Main Responsibilities and Required Skills for Electrical Design Engineer
An Electrical Design Engineer is responsible for designing and developing electronic hardware, software, and firmware. They develop electrical specifications and ensure that quality design processes are respected. In this blog post we describe the primary responsibilities and the most in-demand hard and soft skills for Electrical Design Engineers.
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Main Responsibilities of Electrical Design Engineer
The following list describes the typical responsibilities of an Electrical Design Engineer:
Adapt
Adapt plans to customer requirements.
Address
Address and resolve product issues thru the product phases.
Adhere to
Adhere to best practices for documentation and version control.
Apply
Apply analysis, design-for-assembly and cost criteria throughout the designs.
Apply engineering knowledge and experience to improve products, services and processes.
Apply prescriptive requirements of electrical building services engineering codes.
Assist in / Assist with
Assist in documenting the development of the project.
Assist in initial concept development of new products..
Assist in troubleshooting aircraft / avionics / electrical problems.
Assist the engineering department in problem-solving related to electrical engineering matters.
Assist with fee proposal preparation.
Assist with field troubleshooting and repair of equipment.
Attend
Attend consultant coordination meetings and update electrical design drawings.
Attend field reviews / meetings with clients.
Attend site surveys with project manager / senior staff.
Build
Build drawings, specifications and bills of materials databases in the company ERP.
Calculate
Calculate proper incoming and branch circuit protection.
Collaborate in
Collaborate in the identification and definition of the product development projects.
Communicate with
Communicate and works with other related Departments as requested.
Communicate with internal staff to implement designs into production phase.
Complete
Complete electrical engineering projects involving existing and prototype products.
Complete the product design according to the design process and introduce it into production.
Compose
Compose relevant reports to document history of design and verification test results.
Conduct
Conduct drawing searches in engineering records.
Conduct or oversees personnel involved in engineering investigations and planning work.
Conduct PLC, Servo and HMI programming.
Conduct product research on electrical and electronic equipment and components.
Conduct the detailed design during the project phase.
Configure
Configure and execute laboratory tests to verify critical parameters and features.
Contribute to
Contribute to new designs from concept to production.
Coordinate
Coordinate EMI / RFI testing, environmental testing and validation testing.
Coordinate interoperability of digital modules with embedded camera firmware.
Coordinate with customers, internal and external, vendors, and regulatory officials.
Create
Create, and develop analog and digital systems with an emphasis on microprocessor designs.
Create and execute test plans for hardware and software validation.
Create and organize bills of material for electrical systems on Company vehicles.
Create and reviews material part specifications and bills of materials.
Create operation manual and instructions if necessary.
Create project documentation, electrical schematics, bill of materials and program files.
Create simulation and verification environment, test benches, validate designs.
Create the development plan and orchestrates its successful completion according to the charter.
Debug
Debug product, test and resolve design issues on hardware platforms.
Define
Define design approach for new product and platforms and generate design specifications.
Define hardware and firmware interfaces, protocols.
Define requirements and component specifications for panels, wiring harnesses and electrical systems.
Delegate
Delegate design and production tasks to junior staff, as required.
Deliver
Deliver input in the planning process to the project leader.
Design
Design and approve main and distribution panel boards for AC electrical systems.
Design and collaborate with other disciplines to create a construction document set.
Design and develop electronic hardware, software, and firmware.
Design and develop electronic hardware, software, and firmware for automotive electronic devices.
Design and implement electrical stress tests to ensure the reliability of the product.
Design and implement image processing FPGA blocks.
Design and programming of PLC and HMI software.
Design and program PLC and HMI software.
Design and test RF circuits and systems.
Design
Design electrical parts, modules and subsystems to support the design of whole systems.
Design electrical systems and equipment for products.
Design hardware or software-based tools to support product verification and manufacturing.
Design new products (end items and components) in accordance with project plans and schedules.
Design RF Transmission and Digital Video Monitoring Equipment used by HFC network operators.
Design, test and integrate a variety of moderately complex components to produce final designs.
Design understanding for PCBA manufacturability and quality control.
Determine
Determine battery and charging system requirements for DC electrical system.
Determine grounding and galvanic protection requirements for AC and DC electrical systems.
Develop
Develop and executes electrical systems design with oversight from senior staff.
Develop and improve existing Verilog modules, reuse and integrate IP modules.
Develop and release electrical system / embedded components in the Company production system.
Develop electrical specifications as required for all projects.
Develop electronic and electro mechanical devices for engines and vehicles in the automotive markets.
Develop hydraulic and electrical schematics).
Develop life cycle plans, including inspection and test programs.
Develop new and analyze, sustain, and improve existing embedded controls software.
Develop project budgets at various stages of design.
Draw
Draw components using software.
Ensure
Ensure all activities are performed in accordance with the Company's Conduct of Engineering Program.
Ensure Electrical design HW Engineering activity management within constraints provided by the HwEM.
Ensure Integral BIM / Revit Standards are being followed.
Ensure Integral design checklist (drawing standards section) is being followed.
Ensure successful completion of construction administration tasks.
Ensure that quality design processes are respected, use of auto-control.
Ensure that there is proper documentation for the developed hardware / software / mechanics.
Enter
Enter new ideas in order to meet the requirements of the aspect ‘design to cost'.
Execute
Execute / manage compliance testing and documentation.
Execute new product designs personally, and oversee outsourced resources where appropriate.
Propose
Propose solutions, prove concepts, evaluate new technologies and design trade-offs.
Explain
Explain the concept / preliminary / detailed design.
Facilitate
Facilitate training seminars for assembly personal informing them of new construction requirements.
Follow up
Follow up open Design Reviews items.
Follow up the physical integration planning to fulfill with project milestones.
Formulate
Formulate initial design approach and defend proposed designs in a design review process.
Generate
Generate Engineering Change Request (ECR) and Engineering Change Notice's (ECN) as required.
Generate wiring diagrams and BOMs from customer requirements as needed for production.
Implement
Implement and maintain Quality Control procedures.
Implement DDR, LPDDR, FIFO controllers within FPGA.
Implement designs into production.
Initiate
Initiate purchase of components for prototyping and development.
Insure
Insure timely and adequate completion of all applicable phases of project.
Interface with
Interface effectively with other staff on multi-disciplinary projects.
Interface with customers and vendors / suppliers regarding project specifications.
Interface with manufacturing, service, and customers to resolve machine problems.
Interface with mechanical designers to optimize packaging, performance and manage thermal issues.
Interface with microcontrollers.
Interface with the propulsion, systems, design and manufacturing groups for system layouts.
Lead
Lead complex electrical design projects.
Lead the design process and approach for small-medium sized projects.
Learn
Learn the functioning components of automated equipment such as PLCs and HMIs.
Maintain
Maintain a high quality of work, delivered on time, while meeting or exceeding client's expectations.
Maintain BIM / Revit and design files.
Maintain client relations.
Maintain current designs with emphases on innovative product improvements.
Manage
Manage BIM / Revit drafting and design operations.
Manage client relationships.
Manage projects and act as design team lead where appropriate.
Manage the engineering scope of the project in order to give a clear EBOM to procurement.
Monitor
Monitor progress against schedule and keep self on track.
Own
Own the design process from concept through production to end of life.
Participate in
Participate in new product development activities and service related issues as required.
Participate in relevant standards committees.
Participate in the preparation of cost and material estimates.
Perform
Perform accurate detailed site surveys.
Perform all other duties diligently as assigned.
Perform cable calculations.
Perform design reviews of projects for accuracy, coordination, and constructability.
Perform design verification tests on finished product and develop criteria for DVPR testing.
Perform diagnostic assessments in field and remotely.
Perform electrical analysis, equipment protection, cable and electrical equipment selection.
Perform feasibility studies and proof of concepts.
Perform field investigation and walk-down work as required.
Perform final electrical design verification tests.
Perform lighting calculations.
Perform lighting modelling.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Perform power, size and utilization optimization.
Perform troubleshooting duties regarding equipment, product and component issues as assigned.
Plan
Plan, schedule, and conduct or coordinate construction services on projects of moderate scope.
Prepare
Prepare cost and man-hour estimates, job budgets and schedules.
Prepare or confirm all equipment selections using Integral selection procedures.
Prepare or oversees the preparation of final plans and reports and submits them for approval.
Prepare panel schedules and equipment schedules.
Produce
Produce engineering deliverables that meet Quality, Cost and Schedule requirements.
Promote
Promote, educate and train proper engineering and scientific practice throughout the department.
Provide
Provide build support at various stages throughout the product development cycle.
Provide construction administration services Compile design reports and presentations.
Provide cost estimates for new designs..
Provide technical support to complaint investigation.
Provide technical support to production team members.
Provide technical support to the sales team.
Provide training and review the work of junior staff.
Research
Research and integrate new equipment design as industry trends allow.
Research and propose alternative designs and estimate product cost.
Research and provide input for customer upgrades and equipment modifications.
Research, design and develop electric motors.
Retrieve
Retrieve the required information from suppliers and System Engineering, conduct JDDPs with them.
Review
Review and approval of equipment submittals.
Review and approve load calculations based on ABYC standards for AC and DC electrical systems.
Review and approve owner's manuals for accurate and complete electrical descriptions and information.
Review and process drawings.
Review / supervise drafting, prepare / review markups.
Review vendor capability to support product development.
Select
Select and evaluate obsolete components.
Select components and / or equipment based on analysis of specifications and reliability.
Select control components to minimize cost.
Set up
Set up and maintain design file.
Set up BIM drawing files including digitizing and cleaning up working drawings.
Simulate
Simulate, test, optimize, and verify designs through all phases of product development.
Specify
Specify precise new product functional requirements.
Specify test requirements and provide technical support on the manufacturing issues.
Stay current with
Stay current with developments within your field of expertise.
Support
Support current equipment designs and test and evaluate new equipment designs.
Support current platforms with enhancements and improvements where needed.
Support operations during manufacturing phase.
Support regulatory tests and RF certification tests.
Support the application of machine control technology to new and existing equipment.
Test
Test and verify new designs.
Travel
Travel as required by projects.
Travel to other facilities as necessary.
Understand
Understand and assess client problems and determine appropriate means of solution.
Understand system and subsystem requirements.
Understand the general data flow and connection of components, manufacturer data, and schematics.
Use
Use Allen Bradley, Siemens, JDE and Fanuc software and languages structured for programming.
Use design software and test equipment to perform engineering tasks, AutoCAD or Solidworks a plus.
Use of AutoCAD and Solidworks software in designing schematics.
Use of EDA tools for schematic capture, layout, and simulation.
Use of FPGA and other programmable digital devices.
Utilize
Utilize UVM to create drivers, monitors, predictors, and scoreboards . #.
Validate
Validate controller performance against customer expectations.
Validate the 3D models and 2D drawings.
Work with
Work as an integral part of a project team.
Work closely with other disciplines and share innovative ideas with engineering design team.
Work supporting satellite communications systems.
Work with avionics techs for drawing deviations.
Work with cross-functional team to launch new products, including testers.
Work with electrical technicians to manufacture and test human spaceflight hardware.
Work with lasers and electronics design for precision laser systems.
Work with mechanical engineering to ensure an adequate mechanical housing is created.
Work with other Engineers to design new installations, equipment, and subcomponents.
Work with outside suppliers on component feasibility, development, and integration.
Work with supply chain and procurement departments.
Work with vendors and sourcing to define technical requirements for the product / components.
Most In-demand Hard Skills
The following list describes the most required technical skills of an Electrical Design Engineer:
Design
Sustainable Design
BS Architectural Engineering
Read Architectural drawings
Most In-demand Soft Skills
The following list describes the most required soft skills of an Electrical Design Engineer:
Written and oral communication skills
Problem-solving attitude
Deep passion for innovation
Environmental responsibility
Integrity
Professional ethics
Respect
Responsibility
Leadership
Interpersonal skills
Attention to detail
