What does an electrical engineer do? Part 1: EMC expert

People with this profession work on

• training and further training of development engineers in the field of electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) of motor vehicles
• Technical project responsibility for various commercial vehicle projects in the field of EMC

EMC stands for "electromagnetic compatibility" and describes the ability of electronic devices to function in an electromagnetic environment without unwanted interference and without causing unwanted interference to other devices or systems. EMC is particularly important in the transport sector. Electronic control systems in vehicles, aeroplanes, trains and ships must meet EMC standards to ensure that they function properly under the diverse electromagnetic conditions in their environment.

People in this profession are responsible for

• The qualification of employees in the field of EMC.
• They also develop technically and economically viable solutions to EMC problems

Economically viable solutions are those that are both economically efficient and sustainable and have a positive impact on the financial performance and long-term profitability of a company.

What people in this profession should not do wrong

• Not taking colleagues' problems seriously
• Disregarding project plans

A project plan is a comprehensive document that contains all relevant information and steps for the realisation of a project. It serves as a guide for the project team and other stakeholders to ensure the successful completion of the project.

Without people with this profession, we would have problems in these areas

• The use of radio services (mobile phone, vehicle connectivity, radio reception) would not be safely possible in vehicles
• Electrically controlled systems in the vehicle would not function safely, e.g. automated driving would not be possible without ensuring EMC

The work of people with this profession will be particularly important in the future for

• Automated driving
• The safe operation of many electrical enclosures and systems so that they are not "distracted" and disturbed by signals that are not intended for them.

In medicine, for example, EMC standards are crucial as they ensure that medical devices such as MRI scanners, heart monitors and implantable devices function properly and do not have a negative impact on patients' health.

Significant societal achievement(s) that we owe to people in this profession

We have them to thank for the fact that electrotechnical systems do not unintentionally influence each other and also function reliably in interaction with other systems

What is particularly exciting or attractive about this profession

• Interdisciplinary work
• System overview of complex systems

Interdisciplinary work refers to the cooperation of experts from different disciplines or faculties in order to achieve a common goal. It involves experts from different professional backgrounds combining their knowledge, perspectives and methods to tackle complex problems and develop innovative solutions.

Complex systems are systems that consist of a large number of interacting elements or components and are characterised by a high degree of dynamism. These systems are characterised by a multitude of interactions, feedback and mutual dependencies.

These are less pleasant aspects of this profession

• Free time is a foreign word in critical project phases

These 5 soft skills are particularly important

• Communication skills
• Organisational talent
• Ability to work in a team
• Analytical thinking
• Problem-solving orientation

Necessary know-how and hard skills

• Maths
• Physics
• Measurement and control technology
• Communications engineering
• Sensor technology
• Theoretical electrical engineering

Measurement and control technologies are used to record physical quantities such as temperature, pressure, flow, speed, position, etc. This can be done using sensors and measuring devices that convert the corresponding quantities into electrical signals. This can be done by using sensors and measuring devices that convert the corresponding variables into electrical signals. Based on these converted signals, machines and devices can then be controlled automatically. This happens, for example, in assisted car parking or when roller shutters are lowered automatically at a certain temperature.

Theoretical electrical engineering deals with the fundamental mathematical and physical principles on which electrical engineering is based.

Work-life balance

• High workload: rather rare
• Working on weekends necessary: never or rarely
• Business trips: frequently
• Need to be available outside working hours: rather rare
• Flexible working hours: often
• Working from home: rather rare

Average gross annual salary in €

70.000 - 100.000

You can expect +/- € 4300 per month in your account.

The gross annual salary is the total salary that an employee receives before taxes, social security contributions and other deductions. It includes both the basic salary and any additional remuneration, bonuses, premiums or other financial benefits paid over the course of a year. It is important to note that the actual net income that the employee receives after taxes and deductions will be lower than the gross annual salary. The exact gross annual salary varies depending on occupation, experience level, industry, company size and other factors. In Germany, the percentage of net income left over from gross income depends on various factors, including the gross income itself, marital status, tax bracket, number of children and other individual circumstances. However, it can be roughly estimated that the share of net income in Germany is between 60% and 70% of gross income.

What is the typical route into this profession?

A degree in electrical engineering, ideally with a specialisation in EMC, e.g. through a doctorate or professional experience in the field of EMC

What career prospects does the profession offer?

• Management of specialised teams
• Because you necessarily know the electrical systems used within a company very well, further advancement into other areas of the company is also possible

The profession in 5 hashtags

#exciting #automotive #problem solver #further training #test and measurement technology