Electrical Engineering Technologists

The electrical engineering field is diverse, reaching many other fields of applied science and technology. Electrical engineering technologists use their knowledge of the sciences in the practical applications of electrical energy. They help electrical engineers with the design, construction, and operation of electrical systems and devices.

Electrical energy is part of our everyday lives, from our home lighting systems and our televisions and telephones to electrical systems in cars, blood-pressure monitors, MP3 players, video games, computers, and more. Electrical engineers and engineering technologists work on these and other types of products. Specializations vary, including such areas as communications, robotics, or automobiles.

Electrical engineering technologists assist electrical engineers with developing and improving on high-power electricity transmission systems and equipment. They may help in the design and construction of power plants and the manufacture and maintenance of industrial machinery. Electrical engineering technologists test and review electrical systems, components, or assemblies performance. They prepare layouts for electrical distribution or transmission systems, and make sure the plans follow design specifications and comply with electrical regulations and standards. Technologists are also responsible for calculating the costs of materials and resources, and creating project budgets and schedules.

Electrical engineering technologists use various scientific and analytical software programs to create electrical systems plans, record and analyze data, and write reports. Software programs that they use regularly in their work include computer-aided design (CAD) software such as Autodesk AutoCAD, development environment software such as Adobe Systems Adobe ActionScript, component-oriented development software such as C++, and operating system software such as Linux and UNIX.