• Have you worked with PLCs or SCADA systems?
• Describe a time when you had to work collaboratively with engineers from other disciplines. How did you ensure effective communication?
• What software tools do you use for electrical design and simulation?
• How do you ensure compliance with safety codes and regulations in your designs?

How to Follow Up on Your Job Interviews

Show your enthusiasm and professionalism by sending a thank you email to your interviewers within 24 hours after the interview. Keep it concise, but make it count.

Start by thanking the interviewer for their time and the opportunity to discuss the electrical engineering role. Mention something specific you learned during the interview that resonated with you and that you are available for further discussion.

What to Do When You Get an Offer for an Electrical Engineering Job

When that job offer email pops up, excitement might skyrocket. Take a moment to celebrate but remember to respond promptly. Quick acknowledgment shows professionalism and respect.

Before you jump into a decision, however, ensure you have all the necessary information. It’s okay to ask questions to clarify any doubts.

Consider factors like salary, benefits, work location, hours, responsibilities, team dynamics, contract terms (including confidentiality clauses), and any other specifics that matter to you. This is your chance to discuss your expectations and find a middle ground that works for both parties.

If there’s room for negotiation, don’t be shy to explore it. Lastly, picture yourself in the role. Is it aligned with your goals and aspirations?

Once you have made your decision, communicate it professionally. Whether you accept or decline the offer, remember to show appreciation for the opportunity.

Electrical Engineering Career Paths

A bachelor's degree in electrical engineering is required to land a job as an electrical engineer, but a master's degree improves your prospects of finding employment. Although there is no licensing required for entry-level electrical engineering jobs, earning a PE (Professional Engineering) license later in your career qualifies you for higher-level positions. PE exams and licenses are managed at the state level.

The following career paths are a glimpse of the incredible options that await you in the world of electrical engineering:

• Power engineer: Designs, maintains, and optimizes power generation, transmission, and distribution systems.
• Telecommunications engineer: Works on designing and maintaining communication networks like cellular, satellite, and fiber optics.
• System Engineer: Develops control systems for robots, manufacturing processes, and industrial automation.
• RF engineer: Designs wireless communication systems, like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and radar.
• Robotics engineer: Designs and develops robotic systems for various industries, from manufacturing to healthcare.

Electrical Engineering Jobs: Similar Occupations

Expand your search to all engineering jobs or get more specific by looking at:

• civil engineering jobs
• construction engineer jobs
• mechanical engineering jobs