Electrical engineering is at the heart of virtually every modern innovation, from renewable power systems that clean our air to smart devices that improve daily life. If you're curious what electrical engineers build, what career opportunities exist, and how hands-on electrical engineering projects prepare you for success, you’re in the right place.
In this guide, we’ll explore:
- What electrical engineers actually do
- The core job functions and real-world projects they tackle
- Six exciting example projects
- How education (including online degrees) supports these careers
- Salary outlooks and industry trends
Let’s get started.
What Is an Electrical Engineer?
At its core, an electrical engineering job description centers on designing, developing, testing, and managing electrical systems and devices. Electrical engineers are problem solvers who work with technologies that use and control electrical energy, signals, and systems.
Electrical engineers work across industries such as:
- Energy & utilities – power grids, renewable systems
- Consumer electronics – phones, wearables, smart home tech
- Healthcare technology – imaging systems, medical devices
- Aerospace and defense – avionics, control systems
- Automation & robotics – industrial systems and smart machines
Their core daily tasks might include:
- Designing electrical circuits and systems
- Testing prototypes and optimizing performance
- Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams
- Writing technical documentation
- Ensuring reliability and safety in applications
This blend of technical design and real-world problem solving makes electrical engineering both challenging and rewarding.
Why Hands-On Projects Matter in Electrical Engineering
Before (and during) a professional career, working on electrical engineering projects is essential. These projects help you:
- Build practical competence with tools, components, and systems
- See theory in action, from circuits to integrated systems
- Develop troubleshooting and design thinking skills
- Showcase work to employers via portfolios or portfolios of projects
- Explore career interests in different specialties
At every stage of your career, hands-on projects deepen your understanding of “what electrical engineers do” and what they build in industry.
Six Exciting Electrical Engineering Projects to Try
Here are six illustrative projects, from foundational experiments to advanced applications, that mirror the types of work electrical engineers perform in real careers.
1. Build a Smart Home Automation System (Beginner to Intermediate)
Overview: Use a microcontroller (like Arduino or Raspberry Pi) with sensors and actuators to control home lighting, temperature, or appliances from a smartphone.
What You’ll Learn:
- Digital and analog inputs/outputs
- Wireless communication (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth)
- Circuit design and power management
Why it’s valuable:
This project mirrors real-world embedded systems development used in IoT (Internet of Things) products. It’s a great way to learn practical circuitry, coding, and system integration.
2. Design a Portable Power Supply or Battery Management System
Overview: Create a regulated portable power supply that can charge multiple devices safely or manage battery cells efficiently.
Key Skills:
- Voltage regulation
- Power electronics
- Thermal and safety considerations
Why it’s valuable:
Power systems are central to everything from consumer electronics to electric vehicles, and knowing how to design stable power supplies is a core electrical engineering skill.
3. Build and Program a Small Robotics Kit (Intermediate)
Overview: Assemble a robot with sensors and motors, and program it to navigate a course or respond to stimuli.
What You’ll Learn:
- Motors and motor controllers
- Feedback and control loops
- Sensor integration
Why it’s valuable:
Robotics projects are true to the field of automation and control engineering, which is a high-demand area across manufacturing, healthcare, and research.
4. Create a Renewable Energy Monitoring Dashboard
Overview: Connect a solar panel or wind turbine model with measurement sensors, and build a dashboard (using software like MATLAB, Python, or LabVIEW) to visualize power output and system performance.
Skills Gained:
- Data acquisition
- Signal conditioning
- Interface design
Why it’s valuable:
With the global push toward clean energy, engineers who can integrate renewable systems and interpret performance data are increasingly sought after.
5. Develop a Wearable Biosensor Prototype
Overview: Design a comfortable wearable device that can measure physiological signals, for example, heart rate or skin temperature, and transmit data to a phone or PC.
What You’ll Build:
- Sensor systems
- Low-power electronics
- Wireless communication protocols
Why it’s valuable:
Biomedical applications are among the fastest-growing sectors for electrical engineers. Wearable tech combines hardware and software challenges similar to those in consumer and healthcare tech.
6. Control Systems Simulation for an Automated Process (Advanced)
Overview: Using simulation software (like MATLAB/Simulink), model a control system — such as for temperature regulation or motor speed — and refine it to meet performance goals.
What You’ll Practice:
- Control theory and feedback systems
- Software simulation tools
- Performance optimization
Why it’s valuable:
Control systems are foundational in aerospace, automotive engineering, and industrial automation.
What Do Electrical Engineers Build in the Real World?
When someone asks what do electrical engineers build?, the answer is broad and impactful. They create systems and devices that improve lives. Here are some examples:
- Medical imaging systems that help diagnose diseases
- Autonomous drones and robots for inspection or delivery
- Smart grid hardware that improves energy distribution
- Electric vehicle powertrain electronics
- Satellite communications systems for global connectivity
Electrical engineers are behind many of the technologies we take for granted every day, and they continue to be in demand as new applications emerge.
Education Pathways — From Classroom to Career
While projects help build practical skills, formal education provides the foundation needed to pursue complex electrical engineering work.
Typical degree pathways include:
- Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering – foundational theory and hands-on labs
- Master’s degree – advanced study and specialization (e.g., power systems, controls, communications)
- Ph.D. – research and innovation leadership in academia or industry
Many schools, including NJIT, offer options such as online master’s programs in electrical engineering that combine flexibility with rigorous technical training.
Job Outlook and Salary Trends
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of electrical engineers is projected to grow in line with the average for all occupations, driven by demand for communications, energy, and infrastructure projects.
Salary highlights:
- Median annual salary for electrical engineers in the U.S.: approximately $100,000-plus depending on experience, industry, and location
- In New Jersey, electrical engineers earn above the national average, reflecting strong demand and urban industry clusters.
Graduate degrees, certifications, and specialized experience (e.g., power systems, controls, or RF design) can further boost earning potential.
Putting It All Together
If you’re curious about what electrical engineers do and want to explore the field through real-world work, here’s how to get started:
- Try a project from the list above to build confidence and hands-on experience.
- Document your work with a portfolio or website to show employers what you can build.
- Consider advanced education, such as an online master’s in electrical engineering, to expand your career options.
- Stay current with industry tools and software like MATLAB, Python, CAD, and simulation platforms.
Your Next Steps: Explore NJIT
Electrical engineering offers a dynamic and rewarding career path for those who want to design, build, and innovate across industries that shape the future. From advancing healthcare technologies and strengthening sustainable energy systems to powering intelligent automation and robotics, this field allows you to transform complex ideas into real-world solutions with lasting impact.
If you’re ready to take the next step, NJIT’s online programs provide the advanced technical training, faculty expertise, and hands-on learning opportunities needed to elevate your skills and career potential. Apply today to gain the knowledge and credentials to lead the next wave of technological innovation.
