Job Profiles for Electrical Engineers in the IT Industry

The 4th Industrial Revolution, driven by the Internet of Things (IoT), robotics, automation, and advanced machine learning, presents new opportunities and challenges for engineers in the IT sector. As a startup ecosystem thrives to develop IoT and smart devices utilizing sensors, electrical engineers play a pivotal role in enhancing these technologies. This article explores the diverse job profiles available for electrical engineers in the IT industry, focusing on embedded systems, IoT development, and the key skills required for these roles.

Designing IoT Devices and Embedded Systems

In the realm of IoT and smart devices, electrical engineers are in high demand. They are responsible for designing and developing the electronic circuits, sensors, and microcontrollers that make these devices function. As mentioned, the focus is on reducing costs while maintaining or even improving the quality of the products. A notable example is Java IoT development, where skills in programming and embedded systems knowledge are highly valued, as evidenced by Oracle's Java IoT Developer program with Java ME 8.3.

Shifting Job Profiles in the IT Industry

Traditional job profiles are transitioning and diversifying in the IT industry. Currently, the industry is mainly divided into three broad technical areas: development, support, and testing. Even within these categories, roles are becoming more specialized. For instance, the testing category now includes both manual and automation testing, reflecting the evolving requirements of software development.

According to the latest data, approximately 90% of electrical engineers in IT companies work in one of these three main categories. This encompasses a wide range of job roles, from software development to system integration, trouble shooting, and quality assurance. The role of an electrical engineer can vary widely depending on the company and the specific project requirements.

Case Studies and Experiences

From personal experience, my son-in-law, who is an electrical engineer, has always worked in the IT industry. He designs circuits that are used in transmitting information and is always striving to reduce costs through more efficient designs and cost-effective components. Until recently, he frequently traveled to countries where the products were manufactured, but now that the prototypes are built in the US, his travel has reduced. Similarly, my son has a friend who worked for a company that manufactured cell phones, further illustrating the dynamic nature of these roles and the broad range of tasks that electrical engineers undertake in the IT sector.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the job profiles for electrical engineers in the IT industry are evolving rapidly. From embedded systems development to IoT and smart devices, the field is ripe with opportunity. As the 4th Industrial Revolution continues to transform the world, the role of the electrical engineer remains crucial in driving innovation and improvement in technology and automation.

For those interested in pursuing a career as an electrical engineer in the IT industry, the key skills include a strong foundation in electronics, programming, and a deep understanding of embedded systems. Additionally, familiarity with IoT technologies, Java ME, and Python can significantly enhance employability in this field.