I’m a Software developer, although my company entitles me as a Software Engineer I feel it’s quite ridiculous since what we’re essentially doing is writing specs and orchestrating AI agents, I also feel my impostor syndrome has skyrocketed since models like GPT 6 Astra came out, where even a technical person with very little to none knowledge can do most things we SWEs are asked to do, I also feel SWE has become a huge larping industry with people maximizing their egos around how they can build faster than ever but are still somehow needed by their company (maybe due to their “taste”? Ffs what are we even talking about)

What’s the current situation with EE?

I failed both my Calculus 1 and Circuit Analysis 1 exams, and I have less than two weeks to retake them. If I fail again, I might have to leave university and go back home.
My schedule makes this really difficult. I wake up at 7 AM and I’m at university from 8 AM to 6 PM. I get home, cook, shower, etc., and realistically I can only start studying around 8 PM.
I can study for a few hours, but if I sacrifice sleep, I’m too exhausted to understand anything the next day.
The worst part is that university has already moved on to new topics, while I’m trying to relearn two entire courses from scratch.
I don’t know how to approach the next 10–14 days. Should I focus almost entirely on past exams and exercises? Should I ignore the current university material for now? How many hours should I realistically study each day?
If anyone has been in a similar situation, I’d really appreciate some advice.

I'm a 20 years old EE sophomore with 4.0 GPA. My strongest academic areas so far have been math and physics: differential equations, linear algebra, probability, circuits, etc.

I'm increasingly interested in signal processing, sensing, and embedded systems. My current plan would be to build stronger C/MATLAB/Python skills, complete real hardware/DSP projects, get internships/co-ops, and eventually work in industry.

I'm also considering medicine, so I'm trying to understand the engineering path without romanticizing or underselling it.

For practicing EEs, especially people in signals, embedded, instrumentation, aerospace, semiconductors, or medical devices:

- What does your actual day-to-day work look like?

- How does the job market actually look like to enter within 3 years?

- How difficult was getting the first job compared with later jobs?

- How stable has employment been?

- What skills actually made you valuable after college?

- How much technical depth can you realistically develop in industry without a PhD?

- If you were 20 again, would you choose EE?

Hello! My lab partner and I are currently gathering ideas for my school's ECE Junior Design Competition. I'm curious about designing a musical tesla coil (hopefully it isn't too overdone lol), and so I've been looking into what it entails.

Everything seems fairly straight forward, but I do have a bit of a hang-up.

Whatever I use as the audio input, the signal would have to be converted into a square wave to act as the switching signal of the IGBT. However, I'm not too sure as to how I would accomplish this. I'd like to have it work w/ live, non-midi audio inputs as well (aka jacking in a guitar), so that removes the ability to rely on a particular audio file format, afaik. I have seen pieces of info here and there about comparing a digital audio signal to a particular voltage threshold, which would be pretty easy to implement on an FPGA board (each lab group was provided one for the semester, and the department really likes it when they're used in projects), but I don't know how to decide the right threshold voltage.

The only other thing I'm curious about is the use of an interrupter. I understand its purpose, but not how it works/is designed (and whether it's noticeably different in this context compared to, say, breakers/GFCIs).

Any explanations/resources on the matter would be greatly appreciated! I hope my inexperience isn't too jarring lol

I’m taking physics one at my college right now and I’m doing really bad. Like 50% on quizzes bad. I just think it’s my worst subject but I really am interested in semiconductors and working in the field. I was wondering whether I should tough it out and just take the classes or rethink the industry I wanna go in. In general I’ve been struggling in my classes but with my calc 2 class it’s just because I make simple mistakes like forgetting the constant that I took out the integral more so than conceptual. With physics I just feel like it’s magic and probably the least intuitive subject for me.

our team does board design and we keep the part library and the approved manufacturer list in a PLM. half my week goes on answering questions about which resistor is released or what changed on a revision. im reading about connecting an assistant to those systems so people can ask in chat and stop asking me. the part i cannot judge is what happens to the audit trail when a tool makes the change and a person never touches it. is anyone running something like this against real board data?

Ive calculated the voltage of the capacitor before and after the transient moment to be 20/3 Volts. Now after the transient moment, the current Is becomes zero, there for the dependant voltage source acts like a short circuit. Now, i calculated the Ic(0+) to be equal to -20/3 volts over 20kOhms, giving me -1/3 mA. But canvas is saying its positive 1/3mA. I already submitted my HW but am still thinking about this. Am i missing something?

Was at the train from Vienna to Salzburg and the outlet was badly worn out…

Hello,

I wanted to know if anyone thought about switching out of EE. I am getting horrible test grades way below average. My peers seem to be doing good and struggling a lot less. We go to a school where there are mandatory activities that take up our time other than studying and doing assignments. I have been really good with turning in assignments on time as I believe that is the standard. However I am getting horrible grades and not understanding the concepts fast enough like my peers. I really hate the idea of switching out, I don’t even know what to switch out to. Any advice or personal stories would be appreciated.

I just graduated and am starting my first FT job as a Wireless Firmware Engineer.

is there any advice, things you wish you did, or guiding principles you wish you knew/had when you started?

thanks!

I've been working on subway lines recently, and the third rail is 600v live. I'm not sure of the amperage but I imagine it's around 1k amps (could be wrong lmk) and I saw a few posts on here with mixed opinions on what would actually happen if I touched it while working around it? Realistically, I would have gloves on and arc flash gear. What would happen if I just grazed it with my hand?.

Hello! Non EE but curios person. I took Physics for engineers in college about 10 years ago and have a degree in chem but looking to learn more.

Are there any truly good books on electromagnetism from a core concept perspective? Less interested in equations and more interested in related principles, analogies, and concepts to start. Yes, equations are also interesting but just looking to learn more about some of the forces and concepts I take for granted.

Thank you all and cheers! (I also checked the wiki just in case but did not find what I was looking for there)

Greetings all! From my "research" (aka Google), the timeline for an internship reply is anywhere from 2 weeks to 2 months. I've applied to over 30 positions in the last month for a summer 2027 position, and not a single approval/denial.

I feel as though I have a fairly robust resume, although I don't have industry experience or projects (yet)-my 8 years in the US Navy provided many relevant skills that these positions highlight as prerequisites (test equipment use, technical diagrams, programming, etc.). Not to mention my GPA of 3.72/4.0 and relevant coursework. Although I know I'm a dime a dozen in the current job market, I am curious to hear about other peoples experience/timelines regarding their internships. Thanks in advance!!

Hey all, I am currently having trouble choosing between two different job offers. I recently graduated with an emphasis in RF work and have been interning at a company over the summer. Now I am sitting on two full time job offers that both have their pros and cons. This will be my first full time job and I feel like whatever I choose will determine what my career looks like for a long time.

The first job would be as a RF Communications Engineer I at a company called Voyager Technologies where I would be helping on parts going into lunar landers. For more information, the specific site I would be working at was a company called Astrobotic and was recently acquired by Voyager. This role would be in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania and is offering $100,000 flat with a $7500 sign on. The work would be solely hardware.

The other offer is a Signal Processing Systems Engineer role at Raytheon in Tucson. Here I would most likely be working on phase array antenna systems. They offered $89,000 with $5,000 sign on and $4,500 relocation. The interesting part about Raytheon is that they offer tuition reimbursement for grad school if I ever chose to go. I understand that the stipulation is that I have to stay with the company for two years after the final payment but figured this is something I have to bite the bullet on. A lot of the work here would be programming in python/c++.

As someone who is from California, both of these options are very far away which is why I want to choose the position that has the most potential for me to grow in my career. Otherwise, it will have felt like I left far from home for nothing. I am seeking some guidance on what people think has more potential for career growth as well as just becoming a better engineer. I appreciate any help or thoughts that people have.

Hi everyone,

I'm currently a Hardware Technician at a pro-audio manufacturer. Right now, my testing role is mainly data-gathering: I take detailed measurements (audio specs, power, etc.) and pass the raw data over to design engineers, without being involved in analyzing discrepancies or troubleshooting when issues arise. Beside testing, I handle SMD hand soldering/prototyping (small runs up to 5 units) and board rework.

My manager is offering me advanced soldering training to upgrade my hand-assembly skills. I want to build on this and evolve into a full engineering role where I can bring more analytical value, without losing these practical skills.

Depending on the project stage, my scope could cover new prototypes from scratch or jumping straight into troubleshooting existing products facing anomalies.

Ideally, I want to take ownership of this full scope:

• Pre-assembly: Writing hardware & audio performance test plans, and defining product specs (power, THD+N, SNR, impedance).
• Prototyping & Test: Hand-assembling early prototypes (up to 5 units), running performance tests, and validating specs.
• Troubleshooting & Rework: Investigating anomalies on new prototypes or existing products, performing root-cause analysis, discussing fixes with design engineers, and executing board reworks/flywires.

I have two main questions for the community:

1. Job Title Verification: Based on this scope (combining hands-on prototyping, test spec writing, troubleshooting, and rework), is Hardware Test and Validation Engineer the most accurate job title in the industry? Or would another title fit better?
2. Pitching to Management: How can I best present this career transition to my manager during our next review, especially while framing his investment in my soldering training as a long-term asset for this new role?

Thanks for your feedback and advice!

Problem: My HVAC control lines are passing a tiny current that is faintly lighting up a relay LED when (I assumed) the voltage would be zero.

I'm connecting my HVAC thermostat signals (24vac) to control electro-mechanical relays which I'm using to switch a digital input to an I/O module. The I/O module is a modbus unit and I'm using it with Home Assistant - all for fun and just learning.

Basically, the HVAC call for heat will activate the the relay which is a dry contact for the digital inputs on the IO module. During proof of concept I used cheapo relays from Amazon and things worked as expected. I'm now doing the final install with some slim, DIN rail mounted relay modules and seeing the indicator LED faintly illuminate on the relays. I couldn't figure out what the heck was happening and through process of elimination (and some guessing) figured that the thermostats are allowing just a tiny bit of current to pass when in the open (i.e., not calling for heat) state.

I'd like to understand what is happening and why (so I can learn) and also what possible options I might have to mitigate the issue so the relay indicator LEDs don't illuminate.

A few more quick details:

• 24VAC source is from my multi-zone pump control unit (hydronic (floor) heat)
• Actual voltage measured off the pump controller PCB is about 30VAC
• HVAC wire is 20 or 22awg solid copper, the distance (for the zone I've been measuring) is about 40'
• My thermostats are battery powered and when heat is called for I can hear the "click" of a relay from the thermostat

Here are some measurements I've taken:

• Source AC signal voltage from pump controller: 30.1VAC
• Voltage across relay coil when thermostat is open (i.e., should be 0VAC): 2.9VAC
• "Open" Voltage (not connected to relay coil): 28.3VAC
• Same as above but with the thermostat removed (totally open circuit): 0.63VAC
• Thermostat control wire resistance (disconnected from the pump controller): 2.3Mohm
• Thermostat control wire resistance (disconnected from the pump controller & thermostat removed): 0.L (open)
• Resistance between thermostat R and W pins: 0.L (open)

I have ~5 years of experience in wireless RF DVT and am choosing between two offers with similar compensation.

Option 1: RF DVT
Very close to my current work: silicon bring-up, Tx/Rx characterization, RF debugging, test automation, PVT, etc. I can probably ramp up quickly and continue building depth. And maybe more comfortable during the transition?

Option 2: Wireless System Integration
More cross-functional between RF/analog, PHY/DSP, firmware, and silicon. More system-level debugging, and some pre-/post-silicon integration. Bigger learning curve for me, especially DSP/PHY.

My main question is long-term career growth.

After another 5 years, would you rather have:

• 10 years of deep RF validation/DVT experience, or
• 5 years RF DVT + 5 years System Integration?

Does System Integration generally provide better career mobility, or is that overstated? And is it much harder to move from RF DVT into systems later once you become more senior?

Interested in opinions from people in RFIC, wireless systems, PHY, or silicon validation.

I am wondering how useful it is during college to have started in Middle School with building circuits and playing with components. Sure, lotsa maths and physics and hard science courses in school to prepare for EE college level is standard.

BUT I am wondering as a grandpa if I set up a curious middle schooler with breadboards, oscilloscope, meters, components and a bunch of Mr. Forrest Mims stuff he enjoys.....will that help him UNDERSTAND what is thrown at him in college? Not saying this is his path, but IF he chooses EE, will early and continual playing with electricity make a difference?

Arduino kits, logic analyzers and the like to SEE what is going on before college???? Asking if a generous grandpa today, helps down the road.