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Electrical Engineer

Design and test electrical equipment, from power systems to circuit boards.

engineeringelectronicspowerphysics
Start with: STEM Foundations: The Universal Skill StackTake the career survey

Career facts

Preparation
Considerable preparation needed · most need a bachelor's degree
Ways in
  • Bachelor's degree
  • Graduate degree
  • Industry certification
Field
Engineering & energy

About this career

Electrical engineers design circuits, motors, power distribution and control systems, then build prototypes and test them against specifications and safety codes. They use circuit simulation and CAD software, oscilloscopes and other test instruments, and apply physics and calculus. Entry requires a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering; a Professional Engineer license follows exams and work experience.

Learning path

Take these courses in order, from beginner to mid-level.

  1. Step 1: STEM Foundations: The Universal Skill Stack

    The shared base every STEM career uses: working with numbers and units, testing ideas fairly, handling data and code, and explaining your work.

    Level: Beginner4 modules · 12 lessons · 7h 18mAlso used in 34 other careers

  2. Step 2: Foundations for Engineering & Energy Careers

    How civil, mechanical and electrical engineers think, what to study, and the degree, FE and PE route into the field.

    Level: Beginner3 modules · 9 lessons · 4h 24mAlso used in 2 other careers

  3. Step 3: Digital Literacy for Tech & STEM Work

    The everyday computer, internet, safety and AI skills every tech and STEM job assumes you already have.

    Level: Beginner4 modules · 12 lessons · 6h 8mAlso used in 34 other careers

  4. Step 4: Professional Communication & Teamwork

    Write clear emails and documents, present and run meetings, work well on teams, and navigate résumés, interviews and networking.

    Level: Beginner4 modules · 12 lessons · 7h 24mAlso used in 34 other careers

  5. Step 5: Math for Tech & STEM

    The practical math behind tech and STEM work: numbers, algebra, functions, geometry, logic and counting, with short code exercises.

    Level: Beginner5 modules · 15 lessons · 7h 32mAlso used in 34 other careers

  6. Step 6: Spreadsheets for Data Work

    Clean tables, correct formulas, lookups, pivot tables and honest charts in Google Sheets, LibreOffice Calc or Excel.

    Level: Beginner3 modules · 9 lessons · 6h 35mAlso used in 16 other careers

  7. Step 7: Python Fundamentals

    Learn to program in Python from zero: values, decisions, loops, functions, data structures, files, modules and a small data project.

    Level: Beginner5 modules · 15 lessons · 9h 53mAlso used in 22 other careers

  8. Step 8: Workplace Safety & Tools

    Learn your OSHA rights, spot hazards, choose PPE, understand lockout/tagout and electrical safety, and use hand tools, power tools and measuring tools safely.

    Level: Beginner3 modules · 10 lessons · 5h 19mAlso used in 4 other careers

  9. Step 9: Technical Drawing & CAD Basics

    Read orthographic views, scales, dimensions, tolerances, schematics, GD&T callouts and floor plans, then sketch and model parts in free CAD tools.

    Level: Beginner3 modules · 9 lessons · 5h 37mAlso used in 4 other careers

  10. Step 10: Calculus & Linear Algebra for STEM

    The calculus and linear algebra behind science, engineering and machine learning: derivatives, integrals, vectors, matrices, gradients and eigenvalues, with Python exercises.

    Level: Intermediate4 modules · 12 lessons · 7h 48mAlso used in 11 other careers

  11. Step 11: Physics for Engineering & Science

    The physics behind engineering and the physical sciences: motion, forces, energy, momentum, torque, circuits, induction, waves and heat, with Python exercises and a home pendulum lab.

    Level: Intermediate4 modules · 12 lessons · 7h 17mAlso used in 5 other careers

  12. Step 12: Scientific Python

    Use NumPy arrays, plots, fitting, numerical methods, units and instrument data files to do real engineering and science calculations in Python.

    Level: Intermediate4 modules · 12 lessons · 12h 58mAlso used in 6 other careers

  13. Step 13: Electrical Circuits

    Learn DC and AC circuit analysis, power factor and three-phase basics, safe measurement on battery circuits, simulation, transformers, motors and systematic troubleshooting.

    Level: Intermediate4 modules · 12 lessons · 8h 43mAlso used in 3 other careers

  14. Step 14: Engineering Practice & Licensure

    How engineering work is really done and licensed: project phases, calculation packages, specs and submittals, codes and standards, QA/QC, the FE and PE, and ethics.

    Level: Mid-level3 modules · 9 lessons · 5h 33mAlso used in 2 other careers

  15. Step 15: Power, Electronics & Signals

    Diodes, transistors and op-amps, digital logic and microcontrollers, spectra, filters and PID control, the power grid, per-unit and load flow, protection, inverters and PCB layout.

    Level: Mid-level3 modules · 10 lessons · 6h 30m

  16. Step 16: Industrial Controls & PLCs

    Read relay ladder diagrams, match sensors and actuators, understand VFDs, program PLC logic with timers and counters, and troubleshoot, guard and maintain automated machines.

    Level: Mid-level3 modules · 10 lessons · 5h 14mAlso used in 2 other careers

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