What Does an Electrical Engineers Do?

Electrical engineering is a vital and dynamic profession in Australia’s technological and infrastructure landscape. With over 29,600 professionals currently employed nationwide and strong growth projections, electrical engineers play a crucial role in powering Australia’s future through diverse applications across numerous industries. These highly skilled professionals design, develop and supervise the manufacture, installation, operation and maintenance of equipment, machines and systems for the generation, distribution, utilisation and control of electric power throughout the country.

Electrical engineers undertake a wide range of technical activities that form the backbone of the nation’s electrical infrastructure and technological advancement. Their primary responsibilities include:

Electrical engineers are responsible for planning and designing power stations, generation equipment, and developing products such as electric motors, components, equipment and appliances [1]. They determine the type and arrangement of circuits, transformers, circuit-breakers, transmission lines and other equipment essential for Australia’s power systems. Additionally, they interpret specifications, drawings, standards and regulations relating to electric power equipment and use, ensuring compliance with Australian standards. Electrical engineers also often work on both contestable and non-contestable works within the Australian electricity market.

These professionals organise and manage resources used in the supply of electrical components, machines, appliances and equipment. They establish delivery and installation schedules for machines, switchgear, cables and fittings, ensuring projects are completed efficiently and to specification. This includes coordinating with various stakeholders and supervising technical teams.

A critical aspect of an electrical engineer’s role involves supervising the operation and maintenance of power stations, transmission and distribution systems and industrial plants. They develop and implement electrical maintenance standards and procedures to ensure systems operate safely and efficiently. This includes inspecting and testing components and systems to identify faults and ensure safety standards are met.

Electrical engineers are at the forefront of researching and testing new technologies and materials to improve electrical systems. They analyse and interpret data to enhance system performance and design innovative solutions to complex electrical challenges. Many are involved in emerging fields such as renewable energy technology, smart grid systems, and energy storage.

Electrical engineers work across an impressively diverse range of sectors. They can be found in numerous domains including:

A significant number of electrical engineers work in electrical power generation and distribution, including traditional power stations and emerging renewable energy projects. With a growing focus on sustainable energy, many engineers are now designing and implementing solar, wind, and energy storage systems.

These engineers design and install control and signalling equipment for road, rail and air traffic systems. They play a crucial role in transportation networks, ensuring safe and efficient operation of electrical systems in these contexts.

Australia’s strong mining and resources sector employs electrical engineers for minerals processing, mining operations, and oil and gas facilities. They design and maintain electrical systems that power these critical industries.

In the manufacturing sector, electrical engineers develop and supervise the production of electrical equipment, components, and control systems. The growing technology sector also employs these professionals for developing innovative electronic products and systems.

Electrical engineers contribute to the building industry and urban infrastructure, designing electrical systems for commercial, residential, and industrial buildings. This includes lighting, power distribution, and building automation systems.

The defence sector and telecommunications industry rely heavily on electrical engineers for specialised electrical systems and communication networks. These roles often involve working with cutting-edge technology and security systems.

Becoming an electrical engineer in Australia typically requires formal education and practical experience:

The primary pathway involves completing a Bachelor of Engineering degree with a major in electrical engineering, which usually takes 3 to 4 years of full-time study at an Australian university. Some engineers pursue advanced qualifications such as a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) or postgraduate degrees for specialisation.

Strong performance in secondary education, particularly in mathematics, physics, and possibly chemistry, is typically required for entry into engineering programs. These subjects provide the fundamental knowledge needed for engineering studies.

For international students, demonstration of English proficiency through tests like IELTS (typically minimum score of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0) is required. This ensures engineers can communicate effectively in professional settings.

Professional recognition and sometimes registration are important aspects of an electrical engineer’s career in Australia:

Registration or licensing may be required for electrical engineers in Australia, with requirements varying by state. This is particularly important for engineers working on projects with public safety implications.

For migration purposes, a positive skills assessment from The Institute of Engineers Australia is typically required. There are multiple pathways for this assessment, depending on qualifications and experience.

The employment landscape for electrical engineers is robust and growing:

As of 2025, there are approximately 29,600 electrical engineers employed throughout Australia, with a median age of 35. The profession has a relatively low part-time share (8%) and female representation (12%), indicating potential opportunities for diversity growth.

The annual employment growth for electrical engineers in Australia is around 1,700 positions. This is supported by global projections indicating a 9% growth rate from 2023 to 2033, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.

Electrical engineering offers attractive compensation and working conditions:

Electrical engineers in Australia enjoy competitive salaries, with median weekly earnings being substantial compared to many other professions. Entry-level positions typically start around $80,000-$90,000 per year, with experienced engineers earning well above $100,000 annually [2].

Most electrical engineers in Australia work full-time hours Monday through Friday (approximately 40 hours per week), providing a steady and predictable work schedule. This facilitates a healthy work-life balance, though occasional overtime may be required for project deadlines or emergencies.

Sources:

[1] https://www.jobsandskills.gov.au/data/occupation-and-industry-profiles/occupations/2333-electrical-engineers

[2] https://au.indeed.com/Electrical-Engineer-Australia-jobs