Electrical and Electronics Engineers
(NOC 2133)
in All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information TechnologyElectrical and electronics engineers design, plan, research, evaluate and test electrical and electronic equipment and systems. They are employed by electrical utilities, communications companies, manufacturers of electrical and electronic equipment, consulting firms, and by a wide range of manufacturing, processing and transportation industries and government. Electrical and electronics engineers may specialize in a number of areas including electrical design for residential, commercial or industrial installations, electrical power generation and transmission, and instrumentation and control systems.
Job Outlook
Good
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Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
The employment outlook over the next few years for this occupational group is “good”, which indicates the chances of a qualified individual finding work is better than average when compared to other occupations in Nova Scotia. This is a moderate sized occupation in Nova Scotia so some job opportunities may occur through turnover. The number employed in this occupation is expected to grow moderately over the next few years, which will likely provide some additional opportunities for employment. With a large percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to be a key contributor to employment opportunities over the coming years. Electrical and Electronics Engineers most commonly work full-time hours. Furthermore, the jobs may either be permanent or temporary positions, as both are common. With employment conditions being somewhat seasonal, periods of downtime or layoff throughout the year affect some workers. Also, a fair portion of the workforce is self-employed, so having the option to "work for yourself" may appeal to some individuals’ interests/motivations.
The median employment income for 74% of Electrical and Electronics Engineers who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $83,722. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)
Hourly Pay
$27.50
Minimum$34.62
Median$55.43
MaximumAnnual Pay
$21,977
Minimum$79,975
Median$118,243
MaximumCompared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
Hourly Pay
$17.69
Minimum$31.35
Median$47.18
MaximumAnnual Pay
$13,568
Minimum$60,422
Median$107,009
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Electrical and electronics engineers design, plan, research, evaluate and test electrical and electronic equipment and systems. They are employed by electrical utilities, communications companies, manufacturers of electrical and electronic equipment, consulting firms, and by a wide range of manufacturing, processing and transportation industries and government. Electrical and electronics engineers may specialize in a number of areas including electrical design for residential, commercial or industrial installations, electrical power generation and transmission, and instrumentation and control systems.
Job duties
Electrical and electronics engineers perform some or all of the following duties:
- Conduct research into the feasibility, design, operation and performance of electrical generation and distribution networks, electrical machinery and components and electronic communications, instrumentation and control systems, equipment, and components.
- Prepare material cost and timing estimates, reports and design specifications for electrical and electronic systems and equipment.
- Design electrical and electronic circuits, components, systems and equipment.
- Conduct micro or nanodevices simulations, characterization, process modeling and integration in the development of new electronic devices and products.
- Supervise and inspect the installation, modification, testing and operation of electrical and electronic systems and equipment.
- Develop maintenance and operating standards for electrical and electronic systems and equipment.
- Investigate electrical or electronic failures.
- Prepare contract documents and evaluate tenders for construction or maintenance.
- Supervise technicians, technologists, programmers, analysts and other engineers.
Sample job titles
- avionics engineer
- control systems engineer
- electrical and electronics research engineer
- electrical engineer
- electrical power systems design engineer
- electrical systems engineer
- electronics engineer
- electronics test engineer
- instrumentation and control engineer
Skills
To work in this field you should be interested in the design and operation of electrical systems and equipment. The ability to communicate and cooperate with others is important, as engineers often work in teams. You should enjoy problem-solving and be able to think analytically and logically. Computer skills would also be helpful.
Job requirements
- A bachelor's degree in electrical or electronics engineering or in an appropriate related engineering discipline is required.
- A master's or doctoral degree in a related engineering discipline may be required.
- Licensing by a provincial or territorial association of professional engineers is required to approve engineering drawings and reports and to practice as a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.).
- Engineers are eligible for registration following graduation from an accredited educational program, and after three or four years of supervised work experience in engineering and passing a professional practice examination.
- Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification is offered by the Canada Green Building Council and may be required by some employers.
Other considerations
The growing use of telecommunication, multi-media, and other electronic equipment in homes, businesses, and manufacturing facilities will help generate job opportunities for people with the appropriate electrical and electronics engineering skills. Therefore, it is important that workers keep up to date with changing technology. Supervisory and senior positions in this group require experience. Engineers often work in a multidisciplinary environment and acquire knowledge and skills through work experience that may allow them to practice in associated areas of science, engineering, sales, marketing or management.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
Annapolis Valley
Northern
Cape Breton
Southern
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
Northern
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Professional Business Services
Utilities
Computer, Electronic and Electrical Product Manufacturing
Public Administration
Other Professional Services
What is the age of Employment?
25-34
45-54
35-44
55-64
15-24
65+
Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
35-44
45-54
55-64
25-34
65+
Top levels of education
Bachelor's degree
$85,922 median annual incomeCollege certificate or diploma
$67,052 median annual incomeDoctorate
$115,854 median annual incomeUniversity advanced certificate or diploma
$88,599 median annual incomeTrades certificate
$71,058 median annual incomeCompared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
College certificate or diploma
$52,476 median annual incomeBachelor's degree
$58,011 median annual incomeHigh school
$35,125 median annual incomeMaster's degree
$37,706 median annual incomeTrades certificate
$54,923 median annual incomeEducation & training
Engineering - General
This program is typically offered at the university level.This instructional program class includes any program that generally prepares individuals to apply mathematical and scientific principles to solve a wide variety of practical problems in industry, social organization, public works, and commerce.
Institutions providing this program
Office of the Registrar
Halifax, NS B3H 4R2
(902) 494-2450
PO Box 5000
Antigonish, NS B2G 2W5
(902) 867-2219
923 Robie Street
Halifax, NS B3H 3C3
(902) 420-5400
PO Box 5300 1250 Grand Lake Road
Sydney, NS B1P 6L2
(888) 959-9995
PO Box 550
Truro, NS B2N 5E3
(902) 893-6600
Mathematics - General
This program is typically offered at the college or university level.This instructional program class includes any general program that focuses on the analysis of quantities, magnitudes, forms, and their relationships, using symbolic logic and language. These programs include courses in algebra, calculus, functional analysis, geometry, number theory, logic, topology and other mathematical specializations.
Institutions providing this program
Office of the Registrar
Halifax, NS B3H 4R2
(902) 494-2450
6350 Coburg Road
Halifax, NS B3H 2A1
(902) 422-1271
166 Bedford Highway
Halifax, NS B3M 2J6
(902) 457-6117
PO Box 5000
Antigonish, NS B2G 2W5
(902) 867-2219
923 Robie Street
Halifax, NS B3H 3C3
(902) 420-5400
PO Box 5300 1250 Grand Lake Road
Sydney, NS B1P 6L2
(888) 959-9995
Physical sciences - General
This program is typically offered at the college or university level.This instructional program class includes any program that focuses on the major topics, concepts, processes, and interrelationships of physical phenomena as studied in any combination of physical science disciplines.
Institutions providing this program
923 Robie Street
Halifax, NS B3H 3C3
(902) 420-5400
Employment requirements & contacts
Regulations
Right to Title and Practice: This job is regulated and the job title is protected in Nova Scotia (you may not use this job title without holding a provincial licence). A licence shows that the holder has met provincial requirements and is required to work in this job.