The engineer and inventor famous for developing the alternating current system is Nikola Tesla. His pioneering work in electricity laid the foundation for modern electrical engineering. Tesla's innovations in AC power generation and transmission revolutionized the way electricity is utilized, enabling long-distance power distribution. His development of the induction motor and contributions to the Tesla coil further showcased his ingenuity. Despite facing numerous challenges during his career, Tesla's visionary ideas have had a lasting impact, influencing countless technologies that are integral to contemporary energy systems.