Career Paths in Electrical Engineering Guide

Electrical engineering focuses on designing, developing, and testing electrical systems and equipment—from power grids to microchips. If you’re considering this field through online education, you need clear insights into career options, earning potential, and how remote learning aligns with industry needs. This resource provides actionable information to help you make informed decisions about your education and professional trajectory.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 3% job growth for electrical engineers from 2022 to 2032, with a median salary of $104,610 in 2023. These figures reflect steady demand for professionals who can innovate in areas like renewable energy, robotics, and telecommunications. You’ll learn how online programs prepare you for these opportunities by offering flexible access to technical coursework, hands-on simulations, and specialized certifications. The guide breaks down core career paths—including roles in hardware development, systems engineering, and project management—and explains how each aligns with current market trends.

Online education in electrical engineering allows you to balance coursework with professional commitments while gaining skills directly applicable to modern workplaces. This resource details how accredited programs structure labs and collaborative projects to mirror real-world engineering challenges, ensuring you graduate job-ready. You’ll also find strategies for maximizing your degree’s value, such as targeting industries with high growth potential or combining technical training with leadership development.

Whether you’re transitioning from another field or advancing within engineering, understanding these factors helps you choose the right specialization, optimize your learning format, and position yourself competitively in a tech-driven job market.

Core Education Requirements for Electrical Engineers

To build a career in electrical engineering, you need a structured educational foundation. This section outlines the academic programs, learning formats, and certifications required to enter the field.

Bachelor’s Degree Programs in Electrical Engineering

A bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering is the minimum requirement for most entry-level positions. Programs typically take four years and cover core topics like:

Circuit theory (analysis, design, and applications)
Electronics (analog/digital systems, semiconductors)
Signals and systems (processing, communication principles)
Electromagnetics (wave propagation, antenna design)
Control systems (automation, robotics, feedback mechanisms)
Power engineering (grids, renewable energy systems)

Most programs require coursework in calculus, differential equations, physics, and computer science. Lab components let you apply theory to real-world projects, such as designing circuits or programming embedded systems.

ABET accreditation is critical for your degree. Employers and licensing boards recognize ABET-accredited programs as meeting industry standards. If you plan to pursue a Professional Engineer (PE) license later, this accreditation is mandatory.

Electives let you specialize early. Common focus areas include:

Telecommunications
Microelectronics
Robotics
Renewable energy systems

Online Education Options vs Traditional Campus Programs

Online electrical engineering programs offer flexibility if you need to balance work, family, or other commitments. Key differences between online and traditional formats include:

Online Programs

Self-paced learning: Access lectures and assignments remotely.
Virtual labs: Use simulation software (e.g., SPICE, MATLAB) for experiments.
Reduced costs: Avoid campus housing or commuting expenses.
ABET accreditation: Ensure your online program meets the same standards as campus-based options.

Traditional Programs

In-person labs: Work with physical equipment like oscilloscopes or soldering stations.
Networking opportunities: Collaborate with peers, join engineering clubs, or attend campus career fairs.
Structured schedules: Fixed class times help maintain consistent study habits.

Both formats require rigorous math and physics coursework. However, online programs demand strong self-discipline to stay on track without in-person accountability.

Essential Certifications (PE License, IEEE Certifications)

Certifications validate your expertise and expand career opportunities.

Professional Engineer (PE) License
A PE license is required to sign off on public projects, consult independently, or oversee engineering teams. Steps to earn it:

Pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam after completing your bachelor’s degree.
Gain four years of supervised work experience under a licensed PE.
Pass the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam in your specialization (e.g., power systems, electronics).

IEEE Certifications
The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) offers credentials to demonstrate proficiency in emerging fields:

Certified Software Development Professional (CSDP): Validates software engineering skills for hardware-software integration roles.
Wireless Communication Certification: Focuses on RF engineering, 5G systems, or network protocols.
Certified Biomedical Imaging Technician: Combines electrical engineering with medical device expertise.

Project Management Professional (PMP)
While not exclusive to engineers, this certification strengthens your ability to lead engineering teams or manage large-scale projects.

Renewal requirements vary. For example, PE licenses need continuing education credits, while IEEE certifications may require periodic exams or coursework updates.

Whether you choose an online or traditional program, prioritize ABET accreditation and align certifications with your long-term career goals.

Entry-Level Electrical Engineering Roles

New electrical engineering graduates typically enter industries that value hands-on technical skills and foundational knowledge of electrical systems. Below are common entry points and sectors actively hiring candidates with bachelor’s degrees or equivalent online education credentials.

Electronics Manufacturing and Circuit Design Positions

Electronics manufacturing relies heavily on entry-level engineers to design, test, and optimize circuits and hardware components. You’ll find roles like:

Electronics Technician: Troubleshooting circuit boards, assembling prototypes, and performing quality control tests.
PCB Designer: Using software like Altium Designer or Cadence Allegro to create printed circuit board layouts for consumer devices or industrial equipment.
Embedded Systems Engineer: Programming microcontrollers (Arduino, Raspberry Pi) for IoT devices or automotive systems.

Key industries include consumer electronics, automotive manufacturing, and aerospace. Employers prioritize candidates with:

Proficiency in SPICE simulation tools
Familiarity with surface-mount technology (SMT)
Basic knowledge of signal integrity principles

Circuit design roles often require you to collaborate with cross-functional teams to refine schematics, reduce production costs, and ensure compliance with safety standards like IPC-A-610.

Renewable Energy Sector Opportunities (Wind, Solar)

The renewable energy sector offers rapid growth for electrical engineers specializing in power systems and energy conversion. Entry-level positions include:

Solar Design Engineer: Calculating photovoltaic system requirements, optimizing panel layouts, and modeling energy output using tools like PVsyst.
Wind Farm Technician: Maintaining turbine generators, analyzing power output data, and diagnosing grid connection issues.
Energy Storage Engineer: Developing battery management systems (BMS) for grid-scale lithium-ion installations.

Wind and solar companies seek candidates who understand:

Three-phase power distribution
Inverter and transformer specifications
Grid interconnection standards (e.g., IEEE 1547)

Project sites, utilities, and government contractors dominate hiring in this sector. Fieldwork is common, so expect to travel to installation sites or testing labs.

Average Starting Salaries by Industry

Salaries for entry-level electrical engineers vary significantly by industry and geographic location. Approximate annual ranges include:

Electronics Manufacturing: $68,000–$78,000
Renewable Energy: $70,000–$82,000
Power Generation and Utilities: $72,000–$85,000
Semiconductor Manufacturing: $75,000–$90,000
Defense/Aerospace: $74,000–$88,000

Higher salaries often correlate with industries requiring security clearances, specialized software skills, or hazardous work environments. For example, roles involving FPGA programming or radar systems typically pay above average. Urban areas with concentrated tech hubs (e.g., Silicon Valley, Boston) also offer elevated wages to offset living costs.

Remote opportunities exist but are less common for entry-level roles. Hybrid positions may allow you to split time between office-based design work and on-site equipment inspections. Salary growth depends on obtaining Professional Engineer (PE) licensure, mastering niche tools like MATLAB Simulink, or transitioning into project management.

To maximize earning potential early in your career, target roles that offer mentorship programs or tuition reimbursement for graduate-level online courses in power electronics or control systems.

Advanced Career Paths and Specializations

Mid-career electrical engineers often face strategic decisions about deepening technical expertise, transitioning to leadership roles, or entering specialized industries. Below are three common progression paths for professionals with experience in online electrical engineering education.

Senior Engineer Roles in Power Systems Design

Senior engineers in power systems design focus on large-scale electrical infrastructure. You’ll work on grid modernization, renewable energy integration, and smart grid technologies. Typical responsibilities include:

Designing fault-tolerant power distribution networks for cities or industrial complexes
Modeling grid behavior using tools like PSS/E or ETAP
Validating compliance with standards like NERC reliability guidelines
Leading teams to deploy microgrids or battery storage systems

Advanced roles require expertise in transient stability analysis, protection relay coordination, and distributed energy resource management. Many engineers transition into these positions after obtaining certifications in grid resilience or renewable energy systems through online graduate programs.

Management Positions in Engineering Projects

Moving into management involves overseeing budgets, timelines, and cross-functional teams. You’ll transition from solving technical problems to defining project scopes and mitigating risks. Key skills include:

Applying Agile or Six Sigma frameworks to engineering workflows
Negotiating contracts with equipment vendors
Reporting progress to stakeholders using tools like Microsoft Project or Jira
Mentoring junior engineers on compliance and best practices

Project managers often hold certifications like PMP or Scrum Master. Online programs offering systems engineering or technical management courses provide the necessary leadership training while allowing you to maintain full-time employment.

Specialized Fields: Aerospace Electronics or Telecommunications

Specializing lets you focus on niche technologies with stringent technical requirements.

Aerospace Electronics
You’ll design avionics, flight control systems, or satellite communication hardware. Common tasks include:

Developing radiation-hardened circuits for space applications
Simulating electromagnetic interference using ANSYS HFSS
Validating designs against DO-254 standards for airborne systems
Collaborating with defense contractors on UAV navigation systems

Telecommunications
This field focuses on data transmission systems, including 5G networks and fiber-optic infrastructure. Expect to:

Optimize signal integrity in high-frequency RF circuits
Design error-correction algorithms for optical networks
Implement software-defined radio (SDR) protocols
Manage IoT device deployments in smart cities

Both specializations require mastery of industry-specific tools. For example, aerospace engineers use MATLAB/Simulink for control system modeling, while telecom professionals rely on Wireshark for network analysis. Online programs with lab simulations or virtual hardware access help build these skills remotely.

To advance, align your online coursework with industry demands. Power systems engineers often study grid cybersecurity, telecom specialists prioritize 5G beamforming techniques, and aerospace professionals focus on embedded systems for autonomous vehicles. Technical electives in adjacent fields—like machine learning for predictive grid maintenance—can further differentiate your expertise.

Essential Software and Hardware Tools

Electrical engineering relies on specific tools to design, test, and deploy systems. These tools form the backbone of daily work, whether you’re simulating circuits remotely or prototyping hardware. Below are the core technologies you need to know.

Circuit Simulation Software (MATLAB, SPICE)

Circuit simulation software lets you model and analyze electronic systems before building physical prototypes. This reduces costs and accelerates iteration cycles.

MATLAB combines numerical computing with a scripting environment for algorithm development. Its Simulink add-on provides a graphical interface for modeling dynamic systems like motor controllers or power converters. You can automate tests, generate code, and integrate with hardware.
SPICE (Simulation Program with Integrated Circuit Emphasis) is the industry standard for analog circuit analysis. Variants like LTspice or PSpice let you simulate noise, temperature effects, and transient responses. SPICE models are often provided by component manufacturers for accurate results.

For online learners, mastering these tools means prioritizing platforms with cloud compatibility or student licenses. Many universities provide remote access to MATLAB, while SPICE-based tools often have free versions for personal use.

PCB Design Tools (AutoCAD Electrical, Altium Designer)

Printed circuit board (PCB) design requires software that handles schematic capture, component placement, and routing.

AutoCAD Electrical focuses on electrical control systems and industrial automation. It includes symbol libraries for IEC and IEEE standards, automated wire numbering, and real-time error checking. This tool is common in power distribution and machinery design.
Altium Designer offers advanced features for high-speed digital or RF circuits. Its unified environment supports 3D PCB visualization, signal integrity analysis, and direct manufacturing file exports. Collaboration features like shared workspaces make it suitable for remote teams.

Online electrical engineers often use these tools through virtual labs or cloud-based licenses. Focus on learning design rule checks (DRC) and export formats like Gerber files, which manufacturers require.

Field Testing Equipment and FPGA Development Kits

Hardware tools validate designs and enable rapid prototyping.

Field Testing Equipment includes:

Multimeters for measuring voltage, current, and resistance.
Oscilloscopes to visualize signal waveforms and diagnose timing issues.
Logic analyzers for debugging digital circuits and verifying communication protocols like I2C or SPI.
Spectrum analyzers to assess RF signal quality and interference.

Many online programs use virtual instrument simulators or partner with labs for equipment access. Some compact USB-based oscilloscopes or multimeters work with laptop-based setups.

FPGA Development Kits allow you to implement digital logic designs on reprogrammable hardware. Popular kits include:

Entry-level boards with basic I/O components like LEDs and switches.
Advanced kits featuring high-speed transceivers, DDR memory interfaces, or embedded ARM processors.

FPGA tools like Vivado or Quartus provide synthesis, place-and-route, and bitstream generation. Online learners should practice writing Verilog or VHDL code and simulating it before deploying to hardware.

Key Takeaway: Proficiency with these tools is non-negotiable. Prioritize learning one circuit simulator, one PCB tool, and a hardware platform like FPGAs. Remote work often demands familiarity with cloud collaboration features or virtual lab environments.

Step-by-Step Process to Become an Electrical Engineer

This section outlines the direct actions required to build a career in electrical engineering through online education. Focus on accredited programs, internship opportunities, and job placement tactics to transition from student to professional.

Complete Accredited Engineering Degree Program

Start by enrolling in an ABET-accredited online electrical engineering program. Accreditation ensures employers and licensing boards recognize your degree. Follow these steps:

Verify program accreditation before applying. Check the program’s website for ABET accreditation status.
Prioritize core coursework in circuit analysis, digital systems, electromagnetics, and control systems. Online programs often use virtual labs or mail-in kits for hands-on experiments.
Develop programming skills in Python, MATLAB, or C++ through embedded coursework or self-guided projects.
Choose electives aligned with specialization goals, such as renewable energy systems, robotics, or telecommunications.
Complete a capstone project to solve real engineering problems. This demonstrates applied skills to employers.

If pursuing a Professional Engineer (PE) license later, confirm your state’s education requirements. Some states mandate in-person lab credits, which hybrid programs may offer through short residencies.

Secure Internships Through University Partnerships

Online programs often partner with tech companies to connect students with remote or hybrid internships. Follow this process:

Contact your university’s career office early. Many internship deadlines occur 6-12 months in advance.
Apply for internships labeled “remote-friendly” or those offering housing stipends for on-site roles. Companies like utilities, semiconductor firms, and aerospace contractors frequently hire engineering interns.
Highlight remote work skills in applications. Mention experience with collaborative tools like SPICE simulations, remote lab software, or team project management platforms.
Accept part-time internships during academic terms. Some companies offer year-round roles compatible with online study schedules.
Request feedback from supervisors and document technical tasks completed. This builds material for resumes and interviews.

If university partnerships are limited, use industry-specific job boards to search for “electrical engineering intern” roles with remote options.

Job Search Strategies for Recent Graduates

After graduation, target roles that match your specialization and online learning experience. Use these methods:

Build a project portfolio. Include:
- Circuit designs from virtual labs
- Code samples from embedded systems projects
- Technical reports from capstone work
  Host these on a personal website or GitHub profile.
Optimize your LinkedIn profile with keywords like “power systems engineer” or “electronics designer”. List specific tools used in online labs, such as AutoCAD Electrical or LTspice.
Apply to entry-level roles with skill-based requirements. Common titles include:
- Field engineer
- Systems test engineer
- Electrical design technician
Prepare for technical interviews by reviewing:
- Circuit analysis problems
- Coding challenges in Python or C
- Troubleshooting scenarios for power grids or hardware
Negotiate remote work options if relocation isn’t feasible. Many employers now offer hybrid roles for design and simulation tasks.

Attend virtual career fairs hosted by your university or engineering organizations. Engage directly with recruiters by asking about remote engineering teams or distributed work policies.

For licensing, begin the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam process after graduation. Pass the FE exam to qualify for Engineer-in-Training (EIT) status, a prerequisite for later PE licensure. Most states permit online proctoring for the FE exam.

Maintain contact with internship supervisors and professors for referral opportunities. Many entry-level hires come from internal recommendations rather than public job postings.

Current Industry Trends and Future Outlook

Electrical engineering careers increasingly intersect with three critical growth areas: modernizing energy systems, supporting transportation electrification, and adapting to distributed work models. These trends directly impact the skills you need and the projects you’ll encounter in online electrical engineering roles.

Smart Grid Technology and Energy Storage Innovations

Smart grid adoption accelerates as utilities replace aging infrastructure. You’ll work on systems integrating renewable energy sources with advanced metering infrastructure and IoT sensors. Key focus areas include:

Real-time demand response algorithms balancing supply from solar/wind with traditional power plants
Grid-scale battery storage systems using lithium-ion, flow, or solid-state technologies
Cybersecurity protocols for protecting grid communication networks from physical/digital threats

Energy storage innovations create new design challenges. Projects increasingly require:

Thermal management systems for high-density battery arrays
Bidirectional inverters enabling vehicle-to-grid (V2G) power transfer
AI-driven predictive maintenance for substations and transmission lines

Online electrical engineering programs now emphasize PSCAD and ETAP for grid simulations, along with Python libraries for energy forecasting.

Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Development Needs

EV charging networks require specialized electrical expertise. You’ll design:

Level 3 DC fast-charging stations needing 480V+ three-phase power systems
Modular charging units with dynamic load sharing capabilities
On-site solar-plus-storage systems to reduce grid dependency

Battery technology advancements drive component redesigns. Key projects involve:

Wireless charging systems using resonant magnetic coupling at 85 kHz frequencies
Battery management systems (BMS) with cell-balancing algorithms
Conductive materials research for lighter high-current cabling

Expect to use ANSYS Maxwell for electromagnetic simulations and MATLAB/Simulink for motor control system design in online coursework.

Remote Work Adaptations in Engineering Teams

Cloud-based collaboration tools redefine project workflows. Distributed teams now:

Share real-time updates via AutoCAD Electrical and SolidWorks Electrical cloud platforms
Conduct virtual FMEA (Failure Mode and Effects Analysis) sessions using digital twins
Manage version control for schematics through GitHub repositories

Remote hardware interaction requires new protocols. You’ll encounter:

VPN-controlled lab equipment like oscilloscopes and spectrum analyzers
Digital signage-off systems for remote circuit testing approval
AR-assisted troubleshooting via smart glasses with live expert feeds

Online programs prioritize proficiency in remote collaboration tools alongside traditional circuit analysis skills. Training often includes LabVIEW remote monitoring setups and Wireshark network diagnostics.

Hybrid roles demand cross-disciplinary knowledge. Employers seek engineers who can:

Interpret building information modeling (BIM) data for EV charger installations
Configure industrial IoT gateways using MQTT protocols
Document compliance with NEC Article 625 and IEEE 1547 standards

The shift to remote work increases demand for engineers who can manage contractors, optimize cloud-based SCADA systems, and validate designs through virtual prototyping.

Key Takeaways

Here’s what you need to know about electrical engineering careers in online education:

Electrical engineering careers offer strong growth (3% projected) and salaries over $100k, with immediate opportunities in renewable energy and electric vehicle sectors
ABET-accredited online programs let you earn degrees while working, maintaining industry standards without sacrificing flexibility
Prioritize programs offering courses in solar/wind energy systems or EV infrastructure to align with high-demand specializations

Next steps: Compare online ABET-accredited electrical engineering programs that include coursework in emerging energy technologies or automotive electrification.

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Career Paths in Electrical Engineering Guide