A PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering is an elite credential.
It opens up a world of advanced technical roles at the forefront of innovation. Upon graduation, ECE doctorates can pursue fulfilling careers as research scientists, respected university professors, senior engineering experts, and executive-level technical leaders.
With unparalleled knowledge and valuable research abilities, PhD graduates in electrical and computer engineering can elevate their earnings potential while preparing for coveted senior technical and academic positions.
If these opportunities interest you, it’s time to explore the top career paths and opportunities awaiting those with a PhD in electrical and computer engineering.
Overall ECE Salary Potential for PhD Graduates
According to Payscale, electrical and computer engineering PhDs have an average salary of $149,000 in 2021.
While the PhD journey requires substantial effort, this elite credential pays in the long run. ECE PhDs can expect premium salaries along with accelerated advancement into leadership roles thanks to their elevated expertise.
Electrical and Computer Engineering Jobs for PhD Grads
Research Scientist
As research scientists, ECE doctorates pearhead cutting-edge studies and development projects to solve complex technical challenges. Their primary responsibilities involve:
- Identifying problems or knowledge gaps
- Formulating hypotheses
- Designing and executing experiments
- Analyzing data
- Developing or enhancing technologies based on their findings.
Professionals with a PhD in electrical engineering earn an average salary of $137,525 per year as research scientists according to PayScale.
Employers eagerly seek the extensive research training and specialized technical prowess that ECE PhDs gain through years of intensive study culminating in their doctoral dissertations. Their proven hands-on experience planning and executing original research from conception to publication gives them a distinct edge for research scientist roles.
Where you can work
- Major technology leaders like Microsoft, IBM, Intel, Apple, and Qualcomm
- Government agencies like NASA and the Department of Defense
- Top research universities and national laboratories
- Medical and biotech firms
Professor
Earning a PhD is a requirement for securing a tenure-track faculty position. As professors in university ECE departments, PhDs can:
- Teach courses
- Develop curricula
- Advise students
- Conduct research
- Publish scholarly papers
- Secure research grants
- Serve in administrative roles.
Most especially, electrical and computer engineering professors impart advanced technical knowledge across areas like electronics, telecommunications, computer architecture, embedded systems, VLSI, photonics, and more — while earning an average of $144,115 per year, according to Salary.com.
Where you can work
Many top-ranked engineering programs actively recruit PhDs for ECE professor roles. Smaller colleges and universities also hire these doctorates to teach and conduct research.
Senior Hardware/Software Innovator
Senior hardware and software engineers are elite technical experts who lead complex, pioneering projects. With a PhD in ECE, engineers may head teams developing next-generation computer hardware including:
- Quantum hardware
- Biometric hardware
- Wearable ecosystems
- Sustainable technologies
- Embedded IoT devices
- Groundbreaking software for AI, machine learning, robotics, cybersecurity and more.
Salary.com data shows senior hardware engineers with PhDs earn $114,930 per year on average, while their senior software counterparts with doctorates average $120,906 to $126,967 annually.
The rigorous, hands-on doctoral research required provides hardware and software engineers with the specialized knowledge and advanced problem-solving abilities to succeed in senior technical roles. Their proven capacity to tackle complex challenges through novel research makes PhD holders very attractive hires.
Where you can work
Innovative technology leaders like Apple, Google, Nvidia, Qualcomm, AMD, and others aggressively recruit PhDs for elite senior engineering roles to accelerate the development of products and services.
Engineering Leader
At the director and VP levels, engineering leaders must have skills (and the credentials to prove it), so they can carry out their important work:
- Managing large technical teams
- Spearheading strategic initiatives.
- Providing vital technical vision, guidance and mentorship in areas like computer architecture, hardware design, networking, embedded systems, and beyond.
According to Glassdoor, a Vice President of Electrical Engineering earns an average base salary of $140,000 to $241,000 per year.
Where you can work
Through expertise gained in their doctoral research, ECE PhDs position them well for executive engineering leadership at major corporations including:
- Cisco
- Intel
- Raytheon
- Lockheed Martin
Taking Advantage of Career Opportunities in ECE: Keys to Success
When launching their careers, ECE PhDs should look beyond the obvious company types and roles. Their rare combination of deep technical knowledge, research abilities, analytical skills, and problem-solving expertise has remarkable value across diverse industries.
- Networking: Building connections through your academic network can prove invaluable. Alumni associations, advisors, and professors can facilitate introductions to companies of interest
- Attending conferences: Events related to your specialization fosters great connections too.
- Nailing interviews: Highlighting tangible achievements like published papers, patents, products, implemented solutions, and other concrete examples showcases your capabilities you bring employers.
A rewarding career is possible with the right education: SMU Moody's PhD in ECE program has you covered
Earning your PhD in computer engineering and electrical engineering is a “high-reward” degree.
With the right information, a well-chosen program, and strong advocates by their side, ECE doctorates are perfectly positioned for professional success across academia, government, and virtually every industry in need of elite engineering expertise.
Looking for those things doesn’t have to be a hassle — download our resource, A Complete Guide to Earning Your Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering, and take the next step towards earning the degree that’s propelling society forward.
