Job Market
TYPICAL JOBS FOR EE GRADS

Electrical engineers are finding good jobs

An EE degree opens high tech doors to a variety of jobs and work options. "Electrical engineering is very diverse," says one recruiter

By Skip Waugh
Contributing Editor

Ivy Barksdale, diversity program manager at Lexmark.

Electrical engineers, working with cutting-edge technologies, are responsible for many of the products today's consumers use. And for career opportunities, even in today's tight job market, electrical engineering is hard to beat.

"It's definitely a good field to be in," says Ivy Barksdale, diversity program manager at Lexmark (Lexington, KY). The company develops and supplies printing solutions. "I have a degree in electrical engineering. One thing I like about it is the options. You can go into either hardware or software."

In places like Lexmark, Barksdale adds, EEs can move around and up in the company. Barksdale started in hardware and now works in human resources and diversity. "Even if you move away from EE, you can use your background in other ways," she says.

Sarah Harper of Lexmark found that electrical engineering met her need for variety.

Sarah Harper of Lexmark likes the diversity of EE jobs
In high school, Sarah Harper was interested in computers but wanted to do something besides programming. "I didn't think I could sit in front of a computer and write code all day."

At the University of Kentucky (Lexington, KY), she found that electrical engineering met her need for variety. "Electrical engineering is diverse," she says. "You can be a programmer and still do hands-on work." Harper adds that she decided to major in electrical engineering as a freshman, thinking she could change majors if it didn't work out. Harper knew she had made the right decision when she started taking classes.

She graduated in May 2003 with a bachelors in electrical engineering and minors in math and computer science. On the recommendation of a professor, she interviewed with Lexmark (Lexington, KY) in her senior year and was offered a job. She started working in June 2003 as a development engineer in the company's firmware group. The group writes code that drives the company's printers.

The transition from college to work was a big one for Harper. "The college environment is so different. They try to prepare you for the work world, but you have to learn things quickly once you're hired."

Harper finds that electrical engineering offers her the variety she had anticipated. "I like doing a lot of different things. I am not constantly sitting at a computer or in meetings."

Maria Rigling does EE at Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory.

Maria Rigling of JHU APL enjoys R&D
Maria Rigling found that an open mind and a willingness to try new things can lead EEs into new career directions.

Rigling planned to be an EE when she enrolled at the University of Dayton (Dayton, OH). She spent three semesters as a co-op at Delphi Harrison Thermal Systems (Moraine, OH). The organization is a division of Delphi Automotive Systems (Troy, MI) and produces climate control and powertrain cooling systems. During her last co-op term she worked at Battelle Memorial Institute (Columbus, OH). Battelle develops technologies ranging from medical products and pharmaceuticals to products for the automotive, chemical and agrochemical industries.

The Battelle co-op experience helped change her plans. Rigling was working on the feasibility and early definition phase of a project to design a complex medical laboratory instrument. "I found I liked the focus on research and development," she says. After graduating in May 1999 with a bachelors degree in electrical engineering and a concentration in computers, she stayed with Battelle and continued working on electrical hardware and software for the same instrument project.

Over the next four years, Rigling designed mixed signal print and circuit boards and cable assemblies. She also worked on the preliminary design of an electro-hydrodynamic spraying device. "I really enjoyed the work and my time at Battelle," she says.

After her husband completed his PhD at Ohio State University in 2002, the couple moved to Maryland, where they had both found jobs. Rigling was hired as an EE by the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL, Laurel, MD).

The laboratory has a long history of working on national security and space exploration activities. Rigling's department is part of the Milton S. Eisenhower Research and Technology Development Center. The center provides basic and applied research and development that supports APL's mission.

Rigling's group focuses primarily on aeronautical science and technology, basic R&D design analysis, testing technology and concepts for aerodynamic and subspace programs. Rigling says her job as an EE at APL is varied. "I work on a wide range of activities within electrical engineering, which makes my work interesting and exciting and provides lots of learning opportunities," she says.

Rigling is currently working with two technologies. One involves the design of high-voltage control circuitry for an electrical discharge device. The device has many aerodynamics applications including drag reduction and the creation of lift in aerodynamic vehicles. The other project involves writing software for a processor embedded in miniature wireless data acquisition systems.

Rigling attributes her interest in electrical engineering to her admiration and respect for her father, also an EE. He encouraged her to develop problem-solving, science and math skills, which led her to a career in electrical engineering. She's never regretted her choice, although she says the move to R&D was a risk she took. She recommends that new grads keep themselves open to many possibilities. "I gave R&D a shot and now I love it. I want to do this for the rest of my career."

Cordell Smith enjoys working with new technology at Johnson Controls.

Cordell Smith of Johnson Controls: breaking new ground
As an EE, Cordell Smith of Johnson Controls (Milwaukee, WI) likes the feeling of constantly breaking new ground.

Smith works in the company's Holland, MI location, one of the company's two technical centers in Michigan. The other center is located in Plymouth, MI, and is also headquarters for the company's Automotive Group. Plymouth is the technical center for seating and some of the company's electronics products. Holland is home to the Interiors Tech Center, where Smith works. The center designs and develops overhead systems, electronics, door panels, center consoles and instrument panels.

Smith is a project engineer in the electronics department. He is currently working on a rear-seat entertainment system called AutoVision, a DVD-based system installed into the vehicle's ceiling. Although AutoVision is currently in production in several vehicle models, the system Smith is working on is expected to be included in model year 2005 vehicles.

As a project engineer, Smith spends time working with his automaker customers. He coordinates team efforts and makes sure that program objectives are met. His goal is to deliver a quality product.

Smith enjoys working with new concepts like AutoVision. "We do things that have never been done before. We're constantly breaking new ground," he says. "Working on the cutting edge of electronics is a learning experience that stays with you always."

Smith graduated from Northern Illinois University (DeKalb, IL) in May 1999 with a BSEE. During his junior year, he interned with AG Communications Systems, part of Lucent Technologies. Because of his solid performance as an intern, he was offered a full-time job. But he turned it down, and headed to Boston to attend NSBE's national convention and career fair.

On the last day of the career fair, Smith met an engineer from Johnson Controls. "He asked me if I had heard of the company and I said no." They talked for two hours. He was hired as a hardware design engineer, and moved into his current position in 2001.

Although working with the latest technology is appealing, Smith cautions others to be patient when looking for EE opportunities. "Not every opportunity turns out to be the right one. When I took the job at Johnson Controls, I had three or four offers on the table. If you're patient, you'll find the job of your dreams."

Symbol Technologies recruits at diversity-based events
Symbol Technologies is a global leader in secure mobile information systems that integrates application specific handheld computers with wireless networks for data, voice and barcode capture.

The company offers its new EEs jobs working with digital hardware and analog power. Hardware engineers typically work in teams to develop products containing MS DOS/Windows-based embedded software. Analog power EEs work with battery technologies and focus on power supply and battery design content.

"We recruit at diversity-based events year round, including NSBE, SWE and SHPE," says Trisha Andres, human resources representative. "Symbol has formed relationships with local chapters of these organizations and other diversity professional organizations and honor societies by offering sponsorships, scholarships, programming initiatives and corporate tours."

Symbol offers a new grad hire program that provides information on Symbol and its products, including company history and direction. New grads are also assigned a mentor.

The mentoring program focuses on talent development, shortening the learning curve and increasing productivity. "Senior associates have a wealth of knowledge. Mentors assist their protégés for six to twelve months to help them achieve their goals. The program helps new hires learn the company's core technical competencies, ideas and perspectives and reinforces their skills," says Andres.

Jonathan Chin of Symbol Technologies was always interested in machines, gadgets and computers.

Jonathan A. Chin of Symbol Technologies: getting experience
"Learning to be an engineer is enjoyable, but it's also a significant challenge," says Jonathan A. Chin of Symbol Technologies (Holtsville, NY). "Areas that were briefly discussed in college courses take center stage. But my strong academic background and support from fellow engineers have helped me get up to speed quickly."

Chin is an EE in the scanner products electrical engineering group at Symbol Technologies, where he focuses on the electrical design of the company's barcode scanners. Most of his work involves designing circuit boards, choosing parts and supervising electrical testing. "I work closely with mechanical and software engineers and program managers to make sure the company meets its product requirements on time and within budget."

Chin, one of four EEs working on a big industrial barcode scanner project, combines knowledge and technologies from laser scanning, wireless radios, battery technology and microprocessors. He is also working with senior engineers on an in-house project to help improve scanner engine reliability. Pairing recent college grads with senior engineers has led to a greater sense of satisfaction and higher retention rates, Andres notes.

Chin has always been interested in machines, gadgets and computers. He graduated from Carnegie-Mellon University (Pittsburgh, PA) in May 2001 with a BS and in December 2002 with an MS. Both degrees are in electrical and computer engineering. For his bachelors degree, Chin did a second major in engineering and public policy.

During the summer of his freshman year, Chin interned with Bristol Technologies (Danbury, CT) doing computer and network maintenance tasks. He also interned with Apple Computer, Inc (Cupertino, CA) during the summers after his junior and senior years, testing how prototype hardware and software worked with existing products.

He found the job with Symbol Technologies through Carnegie Mellon's recruiting program. Chin is pleased to be part of the company. He plans to join IEEE and take the EIT exam to become a licensed PE. But right now, he says, his mind is focused on getting more experience. "As a new grad, I need to learn what the profession is really about. Opportunities at Symbol match my goals."

Kefei Lu of Symbol Technologies specializes in image processing, pattern recognition and computer vision.

At Symbol, Kefei Lu searches for the best solutions
Kefei Lu is a member of technical staff in Symbol Technologies' R&D department. She works on some of the company's most confidential projects and products.

Lu investigates "disruptive" technologies - radical new concepts that could fuel future business growth. Her field is image processing, pattern recognition and computer vision. She finds that her role in R&D gives her the opportunity to work with the latest technologies and pushes her to take her work to the next level. "You not only have to find a solution, but you have to find the best solution."

She graduated from Fudan University (Shanghai, China) in 1997 with a BSCS and from SUNY (Stony Brook, NY) in 2000 with an MSCS.

During the summer of 2000, she interned at Symbol working on imaging projects, software development and algorithm research. "Symbol is where I got more involved in electrical engineering," she says.

Lu accepted a full-time offer from the company after finishing an internship. She is a member of IEEE and hopes to take a leadership position by expanding her career at Symbol.

Symbol's Alicia Wilkerson works on accessories
Alicia Wilkerson is an EE with Symbol's mobile computing and scanner electrical engineering department. "My responsibilities range from designing and testing boards to beginning the procedure for releasing components into our system for the projects I work on," she says.

Wilkerson works on accessories for the company's flagship terminal. These accessories are easy for customers to use and have features that customers need, such as magstrip readers, modems, GPS modules and battery chargers.

Wilkerson became interested in electrical engineering at the end of her college experience. She had thought about becoming an engineer since elementary school, but wasn't sure what kind of engineer. College offered her the chance to find out. "My program at State University of New York at Oneonta allowed me to major in liberal arts for three years followed by two years at an engineering school."

She graduated from SUNY Oneonta in 1998 with a bachelors in math. She did her engineering work at Polytechnic University (Brooklyn, NY), receiving her BSEE in June 2000. "Since I preferred working with computer hardware rather than software, I chose electrical engineering. My math degree certainly came in handy." Wilkerson connected with Symbol at a Polytechnic recruiting event.

As an EE, Wilkerson says she likes being involved in the design process from concept to testing. Her professional goal, she says, is to learn all aspects of electrical engineering at Symbol Technologies. "I've already worked on laser-based scanners and I'm familiar with some of the peripherals we develop as well as some of our mobile computing technologies," Wilkerson says. "By learning more about each of the company's technologies, I can keep them in mind as I work on my design projects."

DuPont's Tina Thomas enjoys the challenge of being in charge.

Tina Thomas of DuPont: rotating assignments
Tina Thomas is an electrical and instrumentation engineer with DuPont Chemical Solutions Enterprise (Belle, WV). She participates in DuPont Field Engineering, a program that lets newly hired engineers rotate through a series of developmental assignments. For Thomas, who's nearing the end of her first rotation, EE is all about exploring both the field and the company.

Thomas provides electrical and instrumentation (E&I) support to three process areas. She designs and writes the specifications for the purchase of E&I equipment needed for daily maintenance and projects. She also works as project lead for some of the more intensive E&I projects. One of her major projects is the installation of a motor control center in one of the three plant areas she supports. The area is currently shut down for equipment ugrades, which allows this kind of major capital work to be completed with minimal impact to the business.

Thomas says she has learned a lot since joining DuPont a year and a half ago. "The chemical industry uses an amazing variety of E&I equipment," Thomas says. "I try to learn as much as I can so that I can troubleshoot more efficiently the next time a problem comes up."

In fact, troubleshooting is one of the reasons Thomas loves her job. "I deal with level transmitters, for example, but there are at least fifteen different kinds here," she says. "With every problem, I deal with so many different types of technology, and so I always need to gather information about the equipment involved before I can solve the problem. Sometimes it's like a scavenger hunt, but that's what makes troubleshooting fun."

Thomas likes working with the mechanics, operators and experts she deals with daily. As far as the projects go, she enjoys the challenge of being completely in charge. "I handle everything from project construction, scheduling and budgeting to design."

Thomas received a BS in electrical engineering from the University of Michigan-Dearborn in December 2001. Before graduating, she interned with DTE Energy (Detroit, MI), also known as Detroit Edison, in the summer of 2000, testing oil samples and repaired transformers. She accepted the job at DuPont two months before graduating.

She's glad she chose a career in EE. "We have so many amazing inventions and new technologies because of EEs. I'm excited to be a part of that field and industry."

The professionals profiled here value the variety of professional opportunities available for people with degrees in electrical engineering. And they know that job opportunities are plentiful for people with the right background and experience.

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Skip Waugh is a freelance business writer living in Denver, CO.