Electrical engineer
Also known as
Work environment
- Usually work regular business hours
- Usually work in offices but may work in laboratories, workshops, power stations or at building sites
- May work in hazardous conditions
- Need to be logical, accurate and safety conscious
Salary information
Typical tasks
- Design electrical equipment, facilities and systems
- Test, fix and upgrade existing electrical systems
- Draw technical plans
- Use software to create models
- Oversee construction of facilities
- Develop health and safety procedures
- Inspect sites and facilities
- Write technical reports
- Develop project budgets
- Survey land and bodies of water
Outlook
The outlook for electrical engineers is positive as New Zealand invests in renewable energy, electrification and infrastructure upgrades. Growth in solar, wind, battery storage, transport electrification and smart networks is creating new areas of work. Internationally, advances in automation, energy efficiency and digital technologies are reshaping electrical systems, increasing demand for engineers who can support reliable and sustainable solutions.
What employers and industry want in graduates
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Knowledge of electrical systems and technologies
- Ability to manage projects and priorities
- Communication and teamwork skills
- Creative thinking and innovation
- Commitment to safety, quality and professional standards
Professional registration
Electrical Workers Registration Board
0800 661 000
AUT programmes
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering Major - Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering Major - Bachelor of Engineering Technology
The above is a suggestion only and a starting point. You may need to meet other criteria or take additional steps to work in this career.
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This data is sourced from the Tertiary Education Commission through the Tahatū Career Navigator website (www.tahtu.govt.nz) and used under the CC BY 4.0 licence. Some of the information has been modified by AUT. TEC has not approved, endorsed or tested these modifications. TEC will not be held accountable for any errors within this data.