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OVERVIEW Electrical engineers apply their knowledge of the sciences to working with equipment that produces and distributes electricity, such as generators, trans mission lines, and transformers. This equipment is used in the telecommunications industry and other fields. They also design, develop, and manufacture electric motors, electrical machinery, and ignition systems for automobiles, aircraft, and other engines. Electronics engineers are more concerned with devices made up of electronic components such as integrated circuits and microprocessors. They design, develop, and manufacture products such as computers, telephones, satellite receivers, and radios. Electronics engineering is a subfield of electrical engineering, and both types of engineers are often referred to as electrical engineers. There are approximately 26,000 electrical and electronics engineers employed in the telecommunications industry in the United States. HISTORY Electrical and electronics engineering had their true beginnings in the 19th century. In 1800, Alexander Volta made a discovery that opened a door to the science of electricity—he found that electric current could be harnessed and made to flow. By the mid-1800s the basic rules of electricity were established, and the first practical applications appeared. At that time, Michael Faraday discovered the phenomenon of electromagnetic induction. Further discoveries followed. In 1837 Samuel Morse invented the telegraph; in 1876 Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone; the incandescent lamp (the light bulb) was invented by Thomas Edison in 1878; and the first electric motor was invented by Nicholas Tesla in 1888 (Faraday had built a primitive model of one in 1821). These inventions required the further generation and harnessing of electricity, so efforts were concentrated on developing ways to produce more and more power and to create better equipment, such as motors and transformers. Edison’s invention led to a dependence on electricity for lighting our homes, work areas, and streets. He later created the phonograph and other electrical instruments, leading to the establishment of his General Electric Company. One of today’s major telephone companies also had its beginnings during this time. Alexander Bell’s invention led to the establishment of the Bell Telephone Company, which eventually became American Telephone and Telegraph (AT&T). The roots of electronics, which is distinguished from the science of electricity by its focus on lower power generation, can also be found in the 19th century. In the late 1800s, current moving through space was observed for the first time; this was called the “ Edison effect.” In the early 20th century, devices (such as vacuum tubes, which are pieces of metal inside a glass bulb) were invented that could transmit weak electrical signals, leading to the potential transmission of electromagnetic waves for communication, or radio broadcast. The unreliability of vacuum tubes led to the invention of equipment that could pass electricity through solid materials; hence transistors came to be known as solid-state devices. In the 1960s, transistors were being built on tiny bits of silicon, creating the microchip. The computer industry is a major beneficiary of the creation of these circuits, because vast amounts of information can be stored on just one tiny chip smaller than a dime. The invention of microchips led to the development of micro processors. Microprocessors are silicon chips on which the logic and arithmetic functions of a computer are placed. Microprocessors serve as miniature computers and are used in many types of products. The miniaturization of electronic components allowed scientists and engineers to make smaller, lighter computers that could perform the same, or additional, functions of larger computers. They also allowed for the development of many new products. At first they were used primarily in desktop calculators, video games, digital watches, telephones, and microwave ovens. Today, microprocessors are used in electronic controls of automobiles, personal computers, telecommunications systems, and many other products. As a leader in advanced technology, the electronics industry is one of the most important industries today. Electrical and electronics engineers play an important role in the telecommunications industry—helping to design, build, and trouble shoot a wide variety of equipment, devices, and products. The Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers was formed in 1969 to represent the professional interests of engineers (including those who specialize in electrical and electronics engineering). THE JOB Because electrical and electronics engineering is such a diverse field, there are numerous divisions within which engineers work. In fact, the discipline reaches nearly every other field of applied science and technology. In general, electrical and electronics engineers use their knowledge of the sciences in the practical applications of electrical energy. They are involved in the invention, design, construction, and operation of electrical and electronic systems and devices of all kinds. Electrical engineers in the telecommunications industry are concerned with how equipment is designed and maintained and how communications are transmitted via wire and airwaves. Some are involved in the design and construction of cell towers and other telecommunications infrastructure and the manufacture and maintenance of industrial machinery. After electrical systems are put in place, field service engineers must act as the liaison between the manufacturer or distributor and the client. They ensure the correct installation, operation, and maintenance of systems and products for both industry and individuals. Electronics engineers work with smaller-scale applications, such as how computers are wired, how cell phones work, or how circuits are used in an endless number of applications. They may test wired and wireless phones, cable and satellite receivers, personal digital assistants, and other electronics. Electronics engineers may specialize in just one part of a cell phone or other product, such as the antenna or power system for a cell phone. Design and testing are only two of several categories in which electrical and electronics engineers may find their niche. Others include research and development and production. In addition, even within each category there are divisions of labor. Researchers concern themselves mainly with issues that pertain to potential applications. They conduct tests and perform studies to evaluate fundamental problems involving such things as improving the battery power of telephones, extending the reach of cell phone networks via cutting-edge technology, or converting radio frequency cell phone signals to digital to improve transmission quality. Those who work in design and development adapt the researchers’ findings to actual practical applications. They devise functioning devices and draw up plans for their efficient production, using computer-aided design and engineering (CAD/CAE) tools. For a typical product such as a cell phone, this phase usually takes up to 18 months to accomplish. For other products, particularly those that utilize developing technology, this phase can take as long as 10 years or more. Production engineers have perhaps the most hands-on tasks in the field. They are responsible for the organization of the actual manufacture of whatever product is being made—whether it is a cell phone or a satellite dish. They take care of materials and machinery, schedule technicians and assembly workers, and make sure that standards are met and products are quality-controlled. These engineers must have access to the best tools for measurement, materials handling, and processing. Whatever type of project an engineer works on, he or she is likely to have a certain amount of desk work. Writing status reports and communicating with clients and others who are working on the same project are examples of the paperwork that most engineers are responsible for. REQUIREMENTS High School Electrical and electronics engineers must have a solid educational background, and the discipline requires a clear understanding of practical applications. To prepare for college, high school students should take classes in algebra, trigonometry, calculus, biology, physics, chemistry, computer science, word processing, English, and social studies. Business classes and computer skills are important as well. Students who are planning to pursue studies beyond a bachelor of science degree will also need to take a foreign language. It is recommended that students aim for honors-level courses. Postsecondary Training Numerous colleges and universities offer electrical, electronics, and computer engineering programs. Because the programs vary from one school to another, you should explore as many schools as possible to determine which program is most suited to your academic and personal interests and needs. Most engineering programs have strict admission requirements and require students to have excellent academic records and top scores on national college-entrance examinations. Competition can be fierce for some programs, and high school students are encouraged to apply early. Many students go on to receive a master of science degree in a specialization of their choice. This usually takes an additional two years of study beyond a bachelor’s program. Some students pursue a master’s degree immediately upon completion of a bachelor’s degree. Other students, however, gain work experience first and then take graduate-level courses on a part-time basis while they are employed. A Ph.D. is also available. It generally requires four years of study and research beyond the bachelor’s degree and is usually completed by people interested in research or teaching. By the time you reach college, it is wise to be considering which type of engineering specialty you might be interested in. In addition to the core engineering curriculum (advanced mathematics, physical science, engineering science, mechanical drawing, computer applications), students will begin to choose from the following types of courses: circuits and electronics, signals and systems, digital electronics and computer architecture, electromagnetic waves, systems, and machinery, communications, and statistical mechanics. Certification and Licensing The Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers and the International Association for Radio, Telecommunications and Electromagnetics offer certification for engineers employed in the telecommunications industry. Contact these organizations for more information. Other Requirements To be a successful electrical or electronics engineer, you should have strong problem-solving abilities, mathematical and scientific aptitudes, and the willingness to learn throughout one’s career. Most engineers work on teams with other professionals, and the ability to get along with others is essential. In addition, strong communications skills are needed. Engineers need to be able to write reports and give oral presentations. EXPLORING People who are interested in the excitement of electricity can tackle experiments such as building a radio or central processing unit of a computer. Special assignments can also be researched and supervised by teachers. Joining a science club, such as the Junior Engineering Technical Society (JETS), can provide hands-on activities and opportunities to explore scientific topics in depth. Student members can join competitions and design structures that exhibit scientific know-how. Reading publications, such as the Pre-Engineering Times (http://www.jets.org/newsletter), are other ways to learn about the engineering field. This magazine includes articles on engineering- related careers and club activities. Students can also learn more about electrical and electronics engineering by attending a summer camp or academic program that focuses on scientific projects as well as recreational activities. Summer programs such as the one offered by the Michigan Technological University (http://www.mtu.edu) focus on career exploration in engineering, computers, electronics, and robotics. This academic program for high school students also offers arts guidance, wilderness events, and other recreational activities. If you are interested in working in telecommunications, you should learn as much as you can about the industry as possible. Read industry publications such as IEEE Wireless Communication Magazine (http://www.comsoc.org/pubs/pcm) and Communications Technology (http://www.cable360.net/ct) and visit the Web sites of professional associations (see For More Information below). EMPLOYERS More engineers work in the electrical and electronics field than in any other division of engineering. Most work in engineering and business consulting firms, manufacturing companies that produce electrical and electronic equipment, business machines, computers and data processing companies, and telecommunications parts. Others work for companies that make automotive electronics, scientific equipment, and aircraft parts; consulting firms; public utilities; and government agencies. Some work as private consultants. Approximately 26,000 electrical and electronics engineers are employed in the U.S. telecommunications industry. In the telecommunications industry, major employers of electrical and electronics engineers include Qualcomm, AT&T, Verizon, Nokia, Sony, Corn- cast Cable Communications, Time Warner Cable, Cox Communications, DirecTV, and Dish Network Services. STARTING OUT Many students begin to research companies that they are interested in working for during their last year of college or even before. It is possible to research companies using many resources, such as company directories and annual reports, available at public libraries. Employment opportunities can be found through a variety of sources. Many engineers are recruited by companies while they are still in college. Other companies have internship, work-study, or cooperative education programs from which they hire students who are still in college. Students who have participated in these programs often receive permanent job offers through these companies, or they may obtain useful contacts that can lead to a job interview or offer. Some companies use employment agencies and state employment offices. Companies may also advertise positions through advertisements in newspapers and trade publications. Professional associations—such as the Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers and the International Association for Radio, Telecommunications and Electromagnetics—also offer job listings at their Web sites. Interested applicants can also apply directly to a company they are interested in working for. A letter of interest and resume can be sent to the director of engineering or the head of a specific department. One may also apply to the personnel or human resources departments. ADVANCEMENT Engineering careers usually offer many avenues for advancement. An engineer straight out of college will usually take a job as an entry- level engineer and advance to higher positions after acquiring some job experience and technical skills. Engineers with strong technical skills who show leadership ability and good communications skills may move into positions that involve supervising teams of engineers and making sure they are working efficiently. Engineers can advance from these positions to that of a chief engineer. The chief engineer usually oversees all projects and has authority over project managers and managing engineers. Many companies provide structured programs to train new employees and prepare them for advancement. These programs usually rely heavily on formal training opportunities such as in-house development programs and seminars. Some companies also provide special programs through colleges, universities, and outside agencies. Engineers usually advance from junior-level engineering positions to more senior-level positions through a series of positions. Engineers may also specialize in a specific area once they have acquired the necessary experience and skills. Some engineers move into sales and managerial positions, with some engineers leaving the telecommunications industry to seek top-level management positions with other types of firms. Other engineers set up their own firms in design or consulting. Engineers can also move into the academic field and become teachers at high schools or universities. The key to advancing in the electronics field is keeping pace with technological changes, which occur rapidly in this field. Electrical and electronics engineers will need to pursue additional training throughout their careers in order to stay up-to-date on new technologies and techniques. EARNINGS Starting salaries for engineers are generally much higher than for workers in any other field. According to a 2007 salary survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, graduates with a bachelor’s degree in electrical/electronics and communications earned an average starting salary of $55,292. Those with a master’s degree averaged around $66,309 in their first jobs after graduation, and those with a Ph.D. received average starting offers of $75,982. The U.S. Department of Labor reports that the median annual salary for electronics engineers in the telecommunications industry was $73,382 in 2006. Salaries for all electronics engineers ranged from less than $52,050 to $119,900 or more annually. Electrical engineers employed in all industries earned salaries that ranged from less than $49,120 to $115,240 or more in 2006. Those employed in the telecommunications industry earned a mean salary of $74,170. Most companies offer attractive benefits packages, although the actual benefits vary from company to company. Benefits can include any of the following: paid holidays, paid vacations, personal days, sick leave; medical, health, life insurance; short- and long-term disability insurance; profit sharing; 401(k) plans; retirement and pension plans; educational assistance; leave time for educational purposes; and credit unions. Some companies also offer computer purchase assistance plans and discounts on company products. WORK ENVIRONMENT For some employers, the five-day, 40-hour workweek is still the norm, but it is becoming much less common. Many engineers regularly work 10 or 20 hours of overtime a week. Engineers in research and development, or those conducting experiments, often need to work at night or on weekends. Workers who supervise production activities may need to come in during the evenings or on weekends to handle special production requirements. In addition to the time spent on the job, many engineers also participate in professional associations and pursue additional training during their free time. Many high-tech companies allow flex-time, which means that workers can arrange their own schedules within certain time frames. Most electrical and electronics engineers work in fairly comfortable environments. Engineers involved in research and design may work in specially equipped laboratories. Engineers involved in development and manufacturing work in offices and may spend part of their time in production facilities. Depending on the type of work one does, there may be extensive travel. Engineers working for large telecommunications companies may travel to other plants and manufacturing companies, both around the country and at foreign locations. OUTLOOK Employment for electrical and electronics engineers in the telecommunications industry is expected to grow more slowly than the average for all occupations through 2016, according to the Career Guide to Industries. Despite this prediction, increases in computer and telecommunications production will create demand for skilled engineers. Engineers will need to stay on top of changes within the electrical and electronics industry and will need additional training through out their careers to learn new technologies. Economic trends and conditions within the global marketplace have become increasingly more important. In the past, most electronics production was done in the United States or by American-owned companies. During the 1990s, this changed, and the electronics industry entered an era of global production. Worldwide economies and production trends will have a larger impact on U.S. production, and companies that cannot compete technologically may not succeed. Job security is no longer a sure thing, and many engineers can expect to make significant changes in their careers at least once. Engineers who have a strong academic foundation, who have acquired technical knowledge and skills, and who stay up-to-date on changing technologies provide themselves with the versatility and flexibility to succeed within the electrical and electronics industry. FOR MORE INFORMATION For information on careers and educational programs, contact the following associations: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers 1828 L Street, NW, Suite 1202 Washington, DC 20036-5104 Tel: 202-785-0017 Email: ieeeusa@ieee.org Electronic Industries Alliance 2500 Wilson Boulevard Arlington, VA 22201-3834 Tel: 703-907-7500 For information on certification, contact International Association for Radio, Telecommunications and Electromagnetics 840 Queen Street New Bern, NC 28560-4856 Tel: 800-89-NARTE For information on careers, educational programs, and student clubs, contact Junior Engineering Technical Society 1420 King Street, Suite 405 Alexandria, VA 22314-2794 Tel: 703-548-5387 Email: info@jets.org For information on careers and the cable industry, contact National Cable and Telecommunications Association 25 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Suite 100 Washington, DC 20 001-1434 Tel: 202-222-2300 For information on educational programs and job opportunities in wireless technology (cellular, PCS, and satellite), contact Personal Communications Industry Association 901 North Washington Street, Suite 600 Alexandria VA 223 14-1535 Tel: 800-759-0300 For information on careers, educational programs, educational seminars, distance learning, and certification, contact Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers 140 Philips Road Exton, PA 19341-13 18 Tel: 800-542-5040 Email: scte@scte.org INTERVIEW Dr. Jay Porter is an associate professor and director of the Electronics Engineering Technology (EET) and Telecommunications Engineering Technology (TET) Programs at Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas. He has been with the Engineering Technology and Industrial Distribution Department at the university since 1998. Dr. Porter discussed the EET/TET programs and the education of engineering technology students below. Q. Can you tell us about your program? A. At Texas A&M University, we have two closely related engineering technology programs that service the needs of the telecommunications industry. Electronics Engineering Technology focuses on hardware and software development for modern electronic products, including products for the telecommunications industry. The Telecommunications Engineering Technology program’s emphasis is on the design, development, and maintenance of small and large scale telecommunication systems. Both are four-year programs and are accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology. Because our programs are focused on undergraduate education and preparing students to enter the workforce directly out of college, we have a strong industrial advisory board that helps us maintain an up-to-date curriculum and identify trends in the industry. The industrial advisory board members are engineers/engineering managers and they meet with our faculty twice a year. Because the Engineering Technology and Industrial Distribution Department is based in the Dwight Look College of Engineering, our faculty members not only focus on undergraduate education but also conduct applied research for regional and national industry. This means that our students have multiple opportunities to work on real industry projects while pursuing their education. In addition, both programs emphasize a multidisciplinary approach to education, ensuring that the students have in-class and extracurricular opportunities to interact with students from other engineering and business disciplines. Before graduating, all of our students participate in an industry-sponsored capstone design project, working in teams to design and implement new products and/or systems for the electronics and telecommunications industries. Q. What is one thing that young people may not know about a career in telecommunications engineering technology (TET)? A. Thirty years ago, most engineers and engineering technologists found employment with a large firm after graduation and more often than not, spent their entire career with that one company. Today, most engineering technology graduates entering the telecommunications workforce find that their career progression will include jobs with several different companies. Also, these moves typically come with a promotion and an increase in responsibility and salary. Another exciting development for new telecommunications engineering technologists is the globalization of the industry. Graduates from our program find that they not only have job prospects across the nation, but that these opportunities often will allow them to travel internationally as well. Q. For what type of jobs does your program prepare students? A. The programs at Texas A&M University prepare students for a variety of positions in the telecommunications industry. These include positions in the areas of support and applications engineering, systems engineering, field engineering, and/or field ser vice. A large number of our graduates are also hired as project managers to oversee both small- and large-scale telecommunications projects. Sectors of the telecommunications industry that hire our students include telecommunications product manufacturers, service providers, and telecommunications consulting firms. Large corporations that plan, install, and manage their own communication networks also employ our students. Q. What are the most important personal and professional qualities for TET students? A. Based on industry feedback, there are two qualities that are important for telecommunications engineering technology graduates. First, they must possess an in-depth technical knowledge of today’s product and systems. For this reason, industry plays an important role in our curriculum and laboratory development process. It is essential that our students are being exposed to the most current technologies used in industry, as well as those technologies that we anticipate will be used two to five years in the future. Second, industry has told us that our graduates need to have strong project management and interpersonal/communication skills. Most of them will be working in teams on large projects, so being able to communicate, multitask, and manage their time and resources is extremely important. Q. What is the employment outlook for the field? Have certain areas of this field been especially promising (or on the decline) in recent years? A. Students graduating from our programs are all employed upon graduation, some having had multiple job offers. Most of our graduates take positions in either Texas or California , but many will have several opportunities to move to other areas across the United States and also around the world. One industry sec tor that used to hire a large percentage of our students was in the area of traditional telephony. However, with the decline of traditional telephone systems, we are seeing rapid growth in the areas of communications networking, digital communications (including data, voice, and video), and Voice over Internet Protocol.PREV: Customer Service Representatives |