Graduates with electrical engineering degrees can pursue careers in a wide range of engineering industries, from the power generation industry to aerospace. Many employers will take on graduates with bachelor's degrees with the intention of further developing their knowledge. Our graduates often find work as members of multi-disciplinary teams where they provide electrical engineering expertise. Graduates with master’s or doctoral degrees in electrical and computer engineering often pursue advanced roles in research and development or careers in engineering education and academic research.

• In the aerospace industry, electrical engineers work on developing technology with applications that include enhancing the performance of power-dense electrical machines, developing and testing autonomous systems from the production floor, to the aircraft itself. Just as in the automotive industry, there is increasing focus on emerging hybrid/electric propulsion technologies for aerospace platforms.
• In the power generation industry, electrical engineers design, build, and maintain electrical plant items such as switch gear, generators, transformers, motors, cables, and heating, as well as HVAC, UPS, and lighting systems.
• In the electronics industry, electrical engineers are involved in design, layout, manufacturing, packaging, testing, and field applications engineering (where a product is supported over its entire lifecycle).
• In the automotive industry, electrical engineers deal with a variety of key automotive systems including engine and power units, interior and exterior lighting, air conditioning, safety systems, seating controls (movement, heating, and cooling), start/stop technology, braking systems, and infotainment systems.Today the automotive industry is paying increasing attention to vehicle electrification and on autonomous and connected vehicles.
• In computer engineering, electrical and computer engineers apply electrical, electronic, and magnetic theory to obtain solutions for problems related to the developmental, design, and operation of electrical hardware and software, control systems, electrical machines, and communication systems.
• In the field of artificial intelligence (AI), electrical and computer engineers work on developing specialized hardware and algorithms that enable efficient data processing and decision-making. They design and optimize neural networks, processors, and edge devices that support real-time AI applications such as robotics, autonomous systems, and machine learning platforms. As AI continues to expand across industries, engineers focus on enhancing computational power while minimizing energy consumption and improving scalability.
• In signal and image analysis, electrical and computer engineers play a key role in developing systems that process, interpret, and analyze digital signals and images. They apply advanced filtering techniques, pattern recognition algorithms, and machine learning models to improve the accuracy and efficiency of applications in areas like medical diagnostics, satellite imagery, and multimedia. These engineers also design and implement image-processing algorithms used in communication systems, surveillance technologies, and biomedical devices.
• In the Internet of Things (IoT) industry, electrical and computer engineers design and integrate interconnected devices that enable seamless communication between everyday objects and the Internet. They work on the development of low-power sensors, wireless communication protocols, and embedded systems that collect, process, and transmit data in real-time. Engineers in this field are central to creating smart environments, including smart homes, industrial automation systems, and healthcare devices, ensuring connectivity and automation at scale.

Career Resources

The UAB School of Engineering has a dedicated career services professional who will work with you to help you bridge the gap between academics and employment.

From internships and co-ops to full-time careers, the UAB Career Center helps match engineering students with opportunities that are best suited to their interests, experience levels, and personalities.

You can learn more about the job outlook, average pay, state and area data, and more about potential career fields in the Bureau of Labor's Occupational Outlook Handbook.