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 work for 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 areas including electrical design for residential, commercial, or industrial installations, electrical power generation and transmission, and instrumentation and control systems.
Job Outlook
Average
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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 “average”, which indicates the chances of a qualified individual finding work is comparable to the average for all 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 remain largely the same over the next few years. With a moderate percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to contribute somewhat to employment opportunities over the coming years. Electrical and Electronics Engineers most commonly work full-time hours.
The median employment income for 72% 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
$23.08
Minimum$35.10
Median$52.82
MaximumAnnual Pay
$21,977
Minimum$79,975
Median$118,243
MaximumCompared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
Hourly Pay
$18.00
Minimum$37.80
Median$48.46
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 work for 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 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:
- Research 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.
- Carry out 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
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.
- A master's or doctoral degree in a related engineering discipline may be required.
- Licensing by a provincial 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. 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 gain 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
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Professional, scientific and technical services
Manufacturing
Utilities
Public administration
Information and cultural industries
What is the age of Employment?
25-34
45-54
35-44
55-64
65+
15-24
Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
25-34
45-54
35-44
55-64
15-24
Top levels of education
Bachelor
$78,977 median annual incomeMaster
$93,917 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$73,547 median annual incomeDiploma Above Bachelor
N/AApprenticeship
N/ACompared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
College Diploma
$59,986 median annual incomeBachelor
$63,965 median annual incomeHigh school
$45,835 median annual incomeMaster
$65,105 median annual incomeApprenticeship
$57,773 median annual incomeEducation & training
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
University ProgramThese programs prepare students to apply mathematical and scientific principles to the design, development and operational evaluation of electrical, electronic and related communications systems and their components, including electrical power generation systems; and the analysis of problems such as superconductor, wave propagation, energy storage and retrieval, and reception and amplification.
Institutions providing this program
Engineering - General
University ProgramThese programs prepare 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
Wolfville, NS
Sydney, NS
Truro, NS
Marine Sciences
College or University ProgramThese programs focus on the study of biology, chemistry, geology and physics applied to marine, estuarine and coastal environments. They include courses in marine biogeochemistry, atmosphere and ocean dynamics, coastal ecology, coastal ocean processes, microbial ecology, marine ecosystem modeling, and polar microbiology.
Institutions providing this program
Mathematics
College or University ProgramThese programs focus on the analysis of quantities, magnitudes, forms, and their relationships, using symbolic logic and language. They include courses in algebra, calculus, functional analysis, geometry, number theory, logic, topology and other mathematical specializations.
Institutions providing this program
Sydney, NS
Physical Sciences
College or University ProgramThese programs focus on the major topics, concepts, processes, and interrelationships of physical phenomena as studied in any combination of physical science disciplines.
Institutions providing this program
Employment requirements & contacts
Regulations
Right to Title and Practice: This job is regulated. The job title is protected, and you may not use it without a professional licence. A licence shows that the holder has met provincial requirements and is required to legally do this work.