what do electrical engineers do

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Nature

Electrical engineers design, develop, test, and supervise the manufacturing of electrical systems and equipment. Their work spans a wide range of applications, including electric motors, radar and navigation systems, communications systems, power generation equipment, and the electrical systems of automobiles and aircraft

. They analyze customer feedback, assess issues, and propose effective solutions while collaborating with project managers to ensure projects are completed on time and within budget. They conduct precise calculations to establish standards for manufacturing and installation and oversee production and testing to ensure compliance with specifications and codes

. Electrical engineers work in diverse fields such as:

  • Power and energy: designing power plants, substations, and transmission lines, as well as developing renewable energy sources like solar and wind power
  • Electronics and circuit design: creating circuits for smartphones, computers, automobiles, and other devices, including amplification, signal processing, and power conversion
  • Telecommunications: building wireless and wired communication networks, including cellular and satellite systems
  • Imaging and signal processing: developing algorithms for audio, video, sensor, and medical imaging data
  • Control engineering: designing control systems for machines and electronic devices used in manufacturing, robotics, and mobility

Electrical engineers also write specifications and data sheets, make layout and installation drawings, and create schematics for control systems

. Their work is crucial for maintaining and advancing technology that powers modern society, from small devices to large power stations and supercomputers

. In summary, electrical engineers apply physics and mathematics to create and improve electrical and electronic systems that impact many aspects of daily life and industry