Day in the life
A Day in the Life of an Electrical Engineer
What electrical engineers actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for an electrical engineer?
Review a one-line diagram for a substation. From there, the day usually includes design electrical systems, develop circuits and electronics, and calculate loads and specify equipment. Most work full-time; project deadlines can bring long hours.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for an electrical engineer working full time.
- Review a one-line diagram for a substation.
- Calculate short-circuit currents.
- Meet the team on a solar project.
- Review a circuit board layout.
- Test a prototype in the lab.
- Answer a contractor question.
- Update specifications.
Where electrical engineers work
Electrical engineers work in offices, labs, plants and at project sites.
Hours and schedule
Most work full-time; project deadlines can bring long hours.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Design electrical systems
- Develop circuits and electronics
- Calculate loads and specify equipment
- Create schematics and drawings
- Test and troubleshoot systems
- Ensure code compliance
- Oversee installation
Tools you’ll use every day
- ETAP or SKM
- AutoCAD Electrical
- SPICE simulation
- MATLAB
- Oscilloscopes
- PLC software
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Very high pay
- Faster-than-average growth
- Renewable energy and EVs
- Many specialties
What’s hard
- Complex, demanding work
- Deadlines
- Safety responsibility
- Continuous learning
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I love electricity and electronics
- I enjoy math and physics
- I want high pay
- I like complex problems
- I care about energy
- I’m willing to study hard
Not sure? Take the free Electrical Engineer fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Follow NFPA 70E
- Design for arc flash safety
- Follow codes
- Test before touching