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Electrical Engineer Job Description: Top Duties and Requirements

An Electrical Engineer is someone who designs, constructs and deploys electrical systems. Their duties include troubleshooting for electrical assemblies, supporting the development of systems from concept to manufacturing, and working collaboratively with other engineers to create the needed design.

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Electrical Engineer duties and responsibilities

When writing a job description for an Electrical Engineer, it is important to specify the duties and responsibilities required to excel in the role, including:

  • Preparing estimates and proposals for projects
  • Applying technical standards and procedures to carry out tasks
  • Ensuring all techniques, procedures, and designs meet appropriate compliance standards
  • Troubleshooting and solving any electrical system errors
  • Providing input over the design and development of equipment designs as they progress through the structural design process
  • Managing and overseeing the work of Junior Electrical Engineers
  • Supporting the manufacturing of components and resolving any manufacturing queries
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Electrical Engineer Job Description Examples:

What does an Electrical Engineer do?

An Electrical Engineer is responsible for applying the math and physics of electricity to create systems that transmit energy. Generally, an Electrical Engineer will work on all sizes of electric systems, from small appliances to large-scale supercomputers. Electrical Engineers inspect and install electronic systems and equipment. In some positions, an Electrical Engineer may also be responsible for preparing cost estimates, reports, and design specifications. They may also be responsible for the maintenance of systems and upholding design standards.

Electrical Engineer skills and qualifications

A successful Electrical Engineer will have various prerequisite skills and qualifications to be able to carry out the duties of this job. Some of these may include:

  • Experience working with technical project management
  • Strong communication and personal time management skills
  • Experience working with classification society rules for electrical systems
  • Ability to work in a team environment
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Strong knowledge of electronic circuit design and development
  • Experience working with site inspections, construction supervision, and contract administration
  • Strong knowledge of electrical installation safety

Electrical Engineer experience requirements

A successful Electrical Engineer candidate needs some previous experience. Often, this can be fulfilled by working as a Junior Electrical Engineer or as an intern. Typically, three to five years of experience is considered an advantage for the position.   

Electrical Engineer training and education requirements

Engineers have quite a number of educational and certification requirements. A bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or a related engineering discipline is required. In some cases, a candidate with a master’s or doctoral degree in engineering may be preferred. A successful candidate will also hold licensing designation by a provincial or territorial association of professional engineers in order to practice as a Professional Engineer (P.Eng). After three to four years of work, an Electrical Engineer will also be required to pass a professional practice examination. Lastly, a successful Electrical Engineer candidate will have the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) designation by the Canada Green Building Council.

Electrical Engineer salary expectations

According to Indeed salaries, the average salary for an Electrical Engineer in Canada is $77,266 per year. This can vary depending on experience, location, or the company that is hiring.

Job description samples for similar positions

If an Electrical Engineer is not what you are looking for, other job related descriptions include:

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Electrical Engineer job description FAQs

What is the difference between an Electrical Engineer and an Electronics Engineer?

While they may sound similar, there are quite a number of differences between an Electrical Engineer and an Electronics Engineer. Both designations involve electricity and can sometimes be grouped under the same university program. An Electrical Engineer works with the supply and flow of power either on a large or small scale. They deal with the transmission of electrical power and figuring out how to store that power. An Electronics Engineer, in contrast, deals with the production of the devices that use the power system. They are responsible for ensuring the product, such as a computer, is able to function properly.

Do Electrical Engineers have different responsibilities in different industries?

The role of an Electrical Engineer is generally the same regardless of the industry they work in. However, in some industries, additional training or certification may be required. For Electrical Engineers working in the HVAC industry, they may be required to undergo additional training that looks specifically at those systems and the type of issues that may arise. Additionally, for Electrical Engineers working for organizations with environmentally friendly standards, the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification may be required.

Job Description Examples

Need help writing a job description for a specific role? Use these job description examples to create your next great job posting. Or if you’re ready to hire, post your job on Indeed.

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