136 Engineering Fundamentals
Have you ever wondered who designs and
builds things like power plants, space shuttle elec-
tronics, or your favorite electronic gadget? You can
be sure that electrical engineers were involved in
every step along the way. Electrical engineering is
the design and construction of electrical and elec-
tronic components and devices. Electrical engi-
neers design, test, develop, and build products
like these every day. About 21% of all engineers,
or roughly 153,000 people, are electrical engineers.
See Figure 8-1.
In telecommunications, electrical engineers
are responsible for designing and overseeing the
construction and maintenance of the systems and
networks through which customers receive voice
and data services. They deal with copper tele-
phone equipment, fi ber optics, electronic switch-
ing systems, radio and television systems, and
satellite systems.
Professional Aspects
The requirement for an entry-level electri-
cal engineer is a bachelor’s degree in electrical
engineering. For higher-level positions, master’s
degrees or doctorate degrees are usually required.
To earn a degree in electrical engineering, courses
must be taken in electricity, electronics, chemis-
try, biology, physics, and higher-level math and
statistics. In order to be accepted into an engi-
neering program, students need high grades in
advanced high school math and science classes.
Electrical technicians are commonly respon-
sible for installation and maintenance of elec-
trical equipment and devices. Becoming an
electrical technician usually requires a two-year
associate’s degree.
The broadest professional society for elec-
trical engineers is the Institute of Electrical
and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). The acronym
is pronounced I triple E. IEEE comprises over
375,000 members in more than 160 countries.
The IEEE is dedicated to advancing techno-
logical innovation and excellence through their
publications, conferences, standards, and activi-
ties. See Figure 8-2.
Electrical Engineering
Principles
There are a number of basic electrical concepts
that are fundamental to the job of electrical engineer.
Electrical engineers must know what electricity is,
NesaCera/Shutterstock.comkttt/ShC N
Figure 8-1.
Electrical engineers are
designing new and exciting
products every day.